The new "Dr. Who" is to be Tom Baker, 40, who played Rasputin in the film "Nicholas and Alexandra." He will be filming the BBC children's science fiction series over the next nine months ready for his first appearance after Christmas.
Jon Pertwee, who he replaces, is currently battling with prehistoric monsters and will no doubt win.
But at the end of the present series, in May, Pertwee will have to decide whether to let the world crumble were sated by sacrificing himself.
But of course he saves the world. Although he is a "Time Lord" with two hearts and cannot die, he will have to "regenerate" into a new body, which is the queue for Mr. Baker, the fourth actor to take the role.
He will be an entirely different character, and viewers will see the transformation take place at the beginning of the next series
Unique role
Mr. Baker said yesterday: "I was surprised when they asked me to play the doctor, but I took the role because it is one area of television that intrigues me and the Doctor is, after all, unique.
"I will have to devote all my time over the rest of the year to playing the Doctor. I have an option for another contract after the series ends."
Jon Pertwee announced last week that he was quitting the series after four years. He wants to two are in a stage play, and make a series of mystery plays for Independent Television.
Caption: Tom Baker, who is to take over the role of Dr Who in the BBC television series, pictured yesterday with Elizabeth Sladen, who plays the part of the doctor's assistant, Sarah Jane Smith.
Spelling correction: Elisabeth Sladen
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