NCUTI GATWA JOINS EXCLUSIVE CLUB AS DOCTOR WHO’S NEW TIME LORD
In a historic moment for the iconic British TV show, Ncuti Gatwa is set to make his debut as the latest Doctor Who. Gatwa joins a select group of actors who have portrayed the beloved Time Lord in the series’ illustrious history. The show first graced our screens on November 23, 1963, with veteran actor William Hartnell taking on the role in its early days.
Little did Hartnell know that Doctor Who would become a television institution, captivating audiences for over six decades. Originally airing on the BBC on Saturday afternoons, the show has stood the test of time and continues to captivate fans worldwide.
One of the secrets to the show’s enduring success is the Doctor’s ability to regenerate, allowing for a seamless transition between actors. While predominantly played by men, the role has recently seen two women take on the mantle, marking a significant step towards greater diversity and representation.
Doctor Who has transcended the realm of television and become a cultural phenomenon. It is frequently referenced and parodied in other shows, solidifying its place in pop culture history. Now, with a new partnership with Disney on the horizon, the show’s popularity is set to soar to new heights.
As we embark on a new season, Express TV takes a nostalgic look back at all the actors who have graced the famous blue police box and brought the Doctor to life.
William Hartnell, the original Doctor, is still celebrated in the new series, proving his lasting impact on the Whoniverse. Before his iconic role, Hartnell was a renowned star of both stage and screen. His performance in the film This Sporting Life caught the attention of producer Verity Lambert, who approached him for the part.
Initially hesitant due to his success in films, Hartnell eventually accepted the role. It offered him a departure from the gruff military characters he had become typecast in. Additionally, as a grandfather himself, he cherished the attention and affection he received from younger audiences.
While his signature shock of long white hair is well-known, Hartnell actually wore a wig. His own hair was much shorter and neater, in line with the fashion of the time. Interestingly, his costume was not even owned by the BBC. Instead, it was rented from Nathans, a theatrical costuming company.
Unfortunately, Hartnell’s health began to decline during his time on the show. Undiagnosed arteriosclerosis affected his ability to remember his lines. As a result, he made the difficult decision to leave the role in 1966. This led to the introduction of the concept of regeneration, allowing the Doctor to continue with different incarnations.
Hartnell reprised his role once for the tenth-anniversary story, “The Three Doctors.” However, his failing memory required him to read his lines from cue cards. Sadly, this would be his final acting job, as he passed away on April 23, 1975. Regrettably, many of his Doctor Who episodes are now missing from the archives, as it was common practice at the time to discard old shows.
Much like his predecessor, Patrick Troughton was a well-established star when he took on the iconic role of Doctor Who. Before stepping into the TARDIS, Troughton had already made a name for himself in various TV shows such as The Count of Monte Cristo, Ivanhoe, Sherlock Holmes, No Hiding Place, The Saint, and Z-Cars.
The pressure was immense for Troughton as the future of the show relied on the audience accepting a new actor as the Doctor. Producer Innes Lloyd revealed that William Hartnell, the first Doctor, had given his approval, stating that Troughton was the only man in England who could take over the role.
Troughton’s portrayal of the Doctor was described as a “cosmic hobo,” a departure from Hartnell’s incarnation. He brought a Chaplin-esque charm to the character, making him stand out. Troughton was also the first Doctor to have his face featured in the show’s opening titles, a tradition that continued in future seasons.
At the age of 46, Troughton found the demanding filming schedule overwhelming. The series required shooting 40 to 44 episodes per year at the time. In 1969, he made the decision to leave Doctor Who, partly due to the fear of being typecast, a concern he discussed in subsequent interviews.
Despite his departure, Troughton made three return appearances on the show. He first came back for the tenth anniversary special, The Three Doctors, in 1983. Then, at the request of series producer John Nathan-Turner, he reluctantly agreed to appear in the 20th anniversary special, The Five Doctors. Finally, Troughton reprised his role as the Second Doctor alongside Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor in The Two Doctors in 1985. Sadly, he passed away on March 28, 1987, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the Doctor Who universe.
