Who Is Ncuti Gatwa? Meet the New ‘Doctor Who’ Star

Ncuti Gatwa is set to be the first person of color to play the lead role in the new "Doctor Who" after taking over from Jodie Whitaker; here is everything we know about him and why the creators thought he was a suitable choice.

BBC has announced that Ncuti Gatwa, who is best known for playing Eric in "Sex Education," will take over from Jodie Whittaker as the star of "Doctor Who," making him the first person of color to play the lead role.

The 29-year-old actor told BBC News that such an opportunity makes him feel amazing because, according to him, the role is an institution and is very iconic.

In a statement he made on the red carpet just before the BAFTA award ceremony, which was held on Sunday, Gatwa said that the lead role in the "Doctor Who" franchise was an endearing one that means the world to many people, including himself.

Gatwa, nominated at the BAFTA TV awards for his role in Sex Education on Sunday, will reportedly make his debut as "Doctor Who" in 2023.

The talented actor was given a chance to become the time lord by showrunner Russell T Davies who was blown away by his "blazing" performance at the audition. According to the producer/writer:

"It was our last audition. It was our very last one. We thought we had someone, and then he came and stole it."

After the audition was concluded, the producer declared that he was very thrilled and could see a "blazing" future ahead with Gatwa starring in the long-running franchise.

WHO IS NCUTI GATWA, THE NEW "DOCTOR WHO" STAR?

Ncuti Gatwa secured fame with his character Eric Effiong on "Sex Education," which began in 2019. However, very few know that this talented actor had been living on the streets and spending most nights on his friend's couches just five months before.

Although "Sex Education's" lead was Otis, Gatwa, who played his gay best friend, somehow managed to draw a lot of attention with his near-perfect embodiment of Eric Effiong, making him a one-hit-wonder among teens and even the young adults who loved the series.

Thanks to Gatwa and the rest of the acting crew, "Sex Education" has remained among the ranks of the most popular shows on Netflix. His role as Eric has helped him amass many fans who adore his boundless energy and infective joy.

HOW OLD IS GATWA, AND WHERE IS HE FROM?

Gatwa is currently 28-years-old and was born in Rwanda on October 15, 1992, but he moved to Scotland with his family at the age of two to avoid the 1994 genocide. Then, when he got older, he immigrated to the UK, where he started acting in theatres.

IS NCUTI GATWA ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

Thanks to the exposure his role as Eric provided him, Gatwa now has over two million loyal followers on Instagram.

He is very active on social media and is known for sharing photos that capture him impeccably dressed, an ode to his progress so far in life.

FANS REACT TO NCUTI GATWA BEING CAST AS "DOCTOR WHO"

Since news of him securing the lead role on "Doctor Who" went viral, fans have taken to social media to express their satisfaction. One user on Twitter wrote:

"Ncuti Gatwa is the 14th doctor, oh my god. What a guy."

A second user echoed the sentiment, writing: "Congratulations Ncuti Gatwa - you're brilliant in Sex Ed, and I'm sure you'll make a great Doctor."

It is believed his involvement with the show will attract a younger crowd, and so far, many have implied that they will give the show a chance just because of him.