The broadcaster has refused to comment on the speculation surrounding the future of the show and its lead actor.
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The BBC has dismissed claims that Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has been removed from the series, amid growing uncertainty about his potential return for a third season. The broadcaster released a statement on Friday morning in response to rumors that the 32-year-old Scottish actor would not reprise his role as the Doctor, calling the reports “pure fiction.”
Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been ‘axed’ is pure fiction.
A BBC spokesperson stated
The BBC clarified that a decision on greenlighting a third season will not be made until after the season two finale airs next Saturday.
The decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs and any other claims are just pure speculation. The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes – and we still have an entire spin off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, to air.
They added
At the same time, the broadcaster continues to decline to address speculation about Gatwa’s future in the role, reiterating that they “never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.”
This follows the unexpected withdrawal of Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa as the UK’s Eurovision spokesperson during last week’s grand final, where he was set to announce Britain’s awarded points for the BBC. Instead, Murder on the Dancefloor singer and BBC Radio 2 DJ Sophie Ellis-Bextor stepped in to take his place.
The broadcaster provided no detailed explanation for the last-minute change, citing only “unforeseen circumstances.” This prompted speculation online that Gatwa may have pulled out after Israel qualified for the final.
Read More: Doctor Who’s Ncuti Gatwa Defended by David Tennant Over ‘Cruel’ Backlash
However, there is no evidence to suggest that this was the reason for the abrupt change, and The Telegraph reports that the decision was made before Israel’s qualification. Gatwa has remained silent on the matter, while The Sun reported that a TV insider claimed the Eurovision incident was the “final nail in the coffin,” stating that his withdrawal was “incredibly embarrassing” for BBC executives.
The outlet also noted that BBC bosses may be considering “resting” the long-running series to reassess their casting choices. Gatwa’s lead role marks the first time the Doctor has been portrayed by an openly queer or Black actor in the show’s 62-year run.
Since the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas special, Gatwa has played the role, and as of last month, both lead roles in the series are being portrayed by ethnic minority actors for the first time. In the past, Doctor Who head writer Russell T Davies has pushed back against “toxic” critics who argue that the show has become too woke.
The 62-year-old Welsh screenwriter and television producer stated that he had no patience for complaints about the series’ “diversity and wokeness.” Last May, Ncuti Gatwa also addressed such criticism, saying he felt “sad” for those who took issue with the show’s inclusivity.
The extended season two finale, titled Reality War, is set to screen in over 450 cinemas across the UK and Ireland, in addition to its broadcast on the BBC.
For me, personally, I find it fascinating that it matters so much to these people,
he said
Source: The Telegraph