All eyes are on Ncuti (Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for BFI)
Jodie Whittaker’s final outing as Doctor Who airs tonight – with Ncuti Gatwa taking on the iconic role.
The exciting announcement was teased by returning Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies and the actor on Instagram, with a post featuring two heart emojis, a plus symbol and a blue square.
Speaking about the beloved role, Ncuti said: ‘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 upmost to do the same.’
But where have you seen the exciting young actor before?
Here’s everything you need to know.
How old is Ncuti Gatwa?
Ncuti studied acting in Scotland (Picture: Getty)
Ncuti is 30-years-old and was born in Rwanda, but was raised in Scotland where he studied acting.
Although the star’s most recent casting makes him the first black actor to play the role as the series lead, there was a point where Ncuti considered giving up acting.
Speaking to BAFTA at an online event last year, Ncuti explained that as a young star on the rise, he was running out of money and energy as the ruthless audition circuit took his toll, causing him to second guess his desire to act.
He explained: ‘I was about to give up acting, because I just came out of a really long spell of not working. I mean, in theatre, you can’t really save that much money when you live in London. And so I was like, “I’ve not got any money, honey. I need to go home!”
Well, look at him now!
What else has Ncuti Gatwa starred in?
Ncuti also has a lead role in Netflix’s Sex Education (Picture: Sam Taylor/Netflix)
Fans may recognise Ncuti from Netflix’s hit drama Sex Education, where he plays the quick-witted Eric Effiong.
Eric’s adorable friendship with Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield) won viewers over as well as Eric’s sassy one-liners.
‘You should wash your hands, you detty pig!’ A phrase that lives in our minds rent-free.
Otis and Eric’s friendship is everything in the series (Picture: Netflix)
The popular programme- which also stars Gillian Anderson, Emma Mackey and Aimee Lou Wood -confirmed that the show was renewed for a fourth season at its Tudum fan event last year, by dropping a short clip in the style of a ‘Moordale News’ broadcast.
‘IT’S COMING!!! Sex Education has been renewed for Season 4!’ the announcement said.
The 30-year-old has played an extra in the 2014 sitcom Bob Servant. He then played the role of Timidius in Horrible Histories: The Movie.
As well as acting, Ncuti also has experience in theatre where he performed in many major productions including a stint as Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakespeare’s Globe in London.
He’s also set to appear in the 2023’s upcoming Barbie movie – starring Margot Robbie and directed by Greta Gerwig.
Doctor Who airs tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One.
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