Ncuti Gatwa confesses one huge regret about Doctor Who role
Ncuti Gatwa has confessed his biggest regret on Doctor Who, two months after his two-season run in the iconic role came to an end. The Sex Education star secured the part of the 15th doctor in the beloved BBC sci-fi show but decided to walk away after just 18 months amid low viewing figures and a lack of hype around the series.
The 32-year-old claimed he was leaving Doctor Who because he was 'getting old'. Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg, he said: "My body was tired. It takes a lot out of you. Physically, emotionally, mentally. It was time."
The Rwandan-Scottish actor also admitted that he has some regrets about his time in the coveted role. On Wednesday's episode of The One Show, when quizzed by Alex Jones, he confessed he wishes he could have met the Doctor's most insidious enemies.
He said: "I never got to fight a Dalek or a Cyberman. Just the crux of Doctor Who. Yeah, so… Might do that… Might go fight a Dalek".
In the final episode of Doctor Who, which was aired on May 31 by Disney and the BBC, fans were left gobsmacked after Ncuti regenerated into an unexpected form that no one saw coming.
The 15th doctor transformed into Billie Piper, who played the Doctor's assistant Rose Tyler between 2005 and 2010 alongside David Tennant.
Whether she is the 16th Doctor or not has not been confirmed, the Metro reports.
In a press release after the regeneration, the BBC said: "Just how and why she [Billie Piper] is back remains to be seen…"
Billie teased that fans would just have to "wait and see" what she does next.
Many noted that in the credits for the final episode, The Reality War, where Billie made the unexpected return, the actress was not credited as the Doctor as in all other cases, but simply: 'Introducing Billie Piper'.
So it could be possible that Billie is returning in a smaller capacity.
She told The Independent in 2024: "I wouldn't go back as a full-time thing, but I'd love to make another appearance."
Meanwhile, in a statement announcing his exit, Ncuti - who is the first Doctor since Christopher Eccleston to act in fewer than three seasons - said: "You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it."
He added: "There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe."
Gatwa thanked fans for making it a 'touching experience', adding: '"I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have.
"'ll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor."
Ncuti made it known he was keen to fight a Dalek as he previously told Entertainment Weekly early doors: "What on earth would be the point of me being Doctor Who if I never fight the Daleks?"
Despite this, the famous villains never showed up on screen during his short tenure and neither did Cybermen and the Master.
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While the next series of Doctor Who has not officially been confirmed, it's been reported that the BBC will continue on with the series regardless of whether Disney are up for future collaborations or not.
This came after rumours that Disney could be withdrawing its partnership due to low viewing figures.
However, fans will be reassured to know that showrunner Russell T Davies has reportedly already planned the next two seasons, with scripts for season 16 almost finished and the 17th season in the works.
The One Show airs every weekday at 7pm.
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