Ncuti Gatwa has officially left Doctor Who after playing the Fifteenth Doctor for two seasons.
Gatwa, formerly best known for being in the Netflix series, Sex Education, was announced as the Doctor in May 2022, but didn’t debut properly until The Giggle in November 2023, celebrating the show’s 60th anniversary.
He bowed out during The Reality War, the second episode of a two-parter that began with Wish World, which saw him reunited with Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), Anita Benn (Steph de Whalley), and Mel Bush (Bonnie Langford), while alongside his current companion, Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu), who also seemingly left the franchise.
Gatwa said:
“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.”
Frankly, Ncuti, you deserved so much better.
Showrunner, Russell T Davies, said:
“What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti’s great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights.”
Lindsay Salt, BBC Director of Drama, added
“When Ncuti Gatwa first stepped foot on the TARDIS we instantly knew he was going to be an iconic Doctor and it wasn’t long before his dazzling performances captured the hearts of so many around the globe. The role of the Doctor is like no other and Ncuti’s dedication, charisma and magnetism has taken the Doctor into unchartered territory which we have never experienced before. As Ncuti himself said at the start of this journey – unlike the Doctor he may only have one heart, but he is giving it all to this role – I think we can all agree that he did that, and more. Thanks, Ncuti for being such a special part of the Whoniverse.”
It appears that the Fifteenth Doctor regenerated into a familiar face: Billie Piper, who previously played Rose Tyler, companion to the Ninth and Tenth Doctors.
She wasn’t actually introduced as the Sixteenth Doctor in the credits, so there’s probably something weird going on again; Doctor Who is likely to be picked up for more seasons by the BBC (though probably not by Disney+), albeit after a hiatus, so if you can be bothered to find out what’s happening, you’ll have quite a wait.
