Summary
Seventh Doctor companion actor Sophie Aldred explains why Ncuti Gatwa’s upcoming Doctor Who era is significant. The Sex Education star will take the keys to the TARDIS in the show’s 60th anniversary celebrations before going on to lead his first seasonal special during the holidays. Gatwa’s first full season will be Doctor Who season 14, and it will air in 2024.
Speaking to RadioTimes ahead of Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary, Aldred revealed that Gatwa’s casting on the show has already left a profound impact on her. The Seventh Doctor era star explained that her own son expressed interest in watching the series following Gatwa’s casting announcement, showing how the actor has already drawn in a new generation of fans. Check out Aldred’s full answer below:
“He’s gonna be such a brilliant Doctor. He’s just got everything, he’s just amazing. And also, when it was announced that he was going to be the new Doctor, my son, who’s gay and a drag queen, came running downstairs and said, ‘Mum, I’m going to start watching Doctor Who now,’ because he’s not watched it, he’s not been that fussed.
“And I just think it’s brilliant, all these amazing casting choices that Russell T Davies is making. So, I think we’re just gonna have a whole new generation and a whole new fanbase for Doctor Who, which is very, very exciting. So, yeah, I’m thrilled to see how it’s gonna go.”
Ncuti Gatwa’s New Doctor Who Era Is A Bright Future For The Franchise
While Gatwa’s new era of Doctor Who is appealing to established viewers due to the returns of celebrated former creatives, it is undeniable that it is also opening the door for newcomers. With his award-winning role as Eric Effiong in Sex Education and his appearance in the summer box office hit Barbie, Gatwa is a rising star who has already created anticipation for his Fifteenth Doctor. Furthermore, Gatwa’s casting marks a significant moment in Doctor Who history, as he becomes the first Black actor to lead the series.
Doctor Who season 14 has also attracted attention for its potential handling of queer characters and topics. Davies’ previous work both within Doctor Who and beyond have featured topics surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community, and Gatwa himself came out publicly as queer in an interview this year. It is also believed trans Heartstopper star Yasmin Finney will appear in season 14, reprising her role of Rose Temple-Noble from the show’s 60th anniversary. With members of the LGBTQIA+ community at the forefront of Doctor Who both behind and in front of the camera, the show will hopefully feature a welcoming and inclusive world of adventures going forward.
Between eye-catching costumes, an all-star line-up of guest appearances, and a celebrated actor leading the show, the future of Doctor Who is incredibly bright and already receiving much attention. Aldred’s son’s reaction is one shared by many, who for the first time could see an accessible point to jump into the series. With viewers both new and old eager to jump into the Time Vortex alongside Gatwa’s new Doctor, the actor’s first adventure is sure to be one of 2023’s most highly anticipated TV moments.
Source: RadioTimes
