The Rwandan actor will take the mantle from Jodie Whitaker who announced her departure as the Thirteenth Doctor in the beloved series in 2021.
Ncuti Gatwa is best known for Netflix’s smash hit Sex Education in which he plays Eric Effiong. The character became a fan favourite thanks to Gatwa’s impeccable comic timing and quick wit. The actor teased his casting as the Fourteenth Doctor just hours before the announcement at the BAFTA TV Awards by posting two emoji hearts, a plus sign and a blue box on Instagram.
Also returning to the series is Russell T. Davies, the man behind Doctor Who’s global success and renaissance in 2005. Davies now returns as showrunner after leaving the Tardis behind in 2009 and fans can surely expect great things from the creator who also brought us shows such as It’s A Sin and Queer As Folk.
Doctor Who has enjoyed cult favourite status but Jodie Whitaker’s casting as the Doctor was met with plenty of backlash and controversy, some accusing the BBC of being “too woke” for hiring a woman. Gatwa’s casting might bring on similar accusations, but it also seems to be a much needed step forward in terms of equal and fair representation.
Fans will have to wait at least a year for the new series to air, with Doctor Who scheduled to air some time in 2023, but fans can familiarise themselves with Gatwa’s work in Sex Education, which is currently streaming on Netflix. Gatwa is also scheduled to appear in the hit show’s fourth season, but no details of a possible air date are available.
