Doctor Who boss recalls Ncuti Gatwa's "astonishing" audition

Doctor Who spoilers follow.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has explained how new Doctor actor Ncuti Gatwa differentiated himself during the audition process.

Gatwa made a surprise appearance in last weekend's 60th anniversary special 'The Giggle' alongside David Tennant, and will now begin his own era on Christmas Day in 'The Church on Ruby Road'.

More than a year and a half on from the announcement of Ncuti's casting, Davies spoke with Digital Spy and other media about how the Sex Education star stood out while auditioning.

"I was very lucky that I did the audition with Ncuti and it was one of the most astonishing afternoons of my life because he was just so amazing," the writer recalled. "And to be in a room with you and to see you face to face. Folks, I've got to tell you, he did one audition, normally there's like 27 auditions. One. Because he just got it."

Davies had a similar response with Millie Gibson after seeing some of her previous work in Coronation Street.

"I've been watching Millie for so long in Coronation Street. You can tell when writers like a character on a soap because they write a lot for them," he said. "They give them a lot to do. And I was watching one episode of Coronation Street, where Kelly, played by Millie, was a drug addict and she kidnapped her own father and at the same time she won regional hairdresser of the year. All in one episode.

"I sat there watching, thinking, they like her. Genuinely, when you get that many stories, something's going on."

Christmas episode 'The Church on Ruby Road' takes its name directly from Millie's character and will explain Ruby's origins, as It's a Sin star Michelle Greenidge joins the show to play Ruby's mum Carla and EastEnders' Angela Wynter plays her nan Cherry.

Doctor Who's 'The Church on Ruby Road' will air on Christmas Day (December 25). The show airs on BBC One in the UK and Disney+ elsewhere.

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