Ncuti Gatwa leaves Doctor Who in shock regeneration

Warning: This article contains spoilers.

Ncuti Gatwa has left his role as the Doctor after playing the iconic character for two series on Doctor Who.

At the end of this evening's series finale, Gatwa regenerates into Billie Piper, who previously played the Doctor's companion, Rose Tyler.

In a press release, the BBC refers to the Doctor's regeneration, but says: "Just how and why she [Billie Piper] is back remains to be seen…"

Gatwa said: "This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever."

The credit at the end of the programme said: "Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. And introducing Billie Piper".

If confirmed as the new Doctor, Piper will be the third woman to have played the role, following Whittaker and Jo Martin.

In a statement, Piper said she was delighted to be returning to the show, but that fans would have to "wait and see" what her character did next.

"It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn't refuse, but who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see," she said in a statement.

Moments after the series finale aired, Piper shared a series of photos on Instagram, including two selfies of her holding a white rose and two of her playing the character Rose. The caption under the photos read: "A rose is a rose is a rose !!!"

Doctor Who showrunner and head writer Russell T Davies said: "Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she's done it again!

"It's an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the Tardis, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told.

"After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!"

The new doctor has always been introduced on the show through regeneration, but Davies's statement does not make it clear whether Piper will be the 16th doctor.

Piper first appeared in the show in 2005 when it returned to TV for the first time since the 1990s, appearing alongside Christopher Eccleston and then David Tennant.

Piper, a former pop star who later turned to acting, has enjoyed a successful career on TV and on the stage.

After playing Rose Tyler for two full series in 2005 and 2006, she won acclaim for roles including sex worker Belle de Jour in Secret Diary of a Call Girl and the lead character in Sky Atlantic's I Hate Suzie.

In 2017 she won a best actress award at the Olivier's, for her performance in the play Yerma. And most recently was nominated for a Bafta for playing TV producer Sam McAlister in Scoop, a drama about Prince Andrew's disastrous interview on Newsnight in 2019.

After Peter Capaldi stepped down as the 12th Doctor, Piper told the BBC that while she thought that a woman should take over the role, she was doubtful about playing the part herself. Capaldi went on to be replaced by Whittaker.

Gatwa has only played the Doctor for 18 months, appearing in two series. It's the shortest time an actor has played the character since Christopher Eccleston left the show after one series in 2005.

In a statement, Gatwa said of his departure: "You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it."

He added: "There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe."

Gatwa thanked "Whoniverse" fans for "welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience."

"I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have.

"I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor."

There is still uncertainty about when the drama will return. Russell T Davies has previously said that no decision would be made on commissioning the next series until this series had been broadcast.

The last two series of the show have been co-produced and broadcast internationally by streaming service Disney+, which has given the time travel drama a bigger budget. Discussions about whether the BBC and Disney wish to renew that deal, or whether other options should be explored, are likely to take some time.

For a new series to be ready for 2026, production would need to get under way relatively soon. So at the moment a new series or a special starring Billie Piper before 2027 looks unlikely.