Doctor Who: Finale shocks fans and here's why

WARNING: This article contains Doctor Who spoilers.

It has been confirmed that Ncuti Gatwa has waved goodbye to the TARDIS.

He has stepped down as The Doctor after 18 months in the role, and we may have have to wait a little while to find out what happens next...

The news came after a final episode during which The Doctor appeared to regenerate... but this time into a former companion.

Ncuti Gatwa thanked "Whoniverse" fans for "welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience" but there is still uncertainty about when the drama will return and showrunner Russell T Davies has said that no decision would be made until this series ended.

When he spoke to Newsround in April, he said "there might be a pause... and during that pause, the viewers of Newsround now will grow up a few years and start writing stories and they'll bring it back."

But for now, let's see what happened in the series finale. What did you think of the episode? Let us know in the comments below!

What happened in the finale?

In Saturday's episode, the Doctor regenerated into a familiar face after making the ultimate sacrifice to save the life of a little girl.

Ncuti's Doctor seemed to regenerate into Rose Tyler - an old companion to the ninth and tenth Doctors 20 years ago, who is played by actor Billie Piper.

The credit at the end of the programme said: "Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. And introducing Billie Piper".

It's left the series on a cliffhanger as fans are now wondering how and why she's back.

How did The Doctor get to this point?

Ncuti Gatwa was announced as the 15th Doctor in May 2022.

He first appeared on our screens as part of the show's 60th anniversary celebrations in November 2023.

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.

"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.

"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."

Who is the new Doctor going to be?

Billie Piper played Rose Tyler back in 2005

It's unclear whether Billie Piper will be playing the 16th Doctor and become the third woman to play the role.

In a statement, Piper said: "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 first appeared on the show back in 2005 alongside Christopher Eccleston and then David Tennant as companion Rose Tyler.

Writer Russell T Davies said: "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!"

What's next?

The last two series of the show have been made and broadcast internationally by Disney+, but discussions about whether the BBC and Disney wish to keep doing that are likely to take some time.

Writing for BBC entertainment, correspondent Lizo Mzimba said that for a new series to be ready for 2026, work making it would need to start soon, so at the moment a new series or a special starring Billie Piper before 2027 looks unlikely.