News broke today, thanks to the official Doctor Who Twitter account, that the new Doctor is here, and it’s Ncuti Gatwa! The Sex Education star was announced as the 14th Doctor for the hit BBC series and joins a long legacy of actors to take on the role.
It is news that has, truly, made me jump out of bed and scream because Gatwa is so incredible on Sex Education, and I just know he’s going to bring that talent and energy to Doctor Who to make it completely his own!
Gatwa is clearly excited to be taking on the role, saying, “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. 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.”
Returning showrunner Russell T. Davies also had something to say about Gatwa’s casting: “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!”
The Legacy of Doctor Who
This is the kind of show that we’re now getting actors who grew up with the reboot series (that began in 2005) joining the cast, and it’s exciting to see! Gatwa is on the young end of the recent wave of Doctors, being the second-youngest after Matt Smith (who was 26 years old when he was cast as the 11th Doctor). And so, Gatwa is joining a storied history of actors, and just in time for the 60th anniversary of the show. It’s going to be exciting to see how Gatwa takes on the role and what sort of look his Doctor has, but this is a wonderful choice for the Doctor, and having a powerhouse like Gatwa on the show is exactly what it needs!
Ncuti Gatwa IS the Doctor, and if you’ve watched Sex Education, you know how brilliant that’s going to be!
(image: Netflix)
