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DOCTOR WHO VIEWERS SAW NCUTI GATWA'S FINAL SCENES AS THE TIME LORD ON SATURDAY NIGHT SARA BAALLA TV Reporter 22:51, 31 May 2025 Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has spoken out about his

decision to step down as the Doctor, having concluded his two-series stint on the BBC show. Ncuti's final scenes as the Doctor aired during the two-part season finale, which wrapped up

on Saturday night (May 31). In the episode, the Doctor faced off against the villainous Rani (Archie Panjabi) in an epic battle to save the world, and made the ultimate sacrifice to save the

life of a young girl. Addressing his departure, Ncuti stated: "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." Article continues belowREAD MORE: 'EastEnders in space' - Doctor Who fans react to Ncuti Gatwa's 'lazy' finale episodeREAD MORE:

Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill return to Doctor Who for docu-series Ncuti continued: "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," reports Belfast Live. "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." He concluded: "I'll truly miss it, and forever

be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor." The Sex Education star's tenure as the Time Lord began during the show's 60th anniversary

celebrations in November 2023, marking a milestone with a unique bi-generation storyline. Throughout his adventures, Ncuti was joined by companions Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) and Belinda

Chandra (Varada Sethu) as he travelled through time and space. His performance earned him numerous accolades, including a Best Actor award at the 2024 BAFTA Cymru Awards. He also received

nominations for a BAFTA Scotland Audience Award for Favourite Scot on Screen, and Best Actor in a Drama Series at the 2025 Critics Choice Television Awards in the US. At the end of

tonight's instalment, Ncuti's Doctor regenerated into Billie Piper, who first appeared in the Whoniverse as much-loved companion Rose Tyler back in 2005. Commenting on

Billie's return, showrunner Russell T Davies stated: "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!" Billie added:

"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, but who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see." After the finale aired, Doctor

Who enthusiasts swiftly took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their sadness over Ncuti's departure, but were thrilled by Billie's comeback. A fan commented,

"In 18 episodes, 15 has become one of my all time favourite Doctors and I can't even begin to put into words how heartbroken I am that he's gone. I'm genuinely so

devastated by it, I've not stopped crying for about 45 minutes." Another shared, "I was beyond captivated by Ncuti and it meant the world to me for him to be The Doctor and so

unapologetically himself. I'll miss him." Article continues below Regarding Billie's return, a third viewer exclaimed, "I'm actually here for this. I'm sorry

to anyone who's not.. but this is MAD.. and I'm here for it, genuinely am here." DOCTOR WHO IS AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON BBC IPLAYER