The future of Doctor Who has been thrown into question, with speculation mounting that Scottish lead Ncuti Gatwa has ‘quit’ after just two series.
Reports suggest that production crew have been laid off following the completion of filming of the latest series last week, raising concerns about the long-term viability of the BBC’s flagship sci-fi show.
Gatwa, who made history as the first black actor to take on the role of the Doctor, is understood to have filmed his regeneration scene and is reportedly looking to transition to Hollywood, where he has multiple projects lined up, according to national newspaper reports. The 32-year-old Rwandan-born Scottish actor, who gained international recognition for his role in Barbie, has been linked to new film opportunities, including The Roses, alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman.
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But a BBC spokeswoman has now denied the showed has been ‘shelved’ but said a decision on the future had not yet been made leaving fans with some unanswered questions.
The latest series of Doctor Who, helmed by returning showrunner Russell T Davies, has faced mixed reactions, with some fans criticising elements of its storytelling. However, while viewing figures have not matched the heights of previous eras, they have reportedly been stronger than those seen under the previous lead. Despite the speculation, a BBC spokesperson has insisted that no decision has been made about the show’s future until after the second series airs later this year.
The uncertainty comes amid questions over the show’s £100m co-production deal with Disney+, which covers 26 episodes – half of which have yet to be broadcast. Industry insiders have suggested that the BBC could put Doctor Who on hiatus for several years, echoing previous breaks in the show’s long-running history.
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With production wrapped and no formal announcement on the show’s next steps, crew members in Cardiff are said to be frustrated by the lack of clarity. Whether Doctor Who continues in its current form, undergoes a creative reset, or faces a prolonged hiatus remains to be seen, but for now, one of the UK’s most iconic TV franchises stands at a crossroads.
A spokeswoman for the show said: “Doctor Who has not been shelved. As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs.
“The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes — and exactly half of those still have to transmit.”
