Sex Education Star Ncuti Gatwa Announced As The New Doctor Who

Well-known ‘Sex Education’ actor Ncuti Gatwa is revealed by BBC to take over from Jodie Whittaker for the role of Doctor Who; the 29-year-old will become the 14^th “Time Lord” on the popular science fiction television series and the first person of colour to play the lead role. Ncuti Gatwa spoke to BBC News saying, “It feels really amazing. It’s a true honour. This role is an institution and it’s so iconic.” Read on for more information and everything we know so far on the show with Ncuti Gatwa.

The Scottish actor is famous and most known for his role as Eric Effiong in Netflix’s ‘Sex Education’, which has three seasons currently with more to come. In response to the announcement, Ncuti Gatwa said, “There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. 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 upmost to do the same.”

After departing Doctor Who in 2009, the ‘Queer As Folk’ and ‘It’s A Sin’ writer, Russell T Davies, will be returning as the showrunner of the programme.

Ncuti Gatwa said, “Russell T Davies 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. 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.”

In 2020, Ncuti Gatwa won within the actor category at the Scottish Baftas for his role in ‘Sex Education’, he was also nominated for this year’s Bafta TV awards for the best male performance in a comedy programme. 

Before ‘Sex Education’, the actor was 21 when he moved from Scotland to London. He spend months “couch-surfing” before landing the role of Eric Effiong. He said, “I didn’t have a home. I was homeless. The only thing stopping me from being on the streets was the fact I had friends. But you can use up that goodwill. Or you feel scared to ask people for help. Your pride kicks in. So my life before Sex Education was so different. To go to my audition, I had to get my friend to transfer me 10 quid so I could top up my Oyster card.”

It has been reported that Ncuti Gatwa will make his debut in Doctor Who in 2023. The showrunner Russell T Davies said, “It was our last audition. It was our very last one. We thought we had someone, and then in he [Ncuti Gatwa] came and stole it. I’m properly, properly thrilled. It’s going to be a blazing future.”

Keep a look out for further news, especially for all you Doctor Who fans out there, as there are sure to be first looks and trailers to come before the big debut!