Ncuti Gatwa Reflects on Feeling Like an Alien During His Upbringing

Doctor Who is returning to BBC One's Christmas Day line-up after a six-year hiatus, and there's a new Doctor in charge of the Tardis. Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in Sex Education, will be taking on the role of the 15th Doctor. He previously appeared in the final special featuring David Tennant's 14th Doctor, but this will be his first full episode. Gatwa admits to feeling anxious about the weight of expectation that comes with taking on such an iconic role. He feels a sense of responsibility to do the show justice, as Doctor Who holds a special place in people's hearts. However, he also acknowledges the joy and excitement that comes with playing an alien exploring time and space. In the Christmas Day special, Gatwa's Doctor is seen dancing and bringing a youthful energy to the role. He describes his performance as bringing "energy and fun" to the character. The episode also features singing and dancing goblins, adding a musical flair to the story. As the first black actor to play the lead role in Doctor Who, Gatwa recognizes the symbolic significance of his casting. He believes it shows that diversity is here to stay and that Doctor Who reflects the cultural landscape of Britain. Gatwa himself can relate to the feeling of displacement, having been born in Rwanda during the civil war and growing up in Scotland. While Gatwa can't reveal much about what fans can expect from his future series as the Doctor, he describes his experience so far as joyous and triumphant. Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road will air on BBC One on Christmas Day at 17:55 GMT.