New Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa wows fans as he flashes toned chest at TV BAFTAS hours after big announcement

DOCTOR Who star Ncuti Gatwa flashed his toned chest and a huge smile at the Bafta Television Awards.

Actor Ncuti, 29, was announced as the new Doctor Who earlier today, taking over from Jodie Whitakker.

He is the first black actor to take the lead role, and Ncuti couldn’t stop smiling on the red carpet next to his new boss and Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies.

He stole the limelight wearing a leather tassel belt skirt beneath an open-front suit, which he teamed with leather sandals.

Ncuti, 29, is best known for playing Eric Effiong in Sex Education, for which he was awarded Best Actor Award at the Scottish BAFTA’s in 2020.

He will be the first black actor to take the continuing role of the doctor after actress Jo Martin appeared in the 13th series as an alternative version of the Time Lord in an episode with Whittaker.

Ncuti also shared the news with his 2.6million Instagram followers on Sunday.

He posted a photo of two red hearts above a plus sign and a blue square, with show runner Davies writing beneath the snap: “The future is here.”

Speaking of his new role, Ncuti said: “There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling.

“A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared. This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care.

“I will endeavour my upmost to do the same.”

He continued: “Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true. His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent and fizzing with danger.

“An actor’s metaphorical playground.

“The entire team have been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show.

“And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show.”

Ncuti was born in Rwanda and raised in Scotland. He started acting in 2014.

In 2016 he played Demetrius in the production of A Midsummer’s Nights Dream at Shakespeare’s Globe, before being cast in Netflix’s Sex Education in 2018.

Whittaker announced in July she would be leaving the role, saying: “In 2017 I opened my glorious gift box of size 13 shoes.

“I could not have guessed the brilliant adventures, worlds and wonders I was to see in them.

“My heart is so full of love for this show, for the team who make it, for the fans who watch it and for what it has brought to my life.

“And I cannot thank Chris enough for entrusting me with his incredible stories. We knew that we wanted to ride this wave side by side, and pass on the baton together.

“So here we are, weeks away from wrapping on the best job I have ever had. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to express what this role has given me. I will carry the Doctor and the lessons I’ve learnt forever.

“I know change can be scary and none of us know what’s out there. That’s why we keep looking. Travel Hopefully. The Universe will surprise you. Constantly.”

The star joined the cast of Doctor Who back in 2017 after being cast by Chibnall, taking over from Peter Capaldi, who played the Doctor from 2013 to 2017.