Sex Education's Ncuti Gatwa has confirmed he's leaving the raunchy and hilariously uncomfortable Netflix show after almost four years playing Eric.
Gatwa became known to the masses when he appeared as Otis' best friend in the first series of Sex Education in 2019, but he quickly became a fan favourite and has continued to entertain viewers with his character's awkward encounters ever since.
His talents have since earned him roles in Greta Gerwig's highly anticipated upcoming movie Barbie, as well as in Doctor Who as the new face of the Time Lord.
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He's not left Eric behind for good just yet though, with another series of Sex Education set to be released later this year.
However, in a post on Instagram yesterday (8 February), Gatwa confirmed his next appearances as Eric would be his last.
He shared a picture of what looked to be his trailer door on the set of the Netflix series, alongside the caption: "Last day. Last time. Bye bubs, thank you for all the lessons and for all the strength."
Both fans of Gatwa and his coworkers expressed their devastation over the news, with Aimee Lou Wood, who plays Aimee in the series, responding: "My heart hurts badly."
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One Instagram user branded Eric 'the greatest character I've ever seen', while another fan wrote: "Thank you for everything you and him have done. Words can’t express how thankful I am."
Gatwa isn't the only one walking away from Sex Education, with Patricia Allison, who played Otis' former love interest Ola, already having gone her own way.
During an interview with Capital Xtra, Allison stressed that she has 'loved' being on the show, but said she'd instead be doing 'some other little things'.
"Some other opportunities have come up," she said. "I've been doing it for three years and I've genuinely loved it. I have to say goodbye at some time, which is kind of sad. But other things are coming! And that's really exciting."
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Though he's set to bid Eric goodbye, Gatwa is now looking forward to his new projects as he said it was 'amazing' to be following in the footsteps of David Tennant, Matt Smith and Jodie Whittaker as he plays the Doctor.
Speaking to the BBC about his casting, he said: "It feels really amazing. It's a true honour. This role is an institution and it's so iconic. I feel very grateful to have had the baton handed over and I'm going to try to do my best."
With one more series of Sex Education still to go, hopefully Eric will go out with a bang.
Featured Image Credit: Sipa US / Alamy Everett Collection Inc/AlamyTopics: Sex Education, TV and Film, Doctor Who