Ncuti Gatwa says Doctor Who role was "physically, emotionally, and mentally" taxing as he reveals reasons for his unexpectedly early exit: "It was time"

Docto Who season 2 finale — (Image credit: BBC / Disney Plus)

Doctor Who fans were shocked when Ncuti Gatwa said goodbye to the iconic sci-fi show last May after only two seasons playing the Doctor. It's one of the shortest tenures ever in the show's 60-year history. Following the emotional ending of Doctor Who season 2, Gatwa has revealed some of his reasons for leaving the role so early.

"Because I’m getting old and my body was tired," the actor replied when asked about his abrupt exit during an appearance on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.

"It's the most amazing job in the world," he clarified. "It's a job that any actor would dream of. And because it’s so good, it’s strenuous, it takes a lot out of you physically, emotionally, mentally. So, I... it was time," he added, although he didn't completely rule out a return. "Never say never", he told Kuenssberg.

Gatwa previously said that it was "always the plan" to leave after two seasons, even if fans are convinced that his regeneration was a last-minute change due to an old promo image. "It was always the plan to do this amount of seasons, because it’s a role that demands a lot of you, physically and emotionally and mentally," he said on Doctor Who's behind-the-scenes breakdown of the finale, which echoes his most recent quotes.

Mireia is a UK-based culture journalist and critic. She previously worked as Deputy Movies Editor at Digital Spy, and her work as a freelance writer has appeared in WeLoveCinema and Spanish magazines Fotogramas, Esquire, and Elle. She is also a published author, having written a book about Studio Ghibli's 'Kiki's Delivery Service' in 2023. Talking about anime and musicals is the best way to grab her attention.

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