Latest news with #Rwandan-Scottish
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
David Tennant fiercely defends Ncuti Gatwa amid cruel Doctor Who 'backlash'
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."
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Eurovision 2025 chaos as Ncuti Gatwa pulls out of huge role at last minute
The BBC has announced that Ncuti Gatwa has been replaced as the UK spokesperson during the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest Final on Saturday. The Eurovision Song Contest Final has been thrown into chaos this weekend as Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has dropped out as a UK spokesperson at the last minute due to "unforeseen circumstances". The BBC confirmed yesterday evening that the Rwandan-Scottish actor will now be replaced by BBC Radio 2's Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The 32-year-old actor, who grew up in Scotland and first rose to fame on Sex Education, had been set to reveal the points awarded by the UK national jury to other contestants during the competition's grand finale in Basel, Switzerland, on Saturday. The news of his replacement was announced on Thursday, May 15, when the second semi-final took place and the UK act Remember Monday performed for the first time. A BBC Press Office post on X said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Fina l this weekend. However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting the Jury result live from the UK." Singer Sophie, who is best known for her hit track Murder on the Dancefloor, gushed over her new role. She said: "I love Eurovision and it's a privilege to be part of 2025's Grand Final. "What an honour it is to announce the UK's jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom." Saturday night's annual Eurovision Song Contest final will air live on BBC one and BBC iPlayer from 20:00 BST with host Graham Norton taking the reins. You can also listen on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, hosted by Scott Mills and Rylan Clark. The show will be taking place in St Jakobshalle, an indoor arena in Basel, after Swiss contestant Nemo won the 2024 contest with the song The Code. Among the 26 finalists is the UK's Remember Monday, a country-pop trio who are set to perform their song What The Hell Just Happened on Saturday evening. The grand final running order of contestant is as follows. The show will kick off with Norway's Kyle Alessandro, Luxembourg's Laura Thorn, Estonia's Tommy Cash, Israel's act Yuval Raphael, Lithuania's Katarsis, Spain's Melody, Ukraine's Ziferblat and the UK's Remember Monday. They will then be followed by Austria's JJ, Iceland's VÆB, Latvia's Tautumeitas, Netherland's Claude, Finland's Erika Vikman, Italy contestant Lucio Corsi and Poland's act Justyna Steczkowska. Germany's Abor and Tynna will then perform as well as Greece's Klavdia, Armenia's PARG, Switzerland's Zoë Më, Malta's Miriana Conte and Portugal's NAPA. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. The show will be concluded with Denmark's Sissal, Sweden's KAJ, France's Louane, San Marino's Gabry Ponte and finally Albania's Shkodra Elektronike. The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest Final will air live from 8pm on BBC one and BBC iPlayer.
.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26auto%3Dwebp%26quality%3D75%26trim%3D0%2C0%2C0%2C0%26crop%3D&w=3840&q=100)
Scotsman
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Next Doctor Who Odds Latest: The 11 favourites as Adolescence actress and Danny Dyer tipped for the TARDIS
It's been less than two years since Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa was confirmed as the 15th Doctor Who. Three of the favourites to be the next Doctor Who. | Getty Images His second series finale is set to premiere on BBC One on Saturday, May 31, with the feature-length episode also being screened in over 450 cinemas. But there have been rumours that Gatwa may be leaving the TARDIS for good - with no third season yet confirmed by Disney and the BBC, who co-own the frachaise. There's even talk of it being the end of the road for the iconic series, which has been suffering from tumbling ratings. Speculation has also been growing as to who - if anyone - might take over one of the biggest roles in British television. Here are the 11 favourites, according to the experts at 1 . Erin Doherty - 11/10 'Adolescence' star Erin Doherty is now favourite to become the next Doctor Who - and the second woman to take on the role. She played the young Princess Anne in the third and fourth seasons of Netflix drama 'The Crown'. | Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Matt Smith - 5/4 Another star of 'The Crown' - Matt Smith played Prince Phillip in the royal drama - is the 5/4 second favourite. He's already played the Doctor, but could return to the role like his predecessor David Tennant. | Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Aimee