Ncuti Gatwa confirms his departure from Sex Education as production wraps on season 4, with Netflix’s hit comedy series losing another major star ahead of the show’s return in 2023. Season 4 is set to divide the main cast across the globe after season 3 concluded with the closure of Moordale Secondary School, and Emma Mackey’s Maeve Wiley accepting a position as part of a study program in the US. Gatwa is the latest star to leave the show, after Patricia Allison, Tanya Reynolds, Simone Ashley, and Rakhee Thakrar confirmed that they would not return to the Netflix series for season 4.
Gatwa shared a heartfelt Instagram post that confirmed the upcoming Sex Education season 4 will be his last full season as part of the main cast.
In the post, the star shared an image of his trailer’s door from the production, alongside an emotional message saying farewell to his character, Eric Effiong, thanking the series for everything he’s learned during his time on the show. Gatwa has been a core member of Sex Education‘s cast since the first season premiered in January 2019, starring alongside Asa Butterfield and Mackey as part of the trio who aimed to educate their fellow students on intimacy and relationships through their sex clinic services.
What Is Next For Ncuti Gatwa In 2023?
While Gatwa may be leaving behind his breakout role once Sex Education season 4 debuts, 2023 is still set to be an incredible year for the actor. In fall 2023, audiences will see Gatwa debut fully as the Fifteenth Doctor, as the actor is set to join Doctor Who during the long-running sci-fi series’ 60th-anniversary celebrations, picking up the keys to the TARDIS following the return of David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor. Gatwa will then star in season 14 of the show’s modern revival, with Millie Gibson set to join the actor as the Fourteenth Doctor’s companion, Ruby Sunday, in a special expected to premiere during the 2023 festive period.
Gatwa will also appear on the big screen alongside Sex Education co-stars Mackie and Connor Swindells in Greta Gerwig and Warner Bro. Pictures’ Barbie. Set to premiere on July 21, Barbie will see Gatwa portray one of many versions of Ken with Ryan Gosling, Simu Liu, and Kingsley Ben-Adir, alongside Margot Robbie’s Barbie. While Gatwa’s was filming alongside his fellow Barbie co-stars at the time that news of his Doctor Who casting first broke, the actor had kept his new role a closely held secret.
Gatwa has been a mainstay of Sex Education since the show first premiered, with Eric quickly becoming popular due to his charismatic portrayal of Eric, as well as the character’s emotional storyline. As such, Gatwa’s departure may be seen as a major loss for the series, as viewers may question the series’ future. Despite this, many Sex Education fans may also celebrate Gatwa’s time on the show, and look forward to his future roles in 2023 and beyond.
