Fans say Ncuti Gatwa will be “amazing” as the new Doctor Who – as they praised the BBC for casting an LGBTQ+ icon in the role.
The Rwandan-Scottish actor, who is best known for playing gay character Eric in Netflix ’s Sex Education, will become the 14th Time Lord.
Although Ncuti has never discussed his own sexuality publicly, he said in an interview with Attitude magazine "no one should ever be ashamed of it".
It comes after Jodie Whittaker – who made history as the first female Doctor Who – announced she would be leaving the iconic show last summer.
The news was announced just before tonight’s BAFTA Awards – where Ncuti is up for a gong for Best Comedy Performance in Sex Education.
And fans quickly flocked to Twitter to give their opinion on the new Doctor Who appointment.
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One wrote: “Ncuti is the first ever queer actor to play The Doctor. He is also the first ever actor born outside of this country to play The Doctor. This is an inspired choice, I’ve never been so excited by an initial Doctor announcement!
Another tweeted: “A female #DoctorWho was wonderful enough... felt progressive and not before time. But now, a black LGBTQ+ doctor? Finally, why has it taken so long?”
A third chimed in: “First LGBTQ+ actor to play the doctor!!! Ncuti Gatwa is the new doctor!!”
While a fourth said: “Interesting choice! Will be great to see the first black man and LGTBQ+ actor to play the Doctor! I kind of wished we’d have another woman but I love this casting choice1 Hope the companion is Lydia West! #DoctorWho.”
Others said they could not wait to see what 29-year-old Ncuti would bring to the role.
“Fantasic choice. He is going to be amazing. Really excited to see him as #TheDoctor,” one fan wrote.
Another commented: “Every person who has played the doctor has brought something different, their own twist, quirks etc that has made their version of the doctor amazing. I cannot wait to see what Ncuti brings to this iconic role.”
While one fan said they were glad another Scottish actor had been cast in the role after Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi.
“Ncuti Gatwhaaaaaat?! This is fantastic news, I’m excited to see where he and Big Russ [director] take us. Plus he’s Scottish! All the Scottish Doctors have been excellent.”
Speaking about his new role, Ncuti said in a statement: “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.”
He added: “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.”
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