Ncuti Gatwa Is The 14th Doctor

Ncuti Gatwa (pronounced Shoo-ti Gat-wah) was announced Sunday morning as the 14th Doctor. The announcement was made via a small bit of teasing by returning Russell T Davies, Ncuti himself, and former Doctor Who stars such as Georgia Tennant via social channels. The post featuring two heart emojis, a plus, and a blue square all but confirmed the announcement ahead of the official press release. An hour later after social media accounts surrounding the show began spreading the news, the BBC would later confirm it via its press office and through social media accounts.

The future is here! Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor. ❤️❤️➕🟦 #DoctorWho

Read more here ➡️ https://t.co/KoxPmoNAdL pic.twitter.com/peKsH6gCjI

— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) May 8, 2022

Gatwa is best known for his role in the Netflix comedy-drama series Sex Education, playing the generally beloved and notably gay Eric Efiong. More recently, he may be known as Valentin Manzi in EA’s later GRID game, GRID Legends, where he plays a rival in story mode and default teammate during single-player. Born in Nyarugenge, Rwanda, Gatwa will be the first non-UK-born actor to take up the role, though escaping the Rwandan genocide of 1994 (when Gatwa was 2) Gatwa’s family settled in Scotland. Being raised and educated in Scotland from an early age, this makes him the fourth Scottish actor to take up the role following McCoy, Tennant, and Capaldi. He also ties Peter Davison in second place at being 29 when announced for the role, behind Matt Smith (26).

On the announcement, 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 mean 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 utmost to do the same.”

Gatwa went on to say about Russell’s return as well: “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 has been so welcoming[,] and truly give their hearts to the show.” Closing his statements with: “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.”

“The future is here[,] and it is Ncuti!” said returning showrunner Russell T Davies. “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!”

Of course, that was not the end of it. Social media spread the news, and both Ncuti and Russell made an appearance in public ahead of the BAFTAs Sunday night in the UK. Once again Ncuti talked about the disbelief and the joy of the reveal after being cast way back in February of this year. Davies is about to make his return to the show after a 13-year break to create hit shows such as Channel 4, E4, and All 4 shows Cucumber, Banana, and Tofu about 21st-century gay life with the latter being a documentary on such topics. He also worked on BBC One’s Years and Years, where he began a working relationship with Lydia West. West would go on to star alongside Olly Alexander in the hit show about the 80s response to HIV, It’s a Sin.

Personally, I am excited to see what both can produce on November 23rd, 2023, though I am just as excited to see what comes of our next announcement. We have our Doctor, but we don’t have our companion just yet, with many speculating that Davies would rely on Lydia West for another role. Thus far Davies hasn’t misstepped with the casting in my book, in this run or his prior run, so I can’t wait, especially when he casts Russell Tovey as the Doctor’s gay lover. Those that have read The Writer’s Tale or even skimmed it, know how much Russell fancies Russell (you know which one) and I don’t think any of us could blame him.

With a new casting in Doctor Who, no less the casting of the Doctor, it has of course sparked conversation and shouting online. Anywhere you look, you find comments asking “Who?,” predominantly to be antagonistic. Some even call the show “WOKE!!!” despite being led by women, gay men, and immigrants from the beginning with stories on climate catastrophes, struggles with change, race supremacy, and more.

These topics show up often with the stance that those are destructive or immoral. Nonetheless, in the last 24-hours, I’ve read enough comments of: “A Black man, cast as a British character?” As if a portion of the population of not only Britain (England and Wales), Great Britain (which includes Scotland), Europe, and even the world may include young Black men and women. People who see themselves in Ncuti, in the Doctor, now.