| Final Analysis |
WHAT’S UP, DOC?
DOCTOR WHO
Russell T. Davies, Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson open up…
In 2023, Doctor Who capped its 60th-anniversary celebrations by kicking 10th/14th Doctor David Tennant out of the TARDIS. Now, after battling goblins in Christmas special The Church on Ruby Road, it’s time for Doc 15 Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education) and Millie Gibson – co-traveller Ruby Sunday – to take over. Their first season honours Doctor Who’s past by embracing the show’s self-regenerating drive, as the duo rocket from space stations to 60s London between opening two episodes Space Babies and The Devil’s Chord alone. But what secrets do their pasts hold as they time travel on? Teasers speaks to Gatwa, Gibson and showrunner Russell T. Davies about new beginnings…
The Doctor and Ruby had an adventure at Christmas but it was so swift, they hardly got to know each other…
MILLIE GIBSON I didn’t even clock that we hadn’t got to know one another, we had such a whirlwind with the goblins. Space Babies is where we start to care and know about one another’s past and get close.
NCUTI GATWA It’s an exercise of trust that we go on a trip together.
It feels like we’ve known each other for multiple lifetimes in Space Babies, like they’re similar lost children – and then they start to learn about each other.
The chemistry felt immediate in The Church on Ruby Road. Was it in the chemistry read?
RUSSELL T. DAVIES You could just stand back while they read the scene and watch sparks fly. And it’s been that way ever since.
NG When Millie walked into the room, I instantly thought, ‘That’s Ruby.’ We were all so charmed and the chemistry started bouncing off each other. We’re lucky to work with her.
RTD The truth is, sometimes you put two brilliant people together and they’ll be brilliant.
Ncuti, there was an eagerness to how your Doctor took charge of the TARDIS last year. Is that crucial to a role with so many previous incumbents?
NG We’ve never had a situation like that, with the ‘bigeneration’ [the Doctor splits in two]. My Doctor’s born raring to go. He’s created another TARDIS, so he’s like, ‘I’m off to save the universe and have some fun.’ I don’t know that it’s an eagerness to take ownership but that situation brings a certain energy out of you. Led by Russell’s writing, my Doctor has a lot of energy and eagerness to get cracking.
RTD The amount we talk about previous Doctors on set is zero. They’re wonderful people but Doctor Who exists in the present and future. There’s a roster of wonderful companions behind us, too… Doctor Who has moments where it looks back but it’s more exciting to look forward.
Millie, what is the companion’s importance for you?
MG It’s weird to think Ruby’s going to be the first companion to many new fans around the world, because we’ve had so many actors that have fulfilled that role with passion and love. It’s crazy that I’m so young as well. But I think that level of innocence is something young fans might connect with.
What can you tease about Ruby’s arc?
MG It’s an absolute roller coaster. She discovers something new about herself every episode…
RTD A big thread is the mystery of Ruby’s past. We also think about the Doctor’s past, which is mysterious in itself. The Doctor talks about his family, things we’ve never heard before, things that haven’t been discussed for decades. There are discoveries coming. They’re exploring their pasts and it’s all heading towards a huge finale where all these things connect.
The Church on Ruby Road seemed laden with series clues: Mrs. Flood, Ruby’s parentage, the 33 babies…
RTD Some of them are red herrings but a lot pay off. In the first episode, the Doctor and Ruby visit a space station crewed by babies, whose presence makes them tune in. It’s like they’re being followed by babies. Why? Is something being said about what’s ahead?
Your Doctor seems emotionally open, Ncuti. Is that a characteristic that’s explored in the series?
NG Well, he has two hearts. He’s got a lot of emotion in him, a lot of joy, he feels double. He’s spent centuries travelling alone through time and space, losing companions here, there and everywhere. There’s a lot of weight in there, a lot of pain. Because he’s ‘bigenerated’, there’s theories that the 15th is in his healed era. I don’t know that I would agree because he’s another Doctor in the line and he has memories – it’s continuous. But he’s unafraid to show his emotions. I think he knows his vulnerability is a strength.
‘He’s unafraid to show his emotions. I think he knows his vulnerability is a strength’
NCUTI GATWA
Unafraid to dress sharply, too. Does your Doctor’s changing costume reflect his personality?
NG This man can go to any planet in the universe and any period… His wardrobe will be banging. When I got the role I thought, ‘This character is an iconic British institution. How interesting would it be to explore the subcultures and fashions of Britain and have that reflected in his personality?’ We can explore Britain sartorially.
People talk about the pressures of the role. Is it also a huge joy to work and play in this sandbox?
NG Definitely – the pressure and the joy exist in equal measure. The things that are worthwhile in life aren’t always plain sailing. Some of the most fulfilling things can be hard. But it is a joy. This is a show that’s brought joy to people for a reason, because joy runs through it. It’s a beautiful story and it’s an honour to be in. In each episode, I go to different places and have a different set of challenges. The amount of things we get to do – it’s wild. That’s a job you want, isn’t it?
DOCTOR WHO IS ON BBC iPLAYER AND BBC1 FROM 11 MAY.