Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa will return for Sex Education season 4

Ncuti Gatwa is expected to resume his role as Eric Effiong in the upcoming series of Sex Education.

News of his return to the Netflix show comes months after the BBC confirmed that Gatwa would become the 14th Doctor in upcoming installments of Doctor Who.

Despite fears from fans that he wouldn’t return to the coming-of-age comedy series, Variety revealed his much-loved character will be back.

Gatwa’s portrayal of Eric, the lovable best friend of lead character Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield), instantly won the approval of Sex Education fans.

The Rwandan-born Scottish actor won a BATFA Scotland Award and was nominated for three BATFA Television Awards for his role.

The show, which centres on the story of a socially-awkward teenager and his sex therapist mother, is rumoured to be set for release at some point in 2023.

While it’s been reported that Gatwa will return, some other familiar faces will not be making a comeback.

At the start of August Rakhee Thakrar, who played Emily Sands in the show, revealed she is not among the season 4 cast.

“I’m not part of the new series. I can’t really talk about why,” she told the Daily Star Sunday. ““But I’m so proud of the show and grateful to have been part of something so important. There is nothing bad about Sex Education.”

Other actors that won’t be appearing include Patricia Allison, Tanya Reynolds and Simone Ashley.

In May 2022, television bosses confirmed that Gatwa would be replacing Jodie Whittaker as the next Doctor Who. The star will become the first Black actor to assume the iconic role of the Time Lord.

Speaking about the news earlier this year, Gatwa said he was “honoured,” adding: “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.”