Sex Education's Ncuti Gatwa announced as the new Doctor Who

Ncuti will take over from Jodie Whittaker

Author: Hazel ScottPublished 9th May 2022
Last updated 9th May 2022

Jodie Whittaker has been in the role of Doctor Who since 2017, but following the announcement in July last year that she would be leaving, fans of the show have been guessing who the next actor to step into the role might be.

Well, we finally have answers! It was recently announced that Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will become the 14th Doctor, with bosses confirming the news on Sunday 8th May.

The news was announced with a social media post from the official Doctor Who Twitter account which said: 'The future is here! Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor'.

Following on from a long list of talented actors, including Peter Capaldi, Matt Smith, David Tennant, and Christopher Eccleston in the more recent series and William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann in the original series, Ncuti will be the 14th Time Lord.

Commenting on his new role, Ncuti 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. I will endeavour my utmost to do the same."

Showrunner Russel T. Davies, who is returning to the show in 2023, also commented on the 29-year-old actor joining the series: "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!"

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29-year-old Ncuti, who was born in Rwanda, has appeared as Eric Effiong in popular Netflix show Sex Education since 2019.

Although no dates have been confirmed just yet, Ncuti is expected to appear as Doctor Who in a special episode to celebrate the BBC's centenary this year, before taking on the role for the brand new series.

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