If Sex Education is anything to go by, Ncuti Gatwa will dazzle as the next Doctor Who

No longer is playing the Time Lord with two hearts the sole preserve of white, male actors, writes Harriet Williamson

Gatwa is best known for his role as Eric Effiong in ‘Sex Education’ (Getty)

Sex Education has given us so much. We owe the Netflix show for Simone Ashley’s star turn in the second series of Bridgerton, for Jim Howick who co-created, co-wrote and warmed our hearts as the adorable Pat in Ghosts, and for giving us what the people really want – which is more Gillian Anderson.

Gillian in a jumpsuit. Gillian in a kimono. Gillian peering over her glasses, schooling us about masturbation and female pleasure. Gillian, if you’re reading this – I love you. Anyway, back to it.

Sex Education is one of those shows that I’ll ruin for whoever’s watching with me by announcing throughout that I wish it had been around when I was a yoof. And now, it has gifted us the next Doctor Who, in the form of Ncuti Gatwa.

Gatwa is best known for his role as Eric Effiong in Sex Education – a gay teenager from a religious Ghanaian-Nigerian family. At no point is Eric relegated to the two-dimensional status of “gay best friend” – he’s not a sounding board for straight characters as they whinge about their love lives, with no inner world of his own. Eric is hilarious and heartbreaking, his character has real depth and his storylines are among the most important and most interesting in the show.

And how could they not be, when Gatwa shines in every single scene he’s part of – threatening to eclipse the other actors. He’s a delight to watch, and if Sex Education is anything to go by, Gatwa will be funny, heartwarming and crackling with energy as the 14th Doctor.

Gatwa’s casting also makes him the first Black actor to play the title role full-time. No longer is playing the Time Lord with two hearts the sole preserve of white, male actors – and the casting of Jodie Whittaker, who has enjoyed three seasons as the 13th Doctor, was also a step forward in this regard.

To keep up to speed with all the latest opinions and comment, sign up to our free weekly Voices Dispatches newsletter by clicking here

The Doctor’s intergalactic antics are enjoyed by kids (and adults) of all genders and ethnicities, and the changing faces of titular character should reflect this. Also, the Doctor is a made up alien being who periodically regenerates, so they can look however the writers want them to.

We’ve got lots to look forward to with Gatwa – I think the best is still to come.

Yours,

Harriet Williamson

Voices commissioning editor