ACTOR Peter Davison is to quit as Doctor Who when he finishes recording the current BBC television series to be screened in January.
Peter, the fifth Doctor, took over the role nearly two years ago from Tom Baker.
Peter's last series will be his third in the role, but he will also be seen in The Five Doctors, a 90-minute special to celebrate the programme's 20th anniversary, and three complete Dr Who adventures to be screened in August.
John Nathan-Turner, who produces the programme, said yesterday, "I will be starting an immediate search for the sixth actor to play the lead role in the world's most popular TV science fiction series."
During his stint as the Doctor, Peter (31), became a cult figure in the U.S. where the serial has a huge following.
Dr Who has been sold in 39 countries.
Peter said later that when he took the role of Dr Who he was only going to play it for three years.
Caption: Peter Davison, left, and earlier 'Who' Jon Pertwee.
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