When you think about Ncuti Gatwa, it’s easy to picture him lighting up the screen with his vibrant personality and infectious smile. But behind the glitz and glamor of his rising stardom, there’s a deeply personal journey that makes him who he is today.
From his early days growing up in Scotland as a Rwandan immigrant, to navigating his identity as a queer Black man in the entertainment industry, Ncuti’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery.
His portrayal of Eric Effiong in Sex Education isn’t just a role – it’s a reflection of his own experiences. And let’s not forget his groundbreaking role as the Doctor in Doctor Who, where he steps into the shoes of one of television’s most iconic characters. This casting choice is historic, making him the first Black actor to play the Doctor.
Yet, Ncuti is more than just his roles on screen. As we dive deeper into Ncuti’s world, we’ll uncover the stories and relationships that have shaped him and the quiet moments that reveal the man behind the fame.
He Was Once Dating an Actress
As of 2024, it seems he’s single—or at least that’s what we can gather since he hasn’t publicly announced a relationship.
But let’s take a step back to 2018. At that time, Elle Australia reported that Ncuti was dating Jessica Hardwick, a Scottish actress, writer, and photographer. There was even a photo of the two on Ncuti’s Instagram profile.
Fans were talking about their affair back then, but as the photo mysteriously disappeared from his page, it left everyone wondering what happened between him and his girlfriend.
His Past Affair Have Fans Confused About His Queer Status
For those who’ve followed Ncuti for a while, it’s no secret that he identifies as queer. This has led to some confusion among fans when they hear about his former relationship with a woman. They wonder, does he date all genders?
Well, first of all, the term ‘queer’ serves as an umbrella for various sexual orientations and gender identities. Unless Gatwa specifies that he’s only interested in the same gender, it’s entirely plausible that he’s open to dating anyone, regardless of their gender.
So, whether he’s on the lookout for a wife or even a future husband, his queer identity means he’s not restricted to one gender when it comes to love.
What Ncuti Might Want From a Relationship
Despite keeping his own romantic life under wraps, he has been very vocal about his character, Eric’s complicated relationship with Adam.
He described their connection as bittersweet and often tumultuous, highlighting that both characters are on a journey of self-discovery and struggle to truly understand themselves and each other.
Ncuti told E! Online, that Eric and Adam’s relationship is a constant work in progress, filled with the highs and lows of trying to figure out their identities. This suggests that Ncuti values relationships that allow for personal growth and mutual understanding, even if the path is not always smooth.
Why He Never Let the Cat Out of the Bag About His Private Life
Ncuti might be known for his charming smiles and on-screen charisma, but when it comes to his private life, he keeps it well-guarded. And he has good reasons for that.
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There was a particularly tricky time recently when I had just lost a friend. Obviously, bereavement is tough but life goes on, you’re out and about in your normal day, and your brain isn’t in the best place. And people still want that selfie and they don’t know. You can’t put that on them. It gets tricky trying to handle your personal and your public life.
Imagine dealing with that kind of emotional rollercoaster while still having to be in the public eye. It’s no wonder he values his privacy so much.
Ncuti On Bringing Authenticity To His Characters as a Queer Man
His portrayal of Eric Effiong in Sex Education has been nothing short of groundbreaking. Eric is a vibrant, openly gay teenager navigating the ups and downs of high school life.
Ncuti brings a raw authenticity to Eric, drawing from his own experiences as a queer Black man. This wasn’t just another role for him; it was a chance to reflect on his own real-life struggles and triumphs.
Eric’s journey, from his flamboyant fashion choices to his emotional coming-out moments, is similar to many of the challenges and joys that queer individuals face.
Gatwa brings this authenticity not just to Eric but also to his groundbreaking role as the Fifteenth Doctor. The Scottish-Rwandan actor mentioned that the Doctor’s sense of adventure and search for belonging mirrors the experiences of many LGBTQ+ individuals.
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We choose our families. And the Doctor is a lonely wanderer, looking for their next adventure … I know many a gay man, MANY a gay man, I could describe that way! I think that’s a beautiful, beautiful theme Doctor Who has, because chosen family can be more meaningful, more supportive. That really can be the case, and it’s a theme that absolutely runs through the show.
His Coming Out Story: “I’ve never been in the closet”
In many interviews, the 32 year-old actor has opened up about his journey with his identity. He publicly identified as queer in a candid interview with Elle magazine in 2023, sharing a poignant story about meeting a Rwandan woman at Manchester Pride.
We were holding hands, and she said to me, “I don’t really know why I’m here. I’m just here.” I told her, “Honey, you don’t need to know. You absolutely. Do not. Need. To. Know. You’re here. Be proud of who you are.
Despite playing an openly gay character in Sex Education, Ncuti chose to keep his own sexuality private for many years. As for the reason, he explained to British GQ that he was never in the closet but preferred to focus on his work rather than labels.
Navigating the entertainment industry as a queer man of color has not been easy. Ncuti has spoken about experiencing impostor syndrome and the pressure of representation. Moreover, he has called out the industry’s tendency to ‘tick boxes’ without genuinely understanding the experiences of marginalized communities.
People Also Ask
What are his pronouns?
He uses He/Him, though Ncuti has not explicitly said anything about it.
Does He Have a Daughter?
No, he is yet to become a father.
#Celebrity Relationships#LGBTQ+#Popular British Series
About Author: Rahul
Rahul Sharma is a true pop culture enthusiast. Whether it's hip hop, the latest TV series, or blockbuster movies, he’s always in the loop. If there’s something new happening in the celebrity world, you can bet Rahul knows about it. He’s been writing sharp, insightful entertainment articles since 2016, and his years of experience make him a go-to source for everything happening in Hollywood and beyond. When it comes to entertainment, Rahul’s the guy who knows his stuff inside and out.
