A parody sketch on the latest episode of Saturday Night Live UK has sparked a wave of fan speculation, with viewers calling for host Aimee Lou Wood to take on the iconic role of the Doctor in Doctor Who.
Sketch Details
During the episode aired on 2 May, Wood, best known for her role in Sex Education, appeared in a sketch that lampooned the long-running sci-fi series. She played a character reminiscent of the Doctor's companion, while regular SNL UK cast member Hammed Animashaun portrayed the Doctor. The duo exited the Tardis to encounter a grotesque alien, drawing laughs from the audience.
Fan Reactions
With the future of Doctor Who currently uncertain, fans quickly took to social media to endorse Wood as a potential next Doctor. One user on X/Twitter wrote, "Seeing tons of 'Make Aimee Lou Wood Doctor Who' truthers on the timeline tonight after SNL which is fantasticcccc." Another commented, "I see a lot of ppl say Aimee Lou Wood would make a great Doctor Who companion. Nah man THATS THE DOCTOR." Additional posts described the idea as "insane" and "feels right."
Current Doctor Who Status
It remains unknown who will next play the Doctor, as Ncuti Gatwa concluded his tenure as the 15th Doctor last year. A cliffhanger ending saw Gatwa's character apparently regenerate into Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper, who was the first companion in the reboot series. However, it has not been confirmed whether Piper will take over permanently, and other names are also being speculated. The show's return for a full series has not been announced, though a Christmas special is scheduled for later this year.
Gatwa's Upcoming SNL UK Appearance
Coincidentally, Gatwa is set to host the final episode of SNL UK later this month, following hosts such as Tina Fey, Riz Ahmed, Jack Whitehall, Jamie Dornan, and Nicola Coughlan during the inaugural eight-episode run. Next week's episode will be hosted by Hannah Waddingham, with Brit Award winner Myles Smith as musical guest. Gatwa's episode will feature performances by indie singer Holly Humberstone.
