Doctor Who star Billie Piper reveals if she's really the 'next Doctor'
Billie Piper has opened up about her Doctor Who return, and the future of the show.
Billie Piper has insisted she is "not the next Doctor".
The 43-year-old actress, best known for playing companion Rose Tyler in Doctor Who, has opened up the show and its future following speculation after Ncuti Gatwa's Time Lord regenerated into her at the end of The Reality War episode in 2025.
Speaking at London's For the Love of Fantasy and Sci-Fi convention, she told fans she is "not the next Doctor".
Billie clarified that she is "Rose Tyler in hiatus".
She added: "Sorry, that's a really cryptic answer, but because I'm not currently filming Doctor Who as the Doctor, I can't lie and say otherwise."
She also urged Whoivans to try and stay "patient", with the future of Doctor Who unclear after the BBC announced the show is being put out to competitive tender.
She said: "I think you've all got to be very patient. It will be worth it when it comes.
"And I think that we need to celebrate the fact that the show has been on. Is it 26 years?
"Anyway, it's been around for a very long time, it's been massively successful and it's impacted so many people's lives positively.
"And it's had a bit of a rough time lately and I think everyone just needs to chill out and wait for what comes from the space... and time."
Billie had been expected to return later this year for the planned Doctor Who Christmas special.
However, last month, the BBC cancelled the festive episode, and announced that Doctor Who is being put out to competitive tender.
The broadcaster said in a statement: "As part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations, and in line with the BBC’s Charter and Agreement requirements, the BBC will put Doctor Who out to competitive tender this year.
"Doctor Who remains an important part of the BBC and this tender underpins the BBC’s continued commitment to Doctor Who ensuring audiences will enjoy the show for years to come.
"After careful consideration, the BBC, Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf have collectively decided not to go ahead with the previously announced Doctor Who Christmas episode.
"This decision was not taken lightly, and we know it will be disappointing for fans, but in order to set the show up for future series, it was decided that rather than bridge the gap with a one off special, we are choosing to push forward to invest in the long-term future of the show which ensures that when the TARDIS lands once more, it does so in all its glory."
