Doctor Who Fans Convinced They've Worked Out Ncuti Gatwa’s New Co-Star

Doctor Who fans believe they have worked out who Ncuti Gatwa's partner will be in the upcoming series.

The BBC confirmed on Sunday that Ncuti will replace Jodie Whittaker as the 14th Doctor, following months of speculation over who would be taking the reins as the infamous Timelord.

Shortly after the announcement, the Sex Education actor took to the red carpet at the 2022 BAFTAs and was pictured holding hands with Bridgerton and Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan.

He later posted an image on his Instagram Story of the pair holding hands and tagged Nicola along with the mischievous side-eye emoji - suggesting they have something up their sleeve.

"A pair of dolls," he wrote, sending Doctor Who fans into a frenzy.

Some people took this post as a hint at Nicola possibly being featured in the new series.

One fan pleaded: “Can we please get Nicola Coughlan for the new #DoctorWho companion? “

Another Doctor Who fan mused: “I’m thinking this could possibly mean Nicola Coughlan is THE 14th Doctor’s Companion?”

Referencing Ncuti’s Instagram post, a third Twitter user wrote: “So Ncuti Gatwa is the next Doctor well I'm throwing out there what if Nicola Coughlan was his companion”.

Another fan simply said: “WE NEED AN IRISH COMPANION”.

However, some viewers doubted the rumours and suggested Nicola’s busy schedule with the upcoming season of Bridgerton, in which she plays Penelope Featherington, could destroy their hopes.

“Would be cool, but I think Bridgerton is gonna take up a lot of her schedule,” said one disappointed fan.

Someone else suggested: “If the filming schedules for Bridgerton and Doctor Who don't overlap and create a conflict for her, I'd love to see this.”

While another fan wrote: “They’d be a great pairing, but she already has a very prominent role in Bridgerton, which has been renewed for at least 2 more seasons.

"More likely, she could be a one-off companion, like Kylie Minogue or Michelle Ryan, and appear in a holiday special.”

Tyla has contacted the BBC for comment.