Rylan Clark has revealed his tearful reaction to Saturday’s bombshell Doctor Who finale, after his own jaw-dropping cameo earlier in the series.

Having joined much of the nation who tuned into the series conclusion, the presenter and longtime fan took to Instagram to share a video mere seconds after Ncuti Gatwa’s regeneration hit screens.

Viewers were stunned when it was revealed that Ncuti had regenerated into former Doctor Who star Billie Piper, with the star making a surprise 

In the clip, which Rylan joked he’ll look back on with ‘absolute embarrᴀssment,’ the Radio 2 star said: ‘So this is going to be a really embarrᴀssing story that I will look back on and be like ”you absolute embarrᴀssment”, but I’ve just watched the finale of Doctor Who.

‘I don’t know what’s just happened. Oh my god it’s unbelievable, what a turnout, I can’t believe it.’

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Rylan Clark has revealed his tearful reaction to Saturday’s bombshell Doctor Who finale, after his own jaw-dropping cameo earlier in the series

The presenter and longtime fan took to Instagram to share a video mere seconds after Ncuti Gatwa ‘s regeneration, which revealed Billie Piper has the next incarnation of the time traveller

He went onto caption the post: ‘To be a part of this season was such an honour, I’m in bits. What an ending xxx.’

Rylan previously starred as himself in a Eurovision-inspired sixth episode of this series of Doctor Who, тιтled the Interstellar Song Contest.

Billie will now be the second woman to take on the role as the Time Lord after Jodie Whittaker portrayed the 13th doctor.

She replaces Ncuti, who leaves Doctor Who after two seasons in the science-fiction series.

The actor’s time on the long-running science fiction programme came to an end as The Reality War episode brought this season to a close on Saturday.

The two-part season finale saw the Doctor face the Rani in a battle to save the world after making the decision to safe the life of one little girl.

As he bid farewell to companion Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu, he said: ‘I hope you’ll see me again, but not like this.’

The finale also saw Whittaker, the 13th doctor, make a guest appearance as Gatwa’s Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes.

In the clip, which Rylan joked he’ll look back on with ‘absolute embarrᴀssment,’ the Radio 2 star said he ‘couldn’t believe’ how the finale had concluded

Read More Doctor Who fans spot a HUGE problem with Billie Piper’s reveal as the next Time Lord

In a statement released by the BBC, Ncuti Gatwa said: ‘You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. 

‘This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe. 

‘The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can’t thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience. 

‘I’ve loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. 

‘I’ll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.’ 

Reacting to the news Billie said: ‘It’s no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn’t refuse.’

After Doctor Who was broadcast, Billie Piper posted on Instagram ‘A rose is a rose is a rose !!!’ with images from her previous time on the show playing the Doctor’s companion Rose Tyler.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said: ‘What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! ‘As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti’s great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights.’ 

The BBC programme is also said to have been paused for an extended break amid criticism about recent plots involving non-binary aliens, incels and even a pregnant male extra-terrestrial.

A small number of social media critics have pointed to the diversity of the cast, a drag queen villain, and introduction of transgender and non-binary characters.

However, both Davies and Gatwa have strongly dismissed this criticism as from a minority, with Davies telling BBC Radio 2’s 20 Secrets From 20 Years: ‘Someone always brings up matters of diversity.

‘And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues.

Rylan previously starred as himself in a Eurovision-inspired sixth episode of this series of Doctor Who, тιтled the Interstellar Song Contest

‘And I have no time for this. I don’t have a second to bear (it). Because what you might call diversity, I just call an open door.’

Gatwa told Atтιтude magazine in 2024 that the hateful comments the sci-fi show has received after casting a black man is ‘fascinating, because there’s so much energy they’re putting into it … I think they need to go find a hobby is one thing’.

During his time, he has had companions in the form of Andor actress Varada Sethu, and former Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson, who played Gatwa’s companion Ruby Sunday since the 2023 Christmas episode The Church On Ruby Road.

Highlights of his two series have included a Regency-themed episode that saw him have a burgeoning romance with the character Rogue, played by Mindhunter actor Jonathan Groff, the explosive Boom episode and the arrival of the classic Time Lord villain, the Rani.