The announcement of a new Doctor Who is up there with Britain’s most talked about casting decisions, alongside roles such as James Bond. On Sunday, the BBC announced the role would be taken up by Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa, best known for playing Eric Effiong in Netflix’s Sex Education. Here’s why we think he’s the perfect choice.
1. His comedic presence
It’s no secret that Ncuti Gatwa knows how to drop a comedic one-liner. You can’t think about Sex Education without hearing “Wash your hands, you detty pig!” Gatwa’s character Eric is a fan favourite due to his quirky sense of humour. It will be interesting to see him bring this into a new role, along with seeing a more serious side of the actor.
2. He blew Russel T Davies away with his audition
Russell T Davies, Dr Who supremo and producer, revealed that Gatwa was actually the last person to audition, and they already had someone else in mind, but he stole the show. On the official Doctor Who website, 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.”
3. He’s the first black actor to play the role as series lead
He will be the first black actor to ever play the series lead and that is huge in terms of representation. Following on from the first female Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, this casting is a much needed step in diversifying the media. Iconic shows such as Doctor Who need representation like this.
4. He will make the show new and exciting again
This casting has got people excited about Doctor Who again, similarly to when Jodie Whittaker was announced as the first female Doctor. In last year’s New Year’s Eve special, Doctor Who received historically low ratings. Gatwa will be a breath of fresh air, as well as being among the youngest Doctors.
5. He will bring a whole new audience
Finally, the casting of Gatwa will bring a whole new audience to Doctor Who. Gatwa has an established fanbase that consists mainly of young people who may have never seen the show before. It will bring around a whole group who, otherwise, may never have tuned in.