Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa has been confirmed to be the Fourteenth Doctor, replacing Jodie Whittaker.
Confirmed on Instagram, Ncuti shared an image of two heart emojis, a, plus sign and a blue square emoji, which when pieced together is the two hearts of time-lord character the Doctor, and the blue time-machine box the TARDIS.
Russell T. Davies, the next showrunner for Doctor Who replied to Ncuti’s post saying “The future is here.”
When interviewed about his new role, Ncuti responded, “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 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 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.”
Ncuti, the Rwandan born actor is 29, and will be one of the youngest performers to play the role since Matt Smith took over from David Tennant in 2011.
He has starred as Eric Effiong in Sex Education alongside Asa Butterfield since the show began, and received accolades including 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.
Many would recognise the star from the quote “Wash your hands you dirty pig” from the Netflix show that was shared during the pandemic to ensure good hygiene.
Russell T. Davies speaks of the announcement saying, “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!”
Doctor Who will return to TV later this year for the BBC Centenary special when Jodie Whittaker will regenerate into Ncuti Gatwa. His first full episode as the Doctor will be November 2023 when the show celebrates its 60th anniversary.
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