9 People Billie Piper Could Play in ‘doctor Who’ Now That ‘doctor Who’ Probably Needs to Figure That Out

The Return of Doctor Who: Speculations and Future Directions

Good news for fans of Doctor Who: The beloved series is back. But with its return comes a perplexing cliffhanger that has left many viewers scratching their heads. Yesterday’s announcement by the BBC that Doctor Who would continue beyond its partnership with Disney, including a new Christmas special in 2026, brings with it an equally mysterious narrative thread: just who was Billie Piper meant to have been playing in “The Reality War”?

The Cliffhanger and Its Implications

Even before the future of the series was uncertain, creatives involved in Doctor Who, including star Billie Piper herself and showrunner Russell T Davies, hinted that the actress might not have been portraying the 16th incarnation of the Doctor. Piper’s absence from official credits for “The Reality War” and the complexity surrounding Ncuti Gatwa’s regeneration process raised questions about the episode’s intended narrative.

Potential Roles Suggested by Fans

Now that the future is guaranteed, fans are speculating on who Billie Piper might have been playing. The possibilities range from classic companions to other Time Lords:

• Rose Tyler, again: Could the episode’s climax have involved a reality-warping incident translocating Rose into the Doctor’s role?
• The Master: Given his past attempts to take over the Doctor, forcing him to embody one of his closest companions while also being himself could be an intriguing narrative.
• The Bad Wolf, Again: The 15th Doctor’s regeneration centered on the TARDIS. Could this device have used Rose Tyler’s face as a means of exerting control?
• Susan Foreman: Despite plans potentially being cut from “The Reality War,” could Susan’s warnings about a dire situation have led to her transposing herself onto the Doctor’s body, only now appearing as Billie Piper?
• The Moment, Again: With a thin veil between reality after the Doctor’s actions, did something activate this powerful temporal weapon with history in the series?
• The Actress, Billie Piper: The 2025 season’s “Lux” involved the Doctor and Belinda being pulled into a TV show version of their adventures. Could Billie be playing herself, offering an existential crisis for her character?
• The Valeyard: As a sinister emanation introduced in “The Trial of a Time Lord,” this figure could have emerged to reflect a future, malicious incarnation.
• Or maybe she’s just the 16th Doctor, revisiting an old trick for the series’ anniversary specials?

The Show’s Creative Challenges and Future

The speculation around “The Reality War” is not surprising given the show’s history of creative challenges. The absence of a clear plan, combined with the need to continue after Disney’s involvement ends, poses significant narrative and production hurdles. The 2026 Christmas special will be crucial in resolving these mysteries and setting the direction for future episodes.

Doctor Who has always thrived on its ability to surprise and entertain its audience.

As fans eagerly await more information, it’s clear that the series’ return comes with both promise and uncertainty. The upcoming episode could provide clarity or introduce new complexities—only time will tell who Billie Piper is playing in “The Reality War,” but one thing is certain: the journey ahead for Doctor Who continues to be as exciting as ever.