Ncuti Gatwa, the current face of Doctor Who, stirred excitement and confusion among fans last Thursday during his appearance on The Graham Norton Show. While promoting his latest role in The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre, Gatwa made what initially seemed to be a major announcement for Doctor Who enthusiasts. He hinted that his third season as the Time Lord was slated to begin filming next year. However, when the episode aired on BBC1 later that evening, his comments were conspicuously altered, sparking questions among fans.

The Original Statement vs. The Aired Edit

In his original remarks, which were briefed to the press by The Graham Norton Show’s publicity team on Friday morning, Gatwa reportedly said: “We did the second series this year, the Christmas special is coming up, and we are filming a third series next year.” This statement led fans to believe that the future of Doctor Who was secure, with another season already in the works.

However, during the actual broadcast, this specific mention of a third season was edited out, leaving Gatwa’s comment vague: “We finished the second season earlier this year, we’ve got the Christmas episode coming out … at Christmas … But it’s been amazing.”

Fans’ Reactions and Speculation

The discrepancy in Gatwa’s comments left Doctor Who fans, known as Whovians, perplexed and led to online speculation. Some questioned whether the BBC had intentionally censored his remarks amid ongoing uncertainty regarding the show’s future. Social media buzzed with theories, and rumors of behind-the-scenes turmoil surrounding Doctor Who intensified.

However, a more straightforward explanation appears to have emerged. According to sources close to the show, the edit was made simply to streamline and liven up Gatwa’s answer for the broadcast, rather than as part of any “sinister” directive from BBC executives. In fact, The Graham Norton Show team has clarified that it’s common for certain remarks to be cut during editing, and no special requests were made by the BBC regarding this particular segment.

BBC and Doctor Who Team Response

Despite the excitement around Gatwa’s comments, the BBC has since distanced itself from any confirmation of a third season. In a statement following the broadcast, the BBC reiterated that Doctor Who has not yet been officially renewed for a third season starring Gatwa.

“As we’ve said previously, the decision on season three will be made after season two transmits, and as always we don’t comment on speculation,” a BBC spokesperson said. This suggests that while scripts for a potential third season may be in development, any formal decision will depend on the reception of season two, which is set to premiere next year on BBC1 and Disney+.

Russell T Davies’ Comments

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies echoed this cautious stance in the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine, reaffirming that a decision on season three won’t be made until after season two airs. Despite this, Davies remains optimistic, revealing that he has already begun working on scripts for a potential third season and is “very confident” about the show’s renewal.

Uncertainty About Doctor Who’s Future

The incident on The Graham Norton Show has once again fueled speculation about Doctor Who’s future, particularly in light of recent reports suggesting Disney’s uncertainty about continuing its co-production involvement beyond 2025. Disney’s partnership has played a crucial role in shaping the series’ budget, storylines, and casting, and its potential withdrawal could lead to significant changes for the long-running sci-fi franchise.

During the Edinburgh TV Festival in August, Disney’s SVP of original productions in EMEA, Liam Keelan, declined to comment on Doctor Who’s renewal but praised the show as a “really good fit” for Disney+.

Gatwa’s Future in Question

Compounding the uncertainty is Gatwa’s own future with the series. Sources close to the actor have hinted that his tenure as the Time Lord may not be long-lasting, as he continues to explore new roles outside of Doctor Who. While Gatwa has not commented on the speculation, it remains unclear how long he will stay in the role.

What is certain, however, is that Doctor Who fans may have to wait until 2027 for any concrete news regarding a follow-up to the next season, which is set to launch in the spring of 2025. As the Doctor Who universe continues to evolve, viewers will remain on edge, waiting to see how the iconic franchise will regenerate next.