What Did Ncuti Gatwa Say After Being Announced as the New Time Lord in ‘Doctor Who’?

Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa who became prominent in the Netflix comedy-drama “Sex Education,” has been announced as the 14th Time Lord in the science fiction “Doctor Who.”

The “Sex Education” actor was announced by the BBC as the new actor to fit in the role of “Doctor Who” after Jodie Whittaker. Gatwa will be the first black actor to play the role of “Doctor Who” after Jo Martin, who made a short appearance in a previous edition as a reincarnation of “Doctor Who.”

He was at the BAFTA awards, where he was nominated for his role as Eric Effiong in “Sex Education” in the Best Male Performance category.

Ncuti Gatwa attends The BRIT Awards 2019, London, England. | Source: Getty Images

WHO IS NCUTI GATWA?

Gatwa had his first break in “Sex Education” where he acted the character of the much loved Eric Effiong, the best friend of Otis Milburn. He was nominated and has received three BAFTA awards and a BAFTA Scotland award for this role.

The 29-year-old actor was born in Kigali, Rwanda, but his family fled the country during the genocide and raised him in Edinburgh and Dunfermline in Scotland.

The 5fts 8inches tall actor is mightier than he looks as he has starred in a couple of movies apart from “Sex Education” that gave him his first break.

Gatwa has been busy and starred in several movies, including the British sitcom “Bob’s Servant,” the 2019 movie “Horrible Histories” and recently, in 2021, “Rotten Humans.” Gatwa studied acting in the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and, in later years, majored in theatre.

WHAT DID NCUTI GATWA SAY ABOUT HIS NEW FAMOUS ROLE AS THE DOCTOR?

The official announcement of the new “Doctor Who” lead, named Gatwa as the new series lead after Whittaker, had everyone agog. Gatwa said in a statement that:

“I am deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared.”

He further explained that he proposed to uphold the uniqueness of this character just as his predecessors did.

Gatwa remarked on the supportive nature of the team and, with their help, hopes to do justice to the role. The time-traveling actor was all smiling on the red carpet when he spoke to the BBC. He said:

“It feels really amazing. It’s a true honour. This role is an institution and it’s so iconic.”

The actor, who will make his debut in 2023, remarked that: “I feel very grateful to have had the baton handed over and I’m going to try to do my best.”

“Doctor Who’s” showrunner, Russel T. Davies, commented on the performance of Gatwa when he came for the audition and how the makers of Doctor Who felt lucky to have him. Apparently, they had picked their lead role until Gatwa came and stole the show. He said:

“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.”

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE 14TH SEASON OF DOCTOR WHO

Since its creation, “Doctor Who” has had three different showrunners: Russel Davies, Steven Moffat, and Chris Chibnall.

There have also been five regenerations of “Doctor Who.” Whittaker, who has been the latest regeneration of “Doctor Who,” announced in July 2021 that she would be leaving.

Whittaker’s regeneration story will be aired in July 2022, which will be a part of BBC’s centenary celebrations, and then she will leave the floor for the 14th regeneration of “Doctor Who.”

Davies is also set to return as showrunner for “Doctor Who” to celebrate his 60th anniversary in 2023. The award-winning TV legend will succeed Chris Chibnall, who will be leaving this year.

Davies is responsible for the relaunch of “Doctor Who” and its massive success in recent years. Amongst the new development in “Doctor Who” production is that they will be down to Wolf studios, and new faces will feature in this new season.

Fans and lovers of “Doctor Who” are counting down to the release of the 14th episode, and we are hopeful it will be mind-blowing.

Anomama