Ncuti Gatwa Opens Up About the Challenges of working on 'Sex Education': A Candid Look into His Journey!

Ncuti Gatwa cherishes his time playing Eric on Netflix's Sex Education, although the journey was not without its challenges. In an interview with Rolling Stone UK, published on Monday, July 10, the 30-year-old actor reflected on the demanding nature of being part of such a significant show. "When you are exploring untrodden territories in storytelling, there is always a struggle in determining the best approach," he shared.

Gatwa acknowledged that the show faced challenges in its storytelling, leading him to endorse the decision to conclude Sex Education after four seasons. He believes that the cast has surpassed the show and no longer finds it fulfilling.

"It wasn't always a pleasant experience. I feel like we've moved beyond it and have given our all," he explained. "Being part of it exposed me to the negative aspects of this industry. I vividly recall an executive producer informing me that my character, Eric, would not be relatable to white people, which angered me. The show offers a complete storyline that white viewers can appreciate."

Sex Education delves into the lives of Otis (Asa Butterfield), Maeve (Emma Mackey), Eric (Gatwa), Ola (Patricia Allison), and other high school students, as they navigate the various challenges and triumphs of their everyday existence. This includes exploring the complexities of sexual intimacy.

Ncuti Gatwa surprised fans when he announced his departure from the show after the completion of season 4 filming earlier this year. In a February Instagram post, Gatwa, who joined the cast of Doctor Who in 2022, bid farewell with a caption that read, "Last day. Last time. Bye bubs, thank you for all the lessons and for all the strength."

Gatwa revealed his character's fate following Allison's earlier statement that she would not be returning for season 4 of "Sex Education."

"With much love, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on 'Sex Education'... However, I regret to inform you that I will not be rejoining the team for the upcoming season," the actress shared during an episode of the U.K. radio show "Breakfast With Yinka and Shayna Marie" in June 2022. "Other exciting opportunities have presented themselves. I have cherished my three-year journey and the genuine love I have for this show."

Allison acknowledged that it was challenging to bid farewell to the show. "Definitely," she added. "I suppose I have to bid farewell eventually, which is rather melancholic, but new opportunities are on the horizon."

In the meantime, 27-year-old Mackey elaborated on why she believed it was the ideal moment to bring Sex Education to a close.

"It can be quite challenging when you are portraying a character that seems to be stuck in a different time. We are supposed to be portraying 17-year-olds, but in reality, we are nearly 30, which feels a bit strange," she revealed to Total Film in February. "This experience has opened up various opportunities for us, but I would like to gracefully move on from it and appreciate the time it has existed. I want to protect and cherish it while understanding that it needs to be left alone now."

Mackey added, "Filming those scenes is incredibly intense and emotionally charged. It's amazing to think about how much we've grown since our first auditions at 21."

The fourth and final season of Sex Education will be released on Netflix September 21 on Netflix.