{"id":40170,"date":"2023-11-21T15:42:25","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T14:42:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1930823"},"modified":"2023-11-21T16:52:40","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T15:52:40","slug":"doctor-whos-tom-baker-reacts-to-ncuti-gatwas-casting-for-first-time","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/doctor-whos-tom-baker-reacts-to-ncuti-gatwas-casting-for-first-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Doctor Who\u2019s Tom Baker reacts to Ncuti Gatwa\u2019s casting for first time"},"content":{"rendered":"

“A handsome young man!” <\/p>

By Morgan Cormack\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 21 November 2023 at 14:42 PM<\/p>

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We\u2019re only days away from Doctor Who<\/a>\u2018s 60th anniversary episodes finally landing on our screens, and the batch of three episodes comes before the exciting new season which will welcome in Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor.<\/p>\n

The Sex Education and Barbie actor is set to lead the sci-fi series into 2024 alongside new companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson). We already know that some of Gatwa\u2019s scenes \u201cblew everyone<\/a>\u201d on set away, and it seems as though Gatwa has another fan \u2013 none other than Tom Baker.<\/p>\n

Baker appeared as the Fourth Doctor<\/a> from 1974 to 1981 and speaking in this week\u2019s issue of Radio Times magazine<\/strong><\/a>, the iconic actor reacted to Gatwa\u2019s casting for the first time.<\/p>\n

Gazing at a picture of Gatwa, he said: \u201cOh! Is this the next Doctor Who? A handsome young man! Marvellous cheekbones. These things are important as you get near to death.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Ncuti\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor<\/span><\/figcaption> BBC\/Bad Wolf<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Baker holds the record for the longest stint as the Doctor (seven years), and speaking to Radio Times<\/strong>, Baker was asked whether he felt as though there was anything Gatwa should know going into the leading role.<\/p>\n

Baker said: \u201cKnowing anything is a bit dangerous when you play Doctor Who. It\u2019s better to know nothing. And to be good-natured. The trick is to respond generously to other actors, which halves your task because you don\u2019t have to be driving it all the time.\u201d<\/p>

As for what\u2019s next to come for Doctor Who, fans have the three anniversary special episodes to look forward to, a Christmas special and a brand new season to come in 2024.<\/p>\n

Kicking off this Saturday (25th November), the anniversary episodes will see the return of David Tennant and Catherine Tate as the Fourteenth Doctor and Donna Noble before handing over the reins to Gatwa.<\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n