Ncuti Gatwa admits that he left Doctor Who because “I’m getting old” and “my body was tired.” More on the story here.
After enjoying one of the briefest tenures of any actor to take the role – in terms of screen time at least – Ncuti Gatwa departed Doctor Who earlier this year. You probably know that bit.
In a surprise moment that was thoroughly spoilt for those who couldn’t watch it at the exact moment it was screened, Gatwa regenerated at the end of The Reality War, as the show itself headed into what’s hopefully just a temporary limbo.
“I’m getting old and my body was tired,” Gatwa explained to Laura Kuenssberg at the BBC on Sunday. “It takes a lot out of you. Physically, emotionally, mentally.”
Lots of better people than me have pointed out that Gatwa is one of the youngest people to take on the role. Several actors to play the Time Lord have been over 50, and who have lasted longer in the role. Peter Capaldi timed surgery on his knee so it took place between filming commitments.
However, it’s worth noting too that there are reasons some people get tired easier than others. I’ve no insight into Ncuti Gatwa’s health, but I also know people in their 30s who had challenges meaning they were exhausted a lot easier than others.
Gatwa also insisted that the reason he pulled out of reading a few lines at the Eurovision Song Contest last year was simply that he was “very busy”, and that he’d withdrawn from the role some time before it was announced.
“Never say never,” Ncuti Gatwa said, when asked if he’d return to the role of Doctor Who for a future episode.
He’ll next be seen in the film The Roses, supporting Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch in Jay Roach’s film. It’s due out at the end of August.
Doctor Who meanwhile sits in limbo for the minute waiting for the formal expiration of Disney’s deal to make the show. That’s likely to officially fall when spin-off series The War Between The Land And The Sea debuts towards the end of the year. After that, the BBC’s search for a new commercial partner on the show can begin in earnest.
Ncuti Gatwa
