LONDON — The renowned British science fiction series “Doctor Who” is set to welcome back a familiar character as Ncuti Gatwa steps down from the lead role after a two-season stint.
Billy Piper, who portrayed Rose Tyler in the series from 2005 to 2013, made a brief reappearance in the season finale on Saturday, sparking excitement among fans. Rose Tyler served as a companion to the Doctor when the role was helmed by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant.
While Piper’s role in the upcoming episodes is currently under wraps, the producers have kept fans guessing. The BBC released a statement post-finale, leaving viewers curious about the circumstances surrounding her return.
In his remarks, showrunner Russell T Davies expressed enthusiasm about Piper’s return to the TARDIS, but hinted that the details of her character’s storyline will be revealed in the future.
Piper herself shared her delight at rejoining the series, stating that “Doctor Who” has been a significant part of her career and she couldn’t decline the invitation to return. Though she remains coy about her exact role, she is eager for fans to discover how her character integrates into the show once more.
Should Piper adopt the role of the Doctor, she will become the third woman to portray the iconic character.
Ncuti Gatwa, originally from Rwanda and raised in Scotland, became the first Black actor to lead the show, succeeding Jodie Whittaker in 2023. However, Jo Martin also depicted the “Fugitive Doctor” in various episodes prior to his tenure.
Whittaker was notable as the first woman to play the Doctor, the 13th iteration of the dimension-traveling Time Lord who periodically regenerates into new forms, taking over from Peter Capaldi in 2017. Jo Martin was the second woman in the role.
First debuting in 1963 and running until 1989 before its revival in 2005, “Doctor Who” has remained a staple of sci-fi entertainment, with new episodes currently available for U.S. viewers on Disney+.