Doctor Who fans were left shocked after Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor regenerated in a shock twist.
The two-part season finale saw Gatwa's 15th Doctor face fellow Time Lady the Rani in a battle to save the world.
It ended with the Doctor regenerating once again, changing into none other than former companion star Billie Piper.
However, keen-eyed fans have spotted that Piper, known for her role as Rose Tyler, may not be the new Doctor.
Doctor Who fans argue Billie Piper may not be the new Doctor
While it is confirmed that Ncuti Gatwa has left Doctor Who and has regenerated into Billie Piper, some are not sure she is the next Doctor.
In the end credits, it read: "And introducing Billie Piper."
Fans compared this to when Ncuti Gatwa was introduced as the 15th Doctor, when it read: "And introducing Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor."
One said on X (formerly Twitter): "Everyone failing to notice Biliie Piper was not "introduced" as the Doctor in the credits, just as Billie Piper.
"She's clearly not the Doctor but some Bad Wolf shenanigans."
Another said: "100%. No mention of her on Unleashed either."
A third added: "I noticed this too! What does it mean? I need to know now!"
Fueling speculation on her role in the show, Doctor Who TV simply says: "But just how and why she is back remains to be seen…"
🔥 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
Doctor Who 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!”
Billie Piper speaks on Doctor Who return after Ncuti Gatwa leaves
Piper, 42, first appeared in the series as the companion to Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor in 2005.
She stayed on for the next series with 10th Doctor David Tennant, and also returned as part of the 50th anniversary.
Recommended reading:
- Ncuti Gatwa regenerates and leaves Doctor Who as '16th Doctor' is revealed
- Every actor that has played the role of The Doctor and where are they now
- How to watch all the Doctor Who episodes in order from 1963 to the present day
On her return, Piper 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.”
Shortly after the finale aired, the actress shared a post on Instagram holding a rose with the caption that read: “A rose is a rose is a rose !!!”
If she is confirmed as The Doctor, Piper will be the second after Jody Whittaker's 13th Doctor.
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