Former Doctor Who star David Tennant has defended Ncuti Gatwa against what he describes as "cruel" backlash from a vocal minority of critics.
Speaking to the Guardian, Tennant addressed criticism faced by actors who have taken on the iconic role, noting that while all Doctors have faced scrutiny, social media has intensified the experience for recent stars.
Tennant, who portrayed the 10th Doctor from 2005 to 2010 and briefly returned as the 14th Doctor in 2023, firmly dismissed rumours that he would replace Gatwa, who currently plays the Time Lord in the long-running BBC series.
He emphasised that criticism of newer Doctors comes from "a small clutch of people shouting very loudly" who are "amplified by certain elements of the press" but are "not reflective of what most people feel".
The star expressed particular concern about the disproportionate nature of the backlash, telling the Guardian: "Things become ludicrously disproportionate, and end up being unnecessarily cruel."
He was specifically asked if he felt protective of his successors, particularly Jodie Whittaker and Ncuti Gatwa, who have faced heightened scrutiny in the social media era compared to when Tennant first took on the role.
The star took over from Jodie Whittaker
BBC
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Tennant's defence of Gatwa extends beyond Doctor Who to broader social issues. He has positioned himself as "a fierce ally of the transgender community," expressing concern about how they have been "singled out for attack in recent years".
On the transgender debate, Tennant was characteristically direct: "Most people don't give a s***. I genuinely believe most people just want to let people be themselves."
He added: "All they're doing is making a tiny portion of society who have a really tough time anyway have an even tougher time."
This stance aligns with his broader criticism of disproportionate attacks on marginalised groups and individuals.
Russell T Davis also defended the stars casting when he was first announced
PA
Gatwa himself has addressed criticism that Doctor Who comments on contemporary issues. In an interview with the Big Issue, he defended the show's social relevance, saying: "Doctor Who works so well and has done for so many years because it is reflective of the problems we face in our time and potentially in our future."
The actor highlighted this as part of what attracted him to the role, noting: "Russell is very politically and socially aware and has always infused the scripts with that. It is the nature of the show to be a soundboard to life around us."
Gatwa expressed pride in the programme's approach: "I'm really happy and proud to be part of a show that talks about these big issues. And it is done with such compassion to all parties."
The Sex Education star was meant to serve as the UK's ambassador at Eurovision, however, dropped out suddenly due to "unforeseen circumstances".
Sophie Ellis Bextor stepped in on behalf of Gatwa.
Gatwa — who has been an outspoken supporter of Palestine — stepped aside moments after Israel qualified for the grand final.
The former Doctor actor was passionate on his stance
BBC
Earlier in the day, Israel’s entry in the competition, Yuval Raphael, 24, who survived the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023, was disrupted when protesters in the crowd blew whistles and waved Palestinian flags as she rehearsed her track, New Day Will Rise.
The rowdy audience members were quickly turfed out by guards. Eurovision bosses said they have further tightened security for the big event, amid growing tensions over a row about Israel’s involvement.
