"I was *vibrating*!" Ncuti Gatwa on the Doctor Who WhatsApp group and acting in his underpants

Watch Becoming... The Doctor in full on BBC iPlayer in the UK: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...
Ncuti Gatwa joins BBC Radio 1's film critic Ali Plumb to talk about taking on the iconic role of The Doctor in Doctor Who. He discusses whether UNIT stole Stark Tower from The Avengers, how he nearly gave away the secret that he was playing the Doctor to Matt Smith, and reveals whether David Tennant was wearing underpants in The Giggle. And we hear how Ncuti and new companion Millie Gibson (aka Ruby Sunday) caused chaos on set!
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[@bbcradio1]

Thanks to everyone who pointed that Ali was in fact the one putting his foot in it... Love to all our American friends who knew straight away what Ncuti was talking about! You can watch Ncuti's full extended chat with Ali on BBC iPlayer in the UK: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gzrbqm With lots more on how he manifested the role and how the Fifteenth Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver fits in to the 60 year legacy of Doctor Who.

[@sarahbynum97]

Thanks for putting the correction!! Ali come to Southern America so you can taste what putting your foot in it really means!! 😊😊😊 trust me you won’t regret it!

[@BritGirlJay]

It's a Nigerian thing too - to put your foot in (something) - made a huge effort which was successful.

[@KhuestionableDecisions]

the awkward silence after "thank god we caught those balls" was gold

[@Whiteythereaper]

I've heard people say that some people just have *it*, people like Freddie Mercury, Jim Carrey, Harrison Ford back in the 80s, Michael Jordan, Muhammed Ali, people that were truly born to be performers, athletes, and entertainers, people with unbeatable auras and energy, true titans of their field. Ncuti Gatwa absolutely has *it*. He is going to be a star, especially thanks to his performances in Sex Education and Doctor Who. A true innovator and trend setter.

[@Lucyintheskywithdiamonds140]

I totally agree!! His stage presence is amazing…The energy this man brings to his characters…He could give a perfect performance only with the expressions of his face and voice. He is something else, and I need to watch and absorb every performance with so much excitement. His presence off screen is humble and loving. He isn’t a comedian off screen, like nowadays is almost a unfair talent actors need to promote themselves in this social media time. He doesn’t have to be. Makes me think of the big great actors of our time who just deliver!! It proves he is truly a amazing capable actor!

[@dickottel]

Ford didn't have it, unlikeable guy

[@blah7983]

Oh definitely. Incredible charisma, joy to watch

[@rumisprite]

Well said! He really has an electric presence-I would watch him in anything.

[@Whiteythereaper]

@dickottel he did in the 70s. He was a literal trailblazer, his performances lead the way for other actors to play more sweaty, imperfect heroes. Arnie, Kurt Russell, Car Weathers, Stallone, Bruce Willis, they became big action stars because of Han Solo and Indiana Jones setting new trends in Hollywood and broadening the types of characters that audiences would want to see and root for.

[@NicoFord-tc5nl]

In Black families, when you cook something in a most excellent way, and it is considered an undeniable hit among all who have tasted it, we say : YOU PUT YOUR FOOT IN THAT!! It just means Undeniable EXCELLENCE. Anyone Whovians know that Russell T Davies ALWAYS brings undeniable EXCELLENCE to Dr. Who❤

[@bbcradio1]

Love this! Thank you for the explanation.

[@calibankzthomas9229]

I saw about to comment on this but thank you

[@iGotBulletproof-Insomnia]

I scrolled hoping to see this comment exactly xD

[@hiddeheikoop]

I wouldn't mind if Ncuti stays for longer than all the NuWho-actors, especially with 8 episodes per series + Christmas Special. I love him already.

[@ClintBandito]

I've been thinking that. Like to add up to the episode counts in the range David, Matt and Peter he'd need like 5 seasons so I really like him to stay that long to build up that catalogue of stories. That's also the amount of John Pertwee Seasons which I actually always found just about right, not too long or too short. I'm loving him already, if he keeps giving it his all and delivers then I'd love him to stay for like the next 5 or so years

[@johnnyland144]

I think Ncuti's doing at least two series including his debut series next year as I think they've already started filming Series 15/Series 2/Series 41. Series 41 if you're counting all of the Classic Series and all of the series from 2005 onwards, series 15 if you're just counting all of the New Who series. Series 2 if you're just counting New New Who, as I think Russell's new era has it's own separate page on BBC iPlayer and hasn't been added onto the rest of New Who from 2005 up until the end of Jodie's era last year.

