Doctor Who: Russell T Davies says Ncuti Gatwa’s ‘completely new’ Doctor is ‘so good’

Virgin Radio

4 Apr 2023, 13:00

Fresh from having been named the most powerful person on British TV, the new star of Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa, has received praise from showrunner Russell T Davies.  

The actor, who topped the new RadioTimes.com TV 100 power list, is set to play the protagonist of the long-running BBC sci-fi series. He will step into the TARDIS as the Fifteenth Doctor following three specials later this year with David Tennant's as the Fourteenth Doctor. Jodie Whittaker portrayed the character’s 13th incarnation. 

Returning boss Davies has spoken to RadioTimes.com about new episodes of the show, saying: "Sometimes you know you've got a secret. And you hold it close to your chest and let it burn, because secrets are so delicious.”

He added: "I've got that right now, because my secret is seeing Ncuti with Millie Gibson on the rushes of Doctor Who, every single day, and oh my God, this is so good!"

Speaking about what we can expect from the Sex Education star, he continued: "I can promise you a completely new Doctor, and yet a Doctor utterly faithful to the 60 years that came before. Soon, the secret will be out, and we'll all be dancing!"

Corrie’s Millie Gibson will portray new character Ruby Sunday, and two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race winner, Jinkx Monsoon, will appear in a major role in the new series.

In a statement, Davies enthused: “In a galaxy of comets and supernovas, here comes the biggest star of all. Jinkx Monsoon is on a collision course with the TARDIS, and Doctor Who will never be the same again!”

Jinkx Monsoon added: “I’m honoured, thrilled, and utterly excited to join Doctor Who! Russell T Davies is a visionary and a brilliant writer - I can’t wait to get into the weeds with him and the crew! I hope there’s room in the TARDIS for my luggage.”

At a special screening of new show Dreamland in London last week, former Doctor Who star Freema Agyeman spoke to virginradio.co.uk about whether she would ever return as her character, Martha Jones. “I mean, the good thing is I didn't die," she laughed. "So there's always a chance.” Read what else she had to say about Doctor Who here.

Doctor Who returns later in 2023 on BBC One. Ncuti Gatwa’s first episode as the Fifteenth Doctor is set to air over the festive period.