Ncuti Gatwa has broken his silence following his shock exit from Doctor Who during Saturday’s dramatic season finale, posting an emotional message that read: “Thank you for it all.”
The 32-year-old actor made his final appearance as the Doctor at the end of his second season, where fans were left stunned as the Time Lord unexpectedly regenerated into Billie Piper, who will reprise her Doctor Who character, Rose Tyler.
Gatwa’s departure had been rumoured for months, and with his exit now confirmed, he becomes the second-shortest serving Doctor in the show's history, just behind Christopher Eccleston, who lasted only one season in 2005.
Opening up about his decision to leave the iconic role, Gatwa reflected: "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."
Gatwa’s departure had been rumoured for months
BBCHe continued: “This journey has been one that I will never forget and a role that will be part of me forever.
“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."
Gatwa also paid tribute to fans, adding: "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, and making this such a touching experience."
He concluded: "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."
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He also posted an emotional video from his final day on set,
Gatwa also shared a few heartfelt moments on his Instagram, thanking the Doctor Who cast and crew for their support and dedication.
Alongside a photo of himself hugging actress Jodie Whittaker, he wrote: "Was beyond a flipping joy and honour working with legendary Jodie. Thank you so much."
He also posted an emotional video from his final day on set, captioned: "This crew was truly, truly special. Beating heart of Bad Wolf. The amount that they graft and pour into this show to make things look like magic."
"Thank you for it all," he added candidly.
In a heartfelt tribute to the actor, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said: “What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti’s great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights.
'Thank you for it all,' he added candidly
“Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she’s done it again! It’s an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the Tardis, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told.
"After 62 years, the Doctor’s adventures are only just beginning!”
Gatwa’s departure comes just weeks after he also pulled out of being the UK’s spokesperson at the Eurovision Song Contest due to "unforeseen circumstances".
His exit coincided with a string of controversies surrounding the event, including protests attempting to disrupt the performance of Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael.
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