Star axed from iconic TV role after just two seasons

He was announced for one of the most iconic roles in television amid much fanfare – but just 26 episodes later, he’s been given the flick.

Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has been axed by the BBC after two series.

The actor is off after two series with no replacement likely for the Time Lord’s regeneration on May 31.

“Woke” storylines have seen ratings plummet: Fans have turned off amid plots about incels and characters such as non-binary aliens.

The news comes after Ncuti, 31, backed out of announcing the UK’s jury scores in last weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest — amid controversy among some at Israel’s inclusion.

A TV insider said: “If the final nail wasn’t already in the coffin, it was well and truly hammered in after that.

Ncuti Gatwa (right) on Doctor Who. Picture: BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf via AP

“Bosses were incredibly disappointed. Ncuti, as the Doctor, is one of the corporation’s most high-profile faces.

“His withdrawal was incredibly embarrassing. It caps what has been a largely depressing tenure in the Tardis for Ncuti.”

Execs are likely to rest the 62-year-old show to consider who might revive its fortunes.

Insiders believe Disney+, which has pumped in millions to the show, will not renew its deal.

One said: “It’s unlikely we will see who Ncuti regenerates into as the Beeb [BBC] will keep options open. And if they do rest the show for years, it makes it virtually impossible to cast someone now.”

Ncuti will have played the Doctor for just 26 episodes. Picture: PARDON/BBC STUDIOS

His exit comes after he mysteriously dropped out of a presenting gig at Eurovision last weekend. Picture: AFP

Ncuti — who appeared with Millie Gibson as the Doctor’s companion Ruby Sunday — and returning showrunner Russell T Davies were announced with high expectations in 2022.

But viewing figures fell to 1.6 million in the UK, down on ten million when David Tennant and Matt Smith were the Time Lord.

One episode saw Ncuti’s Doctor reveal he was gay.

Villain Maestro (drag queen Jinkx Monsoon) was among the new characters introduced during his tenure.

The BBC said in a statement: “As we have previously stated, 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. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.”

Doctor Who over the years

Doctor Who has been airing, off and on, since the early 60s.

First Doctor: William Hartnell (1963 – 1966)

Second Doctor: Patrick Troughton (1966 – 1969)

Third Doctor: Jon Pertwee (1970 – 1974)

Fourth Doctor: Tom Baker (1974 – 1981)

Fifth Doctor: Peter Davidson (1982 – 1984)

Sixth Doctor: Colin Baker (1984 – 1986)

Seventh Doctor: Sylvester McCoy (1987 – 1989)

Eighth Doctor: Paul McGann (1996)

Ninth Doctor: Christopher Eccleston (2005)

Tenth Doctor: David Tennant (2005 – 2010)

11th Doctor: Matt Smith (2010 – 2013)

12th Doctor: Peter Capaldi (2014 – 2017)

13th Doctor: Jodie Whittaker (2018 – 2022)

14th Doctor: David Tennant (2023)

15th Doctor: Ncuti Gatwa (2023 – present)

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Star axed from iconic TV role after just two seasons