Goodbye! Tom Quits as Dr Who
- Publication: Daily Express
- Date: 1980-10-25
- Author: David Wigg
- Page: 1
- Language: English
Actor Tom Baker, better known to 100 million TV viewers in 37 countries as Dr. Who, hung up his long stripey scarf and floppy hat yesterday.
He will make his last trip in the Tardis time machine in March when the next series ends.
Tom's retirement after six years as the inimitable Time Lord immediately started feverish speculation as to who would take over his role.
The BBC admitted: "We know who we want to replace him." But they would give no clue to the identity, because "negotiations continue."
"It could even be a woman," said Tom. "After all, there's no reason why Dr Who should always be a man."
Retirement spells an end to the good life for Tom-a salary of nearly £1,000 the week, a string of glamorous young assistants, not to mention a marvelous acting role.
"I've enjoyed every single minute of it. It was never hard work, simply because it was such fun.
"But I honestly think I've given the series everything I have to give. I think it's time to let someone else have a go."
Tom said he had no work lined up, and admitted that his friends thought he was mad to give up such a lucrative role when jobs were hard to come by.
But it is not the money he would miss so much as the international appeal as a "harmless hero" whom children need never fear.
Confronting so many awestruck fans, has led the gangling 6ft 3in actor to an original approach.
He drops to his knees and asks: "Haven't I seen you watching telly?"
When they nod shyly, he says triumphantly: "Thought so! I never forget a face. Can I have your autograph, please?"
Eccentric
Tom has been joined on the screen by no fewer than five delectable assistance over the years.
The first was Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith. Then came Louise Jameson as Leela, Mary Tamm as Romana and Lalla Ward as Lady Romana.
New girl, Australian actress Janet Fielding, will play his assistant Tegan in his last series.
Tom, something of an eccentric in real life-he studied to become a monk before switching to acting-is the fourth Dr Who since the series was launched in 1963.
The first was the late William Hartnell, second was Patrick Troughton, followed by Jon Pertwee.
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- APA 6th ed.: Wigg, David (1980-10-25). Goodbye! Tom Quits as Dr Who. Daily Express p. 1.
- MLA 7th ed.: Wigg, David. "Goodbye! Tom Quits as Dr Who." Daily Express [add city] 1980-10-25, 1. Print.
- Chicago 15th ed.: Wigg, David. "Goodbye! Tom Quits as Dr Who." Daily Express, edition, sec., 1980-10-25
- Turabian: Wigg, David. "Goodbye! Tom Quits as Dr Who." Daily Express, 1980-10-25, section, 1 edition.
- Wikipedia (this article): <ref>{{cite news| title=Goodbye! Tom Quits as Dr Who | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Goodbye!_Tom_Quits_as_Dr_Who | work=Daily Express | pages=1 | date=1980-10-25 | via=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=25 March 2025 }}</ref>
- Wikipedia (this page): <ref>{{cite web | title=Goodbye! Tom Quits as Dr Who | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Goodbye!_Tom_Quits_as_Dr_Who | work=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=25 March 2025}}</ref>
