Ncuti Gatwa wants to be "himself" as Doctor Who.

Ncuti Gatwa on taking over the role of Doctor Who

Ncuti Gatwa on taking over the role of Doctor Who

The 29-year-old actor has bagged the role of the 14th Time Lord on the BBC sci-fi series 'Doctor Who' and will replace Jodie Whittaker when she bows out later this year, but has insisted that each of his predecessors has been "incredible" and is unsure how he will follow in their footsteps.

Asked what he would bring to the role, he said: "Just myself, I think actors are incredible people that put so much of themselves into roles and so each one is going to be really different. Each Doctor that’s gone before has been so incredibly talented and so incredibly brilliant, I don’t know how I’m going to follow in their footsteps but I’m going to try my best."

The 'Sex Education' star - who in his new role also follows on from the likes of Matt Smith, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi in the iconic role - added that he is just taking the news in his "stride" but admitted that he is a little "scared" about taking on the mammoth TV role.

He told Metro.co.uk: "I’m just trying to take it all in my stride, I woke up very, very anxious but then i calmed down by lunch.There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared. "

Ncuti went on to assure fans that because the role "means so much" to both himself and viewers around the world, he will do his best to handle it with the "utmost care" and also paid tribute to showrunner Russel TV Davies, who returns to the show after more than a decade away.

Ncuti said: "This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my upmost to do the same."