NCUTI Gatwa has been spotted filming scenes for the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas special wearing a kilt.
The Doctor Who night shoot drew fans in as set up began early on Saint Mary Street in Cardiff.
Prior to Gatwa’s appearance, the Twitter/X account that provides Doctor Who filming location news, theorised the filming was for “additional Christmas 2023 pick-ups” and he would be surprised if the star wasn’t present for the shoot.
The superfan originally posted pictures of Gatwa with the caption: “Ncuti is here! In the skirt costume!”. Fans were quick to respond that he was wearing a kilt, and the account posted a correction.
#dwsr Ncuti is here! In the skirt costume! pic.twitter.com/IcxYyoEW6C
— Doctor Who Filming Locations (@set_dw) October 3, 2023
One clip shows the Rwandan-Scottish actor emerging from a giant inflatable snowman’s head, whilst another has him walking away from a police officer.
#dwsr Ncuti punching his way out of the giant snowman head that's landed on him 😂😂 This is some peak Christmas RTD stuff right here 😂 pic.twitter.com/WLLVBZ0NBJ
— Doctor Who Filming Locations (@set_dw) October 3, 2023
#dwsr Ncuti giving it the sass walk away from a police officer in scene pic.twitter.com/r2GIU9vs75
— Doctor Who Filming Locations (@set_dw) October 4, 2023
The Sex Education star is set to take on the role of the Time Lord previously filled by David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, and Jodie Whittaker.
He has lived in both Edinburgh and Dunfermline, going to Boroughmuir High School and Dunfermline High before studying acting at Glasgow’s Royal Conservatoire.
The Sex Education star is set to take over as the Time Lord after the three specials, alongside Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson, who is playing the Doctor’s companion Ruby Sunday.
Gatwa’s first episode will air over the festive period, with 19-year-old Gibson becoming the youngest companion in the show’s history.
Gatwa will become the fourth Scot to take up the post, following on from Sylvester McCoy, fellow Conservatoire graduates Tennant and Capaldi.
The latest revamp of the series sees It’s A Sin writer Russell T Davies returns as showrunner, the man behind the 2005 revival of the long-running BBC show, succeeding Chris Chibnall who introduced Jodie Whittaker as the 13th Doctor.
Reflecting on the show’s recent trailer, Davies said: “This is just the start, as the fever starts to burn.
“We’re heading for a November full of Doctor Who surprises, for fans and new viewers alike. Stay alert.”
Doctor Who will air on the BBC in the UK and Ireland in November, while streaming platform Disney+ will show episodes to audiences elsewhere.
