'It makes everyone feel seen': New Doctor Ncuti Gatwa attends the BAFTA TV Awards 2022 alongside writer Russell T Davies and discusses becoming the first main black Doctor in the show's history - replacing debut female star Jodie Whittaker

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Ncuti Gatwa has attended this year's BAFTA TV Awards ceremony alongside returning Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies after it was confirmed that he will take over from Jodie Whittaker as the Time Lord in the hit BBC series.

It was revealed that the 29-year-old will become the 14th Doctor on the popular sci-fi show, after Whittaker announced last July she will be leaving the role this autumn.

Gatwa is the first black actor to take on the leading role as The Doctor, after Jodie made history as the first permanent female Time Lord in 2017.

Exciting: Ncuti Gatwa has attended this year's BAFTA TV Awards ceremony alongside returning Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies after it was confirmed that he will take over from Jodie Whittaker as the Time Lord in the hit BBC series

New guard: Gatwa is the first black actor to take on the leading role as The Doctor in the show's history, after Jodie made history as the first permanent female Time Lord

Jo Martin played the first black incarnation of the Time Lord in a January 2020 episode, Future of the Judoon, as Ruth Clayton, but Gatwa has become the first black Doctor to be cast as the series lead. 

Scottish actor Gatwa, who was born in Rwanda, rose to fame as Eric Effiong in Netflix's hugely popular Sex Education about socially awkward high school student Otis (Asa Butterfield) and his sex therapist mother Jean (Gillian Anderson).

Just hours after the announcement, Gatwa and Davies, who is returning as Doctor Who's showrunner, grinned and posed for snaps at the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday.

Gatwa showed off his sensational sense of style in a black suit with a plunging neckline and dramatic floor-length tassels, while he completed the look with a pair of sandals.

History maker: The 29-year-old will become the 14th Doctor on the popular BBC show, after Whittaker announced last July she will be leaving the role after five years

Davies cut a smart figure in a black suit and a pink tie with gold leaf patterning as he joined Gatwa on the red carpet, where they both spoke about their excitement at the Sex Education star taking over from Whittaker.  

Gatwa admitted that he has kept his casting in Doctor Who under wraps since February and praised the popular series for making people feel 'seen'.

In his first interview since the announcement, he said: 'I've known since February. It's been tricky keeping this under wraps because I've got a very big mouth. We did it.

'It feels amazing, this role is an institution and it's so iconic and means so much to so many people, including myself.

'It makes everyone feel seen. I'm very grateful to have the baton handed over and I'm going to try and do my best.'

Meanwhile, Davies said the casting team thought they had already chosen someone for the role of The Doctor when Gatwa came in and 'stole' the job.

Success story: Scottish actor Gatwa, who was born in Rwanda, starred as Eric Effiong in Netflix 's hugely popular Sex Education about socially awkward high school student Otis (Asa Butterfield - pictured together)

Keeping quiet: Speaking on the red carpet, Gatwa (pictured with Davies) admitted that he has kept his casting in Doctor Who a secret since February and praised the popular series for making people feel 'seen' 

'It was talent. He was the very last one, we thought we had someone and then in he came in and stole it,' Davies said.

'Genuinely loved Sex Education and loved his work, didn't quite know what we were going to get. I am properly thrilled.'

At the 2022 BAFTA TV Awards, Gatwa was nominated for Male Performance in a Comedy Programme for his role as Eric in Sex Education and was up against Jamie Demetriou (Stath Lets Flats), Joe Gilgun (Brassic), Samson Kayo (Bloods), Steve Coogan (This Time With Alan Partridge) and Tim Renkow (Jerk). Jamie won in the category.

Queer As Folk and It's A Sin writer Davies is returning as Doctor Who's showrunner - replacing Chris Chibnall - after departing the show in 2009.

Davies, who was responsible for Doctor Who's revival in 2005, will be back to celebrate the show's 60th anniversary in 2023, the BBC previously said. 