Jon Pertwee, a member of a famous theatrical family, took on the role of Doctor Who at the age of 51. He brought a dynamic and stylish approach to the character, with his distinctive dandy appearance and voluminous hair. Despite being exiled to Earth for a significant portion of his tenure, Jon’s Doctor remained an active crusader, serving as the scientific advisor to Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart and UNIT.
Jon’s portrayal of the Doctor spanned five seasons, making his tenure longer than both of his predecessors. However, due to a reduced production schedule, he appeared in fewer episodes compared to William Hartnell. In 1974, Jon announced his departure from the role, citing a desire to focus on his stage career and concerns about being typecast, similar to his predecessor, Patrick Troughton.
In later years, Jon revealed that the loss of his close friend and co-star Roger Delgado, who played the Doctor’s nemesis The Master, as well as the departures of Katy Manning and producer Barry Letts, influenced his decision to leave. Additionally, he faced chronic back pain during this time. Following his departure from Doctor Who, Jon went on to portray the beloved character Worzel Gummidge.
Jon returned to the role of the Doctor for the 20th-anniversary special, The Five Doctors, in 1983, as well as the Children in Need story Dimensions in Time. He also reprised the role in radio adventures and on stage in Doctor Who – The Ultimate Adventure. Sadly, Jon Pertwee passed away at the age of 76 on May 20, 1996.
Tom Baker, who portrayed the Doctor from 1974 to 1981, is known for creating one of the most iconic looks for the character. His oversized multi-colored scarf has become a symbol of Doctor Who. At the age of 40, Tom wasn’t widely recognized when he was cast as the Doctor. Prior to his role, he worked on a construction site due to a lack of acting opportunities. However, he quickly became a fan-favorite and the show’s popularity soared, reaching levels comparable to the early sixties.
Reflecting on his time as the Doctor, Tom described it as the realization of his childhood fantasies. He embraced the role wholeheartedly and still holds a deep affection for Doctor Who. In 1983, Tom declined to appear in The Five Doctors, as he had recently left the show and didn’t want to play a minor role. However, he did make a brief return for the 30th-anniversary charity special, Dimensions in Time, in 1993.
Tom Baker surprised fans by appearing in the 50th Anniversary special, Day Of the Doctor, portraying the character of The Curator. This unexpected cameo delighted audiences and showcased the enduring impact of Tom’s portrayal of the Doctor.
PETER DAVISON: YOUNGEST DOCTOR WHO STAR
Peter Davison made history when he became the youngest actor to take on the iconic role of Doctor Who at just 29 years old. Prior to this, Davison had gained recognition for his portrayal of Tristan Farnon in All Creatures Great And Small, which caught the attention of Doctor Who producers.
Following the advice of his predecessor, Patrick Troughton, Davison signed a three-year contract, fearing being typecast. One of the notable features of his Doctor’s outfit was the stick of celery he wore on his lapel.
During his time on the show, Davison’s Doctor faced off against some of the series’ most beloved foes, including the Cybermen, the Daleks, and Davros, much to the delight of fans.
Since leaving the show, Davison has made several returns to the Doctor Who franchise in various formats. In 1993, he reprised his role as the Fifth Doctor in the charity special Dimensions in Time. He also appeared in the minisode Time Crash, written by Steven Moffat for Children in Need in 2007.
Most recently, Davison returned as the Fifth Doctor alongside other former Doctors in Jodie Whittaker’s final episode. He also regularly attends fan conventions to meet and interact with fans of the show.
COLIN BAKER: THE DOCTOR WHO CONTROVERSY
Before taking on the role of the Doctor, Colin Baker had previously appeared in the Peter Davison-era Doctor Who story, Arc of Infinity, in 1983, where he played Commander Maxil. At the age of 41, Baker was cast as the titular character, known for his irritable nature and vibrant wardrobe.
Baker’s tenure as the Doctor was met with challenges. He initially struggled to win over audiences after his character attempted to strangle his companion, Peri Brown, which seemed contradictory to the Doctor’s values.
Unfortunately, Baker also found himself caught in the middle of internal conflicts within the BBC. Michael Grade, the Controller of BBC1 at the time, publicly criticized the show, claiming it had become excessively violent. Grade later admitted in interviews that he despised the series, referring to it as a “clunky studio show.”
Baker’s time as the Doctor was interrupted by an 18-month hiatus, announced in February 1985 during the middle of his first full season. The show returned in September 1986, but the season was shortened to a 14-episode serial titled The Trial of a Time Lord.
