Ncuti Gatwa opens up about his first year as the Fifteenth Doctor following the anniversary of hisDoctor Whodebut. Officially announced as the new incarnation of the Doctor in May 2022, Gatwa made his debut in thefinalDoctor Who60th Anniversary specialthrough a surprising bi-regeneration twist alongside David Tennant. Gatwa officially saw his first full-length adventure premiere with 2023’s Christmas special “The Church on Ruby Road” alongside Millie Gibson’s companion Ruby Sunday, before leading season 14 in 2024.
Just over a year after Gatwa first made his on-screen debut duringDoctor Who’s 2023 specials, the actor opened up toGamesRadar+during a Q&A session about how his first year leading the series had left an impression. Gatwa admitted thathe underestimated the true measure of headlining the show,but had nevertheless enjoyed the challenge that his involvement had brought. The actor then further praised the series' scripts as something that had allowed him to grow as a performer:
Before properly starting, I didn’t quite realize the magnitude of what I was taking on, but it’s a magnitude of joy as well. Scripts written by incredible writers every week have pushed me as an actor and as an artist.
The actor went on to state that, despite the trials, he has still enjoyed the experiences that playing the Doctor has brought him, andbeing part of a franchise that has had an incredible cultural impact, celebrating in particular how “each new season, each new episode” delivers something special for the world. Check out Gatwa’s response below:
It’s just been a lot of fun, like I’m always in a harness flying from the ceiling! It’s been a rollercoaster stepping into this institution. The show has had a huge impact for so many years, it’s part of our cultural fabric, so it’s quite something each time, each new season, each new episode.
What Gatwa’s Response Could Mean For Doctor Who’s Future
The Actor Joined The Show During A Complicated Period
For Gatwa, his entry inDoctor Whohas come with unique challenges when compared to his predecessor. While he may not be the first Doctor to begin his tenure alongside a new showrunner taking the helm of the show, he also entered the role during its 60th Anniversary celebrations asthe production of the series was shaken up as Disney boarded the production as a financier and distributor across the globe. As such, alongside the back-to-back filming of seasons 14 and 15, Gatwa has been in the spotlight during a period of great change for the series.
Doctor Who: In Defense Of Ncuti Gatwa’s More Emotional Fifteenth Doctor
Ncuti Gatwa is Doctor Who’s most emotional version of the Doctor yet, and while that has proven controversial, the new direction makes perfect sense.
Nevertheless, Gatwa’s positive recollection of his first year could be a promising sign for his future with the franchise. With the main series not being commissionedbeyondDoctor Whoseason 15until Disney can approve of whether the show has met its metrics of success,it is uncertain what the state of the show’s production will beyond season 15. However, as Gatwa has positive praise for his experience in his first two seasons, it is possible that Gatwa is committed to the series for at least one more additional season.
Our Thoughts On Gatwa’s Doctor Who’s Experience
Many Are Eager To See Where The Actor Takes The Character
Praise for Gatwa’s take on the Doctor has been widespread and is currently one of the most celebrated elements of Russell T Davies' second tenure as showrunner. While the actor entered the series as one of the most exciting actors to take on the role, his take on the Time Lord is an adventurous free-spirit who also carries a lot of sadness and uncertainty about how he fits into the universe, looking to open up but being too afraid to let people in.
With this take on the Time Lord, many viewers have been left keen to see wherehis post-Doctor Whoseason 14 arcwill take him going forward. As Gatwa has enjoyed his time in the role, many may be hopeful to see him stay in the role of the Time Lord for many years to come.
The nextDoctor WhoChristmas special, “Joy to the World”, will premiere on Disney+ and BBC One on Christmas Day.
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Doctor Who: Released on August 12, 2025, this series follows the Doctor and their companion as they journey across time and space, encountering a range of extraordinary friends and adversaries, expanding the universe of the long-running British science fiction series.
