Doctor Who Star Opens Up About “Horrific” Backlash Over Exit Rumors

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Look, let’s be honest, the latest season of Doctor Who has been dealing with a lot. Since Ncuti Gatwa stepped into the role as the first Black and openly LGBTQ+ Doctor, there’s been some really disappointing and frankly unacceptable negativity from a segment of the audience. That, combined with some fluctuating viewership numbers and whispers that the show might be cancelled, created a lot of uncertainty. And then there was the drama surrounding Millie Gibson’s departure – some truly awful rumors were flying around. Thankfully, Millie is now speaking out and finally setting the record straight about what really happened, and it’s good to hear her describe those rumors as “horrific” because they absolutely were.

In an interview with The I Paper, Jenna Coleman, who played a companion on Doctor Who, discussed the rumors that she was fired for being difficult to work with. She said it was upsetting to read those claims, not only because they weren’t true, but also because she was contractually prevented from publicly responding due to the need to keep plot details secret.

Gibson explained it was difficult to deny the claims without revealing plot details. They worried about being accused of spoiling the show if they said the rumors were false. Seeing the claims made them feel awful because they seemed believable.

She described the experience as terrible, explaining that what bothered her most was people offering empty sympathy. They’d say things like, ‘Sorry this happened,’ and she’d want to respond, ‘It hasn’t happened, but I appreciate the thought.’

What Actually Happened With Gibson’s Doctor Who Role?

Early in 2024, news broke that Millie Gibson, who debuted as Ruby Sunday in the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas special, wouldn’t be continuing as the Doctor’s companion. Many were surprised, especially given the intriguing introduction of her character. However, the story wasn’t quite as simple as it seemed. Instead of being replaced, Ruby decided to leave the TARDIS to spend time with her family, but she didn’t disappear completely. She joined UNIT and still appeared in the second season of Doctor Who, alongside Varada Sethu, though in a smaller role.

Gibson shared that it was tough being unable to publicly clarify things, but she found comfort in the support of Ncuti Gatwa, who was also dealing with negative attention after being announced as the new Doctor.

Gibson said he believes it’s time to move past the situation and focus on blocking it out.

Will Doctor Who Return?

The future of Doctor Who is currently up in the air. The latest season ended with a shocking twist: the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) regenerated into a form that strongly resembles former companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper). While this surprised many, writer Robert Shearman recently stated he believes the show may be finished. However, producer Jane Tranter has refuted those claims, although she acknowledges that decisions about the show’s future won’t be finalized until after the new miniseries, The War Between the Land and the Sea, has aired.

Although Tranter’s statements are encouraging and suggest the possibility of future Doctor Who seasons, many questions remain. The current series is a collaboration between Disney and the BBC, but only five episodes of that partnership are left (making up the story The War Between the Land and the Sea). It’s currently unknown whether Disney will continue to co-produce Doctor Who after these episodes, and that decision could determine if the show continues.

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2025-10-23 01:41