Ncuti Gatwa of Sex Education will be the first Black actor to star as Doctor Who, taking over for Jodie Whittaker. He will be the 14th doctor of the series.
History has been made now with two doctors in a row, as Whittaker was the first woman to play the doctor.
“There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling,” he 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 upmost to do the same.
He continued:
“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. An actor’s metaphorical playground. The entire team have 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.”
Showrunner Russell T. Davies said:
“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!”
BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore said:
“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.”
For his work on Sex Education, Gatwa won a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actor in Television and also received three BAFTA Television Award nominations for Best Male Comedy Performance.
He’s currently filming Barbie from Greta Gerwig opposite Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