[@peakky.editzz3133]

Tom baker will be beat if ncuti stays for longer

[@kdkseven]

I'll be surprised if the show is still on in two years with the mess it's become.

[@ClintBandito]

@@_MyNameIsAJ_ David is 47/50 episodes in the lead role (the slash accounting for just 10 or plus 14) Matt is 44, then Peter is 40. If we count all of Ncuti's seasons a 8 episodes and a Christmas special per season he'd hit 45 after 5 Seasons. 6 Seasons would get him above the lot.

[@MsForeverfresh]

FYI to “put your foot in it” is a black American phrase that means you did something astonishing through hard work😭. So Ncuti was right! As a lifelong doctor who fan, I absolutely cannot WAIT to see Ncuti as the doctor!! I know he put his foot in this role!!😉😂 Edit: I’m cracking up at all the black folks saying “hold on now!! Ncuti was right !!”

[@zjackson5666]

Right like “Hold on man! He was right with the phrase. You just don’t know any better.” Lol

[@Medcanuk]

Umm.. the black American phrase put your foot in it actually is a phrase used to comment on someone’s great cooking skills. Nothing to do with what you mention. Also the phrase put your foot in it culturally in the uk means to say something you shouldn’t have or done something you shouldn’t. So maybe educate yourself on black or British culture before leaving a false comment it makes you as a black person look stupid when you’re stating wrong black American meanings to phrases. You can tell you’re American. The lack of education is appalling.

[@EricaGamet]

I thought, "Oh... the Brits say it to mean something good." Because I knew he meant it as something good.

[@Medcanuk]

@@EricaGamet a little example. It’s your birthday next week and your partner has got you a diamond ring and has told me. I then go to lunch with you and say your partner got you a ring for your birthday next week. I have put my foot in it. I have told you something I shouldn’t have.

[@bbcradio1]

Ah this is amazing, so Ncuti was right! Consider us and Ali duly schooled!

[@ineffablecringe]

i’ve never been this excited for a doctor since David Tennant. Ncuti is going to take over my life just like David did

[@mayrasalgado02]

I'm already so attached to him 💀💀💀 he better get AT LEAST 3 seasons

[@JanZ0093]

I hope so he has such a tremendous presence! 👏👏

[@hidingfromsomeone]

I just LOVE Ncuti's energy. It's just pure life and joy and a bit wild, unatameable. Can't wait to see more of his Doctor.

[@Jessthewanted]

He could honestly do anything as The Doctor and I’d be delighted, he will be the definitive Doctor of this generation, and what a joy that is!!

[@reml75]

His energy seems to match Tennant’s. That enthusiasm is what kept me watching. This is going to be fun!

[@andre_moraph]

What an amazing energy. He was the doctor the SECOND he appeared. Can't wait.

[@hotelmario510]

God, I really hope Ruby and Fifteen have the same kind of friendship dynamic as Donna and Ten. We need a companion that sees the Doctor as a mate, and doesn't want TO MATE.

[@thefamily786.]

Well he’s gay (as Russel T.Davis has been making that clear so much) so of course there won’t be anything like that but nothing nonetheless can beat Donna and the Doctor’s dynamic (older episodes without all this woke rubbish) as they’re giving preference to propelling this gay lgbqt rubbish at the expense of narratival excellence, direction, mise-en-scène, cinematography & characterisations of characters.

[@ashbibikittens3861]

@@thefamily786.wait who’s gay?

[@itzpluuto]

​@@thefamily786. The doctor has always been queer, showing attraction to both men and women regardless of their gender at that time

[@samuelb18]

​@thefamily786. Yes, because as we all know, Doctor who only just got "woke". It's not like captain Jack flirts with everything that has a heart beat, and even kisses the doctor. It's not like the cybermen in age of steel are as direct a satire of capitalism as you can get. It's not like Aliens of London/ WWIII were explicitly about 9/11. And don't even get me started on classic who. Practically every other episode was mocking conservative views in some way. The second story of the entire show is about space nazis, doctor who has been politically charged from the beginning. Get over yourself.

