March 31, 2005

Eccelston quits Dr. Who after one season

Dr-Who.jpgWell this just plain sucks. Having no previous connection with the Dr. Who universe I rather enjoyed Christopher Eccleston in the title role but the BBC has reported that he has quit the BBC's new Doctor Who series after just one episode of the new series aired. The actor only signed for the current series of 13 episodes.

The first episode attracted around 10 million viewers in its premiere on March 26, and Eccleston feared being typecast, the network said. He said that he is planning new projects and that he found filming the series gruelling. Christopher, who is dating TV actress Siwan Morris, said he found it demanding being away in Cardiff to film the 13 episodes.

He hinted that he could be set to quit, saying: "I might be the first Doctor to just appear in one series, It's been brilliant to make but it's hard work. It's a long time to be away from home. It's hard on anyone in a relationship. It would be great to have a 10th Doctor, then an 11th. The show will go on and on - it's not about me."

Talks are taking place to replace him with the star of the BBC3 show Casanova, David Tennant. According to DailyRecord other contenders included Love Actually star Bill Nighy, Harry Potter actor David Thewlis, and comedian Eddie Izzard.

The good news is that Billie Piper, who plays Doctor Who's assistant, Rose, and is incredibly hot, is expected to continue her role. I could watch her run away from evil all day.

Eccleston's last appearance is expected to be in a Christmas special.

via BBC and DailyRecord.

» Posted by Mack at March 31, 2005 08:58 AM

Reader Comments

i was going to post this today, but ive been into london. it made the front of lots of newspapers and was on the news etc... its a shame.

» Posted by logboy at March 31, 2005 01:03 PM

What is he thinking! He's quite possibly walked onto one of the biggest television series ever made, and he's quit! Jeepers! I thought he had been moaning about being type cast as a mean and moody type character and it would be nice to do something a little more light hearted, or thats what he said in an interview. I'm a Doctor Who fan anyway and I can say honestly that what he did with the charcter was amazing, and I thought that so far, he was the best! I liked the new character dynamics, with Rose being his equal rather than being the side kick, and I'm now slightly worried that this may disappear if a new actor takes over. I hope he reconsiders. It could become very difficult to get series work after this, as no one in their right mind would cast someone likly to walk out after the first series, if they want it to be longlasting.

» Posted by Amy Carpenter at March 31, 2005 02:40 PM

bollocks...

that's one of the stupidest career moves i've heard of...

on the other side... Bill Nighy as Dr. Who! that sounds awesome!

» Posted by argus at April 1, 2005 02:35 AM

Hmm - this pretty much was expected, he's been umming and arring in a lot of interviews. It's a pity - although I think he overacted a bit in Rose, I think he'll develop into a good Doctor (or would have developed).

And I hope we get an older man with a wacky costume for the new Doctor.

» Posted by Lorenzo at April 1, 2005 03:27 AM

Post A comment

Remember Me?   

(You may use HTML tags for style)

Twitch Settings

Contact Twitch

Got something to get off your chest? Click here for contact details.

Twitch Forum

Tired of listening to us prattle on? Join the Twitch Forum and have your own say!

DVD Release Calendar

A continual work in progress, our hefty list of upcoming, interesting DVD releases from around the world. Click here to let us know about any upcoming releases.

Retailers We Like

Shop at our affiliated sites and support Twitch while feeding your pop-culture addiction.

In Associate with YesAsia.com

Search Now:  


Search by CD, DVD or Game:



Misc