BBC’s Doctor Who has broken tradition after Ncuti Gatwa was finally introduced as the 15th Doctor.
Over the last three weeks, fans of the science fiction show have been treated to a trio of special episodes to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who.
The episodes - The Star Beast, Wild Blue Yonder, and The Giggle - were written by Russell T Davies and saw David Tennant reprise his role as the 10th Doctor.
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During the finale, the protagonist, his old friend Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) and previous companion Mel Bush (Bonnie Langford) come face-to-face with his old foe, The Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris).
However, as the Doctor and the villain went head-to-head, a laser beam shot through the former’s chest and sparked his fifteenth generation.
An emotional scene followed, which saw Donna and Mel wishing the Doctor farewell as he geared up to change faces again.
However, instead of Gatwa’s character totally taking over the original body, the pair shockingly split in two.
The wild regeneration saw Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa stepping out of Tennant’s body wearing a white shirt, while the former also remained as a being.
Excitingly, this is the first time in the BBC show’s history that the regeneration process has seen two Doctors living and breathing alongside each other.
Following the iconic bi-generation scene, fans of Doctor Who took to social media to have their say.
One X (formerly Twitter) user said: “Regeneration has always been the most emotional, heartbreaking and meaningful moment in Doctor Who.”
A second commented: “Two thoughts. Loved the bi-regeneration. Great way to further mystify the process of regeneration.
“And also, love the fact that they actually gave Mel a coherent character for once. Gone is the screamer!”
“Regeneration scene had me (and my friend ofc) going through multiple emotions for sure,” commented a third fan.
However, it seemed as if not everyone was a fan of Davis’ decision to allow Tennant and Gatwa’s Doctors to co-exist.
One X user said: “I’m fine with bi-generation as a zany new sci-fi concept - fans will have baulked at regeneration once too and that’s now rightly hailed as the show’s saviour - but the idea that no Doctor ever truly stops existing somewhat lessens the drama of any future departures.”
“I think one of the main reasons I don’t like the bi-generation thing is (sic) because it completely ignores all the reasons why regeneration as a plot device is so engaging and interesting for the viewers. it shits on everything Peter Capaldi is saying in [his] clip,” said a second.
The British sci-fi show is expected to return this Christmas Day, with a special entitled The Church on Ruby Road.
Topics: BBC, Doctor Who, TV and Film, UK News
Ella Scott