Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa breaks silence on exit and Eurovision controversy
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa revealed the real reason for his exit from the long-running BBC series. He admitted it was because "I'm getting old and my body was tired".
The 32-year-old Scots actor, who shot to fame as Eric Effiong in Netflix's Sex Education, embodied the role of the famous time lord across two series following his debut in a 60th anniversary special alongside the 10th and 14th versions of the Doctor, David Tennant.
During his farewell episode as the 15th Doctor back in May earlier this year, he appeared to be replaced by former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper when his character underwent regeneration, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
Speaking to the BBC 's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, Ncuti explained: "I'm getting old, and my body was tired... and I've now just started doing some ballet, so I'm making really great decisions.
"It's the most amazing job in the world, a job that any actor would dream of and – because it's so good – it's strenuous. It takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally, and so it was time."
When questioned about a potential return to the programme, he playfully hinted: "Never say never," meaning fans could see him grace the small screen in the role in the future.
Ncuti took on the Doctor role after Tennant's Time Lord underwent bi-generation in 2023, following his character's return to the series as the 14th Doctor.
Elsewhere, he had been tipped to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in May but withdrew, with rumours suggesting the move was linked to controversy over Israel's involvement in the competition.
"It all panned out very interestingly. I pulled out of it a long time before it was announced," he revealed. "And it was announced when it was announced, I don't know why, but I was just very busy.
"Just had a lot of work schedules, a lot of press around The Roses, around Doctor (Who)."
When quizzed about the rumours regarding his exit, Ncuti, who didn't tune in to this year's contest, admitted: "I was just very busy."
The actor graced the Sunday morning news programme to discuss the West End debut of Born With Teeth, an imaginative play that explores the dynamic between competing dramatists Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare.
Taking on the role of Marlowe alongside his Sex Education co-star Edward Bluemel as Shakespeare, he will feature in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production at London's Wyndham's Theatre starting later this year in August.
"It's a really great story between these two huge literary icons, and it's very exciting to imagine what could have happened in a room together," Ncuti remarked.
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