by Thinus Ferreira
The BBC has announced that actor Ncuti Gatwa (29) is taking over from Jodie Whittaker as the 14th Doctor in its Doctor Who British science fiction series, making him the first black actor in the history of the role.
The Scottish actor who was born in Rwanda, is known for his role as Eric Effiong in the Netflix series Sex Education and is replacing Jodie Whittaker who took the role in 2017.
In a press statement from the BBC, Ncuti 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 utmost to do the same.”
He says showrunner “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.”
In the press release Russell T Davies says “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!”
Charlotte Moore, BBC chief content officer, says “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.”
South African viewers are unable to watch Doctor Who.
South African viewers used to watch Doctor Who on BBC Studios Africa’s BBC Entertainment channel on MultiChoice’s DStv, then the BBC First and BBC Brit channels, and then suddenly in a non-sensical move to MultiChoice’s video streaming service Showmax for its 10th and 11th seasons, after which Showmax dumped Doctor Who.
Doctor Who isn’t available on the BBC’s streaming service Britbox, neither is it available on Netflix SA.