[@AngieDeAguirre]

I'll second that. But... I just hope they don't argue as much as Donna and Ten 😂

[@atterol765]

“Putting your foot in it” is a colloquial term in Africa American speech to indicate something was done well. Such as, “those greens were great”and a reply would be “They put their foot in it”

[@Anzy.99]

I'm VERY excited for Ncuti's era. I'm hoping for fun and ICONIC and nothing less

[@inMuro]

HAHAHhahahahaha "great ... that ... we've caught those balls." ............................... "Great. Stuff. Yes. Moving on."

[@akiru300]

The first time i saw him in Dr who I had mixed feelings but by the end I was absolutely loving his energy. They nailed this casting.

[@TheBigBlockTheory]

He's gonna be an incredible doctor

[@Sanic600]

already is one. he got me convinced as one in the 20 minutes he had in the 3rd special. energy of Smith and Seriousness of 12 and 10.

[@yee-raplantar-maximoff4318]

He had me convinced the moment he said "and I'm the Doctor" while standing there in his underwear next to David Tennant@@Sanic600

[@nextgenkilla7645]

​@Sanic600 he has some of that sass you'd expect off a classic doctor

[@Sanic600]

@@nextgenkilla7645 think he'll bring sas of 3

[@nextgenkilla7645]

@@Sanic600 yeah, I can feel am element of Baker sass mixed in

[@mattmorley6651]

I love how silent they both were 😅

[@bbcradio1]

👀

[@sailorkeyblader]

Thank God we caught those balls....thats a new classic

[@elliotblabla]

He had me at “Thrift shopping on Mars.”

[@kadosho02]

I love this chat. Ncuti sounds like a fun, and free spirited individual. Always on an adventure. A perfect choice for the role of the Doctor Cannot wait for the Christmas special 🎄🎁

[@lillithdv8]

I loooove his energy, absolute ray of sunshine

[@commandZee]

I'm looking forward to this Christmas Special more than Christmas itself.

[@IsiahBradley]

THANKS for this!!!! "Putting your foot on it" is a phrase I've associated with Black (American) culture, ironically about the effort to produce delicious food :)

[@lordpistonia]

,,There's a ladder IN THE SKY!" Already iconic

[@Rosengris]

What a beautiful and charming man. Looking forward to his run.

[@sarahyoung646]

I am loving him in this role! Couldn't be happier about a new end to Donna's story that doesn't break my heart, and such a fabulous beginning for another era of the show! Merry Christmas to me, because this has felt like a whole pile of presents!

[@AJB9806]

Fell in love with Ncuti as Eric in _Sex Education_ but it’s so thrilling to see glimpses of the full depth of his talent in a role like the Doctor. I’m so excited!!!

[@racheycar]

100% i saw him i nsex eduacation before he was announced and i thought he was the best actor in the whole show, that he had so much emotion and depth. When he was announced i could definitely see him as the doctor. Im so excited to see the series

[@lynnhettrick7588]

I loved him as Eric in S3x Education! And as Ken!

[@miriamkushel4032]

In Black American English, "put your foot in it" means to do something (usually cooking) really well. Ncuti must have heard that term, but Ali clearly has not.

[@FrankieD8283]

The Christmas special was Awesome, cant wait for the new season this Spring!!

[@BilliesCraftRoom]

Ncuti u totally rocked it 👍

[@Legendary3Dgamer]

3:46 I’ve never seen such fear in a person’s face before 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@daiseysthebaby6071]

I’m already a huge Ncuti fan! I’ve only seen the one Dr. Who episode. Can’t wait for each episode!!!!

[@Doctordrew83]

I am so happy ncuti is the doctor he is fricking amazing .and hot x RTD has really brought it back properly x

[@Missjunebugfreak]

Ncuti is so adorable and fun. I'm so excited to see him as the Doctor.

[@showyourworkingout2023]

I couldn't agree more. He's definitely put his foot in it. As witnessed by the amazing viewing figures.

