Billie Piper explains why she won’t return to Doctor Who, names pick for next Doctor

Billie Piper has made it abundantly clear that she will not be returning to the role of Rose Tyler on Doctor Who, at least not in a regular capacity. She opened up on the subject anew in a recent issue of Total Film magazine, giving yet another reason she won’t return, and weighing in on who could take over as the next Doctor.

As Rose, Piper was part of the 2005 Doctor Who revival opposite Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor. She continued to play the role through the Doctor’s regeneration into David Tennant’s  Tenth Doctor, and together they became one of the most iconic duos in the show’s history.

Piper is happy with her time on the show, but says that returning is not something she would do at this point.

Billie Piper feels “a lot of responsibility” with Rose and Doctor Who

As Piper notes, playing any role can take up a lot of time away from one’s family, and playing Rose in no exception. She’s also concerned about the sense of duty she feels in playing the character. “It’s the face of a family show and that’s a lot of responsibility that I’m not comfortable with,” she said.

When it comes to playing a high-profile roles in a family-friendly franchise, your behavior will be monitored and scrutinized. Piper has appeared in several shows and movies since leaving Doctor Who and worked to distance herself from Rose’s clean-cut image. She’s even stepped behind the camera in her directorial debut with Rare Beasts.

She has an idea about the person who should play the next Doctor once Jodie Whittaker leaves the post, though: Helena Bonham Carter. “She’s got that madcap energy – she’s a ruddy powerhouse.” Can’t argue with that.

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels

h/t Digital Spy