Debut: The official Doctor Who Twitter account broke the news on Sunday

Joy: Just hours after the news, Gatwa and Davies stepped out at the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards at the Royal Festival Hall together on Sunday 

The announcement of the new Doctor was teased by Davies and Gatwa on Instagram on Sunday, with a post featuring two heart emojis, a plus symbol and a blue square. 

Previously speaking about his new role, Gatwa said he was 'deeply honoured' and 'beyond excited', but admitted that he was also a 'little bit scared' to join the franchise.

He told the BBC: 'This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care.

'I will endeavour my upmost to do the same.'

He added: 'The entire team have been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show. And so as much as it's daunting, I'm aware I'm joining a really supportive family.

Awards: Gatwa has been nominated for Male Performance in a Comedy Programme at this year's Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards

'Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show.' 

Davies said that Gatwa 'dazzled' in his audition, adding: 'The future is here and it's Ncuti! Sometimes talent walks through the door and it's so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars.' 

He continued: 'Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds. It's an honour to work with him, and a hoot, I can't wait to get started. 

'I'm sure you're dying to know more, but we're rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie's epic finale yet to come. But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular.'

Gatwa's Sex Education co-star Emma Mackey, who plays Maeve Wiley in the Netflix drama, was quick to take to Instagram to congratulate her friend after the news broke.

The French-British actress, 26, shared the BBC's announcement to her Stories along with the caption: 'My Doctor.'

Bridgerton's Simone Ashley, who also starred alongside Gatwa as Olivia in Sex Education, also shared her joy at Gatwa being cast as the Doctor.

She wrote on her Instagram Stories: 'YES! So proud, go on @ncutigatwa.'

And Aimee Lou Wood, who plays Aimee Gibbs in Sex Education, took to Instagram to say she was 'crying' after learning of her friend's big news, before the pair took to the BAFTA TV Awards red carpet together.

Doctor Who fans also appeared over-the-moon at the exciting news, as many took to Twitter to congratulate the actor and praised him as a perfect fit for the new Time Lord.

Breakthrough: Gatwa became an overnight sensation in Sex Education but previously spoke running out of savings and finding himself homeless after moving to London to pursue acting

Sweet: Davies took to Instagram to share a selfie of himself and Gatwa as they joined the star-studded guest list at the BAFTA TV Awards ceremony

One wrote: 'Fantastic news, congratulations to Ncuti Gatwa, can't wait to see your doctor x'

Another penned: 'LOVE the idea of Ncuti Gatwa as Doctor Who!'

A third tweeted: 'Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor is such a compelling choice. Very much looking forward to seeing what he does with the role. This is exciting!'

And a fourth quipped: 'SCREAMING, CRYING, CHEERING!!! I haven't felt this excited since I found out in the middle of a busy EdFringe that Peter Capaldi was going to be the Doctor! What a casting.'

While a fifth added: 'Very much looking forward to Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor. Welcome.'

And a sixth commented: 'Ncuti Gatwa is a brilliant actor, he was amazing in Sex Education (a show I highly recommend) and I'm sure he'll be a brilliant Doctor, especially with Russell T Davies returning as showrunner.'

He's back! Queer As Folk and It's A Sin writer Davies (pictured on April 24) is returning as the programme's showrunner after departing the show in 2009

Support: Gatwa's Sex Education co-star Emma Mackey, who plays Maeve in the Netflix drama, and Bridgerton's Simone Ashley were quick to take to Instagram to congratulate their friend

Eager: Fans appeared thrilled by the exciting news, as many took to Twitter to congratulate the actor and praise him as a perfect fit to be the Time Lord

Elsewhere, Gatwa has joined the likes of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in the upcoming Barbie movie, which sees Margot star as Barbie and Ryan play Ken. His role in the film has not been revealed.

Gatwa's Sex Education co-star Emma Mackey has also joined the cast of the live-action Barbie film, which will be directed by Greta Gerwig and will be released on July 21, 2023.

Just weeks ago, Ncuti shared photographs of his and Emma's names printed in pink on chairs as he teased his involvement by writing: 'Come on Barbie, let's go party…'.

