Top of the docs
- Publication: The Sun
- Date: 2005-03-09
- Author: Emily Smith
- Page: 13
- Language: English
FIRST REVIEW OF SCRUFFY NEW DR WHO
DOCTOR Who makes a triumphant return to telly this month — but he's regenerated into a scruffy bloke in
baggy jeans.
The space hero, now played by Christopher Eccleston, looks more like a bloke from Manchester than a time-traveller from another world.
But it is not long before he is back in action saving new assistant Rose Tyler -- Chris Evans' ex missus Billie Piper, 22 — from a marauding bunch of shop dummies.
Millions of fans have been holding their breath to see if Eccleston, 41, does the legendary Timelord justice.
In the eagerly-awaited first episode, to be screened at Easter, sales girl Rose is terrified when store mannequins — the Autons — come to life. Then her boyfriend comes to a suitably sticky end when he is attacked by wheelie bins.
In a move that may upset die-hard fans, the first episode is seen through the eyes of Billie's character Rose after producers decided to establish a stronger female sidekick.
The new Who doesn't wear a scarf or fancy coat — but from the start Eccleston is outstanding. And the script from Queer As Folk writer Russell T Davies is sparky, witty and will please even the most ardent fans.
Highlights include the first look inside the new Tardis. Low points include the Doc being attacked by a severed arm and Autons trying to overturn London buses.
But Dr Who has stood the test of time.
TAR-DISSED BY BEEB
CHARLOTTE Church cuddles up to The Sun's Dalek last night moments before mean BBC bosses exterminated him from the Dr Who premiere.
Our baddie — who led a successful campaign to reinstate the Daleks after problems with their contracts — rolled up to the bash in Cardiff.
But security guards refused to let him in to the screening with stars Christopher Eccleston, Billie Piper and Charlotte, 19. A BBC spokesman said: "I'm sorry, but there is no room for your Dalek."
Meanwhile, new Timelord Chris warned fans against watching an episode leaked on to the internet. He said: "It's a rough cut without special effects. Wait to see it in all its glory."
Billie's return to pop — Bizarre, Pages 20 & 21
Caption: Warning ... Christopher
Caption: Out this world ... Billie
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- APA 6th ed.: Smith, Emily (2005-03-09). Top of the docs. The Sun p. 13.
- MLA 7th ed.: Smith, Emily. "Top of the docs." The Sun [add city] 2005-03-09, 13. Print.
- Chicago 15th ed.: Smith, Emily. "Top of the docs." The Sun, edition, sec., 2005-03-09
- Turabian: Smith, Emily. "Top of the docs." The Sun, 2005-03-09, section, 13 edition.
- Wikipedia (this article): <ref>{{cite news| title=Top of the docs | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Top_of_the_docs | work=The Sun | pages=13 | date=2005-03-09 | via=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=9 May 2025 }}</ref>
- Wikipedia (this page): <ref>{{cite web | title=Top of the docs | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Top_of_the_docs | work=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=9 May 2025}}</ref>
