Ncuti Gatwa breaks silence on exiting 'Doctor Who'

Published: Jul 15 2025

Ncuti Gatwa unveiled the genuine motivation behind his exit from the beloved English TV series, "Doctor Who." Making his debut in a special episode in 2023, Gatwa officially assumed the iconic role of the lead Doctor for the 2024 season. In an exclusive interview with BBC's "Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg Show," the talented actor candidly discussed his heartfelt decision to step away from this legendary character.

Ncuti Gatwa breaks silence on exiting 'Doctor Who' 1

He revealed, "Age is catching up with me, and my body has reached its limit." The star of "Barbie" further elaborated, "I've recently embarked on a ballet journey, making choices that truly resonate with me." Gatwa added, "Playing the Doctor is undeniably the most extraordinary job in the world, a dream role for any actor. However, its brilliance comes with immense physical demands."

When prompted about the possibility of revisiting his role, Gatwa responded with a hopeful, "One never knows." Prior to his tenure as the Doctor, Gatwa garnered critical acclaim and multiple BAFTA Television Award nominations for his performance in Netflix's original series, "Sex Education."

Next up, Gatwa is poised to shine in "The Roses," a satirical black comedy directed by Jay Roach. The star-studded cast also includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Andy Samberg, and Kate McKinnon. Scheduled for release on August 29, "The Roses" promises to be another highlight in Gatwa's burgeoning cinematic career.

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