In the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine, executive producer Joel Collins has recalled Ncuti Gatwa’s audition for the role of the Fifteenth Doctor, saying how he “embodied the Doctor, just by being there.”

Collins explains that the audition process took place at a hotel in London, and says:

“We all went in the front door, and Ncuti came in the back entrance, so the world couldn’t see we were talking to him. I just stood there, staring at him. I was blown away by this character who somehow embodied the Doctor, just by being there.

“And then, the first time he came on set… I can’t quite describe it, but he just had a kind of confidence in who he was as the Doctor. He’s just so magnetic.”

This is a familiar story — numerous previous Doctors have been described as immediately owning the role as soon as they entered the door, including Matt Smith, who played the Eleventh Doctor. That certainly is promising and reassuring, knowing that Gatwa slotted into the part so naturally.

Showrunner, Russell T Davies, previously said he’d decided to give the part to another actor before Ncuti came in and blew them all away, so Collins’ comments just go to prove this further.

And what does Collins think of Millie Gibson, who plays new companion, Ruby Sunday?

“She’s wise beyond her years. And she’s funny. …But she also just has this energy, which is why she and Ncuti together are going to be electric.”

Sounds like we’ve got some very exciting times ahead.

Filming for Doctor Who Series 14 is ongoing.