Doctor Who bosses considered non-binary actor for role before casting Ncuti Gatwa

"We saw all backgrounds, all genders."

By Sam Warner

6 Jan 2023

BBC

Doctor Who's bosses had considered casting a non-binary actor before settling on Ncuti Gatwa, it has emerged.

The Sex Education star was confirmed as the next incarnation of the Doctor (well, bar one now that David Tennant has briefly returned) last year.

However, some new insight into the casting process to find Jodie Whittaker's successor in the TARDIS has emerged.

Jeff SpicerGetty Images

Speaking to Doctor Who Magazine (via Radio Times), incoming showrunner Russell T Davies recalled: "As ever, we turned to Andy Pryor [casting director] and said, 'Bring us the best in the land.' We saw all backgrounds, all genders."

Executive producer Phil Collinson went on to reveal: "We saw men, we saw women, we saw one non-binary actor.

"I think, as a rule, we were looking for younger – most of the people we saw were under 30 – but not as a definite rule, and kind of new talent," he added.

doctor who stars ncuti gatwa and millie gibson

Lara CornellBBC

Gatwa will take over as the Fifteenth Doctor following a series of specials this year to mark the show's 60th anniversary, with Tennant set to play the Doctor across the three episodes.

Gatwa is set to be joined in the TARDIS by companion Ruby Sunday, who will be played by Coronation Street star Millie Gibson.

Speaking recently about the casting, Corrie boss Iain MacLeod told Digital Spy and other media: "It's brilliant for her and she'll be brilliant in that role, she is destined for really big things."

Doctor Who returns in 2023 on BBC One in the UK and Disney+ elsewhere. Meanwhile, in the US, the show airs on BBC America, with series 1-12 available on HBO Max. Classic Doctor Who streams on BritBox in the UK.