Sethu will play the Doctor’s companion, alongside Millie Gibson (Coronation Street), who will be returning to play fellow companion Ruby Sunday. Gibson made her debut in the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas Special ‘The Church on Ruby Road’.

Gatwa and Gibson’s second season of Doctor Who will be the 15th series since the sci-fi staple was revived in 2005. However, Gatwa and Gibson’s first series – which sees the return of the revival’s original showrunner, Russell T Davies – will officially be known as ‘season one’.

“I feel like the luckiest person in the world. It is such an honour to be a part of the Whoniverse, and I'm so grateful to the whole Doctor Who family – because that is what they are – for welcoming me with open arms and making me feel so at home,” said Sethu. “I couldn’t ask for a better team than Ncuti and Millie to be on this adventure with, this is so much fun!”

The second season of Doctor Who will air in 2025. The first two episodes of the first season will be available in the UK on BBC iPlayer from 00.00am on 11 May 2024. They will then air on BBC One during primetime later that day.

Outside the UK, the first season begins streaming on 10 May at 7.00pm ET, meaning the series will launch at the same time across the world.