Ncuti Gatwa is exiting the Tardis.
Within the climax of Saturday’s Finale of “Physician Who” Collection 14, Gatwa’s Physician regenerates into Billie Piper, who beforehand performed companion Rose Tyler in Collection 1 (2005) and Collection 2 (2006). She additionally made a short look as Rose Tyler in Collection 4 (2008) and was within the “Physician Who” fiftieth anniversary particular in 2013.
On the finish of the episode (per BBC), a credit score reads, “Ncuti Gatwa because the Physician. Jodie Whittaker because the Physician. And introducing Billie Piper.”
Though it seems as such, it’s not technically confirmed that Piper would be the subsequent Physician. In a press release shared with the BBC, Piper mentioned followers must wait a bit longer to search out out what her return means for the collection.
Piper mentioned within the assertion, “It’s no secret how a lot I really like this present, and I’ve all the time mentioned I might like to return to the Whoniverse as I’ve a few of my greatest reminiscences there, so to be given the chance to step again on that Tardis yet another time was simply one thing I couldn’t refuse, however who, how, why and when, you’ll simply have to attend and see.”
Rumors have been swirling about Gatwa’s potential departure since earlier than the present’s Season 2 premiere in April, however have intensified with rankings down from final season. Gatwa, who made historical past as the primary brazenly queer Black actor to tackle the function, led “Physician Who” alongside companions Millie Gibson and Varada Sethu, with collection stalwart Russell T Davies as showrunner, author and govt producer. His departure marks the second shortest time any actor has spent because the Physician — logging in only one extra season than Christopher Eccleston — and definitely leaves the way forward for the enduring British present unsure.
“Physician Who” was initially given a two-season order at Disney+ and the BBC, however has not but been renewed past that. When requested by Selection in April if he could be open to returning for a 3rd season, Gatwa saved mum, saying: “My head is barely stuffed with Season 2, as a result of it’s been so epic. It’s very ironic that in a present about time journey, you may’t speak concerning the future, however I can discuss Season 2 and the way sensible it’s.”
Gatwa complemented his time on “Physician Who” with roles on stage, starring in “The Significance of Being Earnest” at London’s Nationwide Theatre via January. It was just lately introduced that he’ll lead one other play, “Born With Enamel,” on the West Finish this summer season. He’s additionally presently filming Jay Roach’s black comedy “The Roses,” co-starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Andy Samberg, Allison Janney and extra.
