Doctor Who Announces Ncuti Gatwa as the New Doctor

The speculation can end because Doctor Who has announced that Ncuti Gatwa will play the Fourteenth Doctor in the upcoming 60th anniversary season. Gatwa is known for playing Eric Effiong in Sex Education, a role that earned him the Best Actor Award at the Scottish BAFTAs in 2020, Best Male Performance in a comedy program at the 2020 BAFTAs, and other award nominations. Gatwa made his first public comments about the news on the BAFTA red carpet accompanied by returning Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies, who previously launched the rebooted Doctor Who in 2006. He's replacing outgoing star Jodie Whittaker, whose Thirteenth Doctor will regenerate in Doctor Who's BBC Centenary Special this fall.

"There aren't quite the words to describe how I'm feeling," Gatwa says in a press release. "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.  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."

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(Photo: BBC)

Davies adds, "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!"

Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer says, "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."

Doctor Who is currently between specials as it awaits the BBC Centenary. Doctor Who is streaming on HBO Max. You can get caught up on Doctor Who with our Doctor Who streaming binge guide.

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