Ncuti Gatwa is best known for playing the hilarious Eric Effiong in Sex Education and won the Comedy Performance – Male award at the 2020 RTS Programme Awards. 

Gatwa will take over from Jodie Whittaker as the 14^th doctor and will be the first black actor to play the role. 

Russell T Davies will return to act as showrunner for the next series, which will no longer be produced in house by the BBC, but by Bad Wolf Productions. 

Ncuti Gatwa commented: “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.”

Davies praised Gatwa for dazzling everyone and seizing hold of the doctor, adding, “the future is here and it’s Ncuti.”