Time lord Dr. Who's time is up
- Publication: Belfast Telegraph
- Date: 1980-10-25
- Author:
- Page: 5
- Language: English
TOM Baker, the fourth actor to portray Dr. Who, is to quit the BBC series.
He took over from Jon Pertwee as the vivid intergalactic character in 1974, and ever since the audience, including a massive adult following, has increased.
"I loved this programme very much. It's taken several months to reach this decision. It's not been easy," said Baker shortly before the announcement.
"This has been the happiest time of my career. It's not something you decide lightly."
Baker, a former hodcarrier on a London building site, brought tremendous personality to the series during which he has been assisted in his time travels by a selection of shapely young helpers. Emotional
Emotional
"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.
"It really has been a very emotional decision and the friends I've talked to about it say I must be mad to give it up," said the actor. "You only have to look at the figures. We've got an audience of over 100 million, and it's shown in 37 countries."
He said he would most miss the international appeal as a "harmless hero" who children need never fear.
"Whoever takes over from me I just hope they will be as happy as I am. "I get the feeling that whatever I can do next, it can never be as happy as the time I have spent doing this.
"It's been a great part of my life for the past few years and a great part of my career.
"I've enjoyed every single minute of it. It was never hard work simply because it was such fun."
The series began in 1963 when the part of Doctor Who was taken by the late William Hartnell. He was followed by Patrick. Troughton, who was succeeded by Jon Pertwee. The series has always attracted top scriptwriters, and imaginative sound and set experts who have revelled in the chance to unleash their imaginations.
Tussaud's
Producer John Nathan-Turner said yesterday: "We are sorry to be losing Tom, particularly as the programme has gained in popularity since he joined it."
Just a few hours before he made the announcement, Baker was at Madame Tussaud's in London to see a preview of "The Dr. Who Experience."
He will still be seen in the series until next March, and resumes filming on Saturday. A BBC spokesman confirmed: "We know who we want to replace him - but negotiations are continuing."
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- APA 6th ed.: (1980-10-25). Time lord Dr. Who's time is up. Belfast Telegraph p. 5.
- MLA 7th ed.: "Time lord Dr. Who's time is up." Belfast Telegraph [add city] 1980-10-25, 5. Print.
- Chicago 15th ed.: "Time lord Dr. Who's time is up." Belfast Telegraph, edition, sec., 1980-10-25
- Turabian: "Time lord Dr. Who's time is up." Belfast Telegraph, 1980-10-25, section, 5 edition.
- Wikipedia (this article): <ref>{{cite news| title=Time lord Dr. Who's time is up | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Time_lord_Dr._Who%27s_time_is_up | work=Belfast Telegraph | pages=5 | date=1980-10-25 | via=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=30 May 2025 }}</ref>
- Wikipedia (this page): <ref>{{cite web | title=Time lord Dr. Who's time is up | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Time_lord_Dr._Who%27s_time_is_up | work=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=30 May 2025}}</ref>
