Ncuti Gatwa, star of ‘Sex Education’, will be the first black Doctor Who – National | The Canadian News

Ncuti Gatwa will take over from Jodie Whittaker in “Doctor Who,” the BBC announced on Sunday, ending speculation about the iconic Time Lord’s upcoming regeneration.

“Sometimes talent walks in the door and it’s so bright, bold and brilliant, that I stand in awe and thank my lucky stars,” showrunner Russell T Davies said in the broadcaster’s statement. “Ncuti dazzled us, seized the Doctor and had the keys to the TARDIS in seconds.”

Gatwa, whose first name is pronounced ‘SHOO-tee, currently stars in Netflix’s high school comedy-drama “Sex Education” as the effervescent Eric Effiong, who is openly gay but from a very religious family.

The Rwandan-born, Scottish-raised Gatwa, 29, will be the first black actor to direct the quintessential British sci-fi show, but he won’t be the first black Doctor: Jo Martin has played the “Fugitive Doctor” in several episodes. . .

Whittaker became the 13th Doctor, and the first woman to play the alien Time Lord who jumps from core galaxies and regenerates into new bodies, in 2017, when he replaced Peter Capaldi. Her last episode of “Doctor Who” is expected to air later this year.

The original run of “Doctor Who” spanned from 1963 to 1989. Since the show was revived in 2005, the Doctor has been portrayed by Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant and Matt Smith, in addition to Capaldi and Whittaker. Other stars, such as Karen Gillan and Billie Piper, have made a name for themselves on the show as the “partner” of the Doctor.

“This role and show means so much to so many people around the world, including myself, and each of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will do my best to do the same,” the statement quoted Gatwa, who described his emotions as “a mix of deeply honored, beyond excited, and of course a little scared.”

As well as seeing the start of Gatwa’s tenure, the coming year also marks Davies’ return to “Doctor Who” after more than a decade of absence.

“Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and to be able to work with him is a dream come true,” said Gatwa.

The writer-producer ran the reboot until 2009 and has worked on shows like “A Very English Scandal” and “It’s A Sin” in the meantime. He promises a “spectacular” 2023.

“Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart, but I’m giving it my all to this show,” Gatwa added.