Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa announced as new Doctor Who

The names touted as potential candidates for the next incarnation of Doctor Who had been many and varied.

No one had predicted it would be Ncuti Gatwa. But in the hours following the announcement that the Scottish actor would become the next Time Lord, fans expressed delight at the curveball, as the actor vowed to put his own stamp on the “iconic” role.

Gatwa, who was born in Rwanda and is best known for his portrayal as gay student Eric Effiong in Netflix hit Sex Education, will be the 14th Doctor and first black man to take on the coveted role.

He takes over from Jodie Whitakker, the first female Doctor, whose tenure ends this autumn, following mixed reviews.

“There aren't quite the words to describe how I'm feeling,” he said. “A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared.”

Gatwa will be the fourth Scottish actor to play the Doctor, following in the footsteps of Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi.

His role in Sex Education means he is likely to bring a new generation of fans to the show, which celebrates its 60th anniversary next year.

Its very future might rest on it. Doctor Who has haemorrhaged viewers in recent years, amid criticism of “gibberish” plots, dense backstories and PC agenda.

Critics noted that Gatwa’s popularity with the TikTok generation and his portrayal of Effiong in one of television’s most successful LGBTQ storylines could help breathe new life into the format.

The involvement of writer Russell T Davies, who returns to the show after a 13-year hiatus, could also revive its fortunes.

Davies, who won huge praise for his Channel 4 HIV/AIDS drama It’s a Sin, was responsible for the show’s triumphant reboot in 2005.

The BBC announcement about the next Time Lord sparked debate about whether Gatwa could be hailed the first black Doctor, with some fans pointing out that Jo Martin played an incarnation of the character in three episodes spanning the 12th and 13th series.

Regardless, the news was warmly received by critics and fans alike, who variously hailed it a “brilliant piece of casting” and “big news… for anybody interested in our changing cultural landscape”.

Appearing on the BAFTA red carpet shortly after it was confirmed, Gatwa said he was relieved he no longer had to keep it a secret, having been cast in February.

“It feels really amazing,” he said. “It’s a true honour. This role is an institution, it’s so iconic, and it means a lot to so many people, including myself.

“It makes everyone feel seen as well, something that everyone can enjoy. So I feel very very grateful to have the baton handed over and I’m going to try and do my best.”

Asked if he had a favourite former Doctor, Gatwa was diplomatic, insisting they were “all amazing” but added: “I’m definitely going to do my own thing.”

The actor teased fans just ahead of the announcement on Sunday with an Instagram post featuring two heart emojis, a plus symbol and a blue square, sending his followers into a tailspin.

Davies assuaged any doubts when he wrote alongside it: “The future is here.”

The writer, who joined Gatwa on the red carpet, revealed that someone else had all but nailed the role until he came in and snatched it away with “the most blazing” audition.