Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa is named the next Doctor Who
"It's been tricky trying to keep this under wraps, because I've got a big mouth," the Sex Education standout has said.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Attitude
The BBC has named Sex Education‘s Ncuti Gatwa as the next Doctor Who.
It was announced on Sunday (8 May) that the Sex Education stand-out would take over the eponymous time-travelling Doctor following current Time Lord, Jodie Whittaker.
Gatwa, 29, will be the 14th Time Lord and the first man of colour to inhabit the role. He will start in the role in 2023.
“I feel very grateful”
He told the broadcaster at the 2022 Virgin Media BAFTA awards on Sunday: “It feels really amazing. It’s a true honour. This role is an institution and it’s so iconic.”
“I feel very grateful to have had the baton handed over and I’m going to try to do my best,” he added. He also said: the role “means a lot to so many people, including myself”.
Showrunner, Russell T. Davies, said: “It was our last audition. It was our very last one.”
“We thought we had someone, and then in he came and stole it. I’m properly, properly thrilled. It’s going to be a blazing future.”
The two shared a snapshot on the red carpet at the BAFTAs.
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Gatwa, who had been nominated for best male performance in a comedy programme for his role in Sex Education was applauded as he graced the stage to present the BAFTA for best-scripted comedy.
Gatwa came to prominence as the unapologetically queer, trombone-playing Eric Effiong in Netflix’s Sex Education.
The Attitude May/June issue is out now.
