By hook or by crook, it has officially been a year since Ncuti Gatwa burst onto our screens as the Doctor, captivating us with his radiant smile and irresistible charm, quickly winning our hearts.
As you may remember, he first graced our screens in the Sixtieth anniversary special ‘The Giggle’, during the show’s inaugural ‘bi-generation’, where David Tennant officially passed the baton. Gatwa’s portrayal as the Fifteenth Doctor was followed by his first full episode, ‘The Church on Ruby Avenue’, aired on last year’s Christmas Day, introducing him to Millie Gibson’s character, Ruby Sunday.
Reflecting on this significant milestone during a recent Q&A with GamesRadar+ after a special screening of this year’s upcoming Christmas special ‘Joy to the World’, Gatwa expressed his disbelief at how quickly a year has passed since his character’s debut, describing the experience as “crazy.”
The star also confesses that when he first took on the role, he underestimated the extraordinary demands it would entail, especially considering its vast scope. Nonetheless, Gatwa relished the opportunity to tackle these various challenges, stating that he now views himself as a more skilled actor as a result: “Before diving in, I didn’t fully grasp the scale of what I was committing to, but it brings immense joy as well. Amazing scripts from talented writers each week have pushed me as both an actor and an artist.”
He continues, highlighting the privilege it has been to portray the Doctor for a year: “It’s just been so enjoyable, like I’m constantly strapped into a harness soaring through the air! It’s been a wild ride stepping into this legacy. The show has resonated with audiences for so many years, weaving itself into our cultural tapestry, making each new season and episode feel truly special.”
And the adventure is far from over. Following the Christmas special ‘Joy to the World’, which features Gatwa’s Doctor embarking on an adventure with Nicola Coughlan’s character named Joy, we can anticipate Doctor Who season 2 on the horizon. So, in many respects, it’s just the beginning.
‘Joy to the World’ premieres on Christmas Day via BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, while in the US you can catch it on Disney Plus. Check out our Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review for our full insights.