Ncuti Gatwa of Sex Education will be Doctor Who's 14th Time Lord

Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa has been chosen to play the 14th Doctor in the next Doctor Who series. Known for his breakthrough role as Eric Effiong on the Netflix hit, he will take over the role from Jodie Whittaker to play the eponymous Doctor.

In a statement to BBC he said that the prospect of working with Davies was a dream come true: "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," he admitted.

"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 utmost to do the same."

After much speculation, the casting was finally revealed yesterday on Twitter. The announcement had a surprising lack of ceremony compared to previous Doctor previews - a source of disappointment and confusion to some fans. Nevertheless, an outpouring of support has risen to celebrate the young actor's success.

"Ncuti has an incredible dynamism, he's a striking and fearless young actor whose talent and energy will set the world alight and take Doctor Who on extraordinary adventures under Russell T. Davies' new era," says BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore.

“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." says returning show-runner Russell T. Davies.

"It was our last audition. It was our very last one," the producer said, "We thought we had someone, and then in he came and stole it."

Davies will be returning as the programme’s show-runner after his 2009 departure.

In his ground-breaking and memorable Sex Education performance - Ncuti brought to light the struggles of intersectionality in being both African and homosexual in a small English town. This role happened to mirror his own life story as an immigrant growing up in Scotland. While a date hasn't been announced, Sex Education will return for a fourth and purportedly final series.

His supporting role earned him three BAFTA nominations in a row - one for each season of the acclaimed TV show. In 2020 he was awarded Best Actor Award at the Scottish BAFTA’s.

While famed for his performance as a high schooler, the Rwandan-Scottish actor is actually 29 years old. While still a rising actor - his charisma and flair for fashion have earned him 2.6 million instagram followers. The BBC expects that his presence will bring in a new audience to the long running show.

Ncuti will be taking over the mantle from Jodie Whittaker this winter during the annual Christmas/New Years Special. Whittaker, who took the role in 2017, was the first female version of the famed character. Now, Gatwa will not only be the first person of colour as the Doctor, but also the first openly-gay star.

The future is here! Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor. ❤️❤️➕🟦 #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/eIidVFAx7u

— BBC (@BBC) May 8, 2022