Jodie Whittaker is stepping away from her role in Doctor Who, and we finally know who’ll step into the TARDIS once she’s gone. Ncuti Gatwa will be the next Time Lord, making history as the first black actor to play the iconic role.
Gatwa got his big break playing Eric Effiong on Netflix teen drama Sex Education and he received three nods for the BAFTA Television Awards for his role in this series. He’ll play the fourteenth incarnation of the Doctor in the beloved sci-fi show, following in the footsteps of Whittaker, Peter Capaldi, Matt Smith, and David Tennant.
Gatwa said he feels “honored, beyond excited and a little bit scared” to become the next Doctor, adding it’s a dream come true to work with Russell T Davies, who revived the iconic show and brought it into the 21st century.
“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 endeavor my upmost to do the same,” stated Gatwa.
Davies is set to return as showrunner as Doctor Who celebrates its 60th anniversary next year. The first episodes of the new season are expected to air in November 2023 with Gatwa playing the titular role.
