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Ncuti Gatwa Axed from Doctor Who Amid Controversy and Falling Ratings!

BBG News

It’s been reported today that Ncuti Gatwa has been let go from the role of Doctor Who following only two seasons, due to controversial storylines with a progressive focus allegedly causing a significant drop in viewership for the beloved series.

The BBC program has reportedly taken a lengthy hiatus, facing backlash over storylines involving non-binary extraterrestrial characters and controversial human groups known as ‘incels’.

Supporters of the series have expressed disappointment over certain iconic antagonists receiving modernized, socially aware makeovers. For instance, in an episode, Ncuti’s character revealed his sexual orientation as gay.

Following Gatwa’s decision to step down as the presenter for the UK’s Eurovision jury scores on Saturday evening, this role was filled subsequently. This shift occurred due to Israel qualifying for the grand finale of the competition.

At this point, the current Doctor Who has not spoken up about it, but the BBC has clarified that rumors suggesting his dismissal are mere speculations.

It’s been whispered that Mr. Gatwa was considering stepping down as well, with a focus on cracking the Hollywood market.

The announcement about season 3 will come only after season 2 has been broadcast, as we mentioned before.” (BBC spokesperson)

As an ardent admirer, I was taken aback by the swift turn of events when news broke that Ncuti had decided against presenting Eurovision, just moments after Israel’s Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 attacks, qualified for the final with her powerful song New Day Will Rise. Her poignant performance earned her second place behind Austria last Saturday. Stepping into the breach at the last minute was Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

According to a source close to the TV industry, if there was any doubt left, it was completely confirmed afterwards.

It was deeply disheartening for the supervisors, as Ncuti, playing the role of the Doctor, is a highly visible representative of our corporation.

According to the source, they told The Sun, “His decision to leave was extremely awkward and marks a mostly disheartening period in the TARDIS for Ncuti.” [TARDIS being Doctor Who’s time-traveling spacecraft]

Representatives for Ncuti, the BBC and Disney+ were contacted by TopMob for comment.

Ncuti caused problems when he pulled out of Eurovision last week, when Israel made the final.   

Eurovision producers at the BBC kept Sophie Ellis-Bextor ready to announce the UK’s jury results, having anticipated that Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa might reconsider his decision.

According to sources, executives felt frustrated and annoyed due to the last-minute action taken by the 32-year-old actor.

On Thursday evening, the BBC announced that due to some unexpected events, Ncuti Gatwa regrettably cannot serve as the spokesperson for the Grand Final taking place this weekend.

In a clear expression of solidarity, Gatwa frequently expresses his backing for Palestine. On Instagram, he shares images of ‘Free Palestine’ street art from Italy and posts links to fundraising efforts aimed at supporting Palestinian issues.

Upon learning that I’d be sharing the UK’s viewpoint with BBC audiences, I found myself overwhelmed by an influx of critical comments on social media from my supporters.

As a fervent admirer, I once urged Gatwa, “Be mindful of the vibe here,” and on another occasion, I declared, “Typically, I’d be thrilled, but I’m withholding my support until Israel receives equal consideration as Russia.

Prior to the finale, it was disclosed that BBC producers had entertained the notion that he might alter his decision regarding the role. Meanwhile, Sophie Ellis-Bextor had already been prepared as a backup for quite some time.

Even though they were upset about it, the executives have tried to minimize the connection between his choice to step aside and his supportive stance on Palestine.

Or:
In spite of their irritation, the executives have made efforts to understate the association between his decision to resign and his pro-Palestinian opinions.

It was stated three minutes prior to Ms. Raphael’s confirmation as a finalist with her song New Day Will Rise, and just five minutes afterward on social media, that an announcement about his withdrawal had already been broadcast on Radio 2.

According to the BBC source, Richie Anderson and Sara Cox announced the qualification of Israel for the final on BBC Radio 2 three minutes prior, followed by an official statement being released on social media five minutes afterwards. Interestingly, this announcement came exactly two minutes after Israel had officially secured its spot in the final.

In 2023, during the 14th season, a 32-year-old Scottish actor was added to the Doctor Who cast, stepping in following Jodie Whittaker’s departure as the series’ pioneering female Doctor.

In overnight ratings, Ncuti’s first series drew approximately 2-3 million viewers. However, the BBC claims that when including iPlayer viewers, the total viewership increases to around 5 million. Regardless, this audience size is minuscule compared to the large numbers it once attracted.

Viewers of the series have expressed disappointment over some iconic antagonists receiving modernized, socially conscious makeovers.

Since his debut on Doctor Who in 1975, Davros – the skeletal, scarred inventor of the Daleks – has relied on a wheelchair and a portable life-sustaining device due to his physical condition.

However, Davies found it distressing that Davros was portrayed as an evil individual in a wheelchair, but when he reappeared in 2023, Davros was shown to be physically fit and had undergone a transformation with a more youthful appearance.

Yet, Davies felt uncomfortable about the characterization of Davros as an antagonist in a wheelchair. In his 2023 return, however, Davros seemed to have regained physical ability and had been given a fresh, younger look.

However, alterations, often attributed to the Disney agreement, seem disappointing to those who were once involved with the production of the show.

It’s also mentioned that Gatwa became more irritated with the management of the show, and he’s eager to shift to Hollywood to explore different prospects.

A BBC spokeswoman said earlier this year ‘Doctor Who has not been shelved’. 

A source confided: ‘It seems we’re headed towards an extended hiatus following the conclusion of the upcoming series. The Doctor Who crew will need to regroup and brainstorm again.’

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2025-05-23 11:04

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