BBC Announces Ncuti Gatwa As Next Doctor Who

We have our Fourteenth Doctor, as Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will be the next to take on the lead role in Doctor Who. The BBC announced on Sunday that Gatwa will take over for Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor and become the first person of color to play the Time Lord. He will make his debut as the Doctor in 2023.

Gatwa takes over from Whittaker as Doctor Who also undergoes changes behind the camera. Russell T Davies is set to return to the position of showrunner after Chris Chibnall and Whittaker decided to leave after three seasons. It has been traditional for the last several Doctors for the actor to depart after three, with every Doctor of the modern era except Christopher Eccleston doing so.

Gatwa is best known for his role as Eric Effiong on Sex Education, the British dramedy that airs on Netflix. He is also set to appear in Warner Bros.’ upcoming Barbie adaptation that stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

“There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling,” Gatwa said in the announcement. “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. 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.”

Davies added, “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!”