Ncuti Gatwa Takes Aim at ‘Doctor Who’ in ‘SNL U.K.’ Monologue: ‘About 12 of You Watched Me… Maybe That’s Why I Kept Crying’

“Doctor Who” star Ncuti Gatwa took aim at the sci-fi show during his monologue as the host for the season finale of “Saturday Night Live U.K.” on May 16.

In his monologue, Gatwa mocked the perceived lack of enthusiasm for the latest seasons of “Doctor Who,” and the curious climax of the finale of Season 15, when Gatwa’s Doctor regenerated into Billie Piper.

He said, “I’ve had so many fantastic roles in my career. Millions of you watched me as Eric in ‘Sex Education,’ and then about 12 of you watched me in ‘Doctor Who.’ Maybe that’s why I kept crying,” he joked.

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“Joking aside, it was genuinely a magical role. In fact, it was the first time my parents were truly proud of my career. When I told them I got the part, they said, ‘Finally, a doctor in the family.’ Even though I have since regenerated into Billie Piper … I don’t understand it either.”

Gatwa was joined on episode 8 by indie-pop singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone as the musical guest.

Pay-TV operator Sky recently announced that “Saturday Night Live U.K.” had been renewed for a second season, which will air in fall 2026 and early 2027 with an initial 12-episode order.

Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan, Riz Ahmed, Jack Whitehall, Nicola Caughlan, Aimee Lou Wood and Hannah Waddingham have all taken on hosting duties for the first season, with Wet Leg, Wolf Alice, Kasabian, Jorja Smith and Foo Fighters among the musical guests.

“SNL U.K.’s” cast includes Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young.

“SNL U.K.” is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio’s U.K. production team and Broadway Video for Sky and NOW. Lorne Michaels is executive producing, James Longman serves as lead producer, Liz Clare as director and Daran Jonno Johnson is head writer.

“SNL U.K.” airs live on Sky and streaming service NOW in the U.K., and is available on Peacock the next day in the U.S.