20 February 2024 , 13:44
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Coronation Street star Millie Gibson cut a glum figure as she was papped for the first time since being dropped from Doctor Who.
The actress, 19, only made her debut in the sci-fi show at Christmas before it was announced she would be playing the timelord's companion for just one series with actress Varada Seethu taking over the role.
Seen in Manchester today sporting a tan baseball cap - with her blonde locks hidden beneath it - a multi-coloured Carhartt fleece, baggy bleached jeans and Ugg boots, Millie took a walk in the windy weather with her parents. The actress appeared to be keeping a low profile in her cap as she was spotted leaving a coffee shop with her hands in her pockets alongside her mum, dad and the family dog, Spike.
Coronation Street star Millie Gibson cut a glum figure as she was papped for the first time since being dropped from Doctor Who (SplashNews.com)
She was seen leaving a coffee shop in Manchester with her mum and dad (SplashNews.com)The Mirror reported the decision by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies to write out the former Coronation Street star, who plays orphan Ruby Sunday, was made last year after filming on her first run ended. The sudden twist came as a shock to fans who only watched Millie on-screen debut in the festive episode in December.
Now, Millie will not appear in the 2024 Christmas special later this year and will make only a handful of appearances across Ncuti Gatwa's second series as the Doctor during 2025. The eight episodes she has filmed already will air from May, the BBC has announced. After that, it the Tardis will welcome a new companion Varada, who has already started filming at the studios in Cardiff.
Dr Who filming Christmas scenes as Corrie star Millie Gibson seen outside TARDIS
The family took a stroll along with their dog, Spike (SplashNews.com)The actress, 32, has already made a name for herself in a whole host of TV adventure series. She is best known for her role as Cinta in Disney’s 2022 Star Wars spin-off Andor, and has also appeared in three series of Sky’s action drama Strike Back, based on the books by Chris Ryan.
In 2016 she also had a role in the second series of smash-hit Doctor Foster, while her films include Jurassic World Dominion and heist movie Now You See Me 2. One BBC source said: “Varada is a real gem, Russell was just blown away by her talent. The cast and crew have really warmed to her and he’s sure the fans will too.”
Millie as Ruby Sunday with Doctor Who actor, Ncuti Gatwa (Lara Cornell/BBC Studios/Bad Wolf)However, the decision for Millie to exit so soon has shocked fans, who expected her to be time-travelling for at least two full series. When she and the Doctor rocked up on our screens in December, a whopping 7.3million viewers tuned in in the first week of release, making it one of the BBC’s biggest hits of the year.
In the past, some of the doctor's companions have only stayed for one year, including Pearl Mackie as Bill Potts. However others, including Jenna Coleman, who played Clara Oswald, have clocked up longer stints.