Former Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall reacts to Billie Piper regeneration twist

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Fans of Doctor Who were shocked last season when Ncuti Gatwa’s character unexpectedly transformed into Billie Piper, who many remember as Rose Tyler, a companion to the Ninth and Tenth Doctors.

Ever since rumors started about Piper potentially becoming the next Doctor, fans have been speculating. Well-known people connected to the show, like former Doctors Peter Davison and Colin Baker, and writer Steven Moffat, have all shared their opinions, adding to the mystery.

Chris Chibnall, who previously wrote for the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors and then led the show during Jodie Whittaker’s time as the Thirteenth Doctor, has shared his thoughts on the matter.

During an exclusive interview for our video series, The TopMob Writers’ Room – where we explore the minds of screenwriters – Chris Chibnall was asked if he knew how the storyline with the character Piper would unfold.

Regarding the episode ‘The Reality War,’ which also featured a cameo by Jodie Whittaker, writer Chris Chibnall explained he was completely surprised by the events. He knew Whittaker appeared in it, but specifically asked Russell T Davies not to reveal any spoilers to him after finishing the script. He wanted to experience the episode as a viewer.

Honestly, I was dreading finding out Jodie Whittaker was going to regenerate into David Tennant. But the producers insisted I needed to know, since I was an executive on that particular episode. It completely took the wind out of my sails, even though I knew changes were coming!

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He explained that he genuinely didn’t know what was happening, and he enjoyed that feeling. He loved being able to watch the show as a viewer again, finding it really enjoyable. He prefers not to be told anything in advance, wanting to experience the story as it unfolds just like everyone else.

It’s amazing to feel like a kid again, remembering being five years old and glued to Doctor Who. After getting to experience a bit of that magic myself – let’s just say I had my own ‘TARDIS’ in a way – it’s wonderful to sit back and rediscover that feeling of pure excitement, wondering what’s going to happen next.

During an interview with The TopMob Writers’ Room, Chibnall discussed his involvement in several TV shows, including Torchwood, the UK version of Law & Order, Broadchurch, and the recent Netflix series, Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials.

Based on Agatha Christie’s novel, The Seven Dials Mystery, the series Seven Dials features Mia McKenna-Bruce, Helena Bonham Carter, and Martin Freeman. It centers on Lady Eileen ‘Bundle’ Brent, an amateur detective who investigates a complex and risky mystery.

I’m excited to share that a full-length interview with Chris Chibnall, the showrunner for Doctor Who, will be released this Thursday, January 15th. It’s part of The TopMob Writers’ Room series, and I’m really looking forward to hearing his insights.

As a total TV buff, I’m excited to tell you about two things I’ve added to my watchlist using the TopMob: What to Watch app! I’m planning to check out Doctor Who and Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials. Seriously, if you’re looking for daily recommendations and cool features, you should download this app – it’s a game changer for finding your next binge-watch!

Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs writes about TV dramas for TopMob, covering shows on streaming services and traditional channels. Before becoming a writer, he worked in public relations, first at a business-to-business agency and then at the international production company Fremantle. He has a BA in English and Theatre Studies, as well as a Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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2026-01-03 03:34