Eccleston quits Doctor Who role
Actor Christopher Eccleston has quit as Doctor Who after just one episode of the new series has been screened, the BBC has confirmed.
Eccleston, whose first appearance as the ninth Time Lord attracted around 10 million viewers, feared being typecast.
Talks are taking place to replace him with Casanova star David Tennant.
A second series of the new Doctor Who, which will again be written by Russell T Davies and produced by BBC Wales, has already been commissioned.
Billie Piper, who plays Dr Who’s assistant Rose, is expected to star again.
Eccleston – whose last appearance is expected to be in a Christmas special – said he was also planning new projects and that he found filming the series gruelling.
“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,” he said in a statement issued through the BBC.
A BBC spokesman said the corporation would issue a formal statement later on Thursday and that it had hoped, rather than expected, that Eccleston would continue in the role.
He said that although talks to make David Tennant the 10th Doctor were taking place, other names may be put forward.
Bill Nighy was also considered for the Eccleston role, while Richard E Grant starred in a BBC web drama version of Doctor Who.
Period drama Casanova, which moves to BBC1 from BBC3 on Monday, added to Tennant’s reputation after his success in the drama Blackpool.
The BBC announced on Wednesday that it had commissioned the second Doctor Who series, which will again feature 13 episodes.
Billie Piper will once again play Rose in the new series
Russell T Davies said: “It’s fantastic news. It’s been a tense and jittery time because the production team has been working on plans.
“It’s particularly good for BBC Wales. This is a major flagship show for the region, and their staff and crews are the best you could find. It’s a tribute to them that Doctor Who is returning.”
Dr Who was relaunched last Saturday weekend following a 16-year hiatus.
With 9.9 million viewers, it beat Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
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