[@viannanolen-peters1392]

I totally loved him as the new doctor! The Christmas special was so good’😊😊

[@Bytherocks]

Oh he is a FUN Doctor. I love him already. Joyous.

[@caseys2698]

Marvelous interview, can tell everyone involved was having fun 😂 I already adore Ncuti’s Doctor! :) a shame we have to wait so long for the new series, but it’ll be so worth the wait :) cheers!

[@dragoonseye76]

He did fantastic. I’m very excited

[@Bcsmith333]

He seems like he's going to be a great Doctor! I'm excited.

[@mustuploadtoo7543]

ncuti is so enthusiastic. i know he will be great 😀

[@lucasmanning8649]

Loving running out of time just being the background music for some of this interview. Just love it all in general

[@bbcradio1]

Thanks for spotting that.

[@joshua_itssme]

Looking forward to his doctor is an understatement

[@artsycandy9183]

I am so excited for him to be the Doctor!! He is such a ray of sunshine! I love his energy!!!

[@filozica867]

Hes already nailing it! Can't wait ncuti!!!!

[@LondonCelt]

Can’t wait to see him having his own adventures, hopefully he sticks around for a long time

[@TSMY]

damn Ali is a great interviewer! matched Ncuti for energy and humour the whole way through - kudos!

[@Mooneye63]

I thought he was dreadful. He spoke more than Ncuti. It's not about him.

[@DraakjeYoblama]

​@@Mooneye63I noticed that too. Which is weird, because usually Ali is really good at letting guests speak. I guess he was a bit too excited for this one.

[@noondarkly]

The positive love-filled energy bouncing between these two would surely end wars. So please have an interview together every week until that happens. 🙏🥰

[@sincerelyjamae]

I love Ncuti so much 🥹 I can’t wait for the new season!!!

[@Quackle88]

this is such a good interview!

[@aroacecreature]

I'm obsessed with watching Ncuti's interviews, he's so awesome 🥰

[@smurfette_blues7922]

One audition! Good on him ❤

[@user-ms1pg2ok4i]

Ncuti is such a pleasure to watch! Excited for the new season of Doctor Who starring Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor ❤❤

[@person2225]

What a lovely interview! And Ncuti is so charismatic and bright, I’m very excited to see him as the doctor

[@hmax17]

Ncuti did AMAZING!!! It was so amazing. I'm so excited to see Russell T be back at the helm!!!

[@kashiichan]

Ali is always such a great interviewer. This was a joy to watch.

[@cinnamontoastcrunch5665]

I can't wait for the era of Ncuti

[@tcrump212IsLmbrJck_t]

WE HAVE GOT TO PROTECT THIS MAN.

[@vortexspinner4470]

From whom, or what?🤔

[@ma22_783]

Man he is so cool and the swagger. Wow! The Doctor is back.

[@mrmustard1633]

fucking hell he's going to kill it

[@MrsMoores]

With how much energy Ncuti places in the interview, you can really see it in the clips we've so far! Can't wait for the next series, let alone the Christmas special!

[@Silivrina]

I already love this Doctor!

[@redcurrantart]

Really excited to see what Ncuti is going to bring.

[@emmahayward2341]

I was always a “DAVID TENNANT IS MY DOCTOR” person. Then I begrudgingly watched an episode with Matt Smith and got hooked - how could you not?! I’m sorry to say the following doctors simply did not capture my imagination. However, having watched the new David Tennant episodes, I am super exited for Ncuti, he is going to be EPIC!

[@darklorddysart]

Ncuti all day, everyday please!

[@Blueissuperior]

Anyone who's watched Atlanta really knows what putting their foot in it means

[@shawnholbrook7278]

Best foot forward! (I knew that putting his foot in it meant giving his absolute best, but I like all the different phrases.😊) What a nice interviewer that tried to salvage what he thought he heard. Very generous. Ncuti was just lovely. Welcome to the most ridiculous fandom Mr. Gatwa! Happy Christmas everyone. 💙💙✨🎄

[@cerilawrence4153]

Can’t wait for Ncuti Gatwa to be the new doctor hope you do well love the new outfit 😊

[@VidDuality]

5:19 "But I was like *v i b r a t i n g* 🫨" The way he explains his meeting with Matt Smith is so freaking hilarious. 😂 I want the two Doctors to meet now, lmao.

