New Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa voted TV's most influential star

02 April 2023 , 20:50

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Ncuti Gatwa has been voted television's most influential star (Image: PA)

New Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa has been named television’s most influential star – and he’ll be influencing fans to dance for joy when they see him in the role, his new boss claims.

The Sex Education actor, 30, topped a Radio Times poll of the 100 people responsible for 2022’s landmark TV moments.

He takes the top spot from Doctor Who chief Russell T Davies, who held it for two years but could not be happier for his new star.

Russell, currently filming the new series with Ncuti, said of his performance in the role: “Oh my God, this is so good! I can promise you a completely new Doctor, and yet a Doctor utterly faithful to the 60 years that came before.

Russel T Davies is behind the new series of Doctor Who (PA)

Alice Oseman was runner up in the poll (press image)

"Soon, the secret will be out, and we’ll all be dancing!”

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BBC director of content Charlotte Moore also heaped praise on Rwanda-born Ncuti’s “incredible dynamism”, adding: “He’s a striking and fearless actor whose talent and energy are boundless.”

Ncuti, who was announced as the 14th Doctor last year, said: “TV is on fire at the moment, and so to top the list as well feels extra cool.”

BBC News presenter Huw Edwards was voted 4th (PA)

Emma D'Arcy from House of the Dragon was also made the list (AFP via Getty Images)

The runner-up is Alice Oseman, who wrote hit Netflix series Heartstopper, then BBC news host Huw Edwards, White Lotus star Jennifer Coolidge and Emma D’Arcy of House of the Dragon.

The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman is sixth, followed by doctor-turned-writer Adam Kay, the Lionesses, Heartstopper actor Yasmin Finney and Strictly Come Dancing winner Hamza Yassin at number 10.

Mark Jefferies