Doctor Who’s Ncuti Gatwa knows ‘many a gay man’ who is like the Doctor
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Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has revealed that he knows “many” gay men who share similarities with the iconic character of the Doctor. He believes that the concept of “chosen family” is the reason why LGBTQ+ individuals connect so deeply with the long-running sci-fi show.
Gatwa is set to take on the role of the 15th Doctor in the highly-anticipated Christmas Day episode, titled “The Church on Ruby Road.” The episode will also introduce a new companion, Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson. The synopsis provided by the BBC teases a collision between the Doctor’s life and the mythical and mysterious goblins.
The theme of family in Doctor Who is one of the reasons why LGBTQ+ fans feel such a strong connection to the show, according to Gatwa. He expressed this sentiment in an interview with The Guardian, saying, “We choose our families. And the Doctor is a lonely wanderer, looking for their next adventure… I know many a gay man, MANY a gay man, I could describe that way!”
Gatwa finds the concept of chosen family to be a beautiful theme in Doctor Who because it can be more meaningful and supportive than biological family ties. This theme resonates throughout the show and speaks to the experiences of many LGBTQ+ individuals.
The inclusion of diverse characters and storylines has long been a draw for LGBTQ+ viewers of Doctor Who. From John Barrowman’s queer Captain Jack Harkness to the crime-fighting lesbian duo Madam Vastra and Jenny, as well as out companion Bill Potts played by Pearl Mackie, the show has provided representation for queer characters in various capacities.
Additionally, Doctor Who has featured numerous LGBTQ+ romances for both main and supporting characters, offering queer viewers a wealth of content to engage with. This inclusivity has made the show meaningful for people of color and marginalized communities who are drawn to its themes of friendship, adventure, and unity.
Gatwa further highlighted the appeal of Doctor Who by noting that the Doctor has the ability to transform into anything or anyone, thereby presenting endless possibilities. This sense of limitless potential resonates with many people and contributes to the show’s cool factor.
“The Church on Ruby Road” episode will also feature guest appearances by Davina McCall as herself, Michelle Greenidge as Ruby’s mother Carla, Angela Wynter as Ruby’s grandmother Cherry, and Anita Dobson as Mrs. Flood. The episode is set to air on Christmas Day at 5:55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It will also be available for streaming globally on Disney+.
In conclusion, Ncuti Gatwa’s insights shed light on why Doctor Who has such a devoted LGBTQ+ fanbase. The themes of chosen family and inclusivity, along with diverse characters and storylines, make the show relatable and resonant for marginalized communities. As Gatwa takes on the role of the 15th Doctor, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this beloved sci-fi series.
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