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Billie Piper’s Doctor Who future has reportedly been confirmed after she made a shock return to the sci-fi series last year.
Despite exiting Ncuti Gatwa’s Time Lord regenerating into Piper, who previously played companion Rose Tyler, she will not be the new Doctor, amid claims the once coveted role was now a ‘poisoned chalice’.
The BBC programme has been paused for an extended break after ending its big budget partnership with Disney+ and criticism about recent plots involving non-binary aliens, incels and even a pregnant male extra-terrestrial.
According to reports bosses are working hard to find a new Doctor due to them being committed to a 2026 Christmas special, but filming is yet to commence. Piper’s involvement in the festive episode and the show’s long term future remains unclear.
A source said: ‘From the moment it was confirmed Ncuti was leaving, bosses have subtly been putting feelers out among the industry for an actor who could play The Doctor.
Bosses have subtly been putting feelers out among the industry for an actor who could play The Doctor. Despite once being one of the most coveted roles in TV, it’s now seen as a bit of a poisoned chalice.
Before going ton to tell The Sun: Anyone taking on the job will want to know if they’re playing it for a one-off festive special or beyond as they’ll want to plan their workload over coming years.’
Daily Mail have contacted BBC for comment.
Disney+ investment in Doctor Who was colossal and the platform is reported to have spent an estimated £100 million on two seasons and specials.
Broadcast reported at the time that the budget per episode could have increased from £1 to £3 million to as much as £10 million.
Following his exit ,Gatwa said in a sttaement: ‘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.
‘This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. 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.
‘The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can’t thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough 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.’
Reacting to the news Piper said: ‘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.’
A small number of social media critics have pointed to the diversity of the cast, a drag queen villain, and introduction of transgender and non-binary characters.
However, both Gatwa and show-runner Russell T Davies have strongly dismissed this criticism as from a minority, with Davies telling BBC Radio 2: ‘Someone always brings up matters of diversity.
‘And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues.
‘And I have no time for this. I don’t have a second to bear (it). Because what you might call diversity, I just call an open door.’
Gatwa told Attitude magazine in 2024 that the hateful comments the sci-fi show has received after casting a black man is ‘fascinating, because there’s so much energy they’re putting into it … I think they need to go find a hobby is one thing’.
During his time, he has had companions in the form of Andor actress Varada Sethu, and former Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson, who played Gatwa’s companion Ruby Sunday since the 2023 Christmas episode The Church On Ruby Road.
Highlights of his two series have included a Regency-themed episode that saw him have a burgeoning romance with the character Rogue, played by Mindhunter actor Jonathan Groff, the explosive Boom episode and the arrival of the classic Time Lord villain, the Rani.
