Billie Piper appears to be the new Doctor Who

Ncuti Gatwa has left Doctor Who and is seen regenerating into Billie Piper in the season finale.

Piper, 42, first appeared in the series as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005, playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston's Time Lord - and then again for the 10th Doctor played by David Tennant.

Piper appears to replace Gatwa, who leaves Doctor Who after two seasons in the science-fiction series.

"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," she said.

Sex Education and Barbie star Gatwa has played the 15th Doctor since Scottish actor David Tennant bi-generated in 2023, after his version of the character was brought back to life as the 14th Doctor.

Born in Rwanda before moving to Scotland, the Gatwa's time on the long-running science fiction programme came to an end as The Reality War episode brought this season to a close on Saturday.

"This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. 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 said.

"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."

The two-part season finale saw the Doctor face the Rani in a battle to save the world after making the decision to safe the life of one little girl.

As he bid farewell to companion Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu, he said: "I hope you'll see me again, but not like this".

The finale also saw Whittaker, the 13th doctor, make a guest appearance as Gatwa's Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes.

Piper shot to fame in 1998 at the age of 15 with the release of her debut pop single Because We Want To.

The chart topper was followed by another number one single, Girlfriend, and her platinum-selling debut album Honey To The B.

But she then moved into acting, later saying it was what she wanted to do most, and her breakthrough role came as the companion to Doctor Who in 2005.

She later starred in the ITV series Secret Diary Of A Call Girl from 2007 to 2011, playing an escort in London.

She made her directorial debut in 2019 with Rare Beasts, a dark comedy drama she also wrote and starred in.

After Doctor Who was broadcast, Billie Piper posted on Instagram: "A rose is a rose is a rose !!!" with images from her previous time on the show playing the Doctor's companion Rose Tyler.

Last year, she portrayed Newsnight producer Sam McAlister in Netflix's Scoop, which tells the behind-the-scenes story of Emily Maitlis's momentous interview with the Duke of York.

Piper's performance earned her a nomination for Best Leading Actress at the 2025 Bafta TV Awards.

Fans reacted positively.

James Ashway, 27, from Bristol, who helps run the Doctor Who Appreciation Society's magazine, said: "It was an episode which threw the kitchen sink in terms of returning characters."

"I'm a bit speechless, to be honest, there's quite a lot of stuff to take in, but I think it was an interesting episode which pivoted in the middle to tell two different stories, one wrapping up the end of that season and obviously telling Ncuti Gatwa's regeneration as well, so very enjoyable," he said.