Doctor Who fans rejoice, we finally know the identity of Fourteen. After months of speculation the BBC has confirmed the identity of the actor who will be taking on the Tardis after Jodie Whittaker exits the role later this year.
After the threat of leaks, the BBC went ahead and confirmed that Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will be taking over the role. Gatwa was quick to take to social media and tease the upcoming announcement with returning showrunner Russel T. Davies teasing a bright future ahead for the long-running series.
Star of stage and screen, Ncuti is best known for his critically acclaimed performance in Sex Education as the iconic Eric Effiong, for which he was awarded Best Actor Award at the Scottish BAFTA’s in 2020 as well as numerous nominations including Best Male Performance in a comedy programme at this year’s BAFTA’s.
“There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling,” said Gatwa in a statement. “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.”
Russell T. Davies, Showrunner adds: “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 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!”
Doctor Who returns to screens later in 2022 with a feature-length episode celebrating the centenary of the BBC. That episode is expected to include the regeneration of Whittaker’s thirteenth Doctor.
