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BILLIE PIPER HAS MADE A SENSATIONAL RETURN TO DOCTOR WHO AFTER NCUTI GATWA'S TIME LORD REGENERATED DURING THE EPIC SEASON TWO FINALE OF THE LONG-RUNNING BBC SERIES DANIEL BIRD Assistant

Celebrity and Entertainment Editor and KATY HALLAM 20:47, 31 May 2025 In a shocking plot twist, former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper has taken on the lead role of the Doctor, as the

character underwent a transformation during the sci-fi show's finale. The British actress previously portrayed Rose Tyler, the Doctor's trusted sidekick, from 2005 to 2006 on the

BBC show. She later reprised her role for brief appearances in 2008 and 2010, as well as the 50th-anniversary special. READ MORE BGT's Amanda Holden causes stir with final outfit - and

this time it's not her dress Regarding her comeback, Billie expressed: "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." In response,

outgoing Doctor Ncuti Gatwa released a statement, saying: "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." Article continues below He further elaborated: "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.", reports the Mirror. Ncuti expressed his gratitude to the devoted fanbase, stating: "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."

Showrunner Russell T Davies also paid tribute to Ncuti, saying: "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." On social

media, fans reacted with a mix of shock and excitement, particularly regarding Billie Piper's unexpected role as the Doctor. One fan posted: "OMFG just watched the final episode of

Doctor Who. Spoiler alert. Billie Piper as the Doctor. WTF." Another fan commented: "Billie Piper as the 16th Doctor wasn't what I expected but hey it is something!" A

third fan tweeted: "Billie Piper in Doctor Who. In the year 2025. not on my bingo cards." Ncuti took on the role in May 2022 and quickly became a fan favourite globally. His first

appearance marked the show's 60th anniversary, which aired in November the following year. In a thrilling season two finale, fans of The Reality War witnessed Ncuti's final scenes

unfold. The gripping scenes saw the Doctor confront the Rani in a nail-biting battle to save the world, with Ncuti's character making a heart-wrenching sacrifice to protect a young

girl. This news follows recent revelations by the Mirror that the forthcoming two seasons of the programme have already been penned. Speculation had been rife that the series could face the

chop if Disney chose to terminate its co-production agreement amidst dwindling ratings and backlash against "woke" storylines. However, insiders on the sci-fi series, which rakes

in around £100million for BBC Studios through worldwide licensing deals and merchandising, assert that showrunner Russell T Davies has already mapped out the next two seasons, having nearly

finished scripts for series 16 and with narratives for the 17th series sorted. It was also suggested that if Disney pulls out, it might not cause as much disruption as some fans fear. This

is because a "massive chunk" of the additional budget - up to £10 million per episode - is allocated to the technical task of enhancing the picture quality to a standard which

wouldn't be necessary if it reverted back to being a standalone BBC series. Article continues below The BBC airs its high-definition programmes in 2K quality, yet Disney requires a 4K

image for its streaming platform, leading to substantial additional costs for effects work. An insider suggested that the enduring global appeal of the show, which debuted in 1963,

isn't solely down to Disney's financial contribution. "When Doctor Who began its partnership with Disney+, there was additional funding put in place. Doctor Who is an

expensive show to make, with its effects budget taking up a significant part of the overall spend, so if Disney were to withdraw its funding, then there wouldn't be as significant an

impact on production as some fans may think. The TARDIS set is still standing in Cardiff, all ready to go on new adventures."