THE first images of Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor in the upcoming series of Doctor Who have been released by the BBC.

They show Rwandan-Scottish actor Gatwa – who is a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – alongside co-star Millie Gibson, who plays Ruby Sunday.

The duo appear to have taken a trip on the Tardis back to the 1960s, with Gatwa sporting an afro, moustache and striped suit.

Gatwa was cast in the leading role in May 2022 and will be the first black male Doctor Who as well as the fourth Scottish actor to play the title character.

The National: New images show Ncuti Gatwa as Doctor Who alongside Millie Gibson who plays Ruby SundayNew images show Ncuti Gatwa as Doctor Who alongside Millie Gibson who plays Ruby Sunday (Image: BBC)

Born in Kigali, Rwanda in 1992, Gatwa’s family settled in Scotland after escaping the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

He shot to fame as Eric Effiong in the Netflix comedy-drama series Sex Education and has since snatched other high-profile roles, including a part in the hotly-anticipated Barbie movie set to come out this summer.

The BBC has announced that Gatwa will take over as the Doctor during three special episodes set to air over the festive season of 2023.

He will then return in 2024 for a full season of the show.