BBC says sorry to new Dr Who over typecasting claim
- Publication: The Daily Telegraph
- Date: 2005-04-05
- Author: Nicole Martin
- Page: 7
- Language: English
THE BBC admitted last night that it "falsely attributed" a statement to Christopher Eccleston in which he said he was leaving Dr Who after one series because of fears of burn-out and being typecast.
The corporation confirmed last week that the actor would not be returning for a second series, claiming he was always looking for new challenges.
But yesterday the BBC said it had not spoken to the actor before announcing his decision on his behalf.
Jane Tranter, the BBC's head of drama commissioning, said: "The BBC regrets not speaking to Christopher before it responded to the press questions on Wednesday March 30. "The BBC further regrets that it falsely attributed a statement to Christopher and apologises to him."
She added: "Contrary to press statements Christopher did not leave for fear of being typecast or because of the gruelling filming schedule. The BBC is delighted by Christopher's performance as Dr Who. "He has brought iconic status and contemporary vision to this classic role, reinvigorating it for a new generation of fans."
The BBC first learned of Eccleston's decision in January, but agreed not to make it public.
It was only after journalists quizzed the press office that the news was announced.
Dr Who started a new 13-part run over Easter weekend on BBC1, following a 16-year hiatus.
A second series of the show has already been commissioned by the BBC, with Billie Piper returning in the role of the Time Lord's assistant, Rose.
The BBC confirmed it was in talks with actor David Tennant, the star of the drama Casanova, which is currently showing on BBC3, as a possible replacement for Eccleston.
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- APA 6th ed.: Martin, Nicole (2005-04-05). BBC says sorry to new Dr Who over typecasting claim. The Daily Telegraph p. 7.
- MLA 7th ed.: Martin, Nicole. "BBC says sorry to new Dr Who over typecasting claim." The Daily Telegraph [add city] 2005-04-05, 7. Print.
- Chicago 15th ed.: Martin, Nicole. "BBC says sorry to new Dr Who over typecasting claim." The Daily Telegraph, edition, sec., 2005-04-05
- Turabian: Martin, Nicole. "BBC says sorry to new Dr Who over typecasting claim." The Daily Telegraph, 2005-04-05, section, 7 edition.
- Wikipedia (this article): <ref>{{cite news| title=BBC says sorry to new Dr Who over typecasting claim | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/BBC_says_sorry_to_new_Dr_Who_over_typecasting_claim | work=The Daily Telegraph | pages=7 | date=2005-04-05 | via=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=1 September 2024 }}</ref>
- Wikipedia (this page): <ref>{{cite web | title=BBC says sorry to new Dr Who over typecasting claim | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/BBC_says_sorry_to_new_Dr_Who_over_typecasting_claim | work=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=1 September 2024}}</ref>