BBC announces new Doctor Who series – but with a huge twist
Fans were left stunned last month when bosses replaced Ncuuti Gatwa with former star Billie Piper in a shock series ending.
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Piper, 42, is a fan favourite on the long-running BBC series, and originally played sidekick Rose Tyler to Christopher Ecclestone's Doctor back in 2005.
Fans were therefore shocked to see her make a surprising return as outgoing Gatwa 's Dr Who regenerated to reveal Piper as the new doc.
Gatwa, 32, the show's 15th Doctor, left after just two series, amid widespread reports of plunging ratings and doubts over its future linked to woke storylines.
It is unclear if Piper's role will be a permanent move.
Her character remained with David Tennant 's Tenth Doctor, before becoming trapped in a parallel world.
Showrunner Russell T Davies said it was "an honour and a hoot" to welcome Billie back to the show, though also played coy when it came to what this means for the Time Lord going forward.
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.
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, insiders say Billie Piper's shock return at the end of the latest series was understood to be teeing up a comeback for David Tennant as the Time Lord for a one-off special.
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 Doctor Who.
'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.'
David, 54, played the tenth version of the Time Lord for five years until 2010.
In a twist, he then returned as the 14th Doctor for three specials before handing the role over to Ncuti.
The Sun revealed last month that Ncuti, 31, was leaving the Tardis.
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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