New Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa cracks adorable joke with Sex Education co-star at BAFTAs
Ncuti Gatwa at the BAFTA TV Awards. (Getty)
New Doctor Who lead Ncuti Gatwa made a huge splash at the BAFTA TV Awards.
Gatwa took to the stage with his Sex Education co-star Aimee Lou Wood just hours after he was announced as the Fourteenth Doctor.
Presenting the award for Best Scripted Comedy, Wood began a “knock knock” joke, ending with the punchline, “Doctor? Who!” to which the crowd erupted in cheers.
What a classic x#DoctorWho #BAFTAS pic.twitter.com/vXH89MVROI
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Ncuti Gatwa will take over from Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor, it was confirmed Sunday (8 May).
The 29-year-old, who plays Eric in Sex Education, will be the first Black actor to lead the show. He is the second Black Doctor after Jo Martin, who plays the Fugitive Doctor.
Speaking to the BBC on the BAFTA red carpet, Gatwa said it was tricky keeping the news to himself because “I’ve got a very big mouth”.
“It feels really amazing. It’s a true honour. This role is an institution and it’s so iconic,” he said. “It makes everyone feel seen as well, it’s something that everyone can enjoy.”
He added that he “cannot pick” a favourite former Doctor, and that he’ll try to “do my own thing” with the role.
It’s A Sin writer Russell T Davies, who will be returning as Doctor Who’s showrunner after leaving the show in 2009, 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. 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!”
He added on the BAFTA red carpet: “Jodie’s still the Doctor. We love Jodie, we spoke to her yesterday. She’s so happy about this, but we’re going to keep quiet. It’s all going to happen in 2023.”
Gatwa will make his first appearance at the end of Jodie Whittaker’s swansong later this year.