The film features an all-star cast including Will Ferrell, Issa Rae, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, America Ferrera, Michael Cera, and Alexandra Shipp.

Colleagues: Davies said Gatwa 'dazzled' in his audition, adding: 'Sometimes talent walks through the door and it's so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe'

'The future is here': The announcement was teased by Davies and Gatwa on Instagram, with a post featuring two heart emojis, a plus symbol and a blue square

Acclaimed: Gatwa's role in Sex Education has earned him a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actor in Television and three BAFTA Television Award nominations for Best Male Comedy Performance

Gerwig, 38, wrote the script for the film with her longtime partner Noah Baumbach.

A synopsis on IMDB of the upcoming film reads: 'A doll living in 'Barbieland' is expelled for not being perfect enough and sets off on an adventure in the real world. A Live-action feature film based on the popular line of Barbie toys.'

Robbie has been long slated to play the world's most iconic fashion doll in a live-action movie and back in December 2020, she vowed to give audiences 'something totally different.'

Opting for something 'a little left centre,' when it comes to her portrayal of the Mattel doll, the project will be produced by her LuckyChap Entertainment Company whose motto is, 'If it's not a f**k, yes, it's a no.'

Excited: Gatwa's Sex Education co-star Aimee Lou Wood took to Instagram to say she was 'crying' after learning of her friend's big news, before the pair took to the BAFTA TV Awards red carpet together 

Embrace: The pals could be seen sharing a hug on the red carpet, with Aimee cutting an elegant figure in a white ruffled gown while Ncuti showed off his sensational sense of style in a black suit with tassels and a plunging neckline

Looking good: On the red carpet, Gatwa showed off his sensational sense of style in a black suit with a plunging neckline and dramatic floor-length tassels, while he completed the look with a pair of sandals

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about the project, Robbie said: 'Something like Barbie where the IP, the name itself, people immediately have an idea of, 'Oh Margot is playing Barbie, I know what that is.'

'But our goal is to be like, 'Whatever you're thinking, we're going to give you something totally different – the thing you didn't know you wanted.'' 

After becoming an overnight sensation in Sex Education, Gatwa has also starred as Nick in The Last Letter from Your Lover alongside the likes of Felicity Jones and Shailene Woodley.

The movie, which is based on the book by Jojo Moyes, follows a love affair that lasts over 40 years.

Career: Elsewhere, Gatwa has joined the likes of Margot Robbie (pictured) and Ryan Gosling in the upcoming Barbie movie, which sees Margot star as Barbie and Ryan play Ken 

Exciting: Just weeks ago, Ncuti shared photographs of his and Emma's names printed in pink on chairs as he teased his involvement by writing: 'Come on Barbie, let's go party…'

Felicity portrays journalist Ellie, who discovers a number of romantic letters about a relationship between Jennifer Stirling (Shailene Woodley) and Anthony O'Hare (Callum Turner) from the 1960s.

Captivated by their relationship, an intrusive Ellie makes it her mission to find the couple to uncover how their lives panned out.

Gatwa also had a string of smaller roles early in his career, starring in TV miniseries Stonemouth as Dougie in 2015 and playnig Timidius in Horrible Histories: The Movie back in 2019.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Gatwa had gone from war refugee to one of the country's best paid young actors after raking in earnings of £772,000.

The star was homeless until he landed his role as Eric Effiong in Netflix's Sex Education, going on to become a fan favourite.

Roles: After becoming an overnight sensation in Sex Education, Gatwa also starred as Nick in The Last Letter from Your Lover alongside Felicity Jones and Shailene Woodley

His role in the school drama earned him a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actor in Television and three BAFTA Television Award nominations for Best Male Comedy Performance.

In the past, he has spoken of having to borrow £10 from friends so he could afford the tube fare for auditions.

But he was able to forward himself £303,340 from the company and paid it all back.

When he was a toddler, his family left war-ravaged Rwanda fleeing the genocide and moved to Scotland where he overcame racist bullying at school in Dunfermline.

