Ncuti Gatwa reveals real reason he quit Doctor Who - and fans suspect it 'wasn't planned'

star Ncuti Gatwa is set to go down in the show's 62 year history for many reasons but one reason being as one of the few actors who served the shortest time. After just two series of the iconic sci-fi drama, Ncuti shared with fans that he was stepping down from his role as the Time Lord.

While he blamed the physical and mental demands of the show, especially his character, as the reason he quit, fans have speculated that his exit was not a planned one. Ncuti, 32, has been replaced by Billie Piper who starred in the sci-fi drama alongside Christopher Ecclestone, who only lasted one series.

Ncuti recorded a video explaining to fans his reason to quit and said: "It’s a role that demands a lot of you physically and emotionally and mentally. The actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor. Unfortunately, we are mere mortals."

He added: "I would love to have the energy and the youth to be able to do this full time for the rest of my life, but my knees are telling me it’s time."

But die-hard fans think there may be another reason behind his exit. Taking to X, a fan named Mr Tardis wrote: "In October 2024, Ncuti Gatwa was on 'The Graham Norton Show' saying he was going to be filming another series of DW next year. In June 2025, he officially leaves the show and regenerates. This was never the plan. What a shame. He deserved so much better."

Another said: "In situations like that, they'll often shoot two different alternative scenes: one where the series continues, and one to finish things off. Ncuti may well have actually thought he'd be staying on back in October 2024, even after filming a regeneration scene just in case."

Meanwhile another fumed: "i am so f****g sad. its one thing to see your doctor regenerate because they chose to, another to see it happen because of behind the scenes s**t. i loved literally every episode this era. ive been defending it the whole time. this.. this kinda broke me."

Adding to his exit speech, Ncuti said: "You know when you get cast, at some point, you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. This journey has been one that I will never forget and a role that will be part of me forever.

He added: "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."

The former star continued: "The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can’t thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience. 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."

Meanwhile showrunner Russell T. Davies expressed his sadness over Ncuti's decision to step down. He chimed: "What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti’s great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights."

He added: "Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she’s done it again! It’s an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the Tardis, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told. After 62 years, the Doctor’s adventures are only just beginning!"

A spokesperson for Doctor Who declined to comment.

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