'Doctor Who' Casts Millie Gibson As The Doctor's Next Companion Opposite Ncuti Gatwa

The Doctor has found his next companion. BBC announced on Friday (Nov. 18) that actress Millie Gibson has been cast for the next upcoming season of "Doctor Who," starring Ncuti Gatwa debuting as "The Fifteenth Doctor."

Along with the announcement, BBC released some new promotional images of Gibson standing in front of the TARDIS, both solo and with Gatwa:

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Gibson has been cast in the role of the good Doctor's newest companion, Ruby Sunday. She officially joins the cast opposite Gatwa during the "festive period in 2023." The role of the companion is a longstanding tradition of the sci-fi show. In many ways, the Doctor's companion is almost as prestigious as the Doctor.

Of course, Gatwa's debut as the Doctor will be preceded by three new specials, which will see the return of David Tennant to the franchise. Tennant, previously The Tenth Doctor, is now back as The Fourteenth Doctor. It was a shocking reveal after star Jodie Whittaker concluded her run on the long-running hit sci-fi franchise last month.

Speaking on the announcement, Gibson commented, "Whilst still being in total disbelief, I am beyond honored to be cast as the Doctor’s companion. It is a gift of a role, and a dream come true, and I will do everything to try and fill the boots the fellow companions have traveled in before me." The actress continued, "And what better way to do that than being by the fabulous Ncuti Gatwa’s side, I just can’t wait to get started."

Gibson previously portrayed the role of Kelly Neelan on "Coronation Street." Her other credits include "Butterfly" and "Love, Lies and Records." Gibson's work on "Coronation Street" earned her an award for Best Young Performer at The British Soap Awards.

Gatwa added on the news, giving high praise to his new castmate, saying, "Millie just is the companion," also adding, "This adventure is going to be so wild and so fun, I cannot WAIT to sail the universe with Millie!"

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Fans will have to wait a little longer until they learn more about Ruby Sunday's identity and what puts her on the path of The Fifteenth Doctor after he takes control of the TARDIS.

As reported by The Blast, the BBC has partnered with Disney Branded Television to make Disney+ the new global home of the "Doctor Who" franchise outside of the UK and Ireland. New episodes will debut on Disney+ and BBC in late 2023.

https://youtu.be/i5CAsSzUxzU

Fans can look forward to three new "Who" specials in November 2023, featuring Tennant, along with the return of Catherine Tate as Donna Noble. The specials will coincide with the 60th anniversary of the franchise. Other cast members for the upcoming Tennant specials include Yasmin Finney as Rose and Neil Patrick Harris.

Following the November specials, Gatwa will take over as The Fifteenth Doctor, joined by Gibson as Ruby. The specials and next season will air on the BBC in the UK and Ireland, and they'll be streaming on Disney+ everywhere else later next year.

The next upcoming episodes are being produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios Productions in Wales.