“There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling”
Sex Education star, Ncuti Gatwa is confirmed as the new Doctor Who and will become the 14th Time Lord.
The BBC made the announcement on Sunday afternoon.
The future is here! Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor. ❤️❤️➕🟦 #DoctorWho
Read more here ➡️ https://t.co/KoxPmoNAdL pic.twitter.com/peKsH6gCjI
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) May 8, 2022
The actor is best known for playing Eric Effiong in the hit Netflix series. He will take over from Jodie Whittaker to play the next Doctor.
“There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling,” the 29-year-old actor said in a statement.
“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.”
Gatwa said Russell T Davies, the programme’s showrunner, is “almost as iconic as the Doctor himself” and that 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,” he added.
“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’s acting has already been widely acclaimed – by viewers and critics alike. His performance in Sex Education won him the Best Actor Award at the Scottish BAFTAs in 2020, as well as multiple nominations including Best Male Performance in a Comedy at the BAFTAs this year.
The actor has previously starred in films including The Last Letter From Your Lover (2021) and Stonemouth (2015). He will soon be seen on cinema screens again in the new Barbie film alongside his Sex Education co-stars Emma Mackey (who played Maeve Wiley) and Connor Swindells (who played Adam Groff). It is due to come out in 2023.
Speaking about the new Doctor Who, Russell T Davies said: “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… 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!”
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