John Lavalie at 23:53, 21 January 2025

2025-01-21T23:53:22Z

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2025-01-21T23:51:51Z

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{{article
| publication = Daily Mirror
| file = 2005-03-31 Daily Mirror p7.jpg
| px = 450
| height =
| width =
| date = 2005-03-31
| author = Nicola Methven
| pages = 7
| language = English
| type =
| description =
| categories = cast changes
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| text =
Timelord star to quit smash show because he fears being typecast

NEW Doctor Who Christopher Eccleston is sensationally quitting the show.

The star, 41, has refused to appear in the second series for fear of becoming typecast.

The shock news follows the Time-lord's triumphant TV return on Saturday. watched by nearly 10million BBC1 viewers.

And it came as BBC chiefs revealed plans for a Christmas special this year and a new 13-part run in 2006.

Billie Piper, 22, is still expected to star in both as sidekick Rose Tyler but alongside a new Doctor.

Last night Beeb insiders revealed they had already approached Scottish actor David Tennant.

David, 31, admitted: "I've never made any secret that I'm a big fan of Doctor Who and it's the reason I got into acting. It would be a great role to play."

Christopher. the ninth Doctor Who, first hinted he might quit earlier this month at the show's publicity launch. The actor,

dating TV actress Siwan Morris. said he found it demanding being away in Cardiff for filming. He said: "I might be the first Doctor to just appear in one series.

"It's been brilliant to make but it's hard work. It's a long time to be away from home. It's hard on anyone in a relationship.

"It would be great to have a 10th Doctor. then an 11th. The show will go on and on - it's not about me."

The series. the first for 16 years, was a hit at the weekend with nearly three million more viewers than Ant and Dec on ITVl. As well as the Daleks, the time-travelling hero's alien foes now include the Slitheens, who take over politicians' bodies.

Yesterday BBC drama supremo Jane Tranter seemed to hint she knew Christopher was leaving as she revealed plans for the Christmas special and next year's series.

Referring to the Doctor's ability to return in new guises, she said: "I want to make Doctor Who again. But there's a mischievous element to it because he can keep coming back.

"I don't want to give away what happens or if Billie gets blown up."

But she added: "I'd be immensely disappointed if Christopher was our last Doctor."

Christopher will bow out in the June finale of the current series in a battle with the Daleks.

He saves Rose from death but his life is left in the balance. 4 However, his alien abilities let him come back in another form. Last night the actor would only say: "The audience's response to the new Doctor Who has been incredible. I hope viewers continue to enjoy the series as it progresses."

Caption: NEW FOE: Slitheen monster

Caption: MY TIME'S UP: Christopher and TV sidekick Billie
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Who's Next?

DAVID TENNANT

HOT favourite, he has already been approached by show bosses to take over.

Tennant, 33, the star of BBC Three's Casanova, said previously: "It would be a great role to play."

BILL NIGHY

STAR of Love Actually was pipped at the post last year. But Nighy, 55, admitted: "Eccleston was taller, better looking and younger."

DAVID THEWLIS

DR Who web-sites show support for star, 42, who was in Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban. He is a big fan of show.

DAVID WARNER

VETERAN actor, 64, who starred in The Omen and Scream 2 is also popular with fans. He has already played the Timelord in audio adventures.

EDDIE IZZARD

COMIC, 43, was put in the frame last time by fourth Doctor Tom Baker. He's already a big name in Hollywood.

RICHARD E GRANT

WITHNAIL and I star, 48, was the bookies' favourite to play the Tardis time traveller when the BBC revealed it was bringing back Dr Who.

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Doctor No (Daily Mirror) - Revision history

John Lavalie at 23:53, 21 January 2025

John Lavalie: Created page with "{{article | publication = Daily Mirror | file = 2005-03-31 Daily Mirror p7.jpg | px = 450 | height = | width = | date = 2005-03-31 | author = Nicola Methven | pages = 7 | la..."