The 14th Doctor is in.
Ncuti Gatwa, perhaps best known for his role as Eric Effiong in hit Netflix series Sex Education, has been cast as the new Time Lord in Doctor Who. Gatwa is taking over the role from Jodie Whittaker, who has been in the high-profile series since 2017.
“The future is here!” it was announced on the official Doctor Who Twitter account. “Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor.”
The future is here! Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor. â¤ï¸â¤ï¸âž•ðŸŸ¦ #DoctorWho
Read more here âž¡ï¸ https://t.co/KoxPmoNAdL pic.twitter.com/peKsH6gCjI
“” Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) May 8, 2022
“There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling,” Gatwa said in a statement. “A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared. This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my utmost to do the same.
“Russell T Davies [returning Doctor Who showrunner] is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true. His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent and fizzing with danger. An actor’s metaphorical playground. The entire team has been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show. And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show.”
Said Davies, who has been attached to the science-fiction series since 2005: “The future is here and it’s Ncuti! Sometimes talent walks through the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars. Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds. It’s an honour to work with him, and a hoot, I can’t wait to get started. I’m sure you’re dying to know more, but we’re rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie’s epic finale yet to come. But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!”
Added BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore: “Ncuti has an incredible dynamism, he’s a striking and fearless young actor whose talent and energy will set the world alight and take Doctor Who on extraordinary adventures under Russell T Davies’ new era.”
Ncuti has earned high acclaim for his turn in Sex Education, with three consecutive BAFTA nominations and a win for Best Actor – Television at the Scottish BAFTAs in 2020. Also ahead for Ncuti: A role in the Margot Robbie-starring Barbie film, scheduled to hit cinemas in July 2023.
