The speculation surrounding the next star to pilot the TARDIS has intensified, with a prominent name from a hit Netflix series forced to address the rumours head-on.
Adolescence Star Sets the Record Straight
Following the dramatic 2025 series finale of Doctor Who, which saw Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor appear to regenerate into former star Billie Piper, the fan theory mill has been in overdrive. One name consistently linked to the iconic role is Erin Doherty, the 33-year-old actress famed for playing child psychologist Briony Ariston in the culture-defining Netflix show, Adolescence.
In an interview with Radio Times, Doherty directly confronted the whispers. "I've heard the Doctor Who rumour and I'm into sci-fi and fantasy," she stated, before adding a definitive clarification: "but I can honestly say there have been no discussions!"
A Legacy Role and a Missing Special
The role of the Doctor is one of British television's most coveted, with Gatwa being the latest in a legendary line. He followed Jodie Whittaker, who made history in 2017 as the first female Doctor and the thirteenth incarnation. Preceding them were modern era icons like David Tennant, Christopher Eccleston, and Matt Smith.
Fans were disappointed by the absence of a Doctor Who Christmas special in 2025, with the last series concluding in the summer. However, the BBC did launch the successful spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea, which became one of the broadcaster's biggest hits of the year. The festive tradition will return next year with a Christmas special penned by the show's epic returning showrunner, Russell T Davies.
Doherty's Rise and Candid Confessions
Erin Doherty's profile skyrocketed thanks to Adolescence, a role which earned her an Emmy award and a Golden Globe nomination. Her award acceptance speech became almost as famous as her performance when she exclaimed the audience were "all f***ing stunning."
Reminded of the moment by Radio Times, the actor admitted, "I really tried not to swear but it just came out!" She recounted returning to her hotel, FaceTiming her sister to show off the award, and their joint celebration being gently admonished by her mother. "My mum said, 'You did swear, though.' So if I win anything again, I'll shout out my mum and say sorry," Doherty laughed.
On the subject of her breakout show, Doherty also addressed rumours of a new series of Adolescence, confirming, "I haven't heard anything about Adolescence either, but of course I would do it again."
For now, viewers can catch up on Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer, while Adolescence remains available for streaming on Netflix.
