Whether Ncuti Gatwa’s TARDIS Remains The Same Ship Addressed By Doctor Who Showrunner

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Doctor Who special “The Giggle”!

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies has confirmed whether or not the TARDIS used by Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor is the same one the Doctor has had since the start of the series. During the latest special, titled “The Giggle,” the new Doctor won a TARDIS in the Toymaker’s game, presumed to be the original version of the telephone box. However, the Fourteenth Doctor also has one by the end of the episode, leading to speculation surrounding which is the real one.

Speaking on a Doctor Who: Video Commentary for the episode, Davies confirmed Gatwa’s TARDIS is the one the show has been featuring since the start. He also confirms a future episode in Doctor Who season 14 will prove the Fifteenth Doctor’s is the real one. Check out what Davies had to say below:

See, I think, if I’m any judge of fandom, people will worry that that is a new TARDIS, and not the old TARDIS, Ncuti’s TARDIS. And I’m here to say… in a story to come there is proof that it’s still the old TARDIS. That’s all I’m saying.

Why The Fifteenth Doctor’s TARDIS Must Be The Real One

At the end of “The Giggle,” the Fifteenth Doctor unveils a TARDIS that he created for the Fourteenth Doctor, a replica that looks almost exactly like the original one. Because the new Doctor knows which one is which, it’s clear he has the original that he won from the Toymaker. Even so, it’s also possible the villain switched it out with a different version, something that could set up his return in a future season.

However, the TARDIS has been a staple of the series since 1963, being the staple mode of transportation for the Doctor since the very start. Changing this by indicating the one Gatwa has isn’t the original would be a devastating loss because of its decades-long history. By confirming the TARDIS featured is still the original, Davies indicates the importance of Doctor Who tradition in Gatwa’s upcoming role.

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Even though the Fifteenth Doctor’s TARDIS is the real one, it’s possible the Fourteenth Doctor’s second version of it will come into play during the future. Since the Fourteenth Doctor has settled down in Paris, there could be ample opportunity for a new or returning villain to try and steal that version of it for themselves. No matter how Doctor Who addresses Gatwa’s as the real one, though, it’s clear there are more interesting stories about the TARDIS that could be explored soon.