“There aren’t exactly words that can describe how I feel. A mixture of deeply honored, more than excited and, of course, a little scared,” Gatwa said in a BBC press release.
“This role and show means so much to many around the world, including me, and each of my incredibly talented predecessors carried that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will strive to do the same.”
Whittaker became the first woman to play the Doctor when she was named Mistress of Time traveling by TARDIS in 2017. Last July, the BBC said it would retire from the show – leaving, as she put it, “the best job” she had ever had – after season 13.
Gatwa, who was nominated for Best Male Performance in a Comedy Program at this year’s BAFTA Awards, will now become the show’s 14th Doctor.
So far, he is best known for his role as Eric Effiong in “Sex Education,” a fictional series that follows students seeking advice from an underground sex therapy clinic at school. Gatwa was awarded the Best Actor Award at the Scottish BAFTA Awards 2020 for his role in the film “Sex Education”.
“Doctor Who” host Russell T Davies said in a press release: “Sometimes talent goes through the door and it’s so bright, brave and brilliant, that I just stand in fear and thank my lucky stars.
“Ncuti blinded us, grabbed the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in a second.”
The new generation of doctors included Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi.