Ncuti Gatwa leaves Doctor Who due to health toll

In the United Kingdom, Ncuti Gatwa, the 32-year-old Rwandan-Scottish actor, announced that he had departed from his role in Doctor Who after the conclusion of his second season. This decision was made public following the airing of his final episode on May 31, where his character, the Doctor, underwent regeneration and was then followed by a previous Doctor Who star, Billie Piper. Gatwa revealed the demanding nature of the role during his appearance on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show on July 13, where he openly shared that both the physical and emotional demands of the job were increasingly taxing on his body. The actor expressed that he felt the need to step away from the iconic role as he was feeling tired and old, emphasizing that the role, while immensely gratifying, also required a significant amount of energy and commitment. In the interview, he mentioned his new venture into ballet, suggesting he was exploring different avenues of expression and physicality unrelated to his former role. Gatwa labeled his experience in Doctor Who as a dream come true for any actor but acknowledged that it was strenuous and took a toll on his overall well-being. Additionally, Gatwa spoke about withdrawing from being the UK’s spokesperson for the Eurovision Song Contest due to a busy schedule rather than any controversy related to the event. He clarified that his decision was made well before any public announcement, indicating that his reasons were solely centered around workload and not political in nature. The actor is currently involved in a new project, starring in a West End production titled Born With Teeth, which explores the relationship between playwrights Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. This role offers Gatwa a chance to shift focus and showcase his talent in a different context, planning to make his presence felt in London's theatrical scene. Gatwa's career trajectory shows a dynamic range of engagements, embracing various artistic platforms while prioritizing his health and creativity, and he notably left the Doctor Who role with the notion, 'never say never,' hinting at the possibility of a future return but indicating a need for personal time and self-care at this moment.