An Edinburgh actor has been named as the new Dr Who after months of speculation.
The BBC has confirmed that Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will take over from Jodie Whittaker as the Time Lord in Doctor Who.
The Rwandan-Scottish actor who was raised in Edinburgh and rose to fame in the Netflix series as Eric Effiong, will become the 14th Doctor and says he is "honoured" to have been given the role.
Speaking about the excellent news the world has been waiting for he 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.
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“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.”
According to Scotland.org, Gatwa was born in Nyarugenge, Rwanda and was raised in Scotland - primarily in Edinburgh and Dunfermline.
He later graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, in Glasgow, with a BA in Acting in 2013 and has since become a much-loved household name having won two BAFTA Television Award nominations for Best Male Comedy Performance, one each in 2020 and 2021.
Speaking about the announcement Russell T Davies said: “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!”