Ultimately, Baker was removed from the role after only starring in 11 stories. Although he was offered a single four-part story that would conclude with his character’s regeneration, Baker declined the offer and did not return for the regeneration scene into the seventh Doctor. Despite these setbacks, Baker has made peace with his Doctor Who experience and continues to lend his voice to audiobooks featuring the character. He also frequently contributes to shows discussing Doctor Who.
Scottish actor Sylvester, who was 44 when he took over the role, is notable for being the final actor to play the Doctor in the original run. He got off to an ignominious start when he was forced to don a blonde curly wig for his regeneration scene after Sixth Doctor Colin Baker refused to return to hand over the role.
The series was in a state of flux during his time on the show. Previously known as a comedic actor, his Doctor was originally whimsical and witty but after complaints that it had become too lightweight, he ended up one of the darkest incarnations ever. Indeed, unearthed audition footage shown on Talking Doctor Who shows that he had a much lighter vision for the role than what it became.
He stayed until the show was axed in 1989 and then returned for the 1993 charity special Dimensions in Time. He also reprised the role in the Doctor Who television movie starring Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor in 1996. Most recently, he appeared as the Seventh Doctor in Jodie Whittaker’s final episode The Power Of The Doctor.
After several years off air, fans were delighted to hear that a movie was being made as a back-door pilot for a possible new series following the show’s cancellation in 1989. The project was a joint venture between the BBC, Universal Studios and the Fox Broadcasting Network. The Monocled Mutineer star Paul McGann eventually landed the role and signed a contract for the TV show should it come to fruition.
The film was shown on May 14 1996 in the US and on May 27 1996 in the UK, and although it proved very successful in the UK, ratings were very low in the United States, and the option for a series wasn’t picked up. This wouldn’t be the last we would see of McGann’s Doctor, as he returned to a more battle-weary and grizzled incarnation of the role to show the character’s regeneration into the War Doctor as part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations in 2013. He also regularly voices the character in audiobooks for Big Finish.
Although John Hurt wasn’t introduced as The War Doctor until Doctor Who’s 50th-anniversary special in 2013, in the Whoniverse canon he falls between Doctors Eight and Nine. Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning star John was a screen legend when he took on the role for the one-off episode and at the age of 73, he remains the oldest actor ever to take on the role.
His origins were shown in a minisode The Night Of The Doctor which saw Paul McGann’s eighth Doctor regenerate into him. Although he only appeared briefly on screen, John also reprised the role for Big Finish Productions in a series of audio stories starting from 2015 to 2017, completing twelve episodes over four box sets. He died on January 25, 2017.
In 2005, the long-awaited reboot of Doctor Who finally happened, and fans couldn’t have been happier. The lead role was taken on by the talented actor Christopher Eccleston, who brought a laid-back and casual vibe to the character. Sporting a battered leather jacket, he quickly became a fan favorite.
Eccleston’s portrayal of the Doctor earned him critical acclaim and recognition. He won a National Television Award and received nominations for a Broadcasting Press Guild Award and a BAFTA Cymru Award. However, much to the disappointment of fans, he decided to leave after just one series.
The reasons behind his departure have been the subject of much debate. In a BBC radio interview in 2005, when asked about his experience working on Doctor Who, he responded with a cryptic “Mixed, but that’s a long story.” Years later, he revealed that he didn’t enjoy the working environment or the culture of the cast and crew. Despite this, he expressed pride in having played the iconic role. He candidly admitted that his relationship with the showrunner, producer, and co-producer had broken down irreparably during filming.
Although Eccleston has yet to return to the role on screen, he has lent his voice to the character in audiobooks in recent years. He has also made appearances at conventions dedicated to celebrating the beloved character.
Following Eccleston’s departure, the producers of Doctor Who faced the daunting task of finding a replacement who could captivate audiences and keep the show’s momentum going. Enter David Tennant, who needs no introduction to fans of the show. Tennant’s portrayal of the Doctor catapulted him to immense popularity, and he is frequently hailed as the best Doctor ever in various polls.
