Eccleston quits Who after one series

March 31, 2005

EXTERMINATED: Eccleston

CHRISTOPHER Eccleston is to quit the lead role in Doctor Who after just one season, it has been confirmed.

The Salford-born star, who is the ninth to take on the role of the universe saving Time Lord, confirmed he was quitting the show at the end of the new series.

It is thought the actor, who has admitted he found the hectic eight-month shooting schedule for the series gruelling, was concerned about being typecast after being in the show.

Scots actor David Tennant - who starred in Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies' adaptation of Casanova - is in talks to replace Eccleston.

In a statement issued through the BBC, Eccleston said last night: "The audience's response for the new Doctor Who has been incredible and I am really proud to be part of it and I hope viewers continue to enjoy the series."

Former pop star, Billie Piper, will return in the role of the Time Lord's assistant, Rose, in the next raft of shows.

Eccleston's departure represents a blow to the fortunes of the hit sci-fi show, which launched on Easter Saturday with 10.5m viewers after a huge marketing and publicity campaign, and comes the same day the corporation confirmed a second series of the show had been commissioned.

The actor will be involved in a Christmas special episode of Doctor Who - which will be written by Russell T Davies - before bowing out.

Who should replace Eccleston as the 10th Doctor? Have your say.

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merrick, stretford (31/03/2005 at 08:27)

Eccleston should never have been offered the part if he was not prepared to be little more than " oh wasn't he the one who starred for two minutes in the comeback series....!!!!"

Being 'The Doctor' is about more than a few months of steady work and to allow Eccleston to take the part because of his current popularity was just a cop out. I will not be watching this doctor . Eccleston.....who?

Simon, North west (31/03/2005 at 09:00)

Roll on Ken Stott ! Eccelston should show more commitment to the show, and I hope any future rolls he is offered have a "I will not flit off after 5 mins" clause, but onward and upwards ! Lets start looking for the next doctor

Tel Sutton, Sheffield, England (31/03/2005 at 15:24)

I had always hoped that Rik Mayall would step into the Doc's shoes at some point but the suggestion of Ken Stott is a blinder. I once saw him perform Iago in Scarborough and afterwards had a drink at the bar with him, Michael Gambon and Alan Ayckbourn. Ken was by far the most down-to-Earth of the three and one has to say that his Doctor Who would be a combination of Troughton and Pertwee. In a word, perfect.

Peter, Monton (31/03/2005 at 16:09)

Christopher says he doesn't want to be typecast as Dr Who.
It comes with the territory lad.
Every actor who played the character had to live with it.
Exterminate. Exterminate.

Darin, Salem, Oregon, US (31/03/2005 at 17:42)

I've heard Eddie Izzard mentioned as a candidate, too. I think that could be a roaring good time! But, actually, Nighy may not be bad, either.

SB, Audenshaw Mcr (31/03/2005 at 21:43)

Very arrogant thing to do.But then arrogance gets you a long way in this world.

Baz, Stretford (01/04/2005 at 00:39)

Stroke of genius on his part. Leaves on a high, with everyone wanting more, rather than bored to tears if the second series is a let-down. well played....

Chet W, Wausau, WI, USA (01/04/2005 at 00:58)

I miss the Dr. Who series. It played here in Wisconsin 20 years ago via PBS for a few years and I loved its inexpensive Sci-Fi charm. The first man I'd wish could play a new Dr., an incarnation that would rivet both Brits and Yanks to their televisions: Ozzy Osbourne. Yea, crazy because the producers would be lucky to get him to read half an episode of lines before having some sort of flip out flashback or relapse. Good luck. It should be someone 40-50 yet fundamentally screwy, 2nd hope: John Cleese

Arnold Rimmer, Red Dwarf (01/04/2005 at 02:08)

I think it's fairly obvious that I should be the new Dr Who. Did you ever consider how spiffing it would be to use a Hologram as a Dr Who? I think it perfectly suits the 'modern themed' role.

Cheerio

A. J. Rimmer. - aka Ace Rimmer.

(ps; Lister is a smeghead)

Jay, Preston, Lancashire (01/04/2005 at 07:14)

Doctor Who ahs to be someone older, than Christopher Eccleston, to me it just dosen't seem right that the doctor is a "young" man.

Tristan Membrez, San Antonio, TX (06/05/2005 at 11:09)

I might be alone here in saying this, but I think they should Bring Back Peter Davison! The first episode could be how the re-generation had a problem or something, and it ended up giving him one of his older faces/bodies. Just my 2 cents....3, If i'm lucky. =P

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