DOCTOR WHO Star Finally Gets to Open Up About Exit Rumors and Backlash Surrounding Rumors

The last couple seasons of Doctor Who have been shrouded in controversy. Amid dwindling viewer numbers, some pointed to the show’s first black LGBTQ+ actor leading the show for the slump, while others said the writing on the series had become weaker in the recent seasons.

Aside from Ncuti Gatwa’s criticisms, there was also backlash about the exit of series star Millie Gibson, with rumors claiming she was exhibiting “diva behavior.”

Now Gibson is getting the chance to set the record straight, opening up about the “horrific” rumors. Speaking with The I Paper (via CB), Gibson reflected on her Doctor Who tenure, revealing that the speculation that she had been fired for “diva” behavior on set was difficult to deal with, not only because it was untrue but she couldn’t even defend herself because of spoilers.

The actress explained, “I couldn’t be like, ‘It’s a lie’ [because] they’d be like, ‘Well, that’s spoilers. It was quite hard to stand up for myself without ruining the show. I was like, ‘Oh, this is horrific because it just looks like it’s true.’

“Oh, it was awful. What was frustrating was the amount of people that were like, ‘Oh, sorry this has happened mate,’ and I was like, ‘Yeah it’s not [happened], but thank you.’”

In early 2024, it was reported that Gibson, who had joined Doctor Who in the 2023 Christmas Special as companion Ruby Sunday, would be replaced by Andor and Jurassic World Dominion star Varada Sethu for subsequent seasons.

It was shocking news, especially since there was a lot of mystery building around the character. However, while it had been announced that Gibson was being replaced, the reality was a bit different. Ruby chose to leave the TARDIS to be with family, but remained a part of the Doctor’s world, joining up with UNIT and went on to appear in the second season of Doctor Who along with Sethu, just in a less regular capacity.

Gibson explained that while it was difficult not being able to set the record straight at the time, she had support from Gatwa who was facing his own negative headlines and reactions after he was cast as the Doctor. “He’s had his time with that, and it’s just about just being able to try and shut it out,” Gibson said.

We have no idea what the future holds for Doctor Who, so we will just have to wait and see. Are you hoping for the series to return? What changes do you think could be made to help the show’s ratings?