[@danspawn85]

I'd like to thank RTD for not making the Doctors antagonistic towards each other. Maybe it's just me, but if I met a future or past version of myself, I would not be anything other than kind, because I know that's what I'd want from myself.

[@annikchery5187]

From the first seconds he appears .... I knew i would love him

[@TheJosephPrice]

So I really, really like Ncuti and his incarnation so far.

[@LuluLovesRollerDerby]

He needs at least 4 series!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@fanyt1894]

This interview was done and edited so well

[@Dazza13]

Honestly, Ncuti Gatwa has made an impressive impression as the new Doctor already. Sure he will be an excellent Doctor and the thought of more new spin offs happening as well. But the 14th Doctor may pop up again 🤔. Great to be a Doctor Who fan right now 😊

[@dylanmaxey2531]

"Put your foot in it" I will back up, as an American, is an old, old African American saying meaning it is great! It is an high compliment!!

[@ddumbledoresarmya]

So so wholesome

[@StealthyGamerGirl2020]

3:54 I find this so funny because i remember either reading or seeing an interview with, the then new doctor, Dwvid Tennant where he spoke about getting a telling off from wardrobe. Theu discovered he was going commando in his costume. They basically said that he MUST wear pants under his Doctor costume. Going commando was not allowed 🤣

[@JamesBoxxy]

One of, if not the best Ncuti interview from the press rounds before the Christmas Special! 👌

[@raharu.]

ncuti has won me over. i hope he doesn't get screwed over like jodie did

[@fulya6679]

I just know Ali is a David Tennant fangirl inside and trying hard to not ask more about him to Ncuti 😂

[@JordanSullivanadventures]

He's so fantastic. I'm so happy he's the new doctor and I hope he sticks around around for ages! I thought he was great in Sex Education, but he's bringing a whole other level of charisma and energy to the Doctor. I literally haven't watched the show in years and I am absolutely delighted by his episodes so far and Davies' return as showrunner. Can't wait can't wait!

[@anitapollard1520]

Ncuti got the most beautiful smile and great laugh hes gorgeous cant wait for xmas day.

[@marisolfontanez]

Love Love Love The Doctor!!!!!

[@apok1980]

I wasn’t sure about Ncuti at first. But seeing him for 3 minutes basically made me realize that he’s got it. There’s a thing about it being effortless. I always felt like Jodie was doing too much trying to pull off that Doctor energy.

[@johnskrip7174]

Ali asked the same thing I was thinking after The Giggle. What an uncomfortable final battle for 14 that would be. 😂

[@antonellamR2D2]

He's lovely

[@redmo11]

Ncuti has the most infectious laugh I have ever seen, I love it so much, Thank you !

[@alexfletcher5192]

The in-built terror of the middle-aged fan is to immediately suspect the audience will switch off - as they did in our teens - but the vibe out there is pretty enormous. Possibly the biggest it's been since... well. since Russell left the show. One of the consequences of getting older is that you KNOW it's not made for you anymore. It can't be. But that's a contradiction in the mind we've lived with for decades. The Doctor is dead. Long live the Doctor.

[@racheycar]

Thats the thing with humans. They can believe two completely different things at once :)

[@beef3442]

Older people just can’t understand that it’s not for them anymore

[@tequilasunset4651]

It's like he's learning to genuinely be a main character as the Doctor re-learns how to do so while moving past trauma. Beautiful set-up, we don't usually get this much of a look into a Doctor's emotional arc until a good few episodes in.

[@dragoonseye76]

😂😂😂😂😂. Good thing they caught all those balls.

[@kevinluis468]

I am so excited to see Ncuti Gatwa being the doctor he is going to be a brilliant doctor he is a great actor

[@RobertMcGovernTarasis]

Btw version of this on iPlayer is 21 minutes long

[@RonnettaRenay]

He definitely meant “Put his foot in it “ that’s a positive thing 😉

[@subbtopp]

aww Ncuti is so cute.

[@darrencollier9305]

Really hope stays long than two seasons

[@PassiveAgressive319]

He’s wonderful ❤❤😂😂😂😂

[@josephine6893]

❤ can't wait for him!!!