February 10, 2023
Is 'Sex Education' Losing a Major Gay Character?
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
The hit Netflix series "Sex Education," applauded for its representation, seems to be losing one of its major gay characters.
TV Line reported that Scottish-Rwandan actor Ncuti Gatwa, who has been with the show since its premiere in 2019, posted a message on social media that was seen as a goodby to the show.
"Last day. Last time," the 30-year-old actor posted, along with a photo of the trailer he used for the show's production.
"Bye bubs, thank you for all the lessons and for all the strength," the post added.
Fans flocked to the comments section of the post to offer their best wishes for Gatwa's character, Eric Effiong, who is an unapologetic and openly gay teenager.
One follower posted: "One of the best characters ever! So deep, genuine and honest, thank you for your dedicated portrayal of Eric 🦚👑"
Posted another: "You are such a gift. I'm so happy for where you're going but so so sad to hear this. Your character is one of my favorites ♥️✨"
"Thank you for portraying a queen I wish I'd seen in my teens!!!" another posted. "Honestly an icon and trail blazer!!!"
"Season 4 has to be the last because this show is nothing without you," another chimed in. "Thank you for bringing Eric to life ❤️"
A fellow cast member, Amy-Lou Wood, offered her own take: "My heart hurts so badly."
Eric has been hailed as a source of inspiration for queer youth living in countries hostile to LGBTQ+ people; in Season 4 of the show, he traveled from Britain to Nigeria, where homophobia is ingrained in society and punishments under Sharia law for same-sex intimacy can be steep.
The character is expected to return for the upcoming fourth season of the show, TV Line noted, though he's also signed on to lead the new season of long-running British sci-fi series "Doctor Who," taking on the mantle of the title character. It's unclear whether that job will mean the character of Eric is featured less in Season 4 than in previous seasons.
The busy actor is also slated to appear in the hotly anticipated Greta Gerwig "Barbie" movie, as well as the big-budget WWII-set miniseries "Masters of the Air."
