Doctor Who’s future hangs in the balance as reports have emerged claiming leading star Ncuti Gatwa is set to depart the iconic series after just two seasons, with the show potentially facing cancellation.
The 32-year-old Scottish actor has reportedly already filmed his regeneration exit scene, making his tenure one of the shortest in the show’s modern era.
The BBC’s flagship sci-fi series, which has run for 62 years, faces an uncertain future amid plummeting ratings and behind-the-scenes turmoil.
Sources claim Gatwa plans to relocate to Los Angeles to pursue several Hollywood projects that await him.
Viewing figures for Gatwa’s first series have ranged between 2.25 million and 3.18 million viewers, marking a significant decline for the programme.
An insider claimed to The Sun: “Ncuti doesn’t want to be tied to the series beyond this and plans to relocate to Los Angeles with several Hollywood projects standing by for him.”
Gatwa is reportedly set to leave Doctor Who
BBC
“His team also see a lot of fan backlash from the series, and don’t want the perception of him still being The Doctor to get in the way of any future work,” the source added.
The actor has already appeared in Barbie and has been filming The Roses alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman.
Crew members working on the show in Cardiff have also reportedly expressed frustration at being left in limbo after filming concluded last week.
“Word on set is that the BBC will shelve the series for at least five years. The crew were told not to hold their breath for work on the series for at least ten years,” an insider revealed to The Sun.
Ncuti reportedly has his eyes on projects in the US
BBC
The source added: “As we scramble to find work, those responsible get to ride off on to other well-paid projects without any repercussions. Filming wrapped on Friday afternoon, with no fanfare or celebration.”
Production staff claim they have been “cast aside due to poor leadership” in recent years, per The Sun.
A BBC spokeswoman has firmly stated: “Doctor Who has not been shelved. As we have previously stated, the decision on season three will be made after season two airs.”
The spokesperson also clarified the status of the Disney+ partnership, noting: “The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes – and exactly half of those still have to transmit.”
The BBC reiterated their statement to GB News.
Questions have also emerged about Disney’s future involvement, with sources suggesting uncertainty over whether the streaming giant will renew its reported £100 million deal with the BBC.
Producer Russell T Davies previously stated at Comic Con that “no decisions” had been made about series three’s line-up.
Gatwa first played the iconic character in 2023
BBC
Recent controversies have surrounded the show’s storylines since Russell T Davies returned as showrunner in 2023.
The 60th anniversary specials sparked debate, with one episode featuring a trans character saving London, while another showed David Tennant’s Doctor developing romantic feelings for Sir Isaac Newton.
Viewing figures for these specials were reportedly two million higher than Gatwa’s subsequent episodes with companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson.
