Ncuti Gatwa described his “honour” while on the Bafta TV Awards red carpet
(Picture: REUTERS)Jodie Whittaker’s replacement has been confirmed, with the announcement Ncuti Gatwa will become the 14th Doctor.
Whittaker was the first woman to take the full-time role of the Doctor, and her appearance in the BBC’s centenary episode of the show in October will be her last.
The Doctor’s regeneration will see 29-year-old Gatwa enter the show – becoming the first black actor to play the Time Lord full-time.
He might be new to some BBC viewers, but viewers of Netflix’s Sex Education will be very familiar with his character Eric, thus appealing to younger fans, both existing and new.
Russell T Davies, who is returning as showrunner following his 2009 departure, explained the casting: “I think when you cast the Doctor you cast for potential. I can see him for years exploring the part and taking it somewhere new. That’s what I felt. I felt in my heart that we can go anywhere with this.”
Gatwa says the role of the Doctor offers escapism for viewers who are open to a leap of the imagination: “I feel like anyone can put themselves in those shoes. The Doctor is not from anywhere.
“They don’t fit in anywhere and I think for marginalised people they have been a real beacon of feeling seen in a way.”
What do you think about the new Doctor Who? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below for the chance to be featured on the ES website.
