Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa confirmed as new Doctor in Doctor Who

The BBC has confirmed that Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will be the 14th Doctor after Jodie Whittaker’s departure. 

The broadcaster announced on Sunday (8 May) that Gatwa – who played Eric, an openly gay black teen, in Sex Education – will be the next reincarnation of the iconic Time Lord after Whittaker leaves the series. 

Gatwa said that there “aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling” after it was confirmed that he would be the next Time Lord. 

“A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared,” Gatwa said. 

“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.”  

While he said it was “daunting” to take on the larger-than-life role, Gatwa said he was “joining a really supportive family”. 

“Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show,” he added. 

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies described how Gatwa “dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds”. 

“The future is here and it’s Ncuti!” Davies said. “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.”

He added that the Doctor Who team was “rationing ourselves for now” so won’t be dropping too many hints about the 14th Doctor as the show is still gearing up for “the wonderful Jodie’s epic finale”. But he promised that “2023 will be spectacular”.

Fans took to social media to share their excitement that the Sex Education star will be the next Doctor.

The Legacy Of The Doctor#DoctorWho #ncutigatwa pic.twitter.com/6ItQ5eAT3t

— Jacob (@okeechoBree) May 8, 2022

Ncuti Gatwa is the next doctor !!!!!!

Someone help, I love him ❤️