Gatwa continued: “The entire team has been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show. And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show.”

Gatwa will join the popular BBC science fiction show as the 14th doctor – taking over from Jodie Whittaker, who joined the show in 2017 as the first female doctor.

Davies – who is returning as the programme’s showrunner after departing back in 2009 – said Gatwa “dazzled” during his audition.

“The future is here and it’s Ncuti!” he said. “Sometimes talent walks through the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars. Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds.

“It’s an honour to work with him, and a hoot, I can’t wait to get started. I’m sure you’re dying to know more, but we’re rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie’s epic finale yet to come. But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!”

BBC’s Doctor Who: we now know when Ncuti Gatwa will film his first scenes as the next doctor