Ncuti replaced David Tennant in the role back in 2022
Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa has admitted that he ‘doesn’t know’ weeks after his exit from the BBC sci-fi series.
Last month saw Sex Education and Barnie actor Ncuti unexpectedly leave the show after just two seasons playing the titular role.
The 32-year-old began his tenure as the 15th Doctor during a rare Bi-generation that David Tennant’s return ended with the Doctor being split into two personalities.
From here Ncuti had to battle the Ravi, meet space babies and prevent disaster at the The Interstellar Song Contest
Without any warning, the recent Doctor Who finale saw Ncuti regenerate into Billie, who previously played Rose Tyler on the programme.
Billie made her debut as Rose in the first season of the BBC’s Doctor Who, initially serving as Christopher Eccleston’s companion in 2005.
Following one year of acting with David Tennant, Billie left the series in heartbreaking scenes, returning for 2013’s 50th anniversary special The Day of the Doctor.
While everyone watching instantly assumed that Rose is the new Timelord, Billie was not credited as the Doctor in the credits.
Every other Doctor has been credited with ‘introducing as the Doctor’ after a regeneration, with plenty of fan theories trying to figure out what actually happened.
The cliffhanger is unlikely to be resolved for a number of years, with the next season of the legendary programme yet to be confirmed.
Appearing on Nick Robinson’s BBC Radio 4 programme Today, Ncuti was quizzed on what he knows about the series’ future.
“I’ve finished playing Doctor Who, we all saw the gold sparkle – or did we, I don’t know? I just don’t know who the next Doctor Who is, but it’s certainly not me,” he said.
Ncuti previously explained he never intended to have a lengthy stint on Doctor Who due to the physical demands that come with the programme.
Speaking in a behind-the-scenes featurette video, he explained: “It was always the plan to do this amount of seasons, because it’s a role that demands a lot of you, physically and emotionally and mentally.
“The actors playing the doctor are only actors playing the doctor; unfortunately, we are mere mortals. I would love to have the energy and the youth to be able to do this full time for the rest of my life, but my knees are telling me it’s time.”
Despite the difficulties the role brings, Ncuti insisted that playing the Doctor will be a part of him ‘forever’.
He said in an exit statement shared online: “You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it.
“This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.
“The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show, and I can’t thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in and making this such a touching experience.”
Ncuti continued: “I’ve loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. I’ll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.”