Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa wowed several dedicated fans in Cardiff as he chatted and took photos with them following the latest round of filming for the sci-fi show. The new Doctor had been filming at the Sherman Theatre for series 14 of the BBC One programme, which is set to return in 2023.
He was spotted leaving the theatre after a day of filming indoors, which wasn't visible to the public, but he took time to say hello to fans before heading home. Many had waited for hours outside the set and were delighted when the star stopped to talk.
Filming is well under way and the show's stars have been seen around Cardiff, Newport, and on the coast in Pembrokeshire for Ncuti Gatwa's first series in the Tardis. Superfan Billy Edwards, who took a photo with Sex Education and Barbie star Gatwa, said: "What a pleasure, he was so lovely – year made – I'm still grinning! Roll on November."
READ MORE: Doctor Who spotted filming in familiar Cardiff location ahead of new series
Another, Nick, who runs the Doctor Who Filming Locations account on Twitter, shared his photo with the caption: "Out of respect to Ncuti for coming and meeting fans, I won't post the remainder of his outfit, as he asked me and others not to. But I will say, it's really cool!"
Gatwa was pictured wearing a white T-shirt but the rest of his outfit was reportedly a new addition to his growing Doctor Who wardrobe, which has been kept under wraps. He's already been sighted in a variety of costumes, though, including a suit straight out of the 1960s and full Regency Era clothing.
Another familiar face was seen leaving the Sherman Theatre and the BBC soon confirmed that a much-loved star from the show's classic era was set for a return. EastEnders and theatre star Bonnie Langford, who played Mel Bush alongside Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy in the 1980s, will reprise her role in the new series.
She said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing Melanie Bush back. To be part of the exceptional cast, crew, and production team led by the force of nature that is Russell T Davies is a career highlight. I’m so privileged and proud to have been a member of the Doctor Who family since the classic era and to be included in the new generation is phenomenal."
Showrunner Russell T Davies added: "Open those Tardis doors wide because Bonnie’s back! What an honour, delight, and hoot to welcome back the character of Melanie after too long away. And this isn’t just a cameo – Bonnie is right in the thick of the action, battling monsters and chaos and cliffhangers, right at the Doctor's side, just like the old days."
Doctor Who returns in November 2023 with three episodes starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate after which Ncuti Gatwa's first episode as the 15th Doctor will air over the festive period. Although Langford was seen on set for a Ncuti Gatwa episode it's unclear whether she'll be returning a bit earlier for the 2023 specials.
Fans had previously spotted a set for a helipad on the backlot of Wolf Studios in Cardiff where much of the series it filmed. It featured the logo of fictional military organisation UNIT, which has featured in the series in decades past.
The backdrop of the photo announcing Langford's return seemed to match up with this set, leading to speculation her character might have become a UNIT operative since her brief cameo in Jodie Whittaker's final episode. Fans will have to wait until the series returns to find out.
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