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Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa rose to fame for his performance as openly gay Eric Effiong in Netflix’s original series Sex Education. He has rapidly emerged as one of the most dynamic talents in contemporary television and film. Now the actor is making headlines for a different reason.
For the unversed, Gatwa has been vocal in his support for Palestine. He recently made a sudden withdrawal from presenting the UK’s Eurovision jury scores on Saturday night after Israel, represented by an October 7 survivor, made the final. Now he’s reportedly axed from Doctor Who.
In 2022, Gatwa was announced as the fifteenth incarnation of the Doctor in the iconic BBC series “Doctor Who,” making history as the first Black actor to lead the show full-time. His debut as the Doctor aired on December 25, 2023, introducing audiences to a more emotionally balanced and fun-loving version of the character.
Ncuti Gatwa has been axed as Doctor Who after just two series
The BBC programme is also said to have been paused for an extended break amid criticism about recent plots involving non-binary aliens, incels and even a pregnant male extra-terrestrial. Daily Mail report cited a TV insider as saying, “If the final nail wasn’t already in the coffin, it was well and truly hammered in after that. Bosses were incredibly disappointed. Ncuti, as the Doctor, is one of the corporation’s most high-profile faces.”
Last Saturday’s episode of Doctor Who drew approximately 2.5 million viewers—roughly 2 million fewer than the average during Jodie Whittaker’s tenure as the Time Lord, which ended in 2022. While the show still maintains a loyal following, its current viewership is a far cry from its heyday. At its peak during the 1960s through the 1980s, Doctor Who regularly attracted audiences of around 13 million on Saturday nights.
Last year Gatwa told his critics, “Don’t watch. Turn off the TV. I feel like anyone that has a problem with someone who’s not a straight white man playing this character, you’re not really, truly a fan of the show.”
Doctor Who bosses shut down rumours of Ncuti Gatwa’s exit
Some fans have expressed disappointment over what they see as overly modernized portrayals of iconic villains, including changes such as the introduction of a pregnant male alien. A number of long-time ‘Whovians’ voiced frustration over the addition of transgender and non-binary characters who challenge assumptions about their gender identity, as well as the casting of a drag performer in a villainous role.
Critics have accused the BBC of using the latest episodes to push what they call “gender ideology,” particularly following the show’s global expansion via a high-profile partnership with Disney, reportedly valued at £100 million.
While Ncuti Gatwa has not publicly addressed speculation about his possible departure from the role, the BBC has dismissed such claims as “pure speculation,” stating that no official decision has been made. Meanwhile, there have also been rumours suggesting Gatwa may be considering a move to focus on a Hollywood career.
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