Lou Wood - 11/8 Currently hot property thanks to her standout performance in season three of 'The White Lotus', Aimee Lou Wood completes the top three actors most likely to take on the part of the Timelord. She originally shot to fame in comedy series 'Sex Education', for which she won the Bafta for Best Actress. | Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . Hugh Grant - 6/4 It would be a huge coup for Doctor Who if British acting legend Hugh Grant took on the role - he's currently enjoying a late-career hot streak thanks to award-nominated roles in the likes of 'Paddington 2' and 'Heretic'. The bookies reckon there's a chance - with odds of 6/4. | AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa announced as UK's Eurovision spokesperson
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa will be the UK's Eurovision Song Contest spokesperson, it has been announced. The Rwandan-Scottish Sex Education actor, 32, will reveal what points the UK national jury gives to the other contestants during the competition's grand finale in Basel, Switzerland, on May 17. He follows in the footsteps of previous spokespeople like Absolutely Fabulous actress Dame Joanna Lumley, actress and comedian Catherine Tate, TV chef Nigella Lawson and comedian Mel Giedroyc. Viewers will be treated to a 'Super Saturday' of viewing on May 17, as prior to the Eurovision grand finale airing, a Eurovision themed episode of Doctor Who – The Interstellar Song Contest – will air. READ MORE: The sixth episode in the current season of sci-fi hit Doctor Who will see The Doctor (Gatwa) and companion Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) travelling to the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest. In the episode, The Interstellar Song Contest features planets from across the universe competing for the top prize and is co-hosted by TV and radio presenter Rylan Clark. Clark, who serves as a commentator for BBC Radio 2's Eurovision coverage alongside Scott Mills, is joined in the Doctor Who episode by Irish TV host and the 'King of Eurovision', Graham Norton. Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies previously said: 'There's no song contest without the great man himself, and it was an honour to welcome Graham Norton to our studios in Cardiff. 'And it's not just a cameo, he has a whole plot twist all to himself! This is the wildest episode of all, and we're lucky to have Graham adding to the mayhem.' Norton, 62, also returns to provide commentary during the Eurovision grand finale coverage on BBC One. A total of 26 countries will compete to be named the winner of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, with the UK entry Remember Monday among the acts taking to the stage with their entry song: What The Hell Just Happened? The UK is one of the 'big five' countries alongside Spain, Germany, France, Italy so automatically gains access to the grand finale, with Switzerland also guaranteed a place in the final due to their host status this year. There are two semi-finals, taking place on May 13 and May 15, with the top 10 countries from each semi-final making it through to the grand final on Saturday alongside the big five and Switzerland. Gatwa will deliver the UK National Jury results live on May 17 from 8pm (BST) on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Doctor Who: The Interstellar Song Contest available to watch on BBC iPlayer from 8am on May 17.
Scotsman
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Scottish star Ncuti Gatwa to announce UK's Eurovision 2025 points
The Doctor will deliver the results of the UK's National Jury during the Eurovision Grand Final. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ncuti Gatwa has been confirmed as the UK's spokesperson for the 2025 Eurovision Grand Final. Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) and The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) in the new series of Doctor Who. Known for his role as The Doctor in Doctor Who, the Rwandan-Scottish actor will share the results from the UK's National Jury live during the Eurovision final on Saturday, May 17. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Once each act of the night has finished performing, Gatwa will appear live to share the countries which have earned points from the UK – all following a special Eurovision-themed episode of Doctor Who airing on BBC One ahead of the 2025 Grand Final. Titled The Interstellar Song Contest, the sixth episode in the current series will see The Doctor and his companion Belinda travel to the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest, co-hosted by Rylan – where planets from across the universe compete for the top prize – with Graham Norton also along for the ride. With the Eurovision Grand Final kicking off from 8pm on BBC One, Gatwa will follow in the footsteps of previous spokespeople including Joanna Lumley, Catherine Tate, Nigella Lawson and many, many more.
