Ncuti Gatwa has sensationally left Doctor Who after just two series playing the iconic science fiction character.
The actor’s time on the long-running science fiction programme came to an end as The Reality War episode brought this season to a close on Saturday.
In a statement released by the BBC Gatwa, 32, said: ‘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.’
‘I’ll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor,’ he added.
The announcement puts an end to speculation that Gatwa would not return as the Doctor.
It also comes after Gatwa unexpectedly pulled out of delivering the UK jury votes at Eurovision for the grand final earlier this month, leaving Murder on the Dancefloor singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor to take his place.
The BBC offered no explanation for this last minute change and merely blamed ‘unforeseen circumstances’.
A statement issued by the BBC said: ‘Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend.’
Ncuti Gatwa has sensationally left Doctor Who after just two series
The announcement puts an end to speculation that Gatwa would not return as the Doctor
But speculation online suggested that the actor may have pulled out as the UK’s Eurovision spokesperson in protest of Israel, represented by October 7 survivor Yuval Raphael, qualifying for the final.
Gatwa has previously been vocal in his support for Palestine, sharing photographs of Free Palestine graffiti in Italy on his Instagram and posting links to fundraisers for Palestinian causes.
It also comes after The Sun claimed on Thursday that Gatwa, who has been described as ‘Doctor Who’s wokest ever lead star’, was ‘exterminated’ from the series after ratings took a nosedive.
Doctor Who was watched by around 2.5milion last Saturday – around 2million fewer people than the numbers watching when Jodie Whittaker, the previous Time Lord, was on the show until 2022.
But this is still a tiny fraction of the sort of interest it used to attract. At its peak it was watched by around 13million on a Saturday night in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
The BBC last week had firmly denied that the actor had been ‘axed’ as Doctor Who, but refused to comment on whether he would be back for a third series.
The broadcaster posted a statement following rumours that the renowned actor would not return as the Doctor, branding the speculation ‘pure fiction’.
‘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.
It also comes after Gatwa unexpectedly pulled out of delivering the UK jury votes at Eurovision for the grand final earlier this month, leaving Murder on the Dancefloor singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor to take his place. Speculation suggested that he may have pulled out as the UK’s Eurovision spokesperson in protest of Israel
Gatwa is the first openly queer or black actor to play the role of the Doctor in the show’s 62-year history
Billie Piper has replaced the actor as the Doctor, with the character regenerating during the finale of the show today
Piper, 42, first starred as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005, playing Rose Tyler
Furthermore, they confirmed that a decision regarding Gatwa’s third series with the beloved science fiction show would not be made until the season two finale aired.
Gatwa is the first openly queer or black actor to play the role of the Doctor in the show’s 62-year history and since last month, the two lead parts have been portrayed by ethnic minority actors for the first time.
MailOnline has approached Gatwa’s representatives for comment.
Meanwhile, Billie Piper has replaced the actor as the Doctor, with the character regenerating during the finale of the show today.
Piper, 42, 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.
Gatwa’s time on the long-running science fiction programme came to an end as The Reality War episode brought this season to a close.
The two-part season finale saw the Doctor face the Rani in a battle to save the world after making the decision to safe the life of one little girl.
As he bid farewell to companion Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu, he said: ‘I hope you’ll see me again, but not like this.’
The finale also saw Whittaker, the 13th doctor, make a guest appearance as Gatwa’s Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes.
Reacting to the news Billie Piper said: ‘It’s no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn’t refuse.’
After Doctor Who was broadcast, Billie Piper posted on Instagram ‘A rose is a rose is a rose !!!’ with images from her previous time on the show playing the Doctor’s companion Rose Tyler.
