'I screamed': Nigerian Doctor Who fan thrilled show is coming to Lagos

A Nigerian doctor who is a huge fan of the popular British television show Doctor Who is filled with excitement because a new episode is set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria. According to Wedaeli Chibelushi from BBC News, the Doctor, portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa, will be seen navigating through a bustling marketplace in Lagos. In this episode, the Doctor is dressed in a cap, an orange top, and a red waistcoat, standing in front of a vibrant wall that reflects the colorful culture of Nigeria. Adesoji Kukoyi, a devoted fan of the show, recalls how he would drop everything to watch Doctor Who as a child. He fondly remembers, 'Whenever I heard the iconic Doctor Who theme tune, I would run straight to the television. ' Growing up in Nigeria during the 1980s, Mr. Kukoyi was captivated by Doctor Who, which stood out among other British shows like Allo Allo and Fawlty Towers that were popular at the time. He felt a deep connection to the Doctor, who he believes serves as a guiding figure, much like a teacher, encouraging people to strive for their best. Now at 44 years old, Mr. Kukoyi even has a vintage Doctor Who theme as his ringtone. When he learned that an episode would be set in Nigeria for the very first time, he was overjoyed. 'I was watching last week's episode with my wife when the preview said: 'Welcome to Lagos, Nigeria. ' I screamed like a little girl! ' he exclaimed. This episode is significant not only for Mr. Kukoyi, who hails from Nigeria's largest city, Lagos, but also for the show itself. This Saturday's adventure will mark the first time the series is primarily set in Africa, making it a historic moment. It is fitting that Nigeria was chosen for this milestone, especially since fans were thrilled in 2013 when a character from Nigeria was featured in the show. Mr. Kukoyi has been a loyal viewer of Doctor Who since childhood, and he recalls sitting in his armchair, wearing a pink and yellow patterned top, eagerly anticipating the next episode. Ariyon Bakare, who plays a character known as the Barber in the upcoming episode, has teased fans with the promise of 'a time-bending cultural ancestral collision' and 'lots of hair. ' The preview also hints at a lively barber shop, a bustling Lagos market, and a towering, monstrous-looking spider. Fans speculate that this creature may be Anansi, a legendary figure from West African and Caribbean folklore, but scriptwriter Inua Ellams is keeping the details under wraps. Mr. Ellams offers insight into the show's popularity in Nigeria, stating, 'There's something Nigerian about the Doctor. Nigerians are known for being loud and sociable, and the Doctor embodies a mysterious and boisterous character who somehow manages to save the day. ' He also reflects on why, in the 62 years of the show's history, a character known for traveling through time and space has spent so little time in Africa. He suggests that perhaps no writer has felt confident enough to create an authentic African story, or it could be due to the Doctor's need to blend into his surroundings and remain inconspicuous. 'Ncuti Gatwa, being an actor of African descent, allows us to tell new stories with the Doctor and explore different cultural spaces because of his background. This is the brilliance of the show—each Doctor opens up new opportunities to share diverse stories in unique ways,' Mr. Ellams explains. However, these new Doctor Who stories have a smaller audience than the earlier episodes, as the show is no longer broadcast on Nigerian public television. For those in Nigeria who want to catch up on the Doctor's adventures, they will need to subscribe to the streaming service Disney Plus. Nevertheless, Mr. Kukoyi is confident that a dedicated group of Nigerian Doctor Who fans will be glued to their sofas on Saturday evening, eagerly awaiting the Tardis to materialize in Lagos. 'I'm waiting with bated breath,' he says. 'Finally, he is coming! ' Mr. Kukoyi, who first experienced the Doctor through the character played by the iconic Tom Baker, is trying to introduce his young daughters to the show. He hopes that seeing the Doctor dressed in traditional Nigerian attire, navigating a typical Lagos market, and getting involved in local folklore will help them develop a love for the show just as he did when he was their age.