“Doctor Who” Season 14 Update: Ncuti Gatwa Takes Over
Ncuti Gatwa has assumed the spotlight as the newest star of Doctor Who following the December 9 anniversary special.
Having been cast in 2022, the Sex Education actor stepped into the role prior to the departure of the previous star, Jodie Whittaker. Russell T. Davies, the creative force behind the 2005 relaunch of Doctor Who, returned as the showrunner for both the 60th-anniversary specials and season 14.
In a statement from May 2022, Davies expressed his enthusiasm for Gatwa, stating, “Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor, and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds. It’s an honor to work with him, and a hoot, I can’t wait to get started.”
For further details about the upcoming 14th season of Doctor Who, continue scrolling.
When Will ‘Doctor Who’ Season 14 On Air?
After the broadcast of the three 60th anniversary specials on BBC and Disney+, Ncuti Gatwa’s episodes are scheduled to kick off during the “festive period.” Disney+ has officially announced that the Doctor Who holiday special, titled “The Church on Ruby Road,” is set to air on December 25. This marks a departure from the tradition of the last four winter specials airing on New Year’s Day, making it the first Christmas Day premiere since 2017.
Disney+ has confirmed that the 2023 Christmas special will be available for streaming starting at 12:55 p.m. ET, aligning with the exact time it will begin airing on BBC1 in the U.K.
Is There a Trailer for the ‘Doctor Who’ Christmas Special?
The teaser, unveiled on December 9, offers a glimpse of the Doctor apparently encountering Ruby in a club. The Doctor utters, “Let me set you down and tell you a Christmas story. A story of chance, coincidence, and luck.”
How Does Ncuti Gatwa Feel About Being the New Doctor?
“There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling,” Gatwa expressed in a press release. “A mix of deeply honored, beyond excited, and of course, a little bit scared. This role and show mean 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 endeavor my utmost to do the same.”
Who Is the 15th Doctor’s New Companion?
In November 2022, BBC and Disney+, the U.S. streaming platform for the new season, jointly announced that Millie Gibson would take on the role of Ncuti Gatwa’s sidekick, Ruby Sunday.
Expressing her disbelief and immense honor, Gibson stated in a November 2022 release, “Whilst still being in total disbelief, I am beyond honored to be cast as the Doctor’s companion. It is a gift of a role, and a dream come true, and I will do everything to try and fill the boots the fellow companions have traveled in before me. And what better way to do that than being by the fabulous Ncuti Gatwa’s side, I just can’t wait to get started.”
Gatwa, equally enthusiastic, shared on Instagram, “Far too excited to sail the universe and battle monsters with this one. Believe me, we got SO much in store for you.”
What Does Ncuti Gatwa Look Like as The Doctor?
In December 2022, Disney+ and BBC unveiled the first photo featuring Gatwa and Gibson in their character costumes. The new star sported a vibrant orange shirt paired with a dark orange plaid jacket and trousers. Completing the ensemble were silver rings and Gallifreyan nail art. On the other hand, Gibson donned a denim jacket with blue shorts and tights underneath.
Who Is Jonathan Groff?
Jonathan Groff’s role in the upcoming season was officially announced in May 2023, described as a “key role.” The first photos of Groff in character show him alongside the Doctor and Millie, dressed in regency-era clothing.
Expressing his excitement, Groff stated, “I am so thrilled to jump into the extraordinary mind of Russell T. Davies and watch the incredible Ncuti Gatwa soar in this iconic role!”
Which ‘Drag Race’ Alum Is Joining ‘Doctor Who’?
Jinkx Monsoon, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5, is set to take on a “major role” in Doctor Who. Although specific character details have not been disclosed, the Broadway alum is enthusiastic about joining the TARDIS.
Expressing their excitement, Jinkx Monsoon stated in an April 2023 statement, “I’m honored, thrilled, and utterly excited to join Doctor Who! Russell T. Davies is a visionary and a brilliant writer — I can’t wait to get into the weeds with him and the crew. I hope there’s room in the TARDIS for my luggage.”
Which Companion Is Making a Return?
Bonnie Langford originally joined the Doctor Who cast in 1986 as Melanie Bush, the companion to the Sixth and Seventh Doctors, portrayed by Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy, respectively. Her reappearance took place as a cameo during Jodie Whittaker’s farewell episode as the 13th Doctor, and she later returned in a UNIT capacity for one of the 60th-anniversary specials.
Meet The Duchess
Indira Varma, known for her role in Game of Thrones, is slated to portray The Duchess. It remains uncertain whether this enigmatic royal character has any connection to Suzie Costello, a role Varma previously played in 2008 on the Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood.
Expressing her excitement about joining the Doctor Who universe, Varma stated in a May 2023 release, “I’m thrilled to be in Doctor Who and particularly excited to be crossing cosmic paths with Ncuti as the Doctor. I look forward to creating interplanetary mischief with him. I loved playing Suzie Costello for Russell T. Davies in Torchwood, so I am thrilled to be entering this world again.”
Who’s Joining the Cast of ‘Doctor Who’ Season 14?
Confirmed members of the Season 14 cast include Lenny Rush, who will play Morris, and Aneurin Barnard, portraying the “mysterious” Roger ap Gwilliam. Unfortunately, no further details about their characters have been disclosed.
In the 2024 Christmas special, Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan is set to make an appearance, reuniting with her Barbie co-star Ncuti Gatwa. Coughlan expressed her excitement on Instagram in November 2023: “Off to the Whoniverse 👽 @russelltdavies63 is the loveliest man in the world, thank you so much for asking me to join you on the joy that is Doctor Who and letting me share the screen with the ridiculously brilliant @ncutigatwa, how lucky am I — I’m loving every minute.” Gatwa added, “Barbie and Ken back at it again.”