Latest news with #SexEducation
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ncuti Gatwa: The Sex Education star who brought a flirty-spin to the Doctor
Ncuti Gatwa rose to fame first in Netflix's Sex Education, before gaining praise for bringing light-hearted banter and flirty chat to the role of the 15th Doctor. His path to success has been a long and winding one, with struggles with depression and homelessness, before landing the role of a lifetime and a dream for thousands of young actors. The 32-year-old took on the role of the Time Lord previously filled by Matt Smith, David Tennant – who was brought back to be the 14th Doctor where he ushered in a bi-generation storyline that led to Gatwa becoming the 15th Doctor – and actress Jodie Whittaker. Born in Rwanda before moving to Scotland, where he was raised, Gatwa began his career as an extra on the 2014 sitcom Bob Servant. In 2016, he played Demetrius in a production of A Midsummer's Nights Dream at Shakespeare's Globe, before his big break came when he was cast in Sex Education as Eric Effiong, a young gay British-Nigerian who is best friends with Otis, the show's lead character. The Netflix show, which ran from 2019 until 2023, documented Eric's growth as he deals with his family's acceptance of his sexuality while he embraces his Nigerian heritage. He also falls in love with Adam (Connor Swindells), who bullied him in the first series, and has ups and downs in his friendship with (Otis Milburn) Asa Butterfield. However, Gatwa's seemingly meteoric rise, which led to him being cast in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie, has been far from plain sailing. Writing in The Big Issue in May 2020, he said he ended up homeless after running out of savings in the months before he landed his role in Sex Education. 'Being a 25-year-old man with no money or job affected my sense of self-worth,' he wrote. 'Rejection became unbearable. Auditions weren't just acting jobs, they were lifelines.' He continued: 'One friend gave me money towards paying off the prior month's rent and offered to let me move into their spare room rent free for a while. 'Great, I thought. An opportunity to get back on my feet and start paying people back. 'On moving-in day, he changed his mind. As I was standing on the street with my suitcases, one thought came into my head: 'I'm homeless'.' While everything appeared fine to the outside world, Gatwa was losing weight because he could not afford to eat properly. 'To the outside world everything seemed fine. I was temping at Harrods,' he wrote. 'I'd wake up from the double bed I shared with my best friend, leave the house without a hair out of place in a slick-looking trench coat and polished brogues. 'I would get compliments for looking so presentable. When I lost weight due to eating only one meal a day, people told me how lean and healthy I looked.' In reality, Gatwa had developed depression, though he kept it from his friends out of fear of being a 'burden', and later worked through the mental health condition. He joined Doctor Who in 2023 when Russell T Davies, who was behind the programme's 2005 revival, took over from showrunner Chris Chibnall – who steered Whittaker's run and worked with her and Tennant previously on Broadchurch. Gatwa's turn in the science fiction show was praised by reviewers for his first season's starting episodes Space Babies and The Devil's Chord. The Guardian said that he 'will make this show far more fun than it's been for years', praising him for being 'naturally able to express the dazzling extremes' of the character, while The Times said he 'sparkles as a charismatic Doctor with otherworldly energy'. However, Davies, who had success with Channel 4's It's A Sin and Queer As Folk as well Doctor Who spin-offs The Sarah Jane Adventures and Torchwood, has recently faced accusations that he has pushed the show in a 'woke' direction. A small number of social media critics have pointed to the diversity of the cast, a drag queen villain, and introduction of transgender and non-binary characters. However, both he and Gatwa have strongly dismissed this criticism as from a minority, with Davies telling BBC Radio 2's 20 Secrets From 20 Years: 'Someone always brings up matters of diversity. 'And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues. 'And I have no time for this. I don't have a second to bear (it). Because what you might call diversity, I just call an open door.' Gatwa told Attitude magazine in 2024 that the hateful comments the sci-fi show has received after casting a black man is 'fascinating, because there's so much energy they're putting into it … I think they need to go find a hobby is one thing'. During his time, he has had companions in the form of Andor actress Varada Sethu, and former Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson, who played Gatwa's companion Ruby Sunday since the 2023 Christmas episode The Church On Ruby Road. Highlights have included a Regency-themed episode that saw him have a burgeoning romance with the character Rogue, played by Mindhunter actor Jonathan Groff, the explosive Boom episode and the arrival of the classic Time Lord villain, the Rani. Since Doctor Who, Gatwa has been in a re-imagined version of Oscar Wilde's The Importance Of Being Earnest at the National Theatre, and is set to be in West End play Born With Teeth – which re-imagines the relationship between rival playwrights Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. He has also been in the Second World War show Masters Of The Air with Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan, and the upcoming The Roses with two-time Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch, and Academy Award-winner Olivia Colman.
