TV fans were on tenterhooks last night during the thrilling series climax of , broadcast on . The finale was super dramatic with a twist that had fans hooked, especially after a familiar face made an explosive comeback after a long hiatus.

Simply put, in Saturday's (May 31) episode, Ncuti Gatwa handed over the reins to as he regenerated, drawing his two-series tenure as the beloved Time Lord to a close. Viewers also glimpsed Piper, famed for her prior role as the Doctor's sidekick Rose Tyler, apparently taking on the mantle of the Doctor as the show wrapped up - or so it seemed.

Yet, the fandom isn't wholly sold on Piper stepping in as the successor. A number of keen-eyed watchers have unearthed a hint suggesting a major plot twist could be unfolding.

Some devotees insist that the tip-off lay in the end credits. One astute fan remarked on X that Piper's credit differed significantly from the way new Doctors are typically presented.

The enthusiast observed: "Everyone failing to notice that Billie Piper was not 'introduced' as the Doctor in the credits, just as Billie Piper. She's clearly not the Doctor but some Bad Wolf shenanigans."

This theory has taken the fan community by storm, with many echoing this sentiment. Social media was alight with conversation as followers eagerly exchanged their ideas.

Some fans speculated that the ambiguity surrounding Piper's character was a deliberate move to create attention, and potentially set up an intriguing Bad Wolf special to introduce the next Doctor. One fan noted: "It's allowing themselves wiggle room."

Another wrote: "100%, given the reshoots that happened. It's a smart move to get people talking and potentially have a really interesting Bad Wolf special to lead into the next Doctor."

A different fan replied: "Well, the Bad Wolf does have the power to undo the 13 to 15 Doctors, and get the series back on track."

Another commented: "I think the story will pan towards the other Doctor. He has his own Tardis. They are just pointing it out plainly that she is not the next central part of story, only the side kick."

Piper herself remained tight-lipped about her character's role, saying she was thrilled to be returning to the show, but telling fans to "wait and see" what her character gets up to. The fact that the new Doctor is usually introduced via regeneration, but it hasn't been confirmed if Piper will definitely be the 16th Doctor, has added to the speculation.

Another fan suggested: "Have a theory: bi-gereation of 14th and 15th will glitch and 14th will re-generate into 16th and Bilie will be sort of Bad Wolf entity, like you said."

One more also chimed in with: "I'm going for that's not the Doctor but The Moment. The credits only said 'introducing', everyone always gets 'as the Doctor'. I'm going for the moment fixes the remaining remnants and then either returns Ncutti or gives us the 16th."

The BBC tantalisingly teased in a press release: "Just how and why she [Billie Piper] is back remains to be seen..." Meanwhile, the credits rolled with: "Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. And introducing Billie Piper."