Fans of the TV show are already thinking who could be taking over as the iconic Doctor, with many convinced that a popular actress is in line for the role.
There’s talk Doctor Who might be cancelled if Disney pulls out (Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/Dan Fearon)
Rumours are rife about who will next helm the Tardis, as TV enthusiasts anticipate a fresh face for Doctor Who with Ncuti Gatwa speculated to depart the legendary series post this season. Amidst talk that the programme might face cancellation if Disney pulls out of its co-production agreement, showrunner Russell T Davies remains optimistic about its longevity.
The series is set for a hiatus until at least 2027 to accommodate filming schedules, and the subsequent series could return to BBC screens. In a chat with Doctor Who Magazine, Russell said: “I am confident. Doctor Who is forever, and the future is bright!”
While the show takes a break next year, fans will be treated to the spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea, featuring stars Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Nevertheless, followers are already speculating on potential candidates for the coveted lead role when Doctor Who resumes for its 16th revived series, reports Gloucestershire Live.
The BBC show has been running since the 1960s (Image: PA)
Doctor Who first graced television in the 1960s, enjoying a 20-year run before its initial cancellation.
It made a triumphant return in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston donning the mantle of the ninth doctor and Billie Piper as his endearing sidekick, Rose – who also joined David Tennant in later series. Now, there’s buzz that Billie might step into the spotlight as the 16th doctor.
Fuelled by unconfirmed rumours, fans have taken to the internet to voice their predictions. On X, one fan excitedly said: “Billie Piper as the 16th doctor with Ncuti Gatwa as her companion @bbecdoctorwho put me in the writers room now.”
In a spirited Reddit discussion, Whovians have been airing their views on the rumour that Billie could be stepping into the TARDIS as the 16th Doctor. One skeptical fan queried: “If the rumours are true, and Billie Piper is the 16th Doctor, how would you feel?”
Fans think Ncuti will leave this year’s series of Doctor Who (Image: Getty)
Explaining further, they shared: “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.”
They added: “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.”
The fan also offered up some casting alternatives: “Personally, I’d love to see Varada Sethu or Suranne Jones take on the role,” suggesting fresh faces for the beloved character.
Another Redditor commented: “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.”
Meanwhile, one person said: “Billie can act thought. I think her Doctor would be different from Rose plus she’s 20 years older now.”
A resigned comment came from another user: “I wouldn’t like it, but I wouldn’t be surprised at this point,” while an enthusiastic supporter confessed: “I’d probably watch it just because its Billie. She was why I started watching in the first place. Love that lady.”
One user said: “I’d be delighted. I doubt very much that she will be though.” Another added: “I would feel very good about it. Billie is a fantastic actress.”
Finally, a user said: “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.”
