Doctor Who: First image released of new stars Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson

The first image of the new Doctor and his companion has been released by the BBC.

Ncuti Gatwa, previously on Netflix comedy Sex Education, will be the 15th Doctor when he joins the long-running show.

His companion Ruby Sunday will be played by Millie Gibson, a move that was announced when she stepped out of the Tardis live on Children In Need.

Eighteen-year-old Gibson was previously on Coronation Street.

The BBC said Doctor Who will return in November next year with three special episodes to coincide with the 60th anniversary, with David Tennant as the 14th Doctor.

Gatwa, 30, will then take control of the Tardis, with his first episode airing during the festive period in 2023.

In May, he told Sky News he was “feeling very, very excited, very honoured”, about the move, saying: “I think it’s such an honour, this role… it’s a British institution.”

He added: “This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care.”

It has already been announced that writer Russell T Davies will return as the programme’s showrunner after departing in 2009.

Davies, who was responsible for Doctor Who’s revival in 2005, will be back to celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary in 2023.

“Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those Tardis keys in seconds,” he said earlier this year.

“It’s an honour to work with him, and a hoot, I can’t wait to get started.”