Actor Peter Davison is to quit as Doctor Who when he finishes recording the current BBC television aeries 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.
During his stint as the Doctor, Peter, aged 31, became a cult figure in the United States where the serial has a huge following. Dr Who has been sold in 39 countries
Battle
Peter said that when he took the role of Dr Who he was only going to play it for three years.
"By the time the next series is seen I will have been in the role for three years and since the beginning of shies year it has been a battle on whether I go back on what I said at the beginning.
Peter would like to appear in a TV drama and next would do some theatre work.
"I feel it's something that I should do," he said. "When you play a role for a long time and you know exactly what you are going to be doing for the next year to 18 months, it becomes frightening "
"While working on Dr Who I have seen a lot of actors and friends passing through from one job on to another and I started to become envious of them.
"Knowing exactly what I would be doing became rather frustrating."
Caption: Peter Davidson
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