When he moved to London to pursue his dream of carving out a career in acting, he ran out of savings and found himself homeless - sleeping on friends' sofas for five months.

He said: 'I couldn't seem to handle it all financially. I was supposed to move into a new place and it fell through.

Acting: Earlier this year, it was revealed that Gatwa had gone from war refugee to one of the country's best paid young actors after raking in earnings of £772,000 

'So for five months before Sex Education, I was couch-surfing among all my friends. I didn't have a home.

'I was homeless. The only thing stopping me from being on the streets was the fact I had friends.'

The show focuses, often in graphic detail, on the sex lives of a group of British teenagers in an unnamed town. Written by Laurie Nunn, it turned many of the cast into overnight stars. 

Recent accounts for his company Gemini Moon Limited showed he had amassed assets of more than three quarters of a million pounds last year.

Before Gatwa was announced as the 14th Doctor, fans were sent into a frenzy speculating who would secure the job, with bookmakers marking Olly Alexander, Michaela Coel, Kris Marshall, Richard Ayoade and Jodie Comer among the favourites.

Show: The Sex Education star, 29, was homeless until he landed his role as Eric Effiong in the Netflix school drama

Jobs: Gatwa also starred in TV miniseries Stonemouth as Dougie in 2015  (pictured) and played Timidius in Horrible Histories: The Movie back in 2019

Rumours were also rife that Jodie could hand the baton back to David Tennant, 50, who played the 10th incarnation of the Doctor from 2005 to 2010.

Jodie herself also expressed her desire for It's A Sin star Lydia West to take over her role, telling Radio 1's Vick Hope and Jordan North: 'If we had the power to choose I'm going to pick an actress who I think is really exciting and I think would be phenomenal, an actress called Lydia West. If I had the power!'

And Hugh Grant was also said to have been 'in talks' to become the Doctor after previously turning down the role when Davies offered it to him.

In 1999, Grant played a version of the 12th Doctor for a Comic Relief special written by Steven Moffat. 

Exit: Last July, Whittaker announced she was leaving the role, described her four-year stint manning the Tardis as being 'the best job I ever had'

In 2007, the actor said he regretted his decision, telling Digital Spy at the time: 'I was offered the role of the Doctor a few years back and was highly flattered.  

'The danger with those things is that it's only when you see it on screen that you think, 'Damn, that was good, why did I say no?' But then, knowing me, I'd probably make a mess of it.'

Last July, Whittaker announced she was leaving the role, described her four-year stint manning the Tardis as being 'the best job I ever had'.

Her departure is currently playing out across a three-part special, the first of which hit screens on New Year's Day 2022, before the second aired on April 17.

Rumours: Before Gatwa was announced as the Doctor, fans were sent into a frenzy speculating who would secure the job, with bookmakers marking Olly Alexander among the favourites

Jodie's final, feature-length appearance as the Doctor – in which she will regenerate – will arrive in autumn 2022 as part of the BBC's centenary celebrations. 

Of her time on the show, Jodie said: 'In 2017 I opened my glorious gift box of size 13 shoes. I could not have guessed the brilliant adventures, worlds and wonders I was to see in them. 

'My heart is so full of love for this show, for the team who make it, for the fans who watch it and for what it has brought to my life. 

'And I cannot thank Chris enough for entrusting me with his incredible stories.' 

She added: 'We knew that we wanted to ride this wave side by side, and pass on the baton together. So here we are, weeks away from wrapping on the best job I have ever had.

Top pick: Jodie herself also expressed her desire for It's A Sin star Lydia West to take over her role, saying she would be her pick if she had the power to choose 

'I don't think I'll ever be able to express what this role has given me. I will carry the Doctor and the lessons I've learnt forever.'

Jodie concluded: 'I know change can be scary and none of us know what's out there. That's why we keep looking. Travel Hopefully. The Universe will surprise you. Constantly.' 

Jodie then shared that she would not be against returning to the role, and admitted that when you leave the role you don't leave it forever. 

In 2020, Jodie was voted 2nd Most Popular Doctor of all time, coming within a whisker of her friend David Tennant, in a poll of more than 50,000 fans for Radio Times. 

