New Doctor Who star finally revealed

The new Time Lord in the iconic series has been chosen – with a surprising star set to take over from Jodie Whittaker.

Ncuti Gatwa will take over from Jodie Whittaker as the Time Lord in Doctor Who, the BBC has announced.

Doctor Who’s Twitter account shared the news of the Sex Education star’s casting on Sunday, writing: “The future is here! Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor.”

One excited fan replied to the tweet: “I CAN’T FREAKING BELIEVE IT! Eric from Sex Education is the Doctor!”

Another responded: “Called it. The fourteenth Doctor was gonna be an actor who is not very well known.

“Looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table!”

The future is here! Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor. ❤️❤️➕🟦 #DoctorWhopic.twitter.com/eIidVFAx7u

— BBC (@BBC) May 8, 2022

Ncuti, 29, is best known for playing Eric Effiong in Sex Education, for which he was awarded Best Actor Award at the Scottish BAFTA’s in 2020, reports The Sun.

He will be the first black actor to take the continuing role of the doctor after actress Jo Martin appeared in the 13th series as an alternative version of the Time Lord in an episode with Whittaker.

Speaking of his new role, Ncuti 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.”

Jodie Whittaker is stepping down as The Doctor. Picture: BBC

He continued: “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,” he said.

“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.”

Ncuti also shared the news with his 2.6 million Instagram followers on Sunday.

He posted a photo of two red hearts above a plus sign and a blue square, with show runner Davies writing beneath the snap: “The future is here.”

Ncuti was born in Rwanda and raised in Scotland. He started acting in 2014.

In 2016 he played Demetrius in the production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakespeare’s Globe, before being cast in Netflix’s Sex Education in 2018.

Gatwa as Eric Effiong in Sex Education. Picture: Netflix

Davies said of finding Ncuti: “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,” he said.

“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!”

Whittaker announced in July she would be leaving the role, saying: “In 2017 I opened my glorious gift box of size 13 shoes.

“I could not have guessed the brilliant adventures, worlds and wonders I was to see in them.

“My heart is so full of love for this show, for the team who make it, for the fans who watch it and for what it has brought to my life.

“And I cannot thank Chris [Chibnall, executive producer] enough for entrusting me with his incredible stories. We knew that we wanted to ride this wave side-by-side, and pass on the baton together.

“So here we are, weeks away from wrapping on the best job I have ever had. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to express what this role has given me. I will carry the Doctor and the lessons I’ve learnt forever.

“I know change can be scary and none of us know what’s out there. That’s why we keep looking. Travel hopefully. The Universe will surprise you. Constantly.”

The star joined the cast of Doctor Who back in 2017 after being cast by Chibnall, taking over from Peter Capaldi, who played the Doctor from 2013 to 2017.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission