Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has broken his cover on social media hours after reports emerged suggesting he was set to leave the iconic series after just two seasons.
The 32-year-old Scottish actor, who joined the show in 2023, has allegedly already filmed his regeneration exit scene.
Sources told The Sun that Gatwa "doesn't want to be tied to the series beyond this" as several Hollywood projects await him in the US. His team are also reportedly wary of the backlash the series has received due to its "woke" narratives.
The actor, who recently appeared in Barbie and has been filming The Roses alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, would mark one of the shortest tenures in the show's modern era.
While the BBC has hit back at the reports to clarify the series hasn't been shelved and that another season featuring Gatwa is set to air, it didn't confirm whether or not Gatwa had decided to step away.
Gatwa too hasn't addressed the reports but did return to Instagram on Tuesday just hours after the reports hit the news cycle.
Ncuti Gatwa (right) is the current Doctor in the BBC's Doctor Who BBC"Mum and Dads night out.. and WHAT a night," Gatwa penned in an Instagram post followed by a dancing emoji. "Thank you @britishgq x @britishvogue x @tiffanyandco @adambaidawi @chiomannadi. Styled by: @felicitykay. Wearing: @prada. Jewellery: @tiffanyandco. Grooming: @carlosferraz_ @chris7_okonta." (sic)
In the slideshow of images in the post, Gatwa was joined by Doctor Who co-star Varada Sethu and other big names as he attended the British Vogue x GQ BAFTA Fashion & Film Party at Tramp nightclub in London.
While he avoided mentioning his future on the sci-fi series, followers rushed to the comments to urge him not to depart the long-running drama.
"I have no idea how accurate or not the rumours about you leaving Who at the end of the next series are, and I absolutely don't expect you to comment on them," one fan began. "But I did want to say, I think you are *fantastic* as the Doctor, and I hope you get to keep playing the role for years to come."
Ncuti Gatwa has been posting on Instagram since the reports emerged
"Don’t leave doctor who pookie," a second weighed in before a third echoed: "Please don't leave doctor who...you are a fantastic doctor..my mum has watched doctor who from the very beginning and has said don't u dare leave..you are one of the special outstanding doctors." (sic)
The final episode of the latest series attracted only 2.02 million viewers, compared to former Doctor Jodie Whittaker's farewell episode which drew 3.7 million viewers in real time.
Crew members in Cardiff have reportedly expressed concerns about their future after filming concluded last week.
"Word on set is that the BBC will shelve the series for at least five years," an insider told The Sun.
The BBC has firmly denied reports that Doctor Who faces cancellation. "This story is incorrect, Doctor Who has not been shelved. As we have previously stated, the decision on season three will be made after season two airs," a BBC spokesperson said.
The broadcaster clarified the status of its streaming partnership, stating: "The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes - and exactly half of those still have to transmit."
Questions have emerged about Disney's future involvement, with sources suggesting uncertainty over whether the streaming giant will renew its reported £100 million deal with the BBC.
Producer Russell T Davies previously stated at Comic Con that "no decisions" had been made about series three's line-up.
Production staff have reportedly been "cast aside due to poor leadership" in recent years, according to sources speaking to The Sun.
"As we scramble to find work, those responsible get to ride off on to other well-paid projects without any repercussions. Filming wrapped on Friday afternoon, with no fanfare or celebration," one source claimed.
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Gatwa's team has reportedly expressed concerns about fan backlash affecting his future career prospects.
"His team also see a lot of fan backlash from the series, and don't want the perception of him still being The Doctor to get in the way of any future work," the insider added.
Gatwa made history as the first black actor to take on the leading role as The Doctor, following Whittaker's groundbreaking tenure as the first female Time Lord.
Recent controversies have surrounded the show's storylines since Davies returned as showrunner in 2023.
The 60th anniversary specials sparked debate, with one episode featuring a trans character saving London, while another showed David Tennant's Doctor developing romantic feelings for Sir Isaac Newton.
These specials reportedly drew two million more viewers than Gatwa's subsequent episodes with companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson.