Former Doctors David Tennant, Christopher Eccleston, Peter Capaldi and Matt Smith could make a comeback for a special 60th anniversary celebration of the show.

Top picks: In 2020, Jodie was voted 2nd Most Popular Doctor of all time, coming within a whisker of her friend David Tennant, in a poll of more than 50,000 fans for Radio Times 

A TV insider told The Sun: 'The BBC wanted something unique to mark six decades of Doctor Who and while getting all the former time lords together will be a challenge, it's one Russell might just achieve.'

Gatwa's casting as The Doctor marks the first permanent black doctor in the BBC show's history, although Jo Martin briefly played the Time Lord in a January 2020 episode, Future of the Judoon, as Ruth Clayton.

The episode saw Jodi meet a previously-unknown past version of the character, in the form of actress Jo.

This marked two major milestones for the series: the second time a female has played the time travelling extraterrestrial and the first time the character has been black.

Some fans weren't sure whether or not Martin's appearance meant what it implied - but show boss Chris Chibnall confirmed that this wasn't 'a trick'.

He told The Mirror: 'The important thing to say is – she is definitively The Doctor. There's not a sort of parallel universe going on, there's no tricks. Jo Martin is The Doctor.'  

Chibnall noted that the Top Boy star was credited in the same way John Hurt was credited when he appeared as another previously-unseen incarnation, who cropped up during the 50th anniversary special The Day Of The Doctor in 2013. 

'That's why we gave her the credit at the end which all new Doctors have the first time you see them. John Hurt got that credit,' Chibnall explained.  

The character was introduced initially as a tour guide called Ruth Clayton, who pressed an In Case Of Emergency button as the Judoon invaded her hometown.

'Definitively the Doctor': Ncuti's new role will mark the show's second portrayal of a black doctor, following Jo Martin's starring role in January 2020 episode, Future of the Judoon, as Ruth Clayton

Iconic: The episode saw Jodi meet a previously-unknown past version of the character, in the form of actress Jo 

It's unclear where she fits in the mythology of previous Doctors - with many noting she did not recognise Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver, suggesting she came between Patrick Troughton's Second Doctor and Jon Pertwee's Third.

'There will be answers to some of these mysteries this series. But as ever with Doctor Who, answers often reveal new questions. It's all very deliberate,' Chibnall has assured.

He also revealed Martin wasn't aware she was auditioning to play The Doctor when she met the producers to read for them. 

Last month, Doctor Who fans descended into a frenzy following Sunday's Easter Special, as the time traveller confessed her love for her female companion Yasmin.

In emotional scenes after defeating the villainous Sea Devils, the heroine admitted that 'if it was going to be anyone, it'd be her,' but noted that she could never act on her feelings because of her immortality.

At last! Last month Doctor Who fans descended into a frenzy following the Easter Special, as the time traveller confessed her love for her female companion Yasmin

Following hints that the pair would finally address their growing feelings, the touching scene sent Who fans into a frenzy, with one even admitting they were 'absolutely sobbing' after watching the scene.

During the episode, which saw The Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) and her companions Yaz (Mandip Gill) and Dan (John Bishop) transported to 19th Century China, the trio were tasked with battling the iconic Sea Devil villains.

In a standout moment, The Doctor transported the TARDIS to the bottom of the ocean leaving both herself and Yaz in awe of the stunning underwater views.

As the Time Lord quipped: 'Not a bad date, am I?' Yaz could be seen gazing at her in the emotionally-charged moment.  

Love is in the air! In emotional scenes after defeating the villainous Sea Devils, the heroine admitted that 'if it was going to be anyone, it'd be her'

While Yaz later came dangerously close to confessing her feelings, it was The Doctor who made the move first, telling her companion: 'Dates are not something I really do. I mean I used to. Have done. And if I was going to, believe me: it would be with you.

'I think you're one of the greatest people that I've ever known… If it was going to be anyone, it'd be you. But I can't.'

