It’s a Sin stars react to Doctor Who casting Ncuti Gatwa

Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa was announced today (May 8) as the 14th Doctor in Doctor Who, fronting Russell T Davies' return as showrunner.

Two names that were often mentioned when speculating about who would nab the role were Omari Douglas and Lydia West, who starred in Davies' It's a Sin. So what do the duo think about the casting, and was there any truth to the rumours?

Speaking to Digital Spy and other press on the BAFTA TV Awards red carpet, Douglas said: "To be honest, when people were saying it was going to be me, it was news to me!

omari douglas on the red carpet at the bafta tv awards

David M. Benett//Getty Images

"I know Ncuti and he's incredibly talented, and we came from similar theatre communities, so I'm so chuffed that Jodie's going to be passing the baton on to him. He's more than ready to be doing something like this and he's gonna pave the way for so many more brilliant people. I think he and Russell together will make something really special.

"As much as we had close contact with Russell [on It's a Sin] he's very much like an oracle, he keeps himself to himself. So yeah, he has the most amazing mind and I don't know what goes on in there. He makes amazing shows and comes up with all of these brilliant stories."

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West added: "I wasn't in the running. No, I was not, and I'm so happy with Ncuti. I think he's absolutely brilliant. I can't wait to see it. Whatever Russell touches is just amazing as we know. And I think Ncuti's, he's brilliant, and just the perfect successor. So I'm thrilled."

lydia west on the bafta tv awards 2022 red carpet

Mike Marsland//Getty Images

Davies himself spoke today about how long he kept the secret for, while admitting to putting out some fake rumours out there to keep attention away from the actual casting.

Unfortunately for It's a Sin, despite leading the BAFTA TV Awards nominations with 11, it didn't win a single one of the awards given out tonight, but did win two previously-awarded prizes in the BAFTA Craft Awards.

Doctor Who's next special premieres in Autumn 2022 on BBC One in the UK. In the US, the show airs on BBC America, with series 1-12 available on HBO Max.

For more information on Doctor Who: Time Fracture, head this way – tickets are also available via retailers including LOVEtheatre, London Theatre Direct, Fever and Ticketmaster.

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Joe Anderton

Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he's covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I'm a Fish.

Tilly Pearce

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