BBC has revealed Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will star as the next Doctor in sci-fi series Doctor Who.
The 29-year-old actor is best known for his role as Eric Effiong in hit Netflix series Sex Education.
Gatwa will take over the role from Jodie Whittaker who first picked up the sonic screwdriver in 2017.
Whittaker was the first woman to take on the role and Gatwa will be the first non-white Doctor (excluding Jo Martin's guest role as a mysterious earlier incarnation of the Time Lord).
Reflecting on his upcoming role, Gatwa stated: "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.
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"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."
Gatwa noted how Russell T Davies - who is returning to Doctor Who as a showrunner - is 'almost as iconic as the Doctor himself'.
He said: "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.
"The entire team have been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show. And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family.
"Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show."
Addressing the casting decision, Davies 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.
"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."
The showrunner, who will be succeeding Chris Chibnall, acknowledged that fans are likely 'dying to know more,' but that the team is 'rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie's epic finale yet to come'.
Davies added: "But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular."
Chief content officer, Charlotte Moore, concluded: "Ncuti has an incredible dynamism, he’s a striking and fearless young actor whose talent and energy will set the world alight and take Doctor Who on extraordinary adventures under Russell T Davies’ new era."
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Topics: Film and TV, Sex Education
Poppy Bilderbeck