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"Sex Education" Star Ncuti Gatwa Is Your New "Doctor Who"

“The future is here and it’s Ncuti!" said showrunner Russell T. Davies.

Strap yourself in and hold on tight because there's about to be a new Time Lord behind the wheel of the TARDIS.

This past weekend the BBC announced that Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will be the next actor to take on the iconic role of the Doctor on Doctor Who when the new season premieres in 2023. Gatwa will be the 14th actor and first Black man to portray the iconic character. He is taking over for Jodie Whittaker, who played the role for three seasons and was the series' first female doctor.

“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," Gatwa said in a statement. "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 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," the Rwandan-Scottish actor continued. "Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show.”

Doctor Who first premiered back in 1963 and ran until 1989 when it was canceled by the BBC. Thanks to showrunner — and Doctor Who superfan — Russell T. Davies (It's a Sin, Queer as Folk), the series received newfound popularity when it was revived in 2005. Davies stepped away from the sc-fi series in 2009, but he is returning to helm the series in time for the show's 60th anniversary next year.

“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," Davies said when Gatwa's casting was announced. "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!”

Gatwa is most known to international audiences for playing gay student Eric Effiong on Netflix's Sex Education — which has already been renewed for a fourth season — and he will make his debut as the new Time Lord in 2023.

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