Glasgow Times
9 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Ncuti Gatwa: The Sex Education star who brought a flirty-spin to the Doctor
His path to success has been a long and winding one, with struggles with depression and homelessness, before landing the role of a lifetime and a dream for thousands of young actors. The 32-year-old took on the role of the Time Lord previously filled by Matt Smith, David Tennant – who was brought back to be the 14th Doctor where he ushered in a bi-generation storyline that led to Gatwa becoming the 15th Doctor – and actress Jodie Whittaker. Varada Sethu and Ncuti Gatwa. (Ian West/PA) Born in Rwanda before moving to Scotland, where he was raised, Gatwa began his career as an extra on the 2014 sitcom Bob Servant. In 2016, he played Demetrius in a production of A Midsummer's Nights Dream at Shakespeare's Globe, before his big break came when he was cast in Sex Education as Eric Effiong, a young gay British-Nigerian who is best friends with Otis, the show's lead character. The Netflix show, which ran from 2019 until 2023, documented Eric's growth as he deals with his family's acceptance of his sexuality while he embraces his Nigerian heritage. Ncuti Gatwa. (Ian West/PA) He also falls in love with Adam (Connor Swindells), who bullied him in the first series, and has ups and downs in his friendship with (Otis Milburn) Asa Butterfield. However, Gatwa's seemingly meteoric rise, which led to him being cast in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie, has been far from plain sailing. Writing in The Big Issue in May 2020, he said he ended up homeless after running out of savings in the months before he landed his role in Sex Education. 'Being a 25-year-old man with no money or job affected my sense of self-worth,' he wrote. 'Rejection became unbearable. Auditions weren't just acting jobs, they were lifelines.' He continued: 'One friend gave me money towards paying off the prior month's rent and offered to let me move into their spare room rent free for a while. 'Great, I thought. An opportunity to get back on my feet and start paying people back. 'On moving-in day, he changed his mind. As I was standing on the street with my suitcases, one thought came into my head: 'I'm homeless'.' While everything appeared fine to the outside world, Gatwa was losing weight because he could not afford to eat properly. 'To the outside world everything seemed fine. I was temping at Harrods,' he wrote. 'I'd wake up from the double bed I shared with my best friend, leave the house without a hair out of place in a slick-looking trench coat and polished brogues. Ncuti Gatwa. (Ian West/PA) 'I would get compliments for looking so presentable. When I lost weight due to eating only one meal a day, people told me how lean and healthy I looked.' In reality, Gatwa had developed depression, though he kept it from his friends out of fear of being a 'burden', and later worked through the mental health condition. He joined Doctor Who in 2023 when Russell T Davies, who was behind the programme's 2005 revival, took over from showrunner Chris Chibnall – who steered Whittaker's run and worked with her and Tennant previously on Broadchurch. Gatwa's turn in the science fiction show was praised by reviewers for his first season's starting episodes Space Babies and The Devil's Chord. The Guardian said that he 'will make this show far more fun than it's been for years', praising him for being 'naturally able to express the dazzling extremes' of the character, while The Times said he 'sparkles as a charismatic Doctor with otherworldly energy'. However, Davies, who had success with Channel 4's It's A Sin and Queer As Folk as well Doctor Who spin-offs The Sarah Jane Adventures and Torchwood, has recently faced accusations that he has pushed the show in a 'woke' direction. A small number of social media critics have pointed to the diversity of the cast, a drag queen villain, and introduction of transgender and non-binary characters. However, both he and Gatwa have strongly dismissed this criticism as from a minority, with Davies telling BBC Radio 2's 20 Secrets From 20 Years: 'Someone always brings up matters of diversity. 'And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues. 'And I have no time for this. I don't have a second to bear (it). Because what you might call diversity, I just call an open door.' Gatwa told Attitude magazine in 2024 that the hateful comments the sci-fi show has received after casting a black man is 'fascinating, because there's so much energy they're putting into it … I think they need to go find a hobby is one thing'. During his time, he has had companions in the form of Andor actress Varada Sethu, and former Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson, who played Gatwa's companion Ruby Sunday since the 2023 Christmas episode The Church On Ruby Road. Highlights have included a Regency-themed episode that saw him have a burgeoning romance with the character Rogue, played by Mindhunter actor Jonathan Groff, the explosive Boom episode and the arrival of the classic Time Lord villain, the Rani. Since Doctor Who, Gatwa has been in a re-imagined version of Oscar Wilde's The Importance Of Being Earnest at the National Theatre, and is set to be in West End play Born With Teeth – which re-imagines the relationship between rival playwrights Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. He has also been in the Second World War show Masters Of The Air with Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan, and the upcoming The Roses with two-time Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch, and Academy Award-winner Olivia Colman.
