Sex Education Star Ncuti Gatwa Is The Next Doctor

The Rwandan-Scottish actor will be the next iteration of the Time Lord replacing actress Jodi Mitchell

Ncuti Gatwa will be the next Doctor of the long-running British Science fiction series. Known for portraying Eric Effiong on the Netflix acclaimed series Sex Education, in which he won a Scottish BAFTA award for best actor, the actor will be next in line for the titular role in Doctor Who.

“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,” Gatwa said regarding his new role on the BBC’s Doctor Who website.

“I will endeavour my upmost to do the same.  Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and 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. 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.”

At the end of 2022, Gatwa will be taking on the role of the fourteenth doctor. A groundbreaking achievement, the actor will be the first black Doctor in the series’ longstanding nearly 60-year history.

Though Gatwa portrays an openly gay character on Sex Education, the actor has never expressed their own sexual identity publically. So whether or not they’ll be the first openly LGBTQI+ portrayal of the Doctor is a matter up for debate.

The new Doctor also comes with the return of showrunner Russell T Davies. Who left the series in 2010. A popular showrunner credited with revitalizing the series, Davies’ tenure coincided with the run of fan-favorite Doctor, actor David Tennant.

Regarding Ncuti Gatwa’s casting, Davies adds: “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. 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!”

Doctor Who will return in the Autumn of 2022. It will coincide with the Centenary special for the BBC, celebrating 100 years of the broadcaster’s existence.