Award-winning actor Ncuti Gatwa has been cast as the Fourteenth Doctor on the long-running British sci-fi series Doctor Who! The BBC announced today that Gatwa, best known for his critically acclaimed performance in Sex Education as the iconic Eric Effiong, is the new Doctor set to take charge of the TARDIS.
Ncuti Gatwa is the 14th Doctor
In a statement from the BBC, Ncuti Gatwa says: “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.”
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. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart, but I am giving it all to this show.”
Gatwa was awarded the Best Actor Award at the Scottish BAFTAs in 2020 as well as numerous nominations, including Best Male Performance in a comedy programme at this year’s BAFTAs.
Returning Showrunner Russell T Davies
Having recently come off his critically acclaimed series, It’s A Sin, Russell T Davies returns as showrunner for Doctor Who 12 years after he left the role, the BBC has announced last fall. This announcement came after the summer announcement that Thirteenth Doctor Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall would be leaving Doctor Who after the third season of Jodie Whittaker’s run. Jodie’s final feature-length special, where the Thirteenth Doctor will regenerate, will transmit in autumn 2022 as part of the BBC’s Centenary celebrations.
Davies will succeed Chris Chibnall, who previously announced he will hand over the keys to the TARDIS next year as the show celebrates its 60th Anniversary in 2023. Davies was responsible for Doctor Who’s revival in 2005 after more than a decade-long cancelation. He is often credited with bringing the show to a global audience and turning it into one of the most globally beloved sci-fi series. The 2005 Doctor Who reboot also led him to create two spin-off series, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
Gatwa spoke about working with the returning showrunner:
“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 has 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.”
Russell T Davies, showrunner, 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!”
In recent seasons of Doctor Who, Jo Martin was the first person of color to play an incarnation of The Doctor. That was only for a few episodes and a recently announced spin-off comic book series. This will be the first time in its 60-year history that a person of color is set to star as The Doctor in a full series. The BBC promises further details will be announced in due course. The excitement for our new Fourteenth Doctor is palatable!
Welcome to the TARDIS, Ncuti Gatwa.
