Billie Piper has replaced Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, with the character regenerating during the latest finale.
In an epic two-part finale, viewers saw the Doctor face fellow Time Lady the Rani in an extraordinary battle to save the world.
Gatwa's 15th Doctor made the ultimate sacrifice to save the life of one little girl.
Following this, his regeneration was revealed, with former show star Billie Piper now taking on the mantle.
🔥 SPOILERS! 🔥 Watch the moment we said goodbye to the Fifteenth Doctor and hello to... #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/QP0KWoj7vQ
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) May 31, 2025
Billie Piper revealed as new Doctor Who after Ncuti Gatwa
Piper is most notably known for playing Rose Tyler when the show rebooted in 2005, companion to both the Ninth and Tenth Doctors, played by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant respectively.
She replaces Ncuti Gatwa after just his second season as the titular Time Lord.
His portrayal of the Doctor won Gatwa a Best Actor award at the BAFTA Cymru Awards in 2024, as well as nominations for a BAFTA Scotland Audience Award for Favourite Scot on Screen, and Best Actor in a Drama Series at The Critics Choice Television Awards in the US in 2025.
Piper, 42, is the second woman to take on the role of the Time Lord after Jodie Whittaker portrayed the 13th Doctor.
The finale also saw Whittaker, the 13th Doctor, make a guest appearance as Gatwa’s Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes.
However, it is not yet confirmed if she is definitely the '16th Doctor'.
Teasing the reason for Piper's return to the popular BBC show, Doctor Who TV said: "But just how and why she is back remains to be seen…"
On her return, Billie said: “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 Doctor Who was broadcast, Billie Piper posted on Instagram “A rose is a rose is a rose !!!” with images from her previous time on the show playing the Doctor’s companion Rose Tyler.
Showrunner Russell T Davies added: “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!”
Ncuti Gatwa leaves Doctor Who and regenerates
The future of Doctor Who, however, is still up in the air, with no new series confirmed.
In a statement released by the BBC on leaving the show, Ncuti Gatwa said: “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.
“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.
Recommended reading:
- Doctor Who fans left 'scared' and shocked after 'leak' ahead of series finale
- Are you a true Doctor Who fan? Prove it with our ultimate timey wimey quiz
- Every actor that has played the role of The Doctor and where are they now
“I’ll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.”
On Gatwa departing, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said: “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.”
Share