Questioned by Yaz, she added: 'There's no point. Time always runs out,' alluding to her immortal state, famously noted by The Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) in response to his growing feelings for companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper).

Love is in the air! In a standout moment, The Doctor transported the TARDIS to the bottom of the ocean, before she quipped: 'Not a bad date am I?'

So much romance! Yaz could be seen gazing at her in the emotionally charged moment

In the episode's final scene, the pair once again addressed their growing feelings, with The Doctor telling Yaz: 'I can't fix myself to anything, anywhere, or anyone. I've never been able to. That's what my life is.

'Not because I don't want to, because I might. But if I do fix myself to somebody, I know sooner or later it'll hurt… Can we just live in the present of what we have, while we still have it?'

Making a wish on a skipping stone, she added: 'I wish this could go on forever.' 

It can't happen: While Yaz later came dangerously close to confessing her feelings, it was The Doctor who made the move first

Tragic: While she noted that Yaz was 'one of the greatest people she had never known,' they could never act on their feelings due to her immortal state

The vindication that Yaz's feelings for The Doctor were reciprocated sent die-hard fans into a frenzy, with many flooding Twitter with their reaction.

One wrote: 'that thasmin beach scene is actually one of my favourite scenes in chibnalls whole era,' while another added: 'nah, last night's ep actually happened? thasmin is canon? thirteen reciprocates? what timeline do we live in?'

'IF IT WAS GOING TO BE ANYONE ITD BE YOU. EXCUSE ME WHILE I DIE,' one hysterical fan tweeted. 

It's happening! The vindication that Yaz's feelings for The Doctor were reciprocated sent die-hard fans into a frenzy, with many flooding Twitter with their reaction

A fan tweeted: '13 said if she'd date anyone it'd be Yaz.... she just told Yaz she loves her too OH MY GOD.'

'Absolutely sobbing omg. Love them #Doctorwho #Thasmin,' a hysterical fan added.

Fans have been calling for Doctor Who to address the time traveller's growing feelings for Yaz, marking her first same-sex relationship with a companion.

Coming soon: Following the episode, Doctor Who teased the return of two former companions in the spellbinding trailer for its centenary special (pictured in-character)

Following the episode, Doctor Who teased the return of two former companions in the spellbinding trailer for its centenary special, airing later this year much to the excitement of fans.   

The titular character, played Jodie Whittaker, is told that she is going to die in the gripping footage, having announced her departure from the iconic role last year.

She'll be joined by Aussie air stewardess Tegan Jovanka (Sophie Aldred) who starred alongside Sylvester McCoy in the late 80s, as well as Ace (Janet Fielding) having worked with Tom Baker and Peter Davison earlier in the same decade.

Return: The Doctor will be joined by an Aussie air stewardess Tegan Jovanka (Sophie Aldred) who starred alongside Sylvester McCoy in the late 80s

Here she is: Ace (Janet Fielding) worked with Tom Baker and Peter Davison earlier in the same decade, is also set to return for the special

Usual favourites including the Daleks and Cybermen feature in the 30-second extravaganza while the Doctor is seen regenerating in another clip, despite being told it would be the 'end of her existence'.

Showrunner Chris Chibnall said: 'Jodie's final feature-length story contains a plethora of treats and surprises for audiences and fans, not least the return of two of the most beloved companions in the show's history.

He continued: 'They'll be helping the Doctor fight on three fronts, against her deadliest enemies: the Master, Daleks and Cybermen, in one huge story.

'For the BBC's centenary, we'll be celebrating the past, present and future of Doctor Who, in a fittingly thrilling, epic and emotional send-off for the Thirteenth Doctor.'

At the start of the year, Jodie discussed her emotional last days of filming on Doctor Who - ahead of the regeneration episode set to air in autumn 2022.  

They're back! Usual favourites including the Daleks and Cybermen feature in the 30-second extravaganza while the Doctor is seen regenerating in another clip

She told Entertainment Weekly of how she was 'grief ridden' when she filmed the scenes.

