BBC announces new Doctor Who series – but with a huge twist

The Irish Sun

12-06-2025

THE BBC have announced a new Doctor Who series - but there is a huge twist.
Fans were left stunned last month when bosses replaced Ncuuti Gatwa with former star
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Ncuuti Gatwa, the show's 15th Doctor, left after just two series
Credit: BBC
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Fans were left shocked when he regenerated at the end of the last episode
Credit: PA
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Billie Piper made a surprising return as the new Dr Who
Fans were therefore shocked to see her make a surprising return as outgoing
Gatwa, 32, the show's 15th Doctor, left
It is unclear if Piper's role will be a permanent move.
DR Who
Her character remained with
Showrunner
Instead, he just noted: "After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!"
And now the BBC is set to expand the Whoniverse as it launches plans for a brand new pre-school animation series which will see the Doctor's adventures come to CBeebies for the first time ever.
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The
BBC
is looking for a passionate production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main show.
It will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving
mysteries
and problems alongside their companions and other friends.
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And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way.
Speaking about the plans, Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children's and Education said: 'Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor!
"This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format.
"This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK's animation industry.'
Meanwhile, i
nsiders say
at the end of the latest series was understood to be teeing up a
A source said: 'The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
'David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in a golden age of
'With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about, with the thought of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah.
'When David's Doctor bi-generated in the 60th anniversary special, his 'half' went on to live a normal life in an alternative universe while Ncuti Gatwa's carried on as the Time Lord.
'It wouldn't be beyond the realms of imagination for him to return with Billie as Rose for a one-off special to celebrate not only their partnership but the anniversary of BBC bringing back Doctor Who.'
In a twist, he then returned as the 14th
The Sun revealed last month that
And after the final episode, Ncuti said: 'I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved 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.'
Doctor Who's
future
is still undecided, with the BBC now waiting to see if Disney+ — which pumped millions of pounds into the show — will renew its deal.
Ratings for the sci-fi staple have plummeted since Tennant left, with overnight peak viewing figures dropping as low as 1.6million.
Many fans of the show complained it had gone 'woke'.
Meanwhile, Whovians are waiting to see if Billie is the new, 16th Doctor or is sidekick Rose again.
Shame we can't jump in a Tardis and find out as only time will tell.
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Billie Piper originally played sidekick Rose Tyler to Christopher Ecclestone's Doctor back in 2005
Credit: Alamy
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Rose remained with David Tennant's Tenth Doctor, before becoming trapped in a parallel world
Credit: Alamy
All episodes of
Dr Who are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.