Billie Piper has paid tribute to Ncuti Gatwa after the actor’s shock exit from Doctor Who during Saturday’s dramatic season finale.
Gatwa made his final appearance as the Doctor at the end of his second season, where fans were left stunned as the Time Lord unexpectedly regenerated into Piper, who previously starred in the series as her Doctor Who character, Rose Tyler.
Writing on Instagram yesterday evening, Piper penned a heartfelt message to the actor, calling him a “Joy to the world”.
She continued: “You were/are bl**dy brilliant. Truly memorable, big on feels, utterly mesmerising.”
The 42-year-old actress previously reacted to the news of her return, saying: “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.”
This comes after Gatwa opened up about his decision to leave the BBC show, confirming months of speculation.
He 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.”
He continued: “This journey has been one that I will never forget and a role that will be part of me forever.
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“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.”
He concluded: “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.
“I’ll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.”
Gatwa now becomes the second-shortest serving Doctor in the show’s history, just behind Christopher Eccleston, who lasted only one season in 2005.
Piper, who first starred as companion Rose Tyler alongside Eccleston’s ninth Doctor in 2005 before continuing with David Tennant’s 10th Doctor, sparked widespread excitement online with her return.
Taking to X, fans were quick to share their reaction to Billie’s shock comeback, with one even asking: “Did my eyes actually deceive me?!”
“THE WAY I SCREEEEEEEEEAMED,” a second penned before a third echoed: “Did not see that coming. Wow!”
Another wrote: “ACTUALLY IN SHOCK. I NEVER THOUGHT THE WORDS BILLIE PIPER IS THE 16TH DOCTOR WOULD EVER COME OUT OF MY MOUTH.”
One fan described the cinema experience: “#DoctorWho just… Wow! I’m speechless! So glad I went to the cinema to see it. The crowd was ecstatic! Full of cheers and applause and gasps! Fantastic!”(sic)
