View source for Casanova regenerates into the new Doctor Who

{{Times S1}}{{article
| publication = The Times
| file = 2005-04-16 Times.jpg
| px = 350
| height = 
| width = 
| date = 2005-04-16
| author = Adam Sherwin 
| pages = 13 
| language = English 
| type = 
| description = 
| categories = cast changes
| moreTitles = 
| morePublications = 
| moreDates = 
| text = 
DAVID TENNANT, the star of the BBC's Casanova romp. was confirmed as the tenth Doctor Who last night after the swift departure of Christopher Eccleston.

The Scottish actor, who previously took a lead role in the BBC One musical drama Blackpool and appeared in the Royal Shakespeare Company's Romeo and Juliet. said that his earliest memory is of seeing an episode of Doctor Who in which Jon Pertwee regenerated into Tom Baker.

Tennant, 33, from Bathgate, West Lothian, began discussions with the BBC last year after Eccleston declined to sign on for a second series of the revived sci-fi show.

"I grew up loving Doctor Who and it has been a lifelong dream to, get my very own Tardis." said Tennant. who will play the part of Barry Crouch Jr in the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which is due out in autumn.

Viewers will see Eccleston regenerate into Tennant at the end of the current series. a scene that could scare viewers under the age of 8.

Tennant will be joining Billie Piper, who will continue in her role as the Doctor's assistant, Rose, for a Christmas special and the new 13-part series next year.

Russell T. Davies. the head writer for the series, said: "Christopher Eccleston's wonderful Doctor has reinvented the role so that it now appeals to the best actors in the land. I'm already writing David's 0rst new adventure on board the Tardis.

Mr Davies added: "Regeneration is a huge part of the programme's mythology and I am delighted that young viewers an now have the complete Doctor Who experience as they witness their hero change his face."

The BBC had hoped to keep Tennant's arrival a secret until the end of the new series but was forced into making an early announcement after mishandling the departure of Eccleston.

The BBC drama department admitted that it had Invented quotes attributed to Eccleston saying that he was leaving because he did not want to be typecast.

Jane Tranter, the head of drama at the BBC, apologised to the actor.

Doctor Who's scare factor was keenly debated this week after 100 parents complained that their children suffered nightmares as a result of watching an episode featuring killer zombies.

Tonight's episode has a topical political theme — a spaceship full of slimy aliens crashes into Big Ben and they take over Downing Street.

A resourceful female MP helps the Doctor and Rose to fight back.


Caption: Who, me? David Tennant will begin his career as Doctor Who In a Christmas special this year

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