On Sunday the BBC announced that Ncuti Gatwa will be the latest actor to bring the Doctor to our screens, taking over Doctor Who’s lead role from Jodie Whittaker.
Doctor Who?
Ncuti is best known for his breakout performance as Eric Effiong in the hugely popular series Sex Education, for which he was awarded Best Actor at the Scottish BAFTA’s in 2020, alongside receiving a number of nominations at this year’s BAFTA’s.
He will play the 14th regular incarnation of the Time Lord when Doctor Who returns next year under new show-runner, Russell T. Davies, who is well-known to fans as the man who revived the programme in 2005.
Meet Ncuti Gatwa
Speaking about taking on the role of the Doctor, Ncuti has 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 utmost to do the same. […] Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show.”
Undoubtedly, words that Doctor Who fans everywhere will be absolutely thrilled to hear. Ncuti’s enthusiasm for the show is undeniable, with his delight at landing the role also coming across in various interviews conducted at the BAFTA’s on Sunday, which Ncuti attended alongside Russell T. Davies (whose groundbreaking series It’s A Sin was nominated in multiple categories).
New directions for NuWho
Ncuti will be the first black actor to helm Doctor Who, though not the first black actor to play the Doctor with Jo Martin’s brilliant turn as the Fugitive Doctor (a previously unknown incarnation hiding out on Earth disguised as a human) delighting fans in recent seasons.
He will also be the fourth Scot to play the part, following in the illustrious shoes of Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant, and Peter Capaldi.
With this announcement, months of fervent speculation — with wild rumours ranging from Hugh Grant playing the Time Lord to a return for David Tennant — have been brought to a satisfying conclusion.
Speaking about casting Ncuti, Davies has said, “It was the most amazing audition and he was the last person to audition. I thought someone else was a guaranteed hit, and then in he came […] I just saw unlimited potential in him really, and that’s what you’re after, unlimited potential. We kept this secret for three months, and none of you got it. None of it leaked, none of you even guessed. He’s so brilliant and so popular, it wasn’t even a guess, so we’re feeling a little bit victorious. There’s been a few false stories out there and false tales and we posted a few posts ourselves, a couple of misleading things and we’re very pleased that kind of worked. Not James Corden, we didn’t plant that one.”
‘Unlimited potential’ sounds undisputedly intriguing. One thing’s for certain, Russell T. Davies — who was responsible for casting Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant in the role — knows his stuff when it comes to picking the right person to take on such an iconic character.
It’s definitely an exciting time to be a Doctor Who fan at the moment, though, isn’t it? The Centenary special (which will no doubt feature Ncuti’s first appearance as the Doctor) is on the horizon, and many more surprises are likely in the pipeline for 2023, too.
What are your thoughts on Ncuti Gatwa playing the Doctor? Are you excited for his debut in the role next year? Let us know over on Twitter.
By Louanne Weldon