Unlike Eccleston, Tennant’s introduction to the show was gradual. He made a brief appearance of just 20 seconds after the Ninth Doctor’s regeneration. His first full episode as the Doctor came in the 2005 Christmas Special, The Christmas Invasion. However, fans had to wait until the final minutes of the episode to see him in action, as the character spent most of the time recovering from regeneration.
Tennant went on to star in the series from 2006 to 2008, captivating audiences with his charismatic and energetic portrayal of the Doctor. In 2009 and early 2010, due to his other filming commitments, the show featured a series of four specials instead of a traditional season. Tennant bid farewell to the show in 2010 with the memorable line, “I don’t want to go!”
However, his departure from Doctor Who was not the end of his journey with the character. In 2013, he returned to reprise his role as the Tenth Doctor for the 50th anniversary special, The Day of the Doctor. And in 2023, he delighted fans once again by playing the Fourteenth Doctor in three 60th-anniversary specials.
David Tennant’s portrayal of the Doctor has left an indelible mark on the show’s history, cementing his status as one of the most beloved actors to have taken on the iconic role.
MATT SMITH BECOMES YOUNGEST ACTOR TO PLAY THE DOCTOR
At just 28 years old, Matt Smith made history as the youngest actor to take on the iconic role of the Doctor in Doctor Who. Previously held by Peter Davison, Smith’s casting was announced by Executive Producer Steven Moffat, who praised his unique ability to embody the complex character. Moffat stated, “The Doctor is a very special part, and it takes a very special actor to play him. You need to be old and young at the same time, a boffin and an action hero, a cheeky schoolboy and the wise old man of the universe. As soon as Matt walked through the door, and blew us away with a bold and brand new take on the Time Lord, we knew we had our man.”
A CHARACTER WHO EMBRACES WONDER
Smith himself described the Doctor as a character who finds excitement and fascination in even the smallest things. He explained, “The Doctor is excited and fascinated by the tiniest of things. By everything. By every single thing. That’s what’s wonderful about him as a character. It’s why children like him, I think. Because he doesn’t dismiss anything. He’s not cynical. He’s open to every single facet of the universe.” Smith’s quirky energy and enthusiasm made him a perfect fit for the role, quickly winning over fans despite the popularity of his predecessor, David Tennant.
REFLECTIONS ON HIS TIME AS THE DOCTOR
In a 2018 interview on Desert Island Discs, Smith revealed that he had almost turned down the role of the Doctor. However, he ultimately embraced the opportunity and made his mark on the series. Looking back in a 2016 interview, Smith expressed regret for not staying longer, expressing a desire to have worked alongside co-star Jenna Coleman for a longer period of time. Smith’s final episode as the Doctor aired in the 2013 Christmas special.
PETER CAPALDI’S JOURNEY AS THE DOCTOR
Peter Capaldi, a lifelong fan of Doctor Who, took on the role of the Twelfth Doctor in 2013. Prior to his casting, Capaldi had appeared in the show as guest characters, including Lobus Caecilius in the 2008 episode “The Fires of Pompeii” and John Frobisher in the 2009 Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood: Children of Earth. Despite his love for the show, Capaldi had initially hesitated to audition for the role, fearing he wouldn’t be chosen. Reflecting on a previous opportunity to audition for the Eighth Doctor in 1995, Capaldi explained, “I loved the show so much, and I didn’t think I would get it, and I didn’t want to just be part of a big cull of actors.”
A DISTINCTIVE DOCTOR
Capaldi’s portrayal of the Doctor drew inspiration from Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor, evident in his character’s appearance and hairstyle. In a departure from tradition, Capaldi’s Doctor used sonic sunglasses instead of the traditional sonic screwdriver. Capaldi’s tenure as the Doctor concluded with the 2017 Christmas special, and he has indicated that he will not be returning to the role in the future.
Jodie Whittaker, the groundbreaking Thirteenth Doctor, made history on July 16, 2017, as the first female to take on the iconic role. In an inspiring message to fans, she encouraged them not to fear the change, stating that “Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change. The fans have lived through so many changes, and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one.”
Despite receiving widespread acclaim for her performance, Whittaker’s tenure as the Doctor was plagued by subpar writing and significant scheduling disruptions. The show’s airing slot was shifted from its traditional Saturday night to Sunday, a move that surprised many long-time viewers. Additionally, the beloved Christmas specials were replaced by New Year’s Day specials.
