Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will play the protagonist in the new Doctor Who which has been revealed recently. Ncuti Gatwa will be replacing Jodie Whittaker, she played the prominent character since 2017. Last year in July it was disclosed that Jodie Whittaker will be leaving Doctor Who, triggering speculation and theories regarding who will be cast as the lead actor in the series.
There were rumours claiming that Olly Alexander, Michaela Coel or Lydia West will be the lead of the show. However, the BBC announced that Ncuti Gatwa has been confirmed to take over from Whittaker. BBC’s confirmation came before the filming of the BAFTA TV Awards, which hinted that during the award ceremony there would be mention of Doctor Who.
As per the list of expected guests shared by BAFTA, Gatwa is likely to be in attendance during ceremony. Ncuti, 29, is a Scottish actor who was born in Rwanda and gained fame after starring in hit Netflix comedy show “Sex Education” in which he played the character of Eric Effiong who happens to be the best friend of Otis. Gatwa becomes the second non-White actor to play a doctor in Doctor Who as it was actress Jo Martin, a Black woman, who portrayed a doctor called “Fugitive Doctor” in an episode.
Ncuti opened up to BBC, saying that he was “deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared”. He expressed, “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 endeavor my upmost to do the same.” On 8th May, fans knew something big is coming following an Instagram post from Gatwa’s account in which two hearts, a plus sign and a blue square appeared.
Russel T Davies will be serving as the writer in the next season of Doctor Who, taking over from Chris Chibnall. The “Queer as Folk” writer said to BBC, “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.”