Ncuti Gatwa has officially been tapped as the newest Doctor Who on the long running show of the same name.
He’s taking over the role from current lead Jodie Whittaker, whose final Doctor Who story is set to air in late 2022 as part of the 100th anniversary of the BBC.
“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,” Gatwa said in a statement released by the BBC. “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. Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true. His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent and fizzing with danger. An actor’s metaphorical playground.”
Gatwa will presumably, as per with usual tradition, make his debut as the Doctor at the climax of that episode during the 13th Doctor’s regeneration, before making is full debut as the Doctor in 2023 under new, returning showrunner Russel T. Davies.
“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,” Davis said in a statement. “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.”
Doctor Who is set to return to BBC One and BBC America later this year.