Leader Live
23 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Billie Piper appears to be new Doctor as Ncuti Gatwa leaves Doctor Who
Piper, 42, first appeared in the series as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005, playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston's Time Lord – and then again for the 10th Doctor played by David Tennant. Piper appears to replaces Gatwa, who leaves Doctor Who after two seasons in the science-fiction series. She said: 'It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn't refuse, but who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see.' Shortly after the finale aired, the actress shared a post on Instagram holding a rose with the caption that read: 'A rose is a rose is a rose !!!' Born in Rwanda before moving to Scotland, Gatwa's time on the long-running science fiction programme came to an end as The Reality War episode brought this season to a close on Saturday. The two-part season finale saw the Doctor face the Rani in a battle to save the world after making the decision to save the life of one little girl. A post shared by Billie Piper (@billiepiper) Speaking about his decision to leave the series, Gatwa 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. 'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. 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. '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. I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.' The finale also saw Whittaker, the 13th doctor, make a guest appearance as Gatwa's Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes. Sex Education and Barbie star Gatwa has played the 15th Doctor since Scottish actor David Tennant bi-generated in 2023, after his version of the character was brought back to life as the 14th Doctor. Whittaker, the first woman to play the Time Lord, announced in July 2021 that she would depart after three series as the 13th Doctor. Russell T Davies, Doctor Who Showrunner, said: 'What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti's great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights. 'Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she's done it again! It's an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the Tardis, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told. After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!'
South Wales Guardian
24 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Billie Piper appears to be new Doctor as Ncuti Gatwa leaves Doctor Who
Piper, 42, first appeared in the series as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005, playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston's Time Lord – and then again for the 10th Doctor played by David Tennant. Piper appears to replaces Gatwa, who leaves Doctor Who after two seasons in the science-fiction series. She said: 'It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn't refuse, but who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see.' Shortly after the finale aired, the actress shared a post on Instagram holding a rose with the caption that read: 'A rose is a rose is a rose !!!' Born in Rwanda before moving to Scotland, Gatwa's time on the long-running science fiction programme came to an end as The Reality War episode brought this season to a close on Saturday. The two-part season finale saw the Doctor face the Rani in a battle to save the world after making the decision to save the life of one little girl. A post shared by Billie Piper (@billiepiper) Speaking about his decision to leave the series, Gatwa 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. 'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. 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. '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. I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.' The finale also saw Whittaker, the 13th doctor, make a guest appearance as Gatwa's Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes. Sex Education and Barbie star Gatwa has played the 15th Doctor since Scottish actor David Tennant bi-generated in 2023, after his version of the character was brought back to life as the 14th Doctor. Whittaker, the first woman to play the Time Lord, announced in July 2021 that she would depart after three series as the 13th Doctor. Russell T Davies, Doctor Who Showrunner, said: 'What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti's great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights. 'Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she's done it again! It's an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the Tardis, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told. After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!'
Rhyl Journal
24 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Billie Piper appears to be new Doctor as Ncuti Gatwa leaves Doctor Who
Piper, 42, first appeared in the series as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005, playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston's Time Lord – and then again for the 10th Doctor played by David Tennant. Piper appears to replaces Gatwa, who leaves Doctor Who after two seasons in the science-fiction series. She said: 'It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn't refuse, but who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see.' Shortly after the finale aired, the actress shared a post on Instagram holding a rose with the caption that read: 'A rose is a rose is a rose !!!' Born in Rwanda before moving to Scotland, Gatwa's time on the long-running science fiction programme came to an end as The Reality War episode brought this season to a close on Saturday. The two-part season finale saw the Doctor face the Rani in a battle to save the world after making the decision to save the life of one little girl. A post shared by Billie Piper (@billiepiper) Speaking about his decision to leave the series, Gatwa 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. 'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. 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. '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. I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.' The finale also saw Whittaker, the 13th doctor, make a guest appearance as Gatwa's Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes. Sex Education and Barbie star Gatwa has played the 15th Doctor since Scottish actor David Tennant bi-generated in 2023, after his version of the character was brought back to life as the 14th Doctor. Whittaker, the first woman to play the Time Lord, announced in July 2021 that she would depart after three series as the 13th Doctor. Russell T Davies, Doctor Who Showrunner, said: 'What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti's great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights. 'Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she's done it again! It's an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the Tardis, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told. After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!'
