The new “Doctor Who” has been unveiled, and it’s “Sex Education” star Ncuti Gatwa, happens to the first Black man to play the lead title role, following Jodie Whittaker, who was the first female doctor on the long-running British series. The BBC confirmed Gatwa’s casting on Sunday.
The 29 Rwandan-Scottish actor broke out in Netflix comedy series “Sex Education” where he plays Eric Effiong, best friend to Otis, the show’s leading character, Asa Butterfield. His performance went on to win him a BAFTA for Best Actor, along with a number of nominations. He represented the BAFTA for scripted comedy at Sunday’s ceremony, and received a loud round of applause as he walks on stage. He has already won a Scottish BAFTA and a Rose d’Or Award for Sex Education. He has also appeared in BBC adaptation of lain Banks’ novel Stonemouth, and the 2021 film The Last Letter from Your Lover. Gatwa moved to Sctland as a toddler when his family fled the Rwandan geneocide, and was at one point homelss before finding his big break as an actor.
According to Ncuti Gatwa, “It feels really amazing. It’s a true honor. This role is an institution and it’s so iconic.” Speaking on BAFTA TV Awards red carpet, where he was nominated for Sex Education, He added, the role of the Doctor, means a lot to so many people, including myself, and so it makes everyone feel seen as well. It’s something that everyone can enjoy, so I feel very grateful to have had the baton handed over and I’m going to try to do my best. There aren’t quiet the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honored, beyond excited, and of course, a little bit scared, unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show.”
Ncuti Gatwa is the new Doctor in “Doctor Who”. He will portray the 14th Doctor, replacing Jodie Whittaker, who announced her departure last July after three seasons on the show. Production on the new season of “Doctor Who” will begin this year.
Fans of both the show and the star celebrated the news on twitter and on instagram; The writer and producer 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.”
“Nucti 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” said BBC Charlotte Moore.
I am overflowing with happiness. Ncuti makes all of our days brighter on set with his boundless enthusiasm and radiant energy. This could not happen to a better human being PERIOD. THE DOCTOR IS IN!!!!!!!!!!
Others including Sex Education co-star Aimee Lou Wood, who said on the BAFTAs red carpet: “Obviously it’s just the best news in the world ever and he deserves it more than anyone.”
This article was contributed to AcheampongMagazine
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