Who will be stepping into the Tardis next? TV fans may be getting a new Doctor Who sooner rather than later as Ncuti Gatwa is thought to be leaving the iconic series after this season. Rumours have been swirling that the show could be axed if Disney decides to end its co-production deal, but showrunner Russell T Davies is confident the show will go on.

The show is set to pause until at least 2027 to allow for filming, and the next series may be shown on BBC. In an interview with Doctor Who Magazine, Davies said: “I am confident. Doctor Who is forever, and the future is bright!”

As the show takes a hiatus next year, fans will instead be treated to the spin-off show The War Between the Land and the Sea, starring Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. But dedicated viewers are already guessing who they think could be in line for the leading role once Doctor Who returns for the 16th revived series.

Doctor Who first aired in the 1960s and ran for 20 years before it was axed. It was brought back in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston as the ninth doctor and Billie Piper playing his loveable companion, Rose – who also appeared in subsequent series alongside David Tennant. But fans think that Billie could now be in line for the leading role.

Following the rumours, which have not been confirmed, fans rushed online to share their thoughts. On X, one individual said: “Billie Piper as the 16th doctor with Ncuti Gatwa as her companion @bbecdoctorwho put me in the writers room now.”

Meanwhile in a discussion on Reddit, one fan asked: “If the rumours are true, and Billie Piper is the 16th Doctor, how would you feel?”

They elaborated and wrote: “Has anyone else seen the wild rumours floating around that Billie Piper might be cast as the 16th Doctor? As much as I’m struggling to believe it, if it does turn out to be true, how would everyone feel? Personally, I wouldn’t be on board with the idea at all, in fact I would hate it.

“Casting Billie Piper would feel like yet another gimmick, much like bringing back David Tennant did. The role of the Doctor should be treated with more care than just trying to generate the biggest online buzz.

“Personally, I’d love to see Varada Sethu or Suranne Jones take on the role,” they suggested.

One individual pointed out: “If she did come back, I’d still just see her as Rose. Rose was such a key part of why the revival was successful I think it’d diminish the character bringing back Billie as 16.” One noted: “Billie can act thought. I think her Doctor would be different from Rose plus she’s 20 years older now.”

“I wouldn’t like it, but I wouldn’t be surprised at this point,” added another.

One other said they would like to see Billie in the role, and said: “I’d probably watch it just because its Billie. She was why I started watching in the first place. Love that lady.”

Another commented: “I’d be delighted. I doubt very much that she will be though.” One other added: “I would feel very good about it. Billie is a fantastic actress.”

Another Reddit user stated: “A couple of years ago, I’d definitely have loved it. I’d actually already thought about it myself, but since we only just had DT [David Tennant] return, I’m in two minds. I’d have to see how it all played out.”