(UTV | AFRICA) – The 29-year-old Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa, has scored the role of the Fourteenth Doctor in the next iteration of “Doctor Who”.
Gatwa takes over from Jodie Whittaker who will pass the torch to him when her Thirteenth Doctor regenerates in her final special later this year.
With her departure, showrunner Chris Chibnall is also exiting and Gatwa will work alongside the return of Christopher Eccelston and David Tennant-era “Doctor Who” showrunner Russell T Davies.
In a statement on the official “Doctor Who” website, Gatwa says:
“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. 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.”
”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.”
Gatwa will be the first Black actor to play one of the main incarnations of The Doctor, though Black actress Jo Martin has appeared as a version over several episodes. Davies also offered a statement:
“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. I’m sure you’re dying to know more, but we’re rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie’s epic finale yet to come. But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!”
Gatwa will soon be seen in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming “Barbie” movie and Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks’ “Masters of the Air” mini-series.
Gatwa will make his debut as the Fourteenth Doctor in “Doctor Who” season 14 which is set to premiere some time in 2023.
“I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show” Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor ❤️❤️➕🟦
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— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) May 8, 2022