Following recent discussions about the show’s future, the BBC has released details about the new Doctor Who series.
Ncuti Gatwa, 32, will return as the Doctor for a second series of the rebooted programme. He will be joined by new companion Belinda Chandra, portrayed by Varada Sethu, and Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson.
The broadcaster has now confirmed that the new series will premiere on April 12. It will be available from 8am on BBC iPlayer and later that day on BBC One in the UK. Simultaneously, fans in other countries can tune in on Disney+ where it is accessible.
The upcoming season features Ncuti as the Fifteenth Doctor, having succeeded David Tennant, who was the Fourteenth Doctor, in 2023.
He will be accompanied by Varada and Millie in future episodes, along with guest stars such as Rose Ayling-Ellis, Anita Dobson, Christopher Chung, Michelle Greenidge, Jonah Hauer-King, Ruth Madeley, Jemma Redgrave and Susan Twist, reports the Mirror.
This week also saw the announcement that Alan Cumming will make a guest appearance in the second episode as Mr Ring-a-Ding. The character is described as a “happy, funny, singalong cartoon” who resides in Sunny Town with his friend Sunshine Sally.
A tantalising hint suggests: “However, in 1952, after years of repeats in cinemas across the land, Mr Ring-a-Ding suddenly looks beyond the screen and sees the real world outside – and the consequences are terrifying.”
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has teased fans with high praise for Alan’s upcoming appearance: “Only Alan Cumming could give a runaway cartoon so much wit, malice, danger and fun. He makes the whole universe of Doctor Who wilder and madder than ever, and it’s an absolute honour to welcome him on board the TARDIS.”
The buzz around Doctor Who continues as speculation mounts over the future of the iconic series and its current star, Ncuti Gatwa.
Despite Ncuti hinting at his return for a third series, The Sun has reported that he is “poised to quit,” with claims that his regeneration scene may have already been filmed before his second series hits screens.
A source revealed to the publication: “Ncuti doesn’t want to be tied to the series beyond this and plans to relocate to Los Angeles with several Hollywood projects standing by for him. 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.”
Amidst concerns that Doctor Who might face cancellation due to signs of audience fatigue, the BBC has responded with a statement earlier this month, shared with the Mirror, firmly dismissing any notion that the beloved show is being shelved.
The statement read: “This story is incorrect, 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. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.”
Doctor Who will return to BBC One on Saturday, April 12