Doctor Who’s wokest ever lead star Ncuti Gatwa axed after just two series with show to be paused after ratings nosedive
Fans have turned off amid plots about incels and characters such as non-binary aliens.
The news comes after Ncuti, 31, backed out of announcing the UK’s jury scores in last weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest — amid controversy among some at Israel’s inclusion.
A TV insider said: “If the final nail wasn’t already in the coffin, it was well and truly hammered in after that.
“Bosses were incredibly disappointed. Ncuti, as the Doctor, is one of the corporation’s most high-profile faces.
“His withdrawal was incredibly embarrassing. It caps what has been a largely depressing tenure in the Tardis for Ncuti.”
Execs are likely to rest the 62-year-old show to consider who might revive its fortunes.
Insiders believe Disney+, which has pumped in millions, will not renew its deal.
One said: “It’s unlikely we will see who Ncuti regenerates into as the Beeb will keep options open. And if they do rest the show for years, it makes it virtually impossible to cast someone now.”
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Ncuti — who appeared with Millie Gibson as the Doctor’s companion Ruby Sunday — and returning showrunner Russell T Davies were announced with high expectations in 2022.
But viewing figures fell to 1.6million, down on ten million when David Tennant and Matt Smith were the Time Lord.
Ncuti Gatwa returns as Time Lord for Season 2 of Doctor Who
One episode saw Ncuti’s Doctor admit he was gay.
Villain Maestro (drag queen Jinkx Monsoon) was among flops.
The BBC said last night: “As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs and any other claims are just pure speculation. The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes – and we still have an entire spin off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, to air. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.”
