David Tennant fiercely defends Ncuti Gatwa amid cruel Doctor Who 'backlash'

Daily Record

19-05-2025

Ncuti Gatwa has been fiercely defended by former Doctor Who star David Tennant amidst the criticism that he and his fellow cast members have faced for their roles in the iconic series. Scots actor David, who played the role of the 10th Doctor from 2005 to 2010 and made a sensational return as the 14th Doctor in 2023, has been vocal in criticising internet trolls who have poked fun at the actors after him who have since acquired the esteemed BBC part.
It's common for new actors stepping into the Time Lord's shoes to encounter doubts, and David himself was not exempt from initial scepticism before his portrayal of the Doctor indefinitely won viewer's hearts. However, his successors, particularly in this era of widespread social media influence, tend to endure more intense and relentless criticism.
Speaking to The Guardian, David addressed rumours about him replacing Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti and reflected on his lasting impact as the Doctor. During the interview, he was asked if he feels an urge to defend those who followed him, especially Jodie Whittaker and Ncuti, from hostility, the Express reports.
He stated: "These debates – and it's not even a debate, it's a small clutch of people shouting very loudly, amplified by certain elements of the press – are not reflective of what most people feel. Things become ludicrously disproportionate, and end up being unnecessarily cruel."
This is not the first time the 54-year-old has voiced his concerns on significant matters.
He has also openly supported the transgender community against recent hostile campaigns directed at them.
He remarked: "That's what the trans debate seems to have become. Most people don't give a s***. I genuinely believe most people just want to let people be themselves.
"All they're doing is making a tiny portion of society who have a really tough time anyway have an even tougher time."
His co-star Ncuti, 32, was initially set to represent the UK as the Eurovision spokesperson but was substituted by Sophie Ellis-Bextor due to "due to unforeseen circumstances".
The 2025 Eurovision finale was held in Basel in Switzerland and saw Austrian singer JJ, who sang Wasted Love take home the trophy.
Ahead of Saturday night's Eurovision show, the sixth episode of Ncuti's second series as Doctor Who aired at 7pm on the BBC.
In the run-up to this fresh series, Ncuti spoke to The Big Issue about how the show delves into current social debates.
Expressing his views to the publication, he said: "Doctor Who works so well and has done for so many years because it is reflective of the problems we face in our time and potentially in our future.
"That's part of what attracted me to the show in the first place. Russell (series creator Russell T Davies) is very politically and socially aware and has always infused the scripts with that. It is the nature of the show to be a soundboard to life around us.
"Alongside the entertainment, we are tackling the big talking points in society. This show is a beacon of learning and exploration.
"I'm really happy and proud to be part of a show that talks about these big issues. And it is done with such compassion to all parties."