‘Sex Education’ Actor Ncuti Gatwa Has Been Confirmed As The Next ‘Doctor Who’

It’s happening Doctor Who fans! After months of speculation, we finally have a brand new Doctor. As announced by the BBC, Sex Education actor Ncuti Gatwa will become the new star of Doctor Who, following on from Jodie Whittaker.

The 29-year-old actor is best known for portraying Eric Effiong on Netflix’s hit show Sex Education which he has starred in since the show debuted in 2019. Gatwa is also slated to appear in Margot Robbie’s upcoming Barbie film which is currently in production and has an expected release date of 2023.

If you haven't yet experienced Doctor Who: The Edge of Reality, you really should. Check out the trailer for this gem below.

Gatwa will become the fourteenth actor to portray the famous Doctor in the BBC’s long-running science fiction series. He’s also the first black actor to take on the leading role of the Time Lord.

Speaking of his new role, Gatwa said, “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.”

He went on, “I will endeavour my utmost 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.”

Gatwa follows on from Jodie Whittaker who became the first female Doctor in 2017. Whittaker made her debut appearance in that year’s Christmas special ‘Twice Upon A Time.’ Whittaker most recently appeared in season thirteen, known as Flux. As the series drew to a close, Whittaker’s Doctor was warned that her time was nearing an end, sending fans into a frenzy as to who would replace Whittaker in the role.

It’s also been confirmed that writer Russell T Davies - also known for creating Queer As Folk and It’s A Sin - will return to Doctor Who as showrunner during the upcoming fourteenth season. Davies departed the series in 2009 but has long-remained a fan-favourite after spearheading the series’ 00s revival.

Speaking on his return, Davies said, “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.”

It was previously announced that Whittaker will make her exit in a trio of specials scheduled to air later this year, culminating in a blockbuster episode as a part of the BBC’s centenary celebrations. Gatwa could well make his first appearance in this and already, I can’t contain my excitement.