Doctor Who fans went into meltdown as Billie Piper made a sensational return to the BBC show to replace departing Ncuti Gatwa as the Time Lord in Saturday's series final.
The 42-year-old actress, who first starred as companion Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston's ninth Doctor in 2005 before continuing with David Tennant's tenth Doctor, delivered an unexpected twist that left devout Whovians stunned.
Ncuti's character regenerated into Rose amid his departure after just two series, with the transformation occurring during The Reality War episode that brought this season to a close.
Billie will now become the second woman to take on the role as the Time Lord after Jodie Whittaker portrayed the 13th Doctor.
Billie Piper unveiled as new Doctor Who as BBC spoiler confirms Ncuti Gatwa's departurePA/BBCTaking to X, formerly known as Twitter, fans were quick to share their reaction to Billie's shock comeback, with one even asking: "Did my eyes actually deceive me?!" They penned: "THE WAY I SCREEEEEEEEEAMED", "Did not see that coming. Wow!"
Another wrote: "ACTUALLY IN SHOCK. I NEVER THOUGHT THE WORDS BILLIE PIPER IS THE 16TH DOCTOR WOULD EVER COME OUT OF MY MOUTH."
One fan described the cinema experience: "#DoctorWho just... Wow! I'm speechless! So glad I went to the cinema to see it. The crowd was ecstatic! Full of cheers and applause and gasps! Fantastic!"
However, longtime viewers had mixed reactions to Saturday's episode.
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Actors Billie Piper and David Tennant of Doctor Who arrive at the TV Quick and TV Choice Awards at the Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane on September 4, 2006GETTYBrendan Noble, 57, from Middlesbrough, who runs the Sense Sphere YouTube channel, said: "I think we've just had what I would have called EastEnders in space. I am absolutely shocked, irritated, frustrated."
In a statement released by the BBC, Ncuti Gatwa 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."
He continued: "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.
Ncuti Gatwa
BBC"The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can't thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in."
Gatwa added: "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."
Reacting to the news Billie added: "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."
After the broadcast, Piper posted on Instagram: "A rose is a rose is a rose !!!" with images from her previous time playing Rose Tyler.
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies also said: "What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti!"
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