It's one of the most anticipated TV announcements whenever it happens – the changing of the guard at Doctor Who, when blue smoke emerging from the top of the TARDIS can only mean one thing: a worker has left a lit cigarette on... No, sorry, we have a new Doctor! And in this case, it's another exciting choice as Sex Education standout Ncuti Gatwa will be dashing about the space/time continuum.
The Beeb made the announcement relatively quietly, without resorting to a special TV show. Yet it's exciting news for what it represents in the role and because Gatwa has proved to be a true talent on Sex Education and elsewhere.
“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," says Russell T. Davies, who is returning to run the show for the first time since he re-launched it in 2005 and then handed over stewardship to Steven Moffat in 2010. "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!"
The 29-year-old Gatwa (who surely already proved his Time Lord credentials by credibly portraying a teenager) was also excited to get the job: "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," he says. "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. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show."
Gatwa will take over the job next year following Jodie Whittaker's departure later in 2022, when current show-runner Chris Chibnall also leaves. Before that, there will be another season of Sex Education to enjoy, as well as the actor showing up on the big screen in Barbie, on 21 July next year.