Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa on why the series matters for ‘marginalised people’: 'It’s about unity’

Virgin Radio

26 Oct 2022, 10:25

Incoming Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa has spoken about the importance of shows like Doctor Who, and why his casting matters to ‘marginalised people.’

On Sunday (23rd October), Jodie Whittaker bid farewell to her turn as the famous Time Lord, with former Doctor, David Tennant, regenerating in her place. 

We’ve got a little while to go before we see Ncuti pick up the mantle, but he’s already made history by becoming the first Black actor to play the famous Doctor. 

The impact of that is not lost on Ncuti, who appeared at a lunch event hosted by the BBC and Disney ahead of his takeover in 2023. 

On the massive importance of not just his role but also of the series for the legions of fans worldwide, Ncuti told Deadline: “My mouth gets paralysed by the concept of playing this role."

The Sex Education star added that the roots of the long-running series “are so deep in British culture and the fabric of British-ness that as a Rwandan immigrant to the country, it feels just really powerful.”

Ncuti also recognised that the series matters “for people of color, for marginalized people who really gravitate towards the show because it’s about friendship and it’s about adventure and it’s about union and unity.”

Not only that, but a Doctor who can regenerate into anyone, or anything, means the “possibilities are endless,” as Ncuti put it, which makes Doctor Who “extremely cool.”

Outgoing Jodie recently shared her one and only piece of advice as she handed over the Sonic Screwdriver. 

Speaking to GamesRadar about hanging up her time-travelling boots, Whittaker shared how Ncuti should make the role his own, saying: “It’s yours for the taking. I’m certainly not giving that phenomenal actor any advice! He doesn’t need it from me: It’s yours to own, and you’ve earned it.”

Meanwhile, fans can expect to see David Tennant return as the 14th Doctor for three new episodes, set to air in November. 

Chatting to BBC News, Tennant said: “What a lovely, lovely thing to get to revisit something that was such a wonderful, happy, significant time in my life.”

Catherine Tate, who played former companion Donna Noble, will also be returning.

The Power of the Doctor is available on BBC iPlayer.