According to a new rumor from a U.K. tabloid, Billie Piper will not be the next Doctor Who and the search for a new Timelord is underway. Ncuti Gatwa’s reign ended alongside the deal the BBC had with Disney+, seeing the character (as usual) Regenerating into a new form. Though, fans were left confused when Billie Piper appeared, given that Piper already played Rose Tyler for many years on the show, alongside two different Doctors.
So what was going on?
Honestly, even in the Doctor Who fan community that question gets a shrug. Is this a Bad Wolf (Rose plus the TARDIS) thing, or some weirdness to do with the previous Bi-Generation? Or, was the simple answer that the Doctor subconsciously picked a face from his/her past, as they’ve done before?
The Sun, yes, (the same one who are one of the antagonists in new series The Hack starring former Doctor David Tennant) are reporting that Piper will NOT be the 16th Doctor after all. To be honest this paper has a reputation for getting Who information right, so it’s probably true.
The Sun say that showrunner RTD is developing a Christmas Special that will feature Piper. However,
“Producers are trying to find a new Tardis dweller fast as they are committed to a Christmas special — but have yet to start filming.”
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In inside source told them,
“From the moment it was confirmed Ncuti was leaving, bosses have subtly been putting feelers out among the industry for an actor who could play The Doctor. Despite once being one of the most coveted roles in TV, it’s now seen as a bit of a poisoned chalice.”
“Anyone taking on the job will want to know if they’re playing it for a one-off festive special or beyond as they’ll want to plan their workload over coming years.”
Thing is, there’s a lot more at play here than just recasting The Doctor. Who will showrun the series? Will RTD stay now the budget has dramatically been slashed by the loss of Disney as a partner? Given how disappointed fans were in RTD’s return as showrunner, I think they need a new voice. If that is the case, I would want whoever the new showrunner is to decide on the next Doctor, not the previous one. In my opinion, the show has really struggled since Steven Moffat left as showrunner, I hope for a return to better stories.
As the newspaper says, actors will always want to know there is more planned than just a Christmas Special as well. What do you think, who would be a good 16th Doctor as it seems it will not be Billie Piper? Thought below.