After three series and three specials, Jodie bid farewell to the role in 2022. Her departure was not without another groundbreaking moment, as she became the first-ever pregnant Doctor in her final scenes. In a revelation after the episodes aired, Whittaker disclosed that she had been expecting her youngest child during the filming.
During Jodie Whittaker’s time as the Doctor, a mysterious character known as the Fugitive Doctor, portrayed by Jo Martin, made her appearance. Although the origins of this incarnation remain shrouded in mystery, for the purpose of this article, we will include her here. In the 2021 episode “Once Upon Time,” it was confirmed that she is a past version of the Doctor, whose existence had been erased from the Doctor’s memory. The exact placement of this incarnation is still unknown, with some speculating that she predates even the original Doctor portrayed by William Hartnell.
Jo Martin, already a favorite among BBC viewers for her role as neurosurgeon Max McGeery in the now-defunct series “Holby City,” surprised fans when she guest-starred as tour guide Ruth Clayton in a 2020 episode. As the episode unfolded, it became clear that Ruth Clayton was, in fact, another incarnation of the Doctor. She had been hiding on Earth, evading the Time Lords, and had been coerced into working for the enigmatic Division.
To date, Jo Martin’s Fugitive Doctor has made four on-screen appearances and is set to feature in a series of audio adventures. Whether or not fans will receive an explanation about her origins in future episodes remains uncertain.
David Tennant’s return to the show was a poorly kept secret, and it came as no surprise when Jodie Whittaker regenerated into him. However, what did surprise fans was that he didn’t reprise his role as the Tenth Doctor, but instead became the Fourteenth Doctor.
In the three-episode 60th anniversary special at the end of 2023, David made his comeback alongside Catherine Tate, who played his companion Donna Noble. Fans got a taste of his new Doctor in a Children In Need minisode called Genesis Of The Daleks.
Throughout the specials, it was revealed that David’s Doctor had unfinished business with Donna. By the end, he regenerated into Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in Sex Education, becoming the Fifteenth Doctor. This gave David’s Doctor the happy ending fans had hoped for, as he was seen living a peaceful life with Donna and her family while Fifteen took over the duty of saving the universe.
Ncuti Gatwa, previously known for his role in the popular Netflix show Sex Education, took over the TARDIS on Christmas Day. Initially believed to be Jodie Whittaker’s successor, it was a surprise when David Tennant returned to the show instead.
Although his first full season is just beginning, Ncuti is already filming his second and has hinted that there is more to come. His Doctor is a departure from previous incarnations, with a sonic screwdriver that resembles a mobile phone and a willingness to break into song.
Unlike previous Doctors, who had a consistent look, Ncuti’s Doctor has a vast wardrobe and dresses for each occasion. In just the first two episodes of the new season, he has sported multiple looks.
With a new partnership with Disney, Ncuti’s Doctor is set to reach a wider audience than ever before, potentially making him the most popular and well-known Doctor to date.
SPECIAL MENTION FOR ACTORS WHO HAVE PLAYED DOCTOR WHO
In the world of Doctor Who, several actors have had the honor of portraying the iconic Time Lord. Some have even taken on the role in special episodes or films. Let’s take a look at some of these noteworthy actors.
Richard Hurndall was one such actor. After the death of William Hartnell, who originally played the First Doctor, Hurndall stepped in to fill his shoes in the 20th anniversary special, The Five Doctors.
Another actor who has taken on the role of Hartnell’s Doctor is David Bradley. Bradley first played the First Doctor in An Adventure In Space and Time, a film that explored the origins of Doctor Who. He later reprised the role in several episodes of the show, delighting fans with his portrayal.
Peter Cushing is another name that deserves a mention. The British screen legend portrayed Doctor Who in two films, Dr Who and the Daleks in 1965, and Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. in 1966. Although these films were not directly related to the show, they still hold a place in the hearts of fans.
Doctor Who, the beloved sci-fi series, can be watched on BBC One on Saturday nights. Stay tuned for the latest adventures of the Doctor!
If you want to stay up-to-date with all the latest news, why not sign up for news notifications from Daily Express? Don’t miss out on any Doctor Who updates and other exciting stories.
