Ncuti Gatwa surprised fans when he quit Doctor Who, regenerating into Billie Piper in a shock twist
Ncuti Gatwa, the star of Doctor Who, has announced his departure from the iconic role of the Time Lord, citing age as a factor.
Despite being only 32, the Rwandan-Scottish actor feels he’s too old to continue in the part, despite the fact he’s younger than several predecessors when they started.
Christopher Eccleston was 41, David Tennant was 34, and Peter Capaldi was 55 when they each began their stints as The Doctor.
Ncuti’s tenure as the Fifteenth Doctor was brief, starting in 2023 and unexpectedly ending in June this year with a surprise regeneration scene.
The audience was shocked not only by his unannounced exit but also by the revelation that Billie, who portrayed Rose Tyler, would be taking over.
In a conversation on BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Ncuti explained his decision to leave, saying: “I’m getting old, and my body was tired… and I’ve now just started doing some ballet, so I’m making really great decisions.”
Ncuti Gatwa has addressed his abrupt exit from Doctor Who(Image: PA)READ MORE: Love Island first look sees secret kiss, fiery feud and new romance as voting opensREAD MORE: Spencer Matthews teases Vogue Williams about upcoming major milestone with blunt joke
He expressed his love for the demanding role, acknowledging its physical, emotional, and mental toll: “It’s the most amazing job in the world, a job that any actor would dream of and – because it’s so good – it’s strenuous. It takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally, and so it was time.”
When quizzed about a potential comeback to the show, he intriguingly hinted: “Never say never,” reports the Mirror.
Viewers were taken aback by Ncuti’s unexpected departure from the series earlier this year.
Ncuti said ‘getting old’ was the reason behind his exit(Image: PA)
Following his surprising exit, Ncuti released a heartfelt statement expressing his affection for the franchise.
He remarked in June: “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.
Ncuti dropped out of portraying The Doctor without prior warning last month(Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/PA Wire)
“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.”
Billie Piper unexpectedly appeared at the end of the most recent episode of Doctor Who in June(Image: PA)
Meanwhile, Doctor Who 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.
“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!”
Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
