The Doctor is In: New Doctor Who Announced

Ncuti Gatwa, a star of Netflix’s Sex Education, has officially been announced as the next Doctor, replacing Jodie Whitaker after three seasons. He will be the first black man to headline and the fourteenth Doctor overall (though more than fourteen actors have played the titular role if you include John Hurt’s War Doctor, Jo Martin’s Fugitive Doctor, and the various versions of the Doctor we briefly saw in The Timeless Children).

Regarding his casting, Gatwa said:

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 utmost 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 has 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.

Information on Gatwa’s companions has yet to be announced. Whitaker began her journey with three companions, Graham O’Brien (Bradley Walsh), Ryan Sinclair (Tosin Cole), and Yasmin “Yaz” Khan (Mandip Gill). Graham and Ryan departed after two seasons and Dan Lewis (John Bishop) joined them.

Whitaker’s final episode will air in Autumn 2022. Companions old and new will be joining the Doctor on her final adventure before regenerating – Ace (Sophie Aldred), Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding), UNIT officer Kate Stewart (Jemma Redgrave), Inston-Vee Vinder (Jacob Anderson), Yaz, and Dan. Old, classic villains will return, including the Daleks, Cybermen, and the Master (currently played by Sacha Dhawan).

Watch the trailer for her final adventure:

Photo: Ncuti Gatwa as Sam Taylor on Sex Education. Courtesy of Netflix.