STARTING 2023, Rwandan celebrated actor Ncuti Gatwa will take over from Jodie Whittaker as the star of Doctor Who, the BBC has announced.
The 29-year-old will become the 14th Time Lord on the popular science fiction show, and the first non-white performer to play the lead role.
The star of stage and screen is best known for his critically acclaimed performance in Sex Education as the iconic Eric Effiong, for which he was awarded Best Actor Award at the Scottish BAFTA’s in 2020 as well as numerous nominations including Best Male Performance in a comedy programme at this year’s British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA’s).
Gatwa will make his debut as the Time Lord in 2023.
Speaking of his new role, Ncuti 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. I will endeavour my utmost to do the same,” he added.
"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,” he said.
Announcing Ncuti as the next Doctor Who star, showrunner Russell T Davies said the actor "dazzled us" in his audition.
"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. 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!” said Davies.
"Doctor Who” Chief Content Officer, Charlotte Moore, echoed Davies’ comments on the Rwandan actor and said: "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."
Meanwhile, Ncuti’s predecessor on the role, Whittaker, took over as the Doctor in 2017 as the first female doctor.
She will bow out in a special episode to be broadcast this autumn. Her finale will also feature appearances from two previous assistants - Ace, played by Sophie Aldred, and Janet Fielding's Tegan.
"Doctor Who” is a British science-fiction television programme broadcast by the BBC since 1963. The programme depicts the adventures of a Time Lord called The Doctor, an extraterrestrial being who appears to be human.
The Doctor explores the universe in a tie-travelling space ship called the TARDIS. The TARDIS exterior appears as a blue British police box, which was a common sight in Britain in 1963 when the series first aired. With various companions, the Doctor combats foes, works to save civilisations, and helps people in need.