Ncuti Gatwa Reveals the 100% Real Reason He Left Doctor Who

Ncuti Gatwa has revealed his decision to leave Doctor Who, offering a surprising and 100% honest reason: his geriatric age of 32.

Gatwa made the remarks during an appearance on yesterday’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.

Asked why he walked away from the long-running BBC science fiction series, Gatwa replied, “Because I’m getting old. My body was tired. My body, my knee. And I’ve now just started doing some ballet. So I’m making really great decisions here.”

He added, “It’s the most amazing job in the world, a job that any actor would dream of. And because it’s so good, it’s strenuous. Takes a lot out of you physically, emotionally, mentally. So, it was time.”

For context, most of the actors cast in Doctor Who before him took on the role later in life. In the Classic era alone, William Hartnell (55), Patrick Troughton (46), Jon Pertwee (51), Tom Baker (40), Colin Baker (40), Sylvester McCoy (44), and Paul McGann (37) were all older than Gatwa when they stepped into the TARDIS.

In the modern era, the trend continued with Christopher Eccleston (41), David Tennant (34 and later 51), Peter Capaldi (55), and Jodie Whittaker (35) all taking on the part at a later age. Most of them also remained in Doctor Who longer, appearing in significantly more episodes, often across multiple series and specials.

When asked if he might return to Doctor Who, Gatwa replied, “Never say never.” Provided, of course, that his body, knee, and advancing age allow him to survive long enough.

For now, fans are left to reflect on Gatwa’s brief era in Doctor Who history, brought to a close not by the show’s declining ratings and profile, nor by creative differences, and certainly not by more attractive paydays. No, this departure came down to the rapid, creeping toll of age…