View source for Scottish actor says signing as 10th Doctor is a lifelong dream

{{article
| publication = Express & Star
| file = 2005-04-15 Express and Star.jpg
| px = 450
| height = 
| width = 
| date = 2005-04-15
| author = Sherna Noah
| pages = 
| language = English 
| type = 
| description = 
| categories = 
| moreTitles = 
| morePublications = 
| moreDates = 
| text = Casanova star will be the new Dr Who


Scottish actor David Tennant has signed up as the new Dr Who, the BBC announced today. The Casanova star is replacing Christopher Eccleston, who announced he was bowing out of the iconic role after just one series.

The 33-year-old, who decided to become an actor after watching Dr Who at the age of three, will become the 10th Time Lord. Eccleston, 41, had taken on the role when the show returned to the BBC last month following a 16-year hiatus.

Tennant follows Eccleston, Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker, Peter Davison, Tom Baker, Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton, William Hartnell and Paul McGann, who played the Doctor in a one-off [[broadwcast:TV movie|TV movie]], in the role.

Today Tennant, who worked with the sci-fi show's writer Russell T Davies in the drama series Casanova, said playing the Doctor, and getting his own Tardis, was a "lifelong dream".

He will begin filming the second 13 part series for BBC1 the summer.

Tennant said: "I am delighted, excited and honoured to be the 10th Doctor. "I grew up loving Doctor Who and it has been a lifelong dream to get my very own Tardis.

Tribute

"Russell T Davies is one of the best writers television has ever had, and I'm chuffed to bits to get the opportunity to work with him again.

"I'm also really looking forward to working with Billie Piper who is so great as Rose."

Tennant also paid tribute to his predecessor, saying: "Taking over from Chris is a daunting prospect; he has done a fantastic job of reinventing the Doctor for a new generation and is a very tough act to follow."

At 33, he celebrates his 34th birthday on Monday, Tennant is one of the youngest actors to tackle the part, giving the time traveller a youthful image.

He will make his appearance in the new adventure with Billie Piper, 22, who will return as the Time Lord's assistant Rose. 
}}