Doctor Who fans have been anxiously awaiting an update on the next actor to take command of The Tardis, and The BBC has now officially announced that Ncuti Gatwa will take over from Jodie Whittaker as the 14th incarnation of the iconic Time Lord in the long-running sci-fi adventure show.
A prolific stage actor, Gatwa will be best known for his Scottish BAFTA award-winning role as Eric Effiong on Netflix's Sex Education. More recently, he booked a role in the upcoming Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie.
“There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling," Gatwa said of the news. "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.”
Showrunner Russell T 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!”
A rumor recently did the rounds that Hugh Grant was in line to play the next Doctor, but it was quickly shot down by the actor himself. As far as we know, Gatwa's name had not been mentioned in connection with the role prior to this announcement.
Davies is returning to take charge of Doctor Who for its 60th anniversary in 2023. Whittaker's sendoff is set to begin in "Legend of the Sea Devils," on April 17, which will be followed by two more specials (no release dates have been announced)
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