She filmed the final scenes for the autumn episode at the end of 2021 and said of the experience: 'I've shot my version of regen[eration], and it was singularly the most emotional day on set I think I've ever had.'

Jodie has said previously that she is leaving the coveted role this year because she feels it needs 'new energy' but the star also confessed that she isn't sure if she is making the correct decision. 

She then admitted to the publication that it felt strange to feel sad because she had made the decision to leave.   

'It's a really bizarre feeling, because it's the best time I've ever had on a job, and I made the decision to leave it, so it's a really strange thing to do to yourself.'

Sad: The actress told Entertainment Weekly of how she was 'grief ridden' when she filmed the scenes of her changing into the as yet unknown new character

She went on: 'It was a wonderfully-celebratory-slash-grief-ridden day that I could spend with the family that I'd made. I suppose the best thing about it is that the episodes are still on. So until they're off, I don't have to really get my head around the fact that it's not my part!'  

The sci-fi drama hit the small screen in 1963, however the BBC is celebrating one hundred years since its launch as a radio station in October 1922.

Current Time Lord Jodie's role comes to an end this autumn with a regeneration episode after she became the first ever female Doctor in 2017.

Doctor Who will return later this year for BBC's Centenary Special. 

Doctor Who? All the actors who have played the Time Lord

The BBC's hit Sci-fi show Doctor Who was first launched by the BBC in 1963. It chronicles the journey of a Time Lord called 'The Doctor'.

He is first introduced after fleeing his home planet, Gallifrey.

The Doctor travels through time and space in his spaceship, called a TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space), which resembles a police box.

During his travels, The Doctor meets people and invites them to voyage with him. They are known as his companions. 

He also encounters several evil beings, such as Daleks and Cyberman, and is forced to defeat them sing minimal resources, such as his Sonic Screwdriver, as they try to destroy or take over other planets, including Earth.

As a Time Lord, The Doctor has the capacity to regenerate when he is wounded or dying. After regenerating, he takes on a new appearance and personality.

The concept of regenerating was added into the series after the First Doctor, William Hartnell, became ill and stepped down from his role. 

The first run of Doctor Who ended in 1989 before being revived in 2005 with Christopher Ecclestone as the Ninth Doctor. 

Below is the full list of the actors who have been cast as the Doctor from 1963 to 2017 - when Jodie Whittaker took over the coveted role.

Starting the legacy: The First Doctor William Hartnell (1963-1966)

Second and Third: Patrick Troughton (1966–1969) and Jon Pertwee (1970–1974)

Fourth and Fifth: Tom Baker (1974–1981) and Peter Davison (1981–1984)

Sixth and Seventh: Colin Baker (1984–1986) and Sylvester McCoy (1987–1989, 1996)

Eighth and Ninth: Paul McGann (1996) and Christopher Eccleston (2005)

Tenth and Eleventh: David Tennant (2005-2010) and Matt Smith (2010-2013)

Twelfth: Peter Capaldi (2013 - 2017)

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Fashion-loving Time Lord! How new Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa, 29, fled war-torn Rwanda for Scotland and overcame racist bullying and being homeless to land British TV's most iconic role

By Latoya Gayle for MailOnline 

Ncuti Gatwa, who was announced as the 14th Doctor Who today, is about to become a household name after landing one of the most iconic roles on UK television. It's a far cry from how his life began, born in war-ravaged Rwanda and forced to seek a new life in Scotland. 

The 29-year-old was just a toddler when his family fled the genocide and moved to Dunfermline but few would have predicted the path his life would follow. Racially abused at school, the openly gay star moved to London at 21 to pursue his dreams of an acting career - but ended up so poor he was homeless for five months. 

The fashion-loving actor, who has a slew of celebrity pals and is a regular on the FROW at fashion shows, was sleeping on his friend's sofas in London and borrowing money for his Tube fare to auditions after running out of savings.

