Doctor Who has found its next Doctor. The BBC has officially announced that Ncuti Gatwa will play the Fourteenth Doctor and will succeed as Jodie Whittaker's replacement when she leaves the series this year. Gatwa is best known for his role as Eric Effiong on the acclaimed Netflix series Sex Education, which has earned him a slew of awards including a BAFTA Scotland award for Best Actor in Television. He has released a statement acknowledging his new role as the Fourteenth Doctor, which you can read below.
“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. 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.”
Previously, it was announced that showrunner Chris Chibnall would also be departing Doctor Who alongside Whittaker. This opened the door for the return of Russell T Davies to take back control of the TARDIS, returning as series showrunner. Davies revived Doctor Who with Christopher Eccleston in 2005 and later worked with David Tennant before leaving the series in 2010. Davies has also spoken out about his return to the franchise which will see him and Gatwa bringing the Fourteenth Doctor to life.
“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 honor 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!”
An additional statement from Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore reads:
“Ncuti has an incredible dynamism, he’s a striking and fearless young actor whose talent and energy will set the world alight and take Doctor Who on extraordinary adventures under Russell T Davies’ new era."
Doctor Who Says Goodbye to Jodie Whittaker
Jodie Whittaker succeed Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor in 2017, becoming the first woman to take on the role. It was announced last year that she would be wrapping up her run after three seasons. Showrunner Chris Chibnall, who had joined Doctor Who with Whittaker, said in a statement at the time that their plan from the start was to do three seasons before moving on together.
"Jodie and I made a 'three series and out' pact with each other at the start of this once-in-a-lifetime blast. So now our shift is done, and we're handing back the Tardis keys. Jodie's magnificent, iconic Doctor has exceeded all our high expectations. She's been the gold standard leading actor, shouldering the responsibility of being the first female Doctor with style, strength, warmth, generosity and humour. She captured the public imagination and continues to inspire adoration around the world, as well as from everyone on the production. I can't imagine working with a more inspiring Doctor - so I'm not going to!"
Jodie Whittaker's exit, and Ncuti Gatwa's introduction, will happen with a trio of Doctor Who specials expected to arrive later this year.