The tabloid newspaper, The Sun, is reporting that Billie Piper will not play the next Doctor, and that the BBC is trying to find the next star of Doctor Who.

From the moment Ncuti Gatwa’s incarnation apparently regenerated into a Doctor wearing Billie Piper’s face at the end of The Reality War, no one has quite bought into the idea that she’s the next Doctor; even the credits didn’t acknowledge her as the new incarnation. Now, The Sun is reporting that the BBC is still looking for someone to front the show — but notes that it’s seen now as a “poisoned chalice”.

A mysterious “insider” 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. Despite once being one of TV’s most coveted roles, it’s now seen as a bit of a poisoned chalice.

“Plus, anyone taking on the job will want to know if it’s going to be a one-off festive special or go beyond that as they will want to plan their workload over coming years.”

That last part might imply that Piper won’t even be the Doctor in the upcoming Christmas episode. But who will be?! It seems even the BBC doesn’t know.

This is what we all suspected, frankly. It doesn’t bode particularly well either — except to say that the BBC is actively looking for a lead, meaning that it’s being taken seriously.

It also likely means we’re in for quite a wait, given that this further suggests (or maybe that we’re inferring that) Russell T Davies won’t be staying on as showrunner… or at least that he’s perhaps not part of the discussions over who plays the next Doctor.

Doctor who, indeed…