Ncuti Gatwa’s Barbie co-star Simu Liu reveals that he kept Doctor Who a secret for two months

Sex Education actor Ncuti Gatwa was revealed as Doctor Who’s brand new Time Lord earlier this month in a shock announcement.

But the actor’s Barbie co-star, Simu Liu, has revealed that the 29-year-old kept his casting a secret while filming the movie for two months.

It seems his cast mates – which includes co-stars Margot Robbie, Emma Mackey, and director Greta Gerwig, found out at the same time as everyone else.

While on tour for his new book We Are Dreamers, Simu shared that Ncuti ‘didn’t tell anyone a thing, explaining: ‘All of a sudden over the weekend he was announced. 

‘We came to work on Monday we were like “Dude, how long have you been holding this in for?”

Revealing that Ncuti replied ‘two months’, Simu jested that if it was him he ‘would’ve combusted’.

Detailing the extent of the publicity following the news, the actor added: ‘Ncuti had to get security in and around not only his place of residence, but the places of residence of his entire family.’

No clue: Simu shared that Ncuti ‘didn’t tell anyone a thing, explaining: ‘All of a sudden over the weekend he was announced. We came to work on Monday we were like ‘Dude, how long have you been holding this in for?’ (Simu pictured earlier this month)

Blockbuster: Ncuti has been filming for his new movie Barbie, recently sharing this sneak peek into the set to his Instagram

Ncuti is set to take over the Doctor role following Jodie Whittaker’s departure from the show at the end of 2022.

Attending the BAFTA Television awards shortly after the announcement, the actor received some words of encouragement from previous doctors Jodie and David Tennant.

Taking to Instagram, he shared: ‘There are a lot of thank you’s in this caption so please excuse the cringe. But mans feeling hella grateful at the moment….

Star-studded: His co-stars, which include Margot Robbie (pictured), seemed to find out at the same time as everybody else

History maker: The 29-year-old will become the 14th Doctor on the popular BBC show, after Whittaker announced last July she will be leaving the role after five years

‘The Doctor herself, Jodie Whittaker and Mr David Tennant for your beautiful words of support and encouragement on BAFTA day,’ Ncuti wrote. 

‘I was absolutely cacking my pants and honestly speaking to you two was priceless.’

He also thanked Doctor Who’s returning showrunner Russell T Davies, adding: ‘The Doctor Who fam: Russell, all the producers and the wonderful fans have been so gracious and welcoming. I am stunned and speechless at the support.’

Ncuti is likely to be catapulted into global stardom following the new role, as he is making history as both the youngest and first black actor to play the role. 

Icon: Ncuti reflected on meeting David Tennant, who played the Tenth Doctor from 2005 to 2009, before reprising the role in 2013 for the 50th Anniversary Special 

‘Hella grateful’: Thanking his friends and family for their support in the days since the announcement, the star also sent his praise to Jodie and David in a sweet Instagram post