Doctor Feelgood
- Publication: Bexley Times
- Date: 2005-12-22
- Author:
- Page:
- Language: English
David Tennant steps into the 10th Time Lord's shoes in Doctor Who - The Christmas Invasion. He tells TGT why he's thrilled to land a role that should cement his place in television history
THIS year has been a fantastic whirlwind for actor David Tennant. He has rocketed from relative unknown to become a household name.
Although he first graced our screens in the 1994 drama Takin' Over The Asylum, it is roles such as Reverend Gibson, in Andrew Davies's adaptation of Trollope's He Knew He Was Right, the maverick DI Carlisle in Pete Bowker's acclaimed Blackpool, and then the legendary Casanova in Russell T Davies's beautiful, fast-paced and ground-breaking serial that have made him one of the nation's favourite actors.
However, it's his role as the 10th Time Lord that is set to cement his place in history. When Christopher Ecclestone returned as the ninth Doctor last year, 16 years had passed since the series had last aired and no one could have predicted its phenomenal success.
Now, mid-way through filming, Tennant has settled into his role and is enjoying the experience immensely. He explains: "It was funny, when I first got asked I just laughed. I found it hilarious and impossible. I remember Russell, very perceptively, saying, 'Don't say anything now, because I know the experience is quite a weird one'. "But it's such a great job. I mean, I get to play a Time Lord and have a Tardis - you can't knock that." Fans have already had their first taste of 'Tennant the Time Lord'. Around eight million viewers tuned in to witness the climactic scene in which Ecclestone's ninth Doctor morphed into Tennant as the 10th. This
regeneration is something Tennant finds attractive. "The fantastic thing is that every time the Doctor goes through it, he changes to an extent. So, for an actor, you get to work on a blank canvas where you don't have to worry too much about what has gone before.
"It's interesting because he's always going to be the moral egalitarian, humanitarian, slightly wild, slightly anarchic bloke that he's always been. But because he's getting older, he's moving on. He's seen it all before, every alien creature with a superiority complex."
He adds: "Viewers are going to see a slightly more no-nonsense Doctor and that is influenced by what Chris did with him. We are more aware that he's someone who fought a war, lost all his people and, because he's the last Time Lord, the last authority in the universe, he's less indulgent, more ruthless."
The other key difference between Tennant and his predecessors is his appearance. With costume designer Louise Page, he wanted a look that was distinctive and effective, something that clearly states, "It's the Doctor". So they opted for a tailored, calf-length coat in chocolate brown, with a blue, pinstripe suit and white plimsolls. The look, which Tennant calls "Geek Chic", has been a huge hit with fans and critics alike and there have been many articles written about it, much to his amusement. "I wanted something that I'd enjoy wearing, an outfit that would look good and feel right. We also wanted something that was modern without being specifically in
vogue. I wasn't trying to create a Times Style article about it but I'm glad people like it so much," he laughs. Tennant is a lifelong fan of Doctor Who, his favourite Doctor being Tom Baker, and he admits that watching his hero in action had a part to play in his decision to become an actor. As a youngster, he tuned in to each week's scary instalment. The fear factor is something he feels is a key part of the series and an important part of growing up. "Being scared and having nightmares is part of our childhood. The Christmas episode does have some scary moments. Sinister Santas, a spinning killer Christmas tree and, of course, the Sycorax. But that's great. I don't think we should shy away from it. Kids love fear."
The most recent series of Doctor Who struck a chord with viewers of all ages and was heralded as good, family entertainment. But most of Tennant's TV and theatre roles have been for a mainly adult audience. How does he feel about his new army of younger fans?
"I'm continually surprised by the number of trendy teenage girls and middle-aged mums who come up to talk to me and who genuinely love the show. I think that's what's extraordinary and unique about it.
"But that's how it should be. It's a good enough show to justify that kind of cross-spread of audience. I doubt ever do something that attracts such a varied audience again," he says.
Doctor Who Christmas Special will show on BBC One on Christmas Day at 7pm.
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