Doctor Who, with the BBC reporting Yasmin Finney is set to him as the first announced companion. Up to now, Gatwa is best known for his role as Eric Effiong in the Netflix coming-of-age series, so it is natural to look to his performance in the show for an indication of how he might tackle this next big role.
As demonstrated by some of the most well-known lines delivered by Gatwa in Sex Education, it is evident that Eric shares some of the same qualities as The Doctor. From his overenthusiasm, his wisdom, and his occasional wrath, these are the moments that Gatwa will likely draw on to deliver a brilliant performance as the next Doctor.
Eric's Musical Talents
"I play the French Horn."
In a humorous conversation with Otis, Eric laments that Adam still calls him "Tromboner" four years on from the incident that won him the unfortunate nickname. It is revealed to the viewer that a badly-timed semi-erection during a musical recital in front of the school is what provided the inspiration.
It is not the name that relates Eric to the Doctor here (it doesn't have quite the same impact as "The Oncoming Storm") but rather, the quote that follows: "The nickname doesn't even make sense. I play the French Horn." Patrick Troughton's Doctor famously played the recorder and it has been referenced numerous times since; maybe the French Horn will be more Gatwa's thing.
A Fixation On Food
"Did you feed her sashimi?"
Eric convinces Otis that Maeve is taking him on a date when they look up the address where they are to meet and find it to be a sushi restaurant. Of course, this is not the case, but Eric doesn't realize the weight of the situation when he runs through the Millburn house later, excitedly exclaiming, "How was it? Tell me everything! Did you feed her sashimi?"
Not only are Eric's excitability and overenthusiasm very Doctor-esque qualities, but the focus on food is reminiscent of Matt Smith's Doctor's infatuation with fish fingers and custard. Albeit, Eric's fixation on the fish dish was down to its aphrodisiac properties rather than his own cravings.
Questionable Shoe Choices
"So, I shouldn't have worn Espadrilles, then?"
Remi, Otis' father, takes him and Eric on a camping trip. Assuming that they would be staying at a campsite, rather than in the woods as originally intended, Eric turns up dressed to the nines in a fedora and Espadrilles.
Due to Eric's colorful wardrobe, it has been theorized by fans that Gatwa's Doctor will be the well-dressed type. It is easy to imagine him uttering the line "So, I shouldn't have worn Espadrilles, then?" when the TARDIS takes him to a planet with terrain unfit for the shoes.
An Unexpected Outburst
"Menstruation is a very good thing."
Otis confides in Eric that he had a sex dream about Maeve during an assembly about Ugandan sanitary products. As expected, it proves an inappropriate environment to do so when Eric blurts out, "That's brilliant!", interrupting Mr. Groff's lecture and causing everyone to turn and look at them.
After interrupting yet again, Eric stands and delivers one of his best quotes when he says, "Menstruation is a very good thing. Actually, it's good to have a good clean out." This scientific awareness yet slight awkwardness about unfamiliar human anatomy feels very reminiscent of The Doctor.
Eric's Most Famous Line
"You should wash your hands, you dirty pig!"
After his awkward conversation with Otis in the toilets is interrupted by Owen who emerges unexpectedly from a cubicle, Eric delivers one of Sex Education's funniest quotes, "You should wash your hands, you dirty pig!" When Owen hilariously insists that he "didn't do a poo," but was actually crying, Eric softens and says, "Oh... Right, well I hope you're okay."
Moments like these are reflective of the same emotional duality expressed by The Doctor; although the characters might be stern at times, it is only because they both ultimately want the best for all.
Knowledge, Power, and Status
"Knowledge is power, power is status and status means popular."
When giving Otis a pep talk, Eric explains the logistics of popularity when he says, "Knowledge is power, power is status and status means popular," in an attempt to convince Otis to use his brains for social gain.
The Doctor might not be interested in popularity, but knowledge, power, and status are three things that make up the Timelord's core being. It seems the characters agree that knowledge is the source of power, as reflected in the Doctor Who episode "Tooth and Claw" when David Tennant delivers the line, "Books! Best weapons in the world! This room’s the greatest arsenal we could have. Arm yourself.”
Adverse To Violence
"That doesn't mean you can hurt people, Adam."
The Doctor has never been one to shy from calling out those for their mistreatment of other beings, even if those beings mean him harm. This is a quality shared by Eric, who challenges Adam for pushing over a fellow student even though he was being homophobic.
When he demands to know why Adam responded with physical violence, he is told that "they were talking about me," to which Eric replies, "That doesn't mean you can hurt people, Adam."
Straight Talking
"Uncalled for and unnecessary."
Owen offers Otis some unsolicited advice about his "wank problem" that doesn't go down too well. Intervening on behalf of his friend, Eric says, "I think that we've had quite enough of you today, Owen. Uncalled for and unnecessary."
Could this be a glimpse of the future Oncoming Storm? In fact, there is already a viral video circulating TikTok where a Dalek has been edited over Owen with Doctor Who music playing in the background, giving fans a comical taste of Gatwa's potential wrath.