'Doctor Who': 'Sex Education' star Ncuti Gatwa revealed as 14th Doctor

Ncuti Gatwa will be the new star of Doctor Who after Jodie Whittaker departs the role. (FilmMagic)
Ncuti Gatwa will be the new star of Doctor Who after Jodie Whittaker departs the role. (FilmMagic) (FilmMagic)

Ncuti Gatwa, who plays Eric on Netflix show Sex Education, has been announced as the new star of Doctor Who.

Gatwa will become the first Black actor to play the Doctor full-time, after Jo Martin's appearances as the Fugitive Doctor in recent years.

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On Sunday afternoon, Gatwa and new Doctor Who boss Russell T. Davies both shared an image featuring a pair of heart emojis and a blue square, representing the Time Lord's two hearts and TARDIS.

Returning showrunner Davies commented on Gatwa's post with the words "the future is here" before sharing it himself.

The BBC has now issued a formal announcement, confirming that Gatwa will take over when Jodie Whittaker relinquishes the keys to the TARDIS later this year.

Gatwa has previously been best known for his standout performances as Eric — the best friend of Asa Butterfield's protagonist in the Netflix series Sex Education.

Read more: Ncuti Gatwa stars in Sex Education season three

Reacting to his Doctor Who casting, Gatwa 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 upmost to do the same.

Ncuti Gatwa stars alongside Asa Butterfield in Netflix series Sex Education. (Jon Hall/Netflix)
Ncuti Gatwa stars alongside Asa Butterfield in Netflix series Sex Education. (Jon Hall/Netflix) (Jon Hall/Netflix)

"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.”

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Davies added that Gatwa will be "so bright and bold and brilliant" when he takes over the role, becoming the 14th Doctor.

He said: "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."

Russell T. Davies is set to return as Doctor Who showrunner, more than a decade after he stepped down from the revived series. (SFX Magazine/Future/Getty)
Russell T. Davies is set to return as Doctor Who showrunner, more than a decade after he stepped down from the revived series. (SFX Magazine/Future/Getty) (Future via Getty Images)

Jodie Whittaker is set to wave farewell to Doctor Who later this year, with a final episode around the BBC's centenary celebrations during which fans will see her regeneration scene.

Whittaker took on the role in 2017 and has spent three seasons as the Doctor, overseen by showrunner Chris Chibnall, who will depart alongside her.

Read more: Doctor Who producer teases "feature-length epic" for Whittaker finale

Gatwa's casting brings an end to months of speculation as to who could follow Whittaker, with It's a Sin actor Olly Alexander a frequent target of casting rumours.

One dramatic bit of speculation even suggested that Davies could bring back former Doctor David Tennant to reprise his role.

Watch: Teaser trailer for Jodie Whittaker's Doctor Who farewell

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