Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa set to play 14th Doctor in new Doctor Who
Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will portray the 14th Doctor in new episodes of Doctor Who.
The Scottish-Rwandan actor is best known for playing Eric Effiong in Netflix’s hit teen drama. Gatwa won a Scottish Bafta and a Rose d’Or Award for the role, as well as being nominated for best male performance in a comedy programme for three years running.
Speaking about his casting, 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.
“Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show.”
He will join returning showrunner Russell T Davies on the long-running science fiction series. Davies revived the show in 2005, before making way for Steven Moffat in 2009.
Davies said: “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.”
Gatwa’s first episodes as the Doctor won’t air until November 2023, with the role currently in the hands of 13th Doctor Jodie Whittaker. Whittaker is expected to return for at least one more series special in October 2022 before handing over the screwdriver.
Meanwhile, Gatwa is also expected to return for series four of Sex Education, which was commissioned last year.
Doctor Who returns later in 2022.