Ncuti Gatwa has announced his departure from the iconic role of the Doctor in the BBC series Doctor Who after just 18 episodes. During an appearance on the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, Gatwa revealed that the physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding nature of the role contributed to his decision to leave. He emphasized that despite the incredible experience, it was time for him to move on due to exhaustion. Fans were surprised to see his quick exit, particularly as it led to extensive reshoots for the season finale. The show is currently on hiatus, with uncertainty surrounding its future, including a potential renewal of its co-production deal with Disney and the search for a new actor to take on the role. Gatwa stated he is uncertain about the next Doctor's identity and confirmed he is no longer involved with the show.

Why did Ncuti Gatwa leave Doctor Who?

Ncuti Gatwa left Doctor Who due to the strenuous demands of the role, which he found physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting. He felt it was time to step back from the character after his 18-episode run.

Doctor Who has been a cornerstone of British television since its debut in 1963, capturing the imaginations of viewers with its mix of science fiction, adventure, and drama. The series features the Doctor, a Time Lord who travels through time and space, regenerating into new forms and carrying different personalities. Ncuti Gatwa's tenure marked a significant moment in the show's history, being one of the youngest actors to portray the beloved character, which has seen numerous actors take on the role over the decades. As the series evolves, fans are eager to see how it will continue without Gatwa and which new direction it will take next.