Ncuti Gatwa explains why he’s pantless in his Doctor Who introduction
By Ashley Hurst
After three brilliant episodes, the 60th-anniversary celebration of Doctor Who is officially over. David Tennant’s Fourteenth Doctor got his happy ending, and now it’s time for Ncuti Gatwa to take the reins and carry the franchise forward. Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor made his first appearance in “The Giggle,” following a surprise bi-regeneration with the Fourteenth Doctor.
The bi-regeneration was a series first for Doctor Who, and it took everyone by surprise, perfectly wrapping up a story that began over a decade ago between the Doctor and Donna Noble (Catherine Tate). Tennant’s Fourteenth Doctor split in two: he retained his body but also produced a new Doctor: Gatwa’s Fifteenth. The Doctor’s costume was also split between them…leaving Gatwa completely pantsless for the rest of the episode. Turns out that Gatwa was forced into this pantless introduction by David Tennant.
“The Doctor splits in two and we both got half of the costume David was wearing,” Gatwa told The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio. “Now, David obviously started his filming for that scene first, so he got to pick what pieces of clothes he was left with. So by the time I came in to choose, I only had a pair of pants and socks to go with.”
Needless to say, Gatwa will never forgive Tennant. “So thank you so much for that, David Tennant, thanks so much.” With the Fourteenth Doctor still out there, perhaps Gatwa will one day get a chance for some sweet revenge. But of course, we can’t expect Tennant to return to the series anytime soon, if ever.
Jodie Whittaker’s advice to Ncuti Gatwa
Gatwa’s first solo appearance as the Doctor comes on Christmas Day, where he’ll encounter his new companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) in “The Church on Ruby Road.” The episode marks the first major reboot of the franchise since showrunner Russell T. Davies ushered in the ‘New Who’ era back in 2005.
Reigniting the magic of the Whoniverse is a mammoth task, but thankfully, Gatwa has many mentors behind him. Look no further than Jodie Whittaker, who played the Thirteenth Doctor. Speaking to Empire, Gatwa explained that Whittaker told him to “embrace the madness.”
At first he was too nervous to embrace anything. “I was very, very nervous and questioned everything I did. I’d always want another take,” he said. However, he eventually managed to pull himself together. “I’m far less stressed. I’m enjoying it now. Oh my God. This is actually the most fun role in the world!”
His first episode will certainly contain copious amounts of madness. Prepare for a goblin invasion on Christmas Day!
Next. Christopher Eccleston would return to Doctor Who if they “sack Russell T Davies”. dark
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.
Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels