Ncuti Gatwa breaks social media cover after Glastonbury trans tribute speech during JADE set
Ncuti Gatwa has returned to social media following his appearance at Glastonbury on Saturday, where he introduced Jade Thirlwall for her solo debut performance.
The former Doctor Who star posted on Instagram: “Glastonbury for the girls and the gays. Had the honour of introducing @jadethirlwall for her EPIC set.
“Jade your talent and power is insane. You’re a megastar already. But that. That was the birth of you going absolutely cosmic. It’s a pop girly emergency.”
His enthusiastic post came after he delivered a surprise introduction for the former Little Mix member at the Woodsies stage, marking her first Glastonbury appearance as a solo artist.
The 32-year-old actor’s social media activity follows his high-profile speech at the festival, which included explicit tributes to the trans community.
During his appearance, Gatwa welcomed the crowd with an expletive-laden speech that specifically acknowledged the trans community.
“I hope you bi****s are f***ing ready! Ladies and gentlemen, they’s and them’s. All our beautiful trans brothers and sisters. The performance is about to begin,” he said.
The actor, who was in high spirits throughout, referred to Thirlwall as “pop’s new crown princess” and encouraged the audience to document the performance, stating: “Flash photography and video is encouraged. Enjoy the show.”
Moments after his introduction, Thirlwall took to the stage wearing a white crop top emblazoned with “Glasto”, paired with khaki cargo trousers and an extravagant faux-fur hat.
She performed tracks from her upcoming album, That’s Showbiz Baby! alongside Little Mix favourites including Shout Out To My Ex, Woman Like Me, and Touch.
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Thirlwall, who performs professionally as JADE, has established herself as a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. Earlier this month at Mighty Hoopla in London, she led thousands of fans in chanting against JK Rowling during her performance of FUFN (F*** You For Now).
“Transphobes,” JADE shouted, with the crowd responding: “F you”. She then directed attention to the Harry Potter author, yelling “JK Rowling” to which fans again chanted: “F you”.
The singer has previously won a Gay Times Allyship Award in 2021 and is nominated for a Celebrity Ally Award at the 2025 LGBT Awards.
She recently signed an open letter pledging solidarity with the trans community alongside former bandmates Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards.
Gatwa’s Glastonbury appearance comes after his recent departure from Doctor Who, where he was replaced by Billie Piper following declining ratings and accusations of “woke” storylines.
The show attracted approximately 2.5 million viewers last Saturday, around 2 million fewer than during Jodie Whittaker’s tenure.
Meanwhile, JADE has acknowledged potential career consequences for her activism.
Speaking to Stylist magazine, she said: “I have been warned there could be consequences for speaking out about things like Palestine, but these are basic human rights.”
She added: “We’re seeing an attack on the trans community, and I have a very big LGBTQ+ fanbase. I can’t sit back and not be vocal about defending that community. I’m happy to pay the consequences if it means doing the right thing.”