On a studio backlot somewhere in Cardiff, Ncuti Gatwa is stepping on to the Doctor Who set for the very first time. He’s arm in arm with Catherine Tate, and they’re laughing about something. There’s a round of applause from Ncuti’s co-stars as he arrives. David Tennant – whose shoes Ncuti is, literally, about to fill – wraps the new Doctor in a warm embrace.
“A hug from David? Now we’re in the Whoniverse,” says Ncuti, rejoicing.
“THE WHONIVERSE!” cheers Bonnie Langford, who’s hugging Ncuti herself now.
It’s hugs all round. They’re lining up. A hug from Jemma Redgrave. A hug from Ruth Madeley. A hug from Neil Patrick Harris, who also gives a theatrical: “Hello, hello! Willkommen!” They’re all here. All the stars.
“It’s like Celebrity Squares,” quips the showrunner, Russell T Davies, who’s hugging the new Doctor too. “How exciting.”
For other posts in this set, please see the #whoBtsGiggle tag. The full episode list is [ here ]