Ncuti Gatwa Exits Doctor Who, Matt Smith Returns as the 16th Doctor

Press release:

The BBC today confirms that Ncuti Gatwa will depart Doctor Who after his second season as the Fifteenth Doctor, set to air in 2025. Matt Smith, renowned for his role as the Eleventh Doctor, will once again step into the TARDIS, this time as the sixteenth incarnation of the Time Lord, mirroring David Tennant’s celebrated Doctor Who return last year.

Ncuti Gatwa, who has already won hearts worldwide with his portrayal, expressed his feelings about leaving the role and passing the baton back to Smith. “To journey through time and space as the Doctor has been a privilege and a whirlwind of emotions. I’ve loved every moment, every challenge, and every adventure. But the theatre calls to me. I can’t think of anyone better than Matt to take the series to new heights, and I’m excited to see him bring his unique energy back to the TARDIS.”

Matt Smith, on his return, shared, “Walking back into the TARDIS is like coming home. But I’m not just revisiting old grounds—I’m charting new territory as the Sixteenth Doctor, following in the illustrious footsteps of David. The Doctor is a role with endless possibilities, and I’m thrilled to explore new dimensions, face new villains, and unravel new mysteries. With Russell’s genius at the helm, expect the unexpected.”

Showrunner Russell T Davies added. “The show must go on! And you thought we were done surprising you? Matt coming back as the Doctor is like pulling a rabbit out of a hat, then realizing it’s holding a sonic screwdriver! Get ready for a ride through time that’s as familiar as it is unprecedented. And yes, keep an eye out for clues – the universe is vast, and you never know what—or who—you might find.”

Smith’s return as the Sixteenth Doctor promises episodes filled with nostalgia, new adventures, and the boundless creativity that has defined Doctor Who since its inception.