Ncuti Gatwa made his first appearance as Doctor Who in Newport on Tuesday, just days after bidding an emotional farewell to former show Sex Education.
The actor was accompanied by time-travelling sidekick Millie Gibson, another new addition to the long-running show, while filming festive scenes for his first episode, which is expected to air over Christmas.
Emerging from the Tardis into a desolate churchyard, Gatwa, 30, stayed true to the Timelord’s flamboyant dress code in sweeping red leather trench coat as he joined Gibson between takes.
The actor was unveiled as the 15th Doctor on the popular sci-fi show in May 2022 after Jodie Whittaker confirmed her departure from the role.
Gatwa is the first black actor to take on the leading role as The Doctor, after Whittaker made history as the first permanent female Time Lord in 2017.
Here he is: Ncuti Gatwa made his first appearance as Doctor Who on Tuesday, just days after bidding an emotional farewell to former show Sex Education (pictured with Millie Gibson)
Coming soon: The actor was filming festive scenes for his first episode, which is expected to air over Christmas
An arresting sight: Emerging from the Tardis into a desolate churchyard, Gatwa stayed true to the Timelord’s flamboyant dress code in sweeping red leather trench coat
Jo Martin played the first black incarnation of the Time Lord in a January 2020 episode, Future of the Judoon, as Ruth Clayton, but Gatwa is the first black Doctor to be cast as the series lead.
The Scottish actor, who was born in Rwanda, rose to fame as Eric Effiong in hugely popular Netflix series Sex Education about socially awkward high school student Otis (Asa Butterfield) and his sex therapist mother Jean (Gillian Anderson).
In his first interview since the announcement was made, he said: ‘I’ve known since February. It’s been tricky keeping this under wraps because I’ve got a very big mouth. We did it.
‘It feels amazing, this role is an institution and it’s so iconic and means so much to so many people, including myself.
‘It makes everyone feel seen. I’m very grateful to have the baton handed over and I’m going to try and do my best.’
Stepping in: The actor was unveiled as the 15th Doctor on the popular sci-fi show in May 2022 after Jodie Whittaker confirmed her departure from the role
Groundbreaking: Gatwa is the first black actor to take on the leading role as The Doctor, after Whittaker made history as the first permanent female Time Lord in 2017
Leading the way: Jo Martin played the first black incarnation of the Time Lord in a January 2020 episode, Future of the Judoon, as Ruth Clayton, but Gatwa is the first black Doctor to be cast as the series lead
Gather round: Gatwa and Gibson were surrounded by a large production team as they waited for their scenes
The announcement of the new Doctor was originally teased by showrunner Russel T. Davies and Gatwa on Instagram, with a post featuring two heart emojis, a plus symbol and a blue square.
Gatwa previously admitted he was ‘deeply honoured’ and ‘beyond excited’, but admitted that he was also a ‘little bit scared’ to join the franchise.
He told the BBC: ‘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.’
He added: ‘The entire team have been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show. And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family.
Looking the part: Gatwa appeared to be focused as he readied himself for another take
Say a little prayer: The actor was filmed standing in a church doorway during the outdoor shoot in Newport
Banter: At one point he was seen laughing and joking with Gibson while waiting for cameras to roll on Tuesday
Delighted: ‘It feels amazing, this role is an institution and it’s so iconic and means so much to so many people, including myself,’ Gatwa recently said of his new role
Action! As cameras rolled he was seen racing through a graveyard during the location shoot
Exciting: The new scenes are expected to air over Christmas, when Gatwa makes his debut as the Timelord
Moving on: The actor recently confirmed that season four of the hit show Sex Education will be his last.
Gatwa recently confirmed that season four of the hit show Sex Education will be his last.
The actor, who stars as Eric Effiong on the show, shared a picture on Instagram from his trailer as he spent his very last day on set.
In a moving post, he wrote: ‘Last day. Last time. Bye bubs, thank you for all the lessons and for all the strength.’
Gatwa will play the 15th Doctor with his first episode airing over the festive period later this year.
‘Thank you for the lessons’: Gatwa confirmed last week that season four is his last on Sex Education as he shared a picture from his final day on set (pictured on the show)
Farewell: He also shared an Instagram story and wrote: ‘Goodbye forever baby boy. Thank you for all you taught me’
