Ncuti Gatwa confirmed to be returning for Sex Education season four

Words: Alastair James; pictures: BBC and Netflix

Since the announcement that Ncuti Gatwa would be taking over the role of Doctor Who, there has been concern among Sex Education fans about whether the actor would be returning for season four.

Thankfully, we can put that worry to rest now as it has been confirmed that he will indeed be back as Eric Effiong. 

Photo: Netflix

Variety confirmed the news on Wednesday (3 August) that Ncuti will be filming for the new season of Netflix’s Sex Education in the autumn, while Doctor Who is said to be filming in Cardiff currently. 

The news will be further relief to Sex Education fans following a number of the cast announcing that they won’t be returning to the series. 

First, there was Patricia Allison who played Ola Nyman in the first three seasons. She said in July that, “some other little things, some other opportunities have come up,” and thus she is bidding adieu to the show.

This was shortly followed by Tanya Reynolds, who played Ola’s love interest, Lily Iglehart. She said that Lily’s story was wrapped up at the end of season three and so “she’s got no loose ends to tie up, she had quite a happy ending.”

On Tuesday (2 August) Rakhee Thakra, who played teacher Emily Sands announced she wouldn’t be returning as well saying, “I’m not part of the new series. I can’t really talk about why.”

We also know that Simone Ashley, who played Olivia Hanan, has moved her focus to her other Netflix job, Bridgerton.

However, a source has reportedly told Variety that Sex Education‘s fourth season will “see a mixture of old and new exciting faces” as the Moordale Secondary School alumni seek an alternative place to study – and romp – after the school lost its funding and was sold to developers. 

Ncuti Gatwa will also be seen, alongside his Sex Education co-star Emma Mackey (Maeve) in the upcoming Barbie movie helmed by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

The Attitude September/October issue is out now.