Ncuti Gatwa named as British TV's most powerful person

The Rwandan-Scottish star shot to fame in Netflix's Sex Education

The Rwandan-Scottish actor shot to fame in Netflix's Sex Education
Author: Molly TulettPublished 3rd Apr 2023

Ncuti Gatwa has been named the most powerful person on British television on the RadioTimes.com power 100 list.

The Rwandan-Scottish actor has flown to the top of the rankings, joining the likes of Russel T. Davies, Michaela Coel, Jodie Whittaker, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Olivia Colman, whose work inspired the Sex Education star.

Gatwa, who is next to take on the role of Doctor Who placed above Heartstopper writer Alice Osman, and veteran news presenter Huw Edwards, who placed third for his delivery to the nation of the news the Queen had died.

Gatwa said of his win: “being recognised for anything is just bloody lovely innit?

“TV is on fire at the moment, and so to top the list as well feels extra cool.”

The Sex Education star joined Huw Edwards and House of the Dragon's Emma D'Arcy in the Top 5

Doctor Who screenwriter Davies, who topped last year’s list, said: “sometimes you know you’ve got a secret, and you hold it close to your chest and let it burn, because secrets are so delicious.

“I’ve got that right now, because my secret is seeing Ncuti with Millie Gibson on the rushes of Doctor Who, every single day, and oh my God, this is so good.

The annual Radio Times TV 100 power list celebrates the stand-out talents on-screen and behind-the-scenes responsible for landmark moments in 2022.

It is compiled by leading figures from across the creative industries, including the BBC's director of content Charlotte Moore, who praised Gatwa's "incredible dynamism" and boundless energy.

Gatwa will star as the 15th Doctor Who later this year

Helen Daly, associate editor of RadioTimes.com, said: "Our worthy winner this year is Ncuti Gatwa, a popular choice among our panellists, and a talent who will no doubt have a stellar 2023 as he takes over the Tardis in Doctor Who. Congratulations to everyone who made our list."

Ncuti, who attended the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before going on to fame will take up the position as the 15th Doctor in late 2023, in a way which Davies says will be “utterly faithful to the 60 years that came before.”

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