Ncuti Gatwa has shared the real reason that he left BBC‘s Doctor Who in Saturday night’s big finale.
The high-profile actor, who rose to fame in hit Netflix series Sex Education, has opened up about why he left his role as The Doctor after two series.
Ncuti, 32, has been replaced by actress Billie Piper after stepping down from his role as the Time Lord.
The actor appeared to blame the physical and mental demands of the show for his exit in a new video following fan speculation he was axed from the show.
Ncuti explained: ‘It’s a role that demands a lot of you physically and emotionally and mentally. The actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor. Unfortunately, we are mere mortals.
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Ncuti Gatwa, 32, has shared the real reason that he left BBC’s Doctor Who in last night’s big finale
He will go down in history for many reasons in the drama’s 62 year history, but leaving the show so soon is one of them
‘I would love to have the energy and the youth to be able to do this full time for the rest of my life, but my knees are telling me it’s time.’
Ncuti also wrote in a heartfelt post: ‘Monsters, goblins, gods, human-eating Slugs, invisible brain altering creatures, evil barbers, conspiracy theorists… you’ve had quite a busy two years. Well done and rest up son ✌ Thank you endlessly XV.’
In his exit speech, Ncuti revealed he would never forget his time on the show as he shared his sorrow over hanging up his sonic screwdriver.
He 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.’
His remarks follow fan speculation that Ncuti had not planned to leave the show and was axed following weeks of rumours, however the BBC firmly denied the rumours.
On the social platform, they wrote: ‘In October 2024, Ncuti Gatwa was on ‘The Graham Norton Show’ saying he was going to be filming another series of DW next year. In June 2025, he officially leaves the show and regenerates. This was never the plan. What a shame. He deserved so much better.’
‘I just want to say that ncuti gatwa has been done so disrespectful this era. > just a twitter post announcement as the doctor > 14th doctor still in existence, undermining the 15th doctor > no announcement or farewell for his departure NCUTI GATWA DESERVED BETTER!’
The actor appeared to blame the physical and mental demands of the show for his exit – sharing the reason in a video
His remarks follow fan speculation that Ncuti had not planned to leave the show and was axed following weeks of rumours, however the BBC firmly denied the rumours
She will now be the second woman to take on the role as the Time Lord after Jodie Whittaker portrayed the 13th doctor
‘I’m actually sad and disappointed Ncuti Gatwa isn’t the Doctor anymore. We finally got a feel for him and now he’s gone. He deserved one more season, we didn’t get to know his Doctor at all him and Rouge deserved an entire era together #DoctorWho.’
The BBC previously denied claims that Ncuti had been axed from his role just days ahead of the finale.
‘Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been “axed” is pure fiction,’ a spokesperson for the BBC said.
The decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs and any other claims are just pure speculation.
‘The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes – and we still have an entire spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, to air.’
Following Ncuti’s exit, Billie Piper has replaced him as The Doctor, with the character regenerating during the BBC show’s season finale.
She first starred as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005, playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston’s Time Lord.
She will now be the second woman to take on the role as the Time Lord after Jodie Whittaker portrayed the 13th doctor.
The finale also saw Jodie Whittaker, the 13th doctor, make a guest appearance as Ncuti’s Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes.