The BBC revealed today that Ncuti Gatwa, 29, is set to replace Jodie Comer to become the 14th Doctor Who; Scottish-raised actor Gatwa, who was born in Rwanda but left the country as a young boy (Pictured: Gatwa and Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies at the British Academy Television Awards 2022 at The Royal Festival Hall on Sunday)

Gatwa, who is best known for starring as Eric in Sex Education (pictured), followed his dreams of acting to London - but suffered poverty as his big break failed to come quickly, and was forced to sleep on friends' couches

FROW boy: The fashion-loving actor, who has a slew of celebrity pals and is a regular on the front row at fashion shows

On the London party circuit: Gatwa pictured with (from left to right) Karen Elson, Nadine Leopold and Gemma Chan at Annabels in November

However, after he was cast in the role of Eric Effiong in Netflix's hugely popular Sex Education, Ncuti's star has been in the ascendant - and he's now poised to take on the biggest acting job in British television. 

Gatwa will take the helm from Jodie Whittaker as the Time Lord and become the first black actor to take on the lead role in the show's history, after Jodie made history as the first female Doctor.

Jo Martin played the first black incarnation of the Time Lord in a January 2020 episode, Future of the Judoon, as Ruth Clayton, but Ncuti Gatwa has become the first black Doctor cast as the series lead. 

Heaping praise on the star, Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies said: 'Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds.' 

A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, Gatwa completed his Bachelor of Arts in Acting in 2013.

He moved to London to pursue his dream of becoming an actor, rather than following in the footsteps of his father Mr Tharcisse Gatwa, who is a journalist with a PhD in Theology.

After moving to the capital, Gatwa struggled financially and even had to borrow £10 from friends so he could afford the tube fare for auditions.

Despite previously landing a role in BBC's Stonemouth (pictured), Ncuti admits he was homeless before starring in Netflix's Sex Education 

'I couldn't seem to handle it all financially. I was supposed to move into a new place and it fell through,' Ncuti said.

'So for five months before Sex Education, I was couch-surfing among all my friends. I didn't have a home.

'I was homeless. The only thing stopping me from being on the streets was the fact I had friends.'

Accounts for Ncuti Gatwa's company Gemini Moon Limited show he amassed assets of more than three quarters of a million pounds last year. 

Ncuti's breakout role was as Eric Effiong in Netflix's hugely popular Sex Education about socially awkward high school student Otis (Asa Butterfield) and his sex therapist mother Jean (Gillian Anderson).

Written by Laurie Nunn, it turned many of the cast into overnight stars, which proved a huge contrast to the poverty experienced by Gatwa prior to landing the role. 

His character - as the gay sidekick of the show’s star Otis, played by Asa Butterfield - has become one of Sex Education’s most loved actors. 

Ncuti has previously appeared on screens in the Horrible Histories movie and as Nick in romantic drama The Last Letter from Your Lover (pictured)

Ncuti previously revealed that he hoped the role would help people to embrace their sexuality and give men hope that the won't be held back due to the their ethnicity. 

Since his first role in an episode of the British sitcom Bob Servant, Ncuti has starred in a 2015 adaptation of Scottish author Iain Banks' novel Stonemouth and a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. 

In 2019, he took to screens in the Horrible Histories movie then went onto land a role as Nick in romantic drama The Last Letter from Your Lover in 2021.  

Since winning a Scottish Bafta and a Rose d'Or Award for Sex Education, the actor has become hugely popular and now boasts an Instagram following of almost 3 million.

Ncuti has won a Scottish Bafta (pictured) and a Rose d'Or Award for his popular role in Netflix's Sex Education

Alongside his 2023 debut as the 14th Time Lord in BBC's Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa will appear on screen in the upcoming live action Barbie film, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. 

Gatwa said he was 'deeply honoured' and 'beyond excited', but admitted that he was also a 'little bit scared' to join the Doctor Who franchise.

He told the BBC: 'This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care.

'I will endeavour my upmost to do the same.'

Meanwhile, Davies said that Gatwa 'dazzled' in his audition, adding: 'Sometimes talent walks through the door and it's so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars.'

Ncuti admitted that he is 'a little bit scared' to join the Doctor Who franchise, as the role means 'so much to so many around the world'