David Tennant Is The New Doctor Who!
Friday, 15 April 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
David Tennant will take over from departing actor Christopher Eccleston for the second series of Doctor Who to be aired in 2006, according to a BBC press releaseissued Saturday morning just after midnight UK time. Tennant was originally rumored to be "in talks" to take over the role from Eccleston, who it was announced in late March would not be returning for the second season. As the Doctor, Tennant will be seen in the role in this year's Christmas special, as well as continuing in the role throughout the entire second series (and hopefully, many years to come). Billie Piper, who plays Rose Tyler, is already signed on for the second year of adventures.
Below is the official press release, issued minutes after midnight UK time, from the BBC Press Office.
Update 0240 BST: Another Scotsman article discusses the Tennant casting: "For David Tennant, playing the Doctor is a dream come true - watching the show was the reason he became an actor in the first place." The article biographies the actor, including some of his plays and television roles.
Update 0720 BST: News coverage of the event continues... so far, news reports carrying the announcement about Tennant's casting include theGuardian (the first online news service to print after the announcement went out), Daily Record (noting a salary amount: "David Tennant has landed a £500,000 deal"), the Times, Digital Spy, theTelegraph, BBC News,Scotsman, Morons.org, MovieHole, WaveGuide, ic Wales, and theLeaky Cauldron (Harry Potter site).
Below is the official press release, issued minutes after midnight UK time, from the BBC Press Office.
Update 0240 BST: Another Scotsman article discusses the Tennant casting: "For David Tennant, playing the Doctor is a dream come true - watching the show was the reason he became an actor in the first place." The article biographies the actor, including some of his plays and television roles.
Update 0720 BST: News coverage of the event continues... so far, news reports carrying the announcement about Tennant's casting include theGuardian (the first online news service to print after the announcement went out), Daily Record (noting a salary amount: "David Tennant has landed a £500,000 deal"), the Times, Digital Spy, theTelegraph, BBC News,Scotsman, Morons.org, MovieHole, WaveGuide, ic Wales, and theLeaky Cauldron (Harry Potter site).
David Tennant confirmed as the tenth Doctor Who
David Tennant is confirmed as the tenth Doctor Who, it was announced today by Jane Tranter, BBC Controller of Drama Commissioning, following the recommissioning of the second series.
Tennant, whose recent credits include BBC THREE's critically-acclaimed drama series Casanova, BBC ONE's Blackpool and He Knew He Was Right, will star alongside Billie Piper who returns as Rose Tyler.
Julie Gardner, BBC Head of Drama, Wales says: "Christopher Eccleston has given an exceptional performance as the ninth Doctor.
"David Tennant is a great actor who will build on the excellent work already done by Christopher in establishing Doctor Who for a new generation."
David Tennant says: "I am delighted, excited and honoured to be the tenth Doctor!
"I grew up loving Doctor Who and it has been a lifelong dream to get my very own TARDIS.
"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.
"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."
Executive producer/writer Russell T Davies adds: "Christopher Eccelston'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 first new adventure on board the TARDIS!
"Regeneration is a huge part of the programme's mythology, and I'm delighted that new, young viewers can now have the complete Doctor Who experience, as they witness their hero change his face!"
A new 13-part adventure and Christmas special begins filming in Cardiff in the summer for transmission on BBC ONE.
David Tennant is confirmed as the tenth Doctor Who, it was announced today by Jane Tranter, BBC Controller of Drama Commissioning, following the recommissioning of the second series.
Tennant, whose recent credits include BBC THREE's critically-acclaimed drama series Casanova, BBC ONE's Blackpool and He Knew He Was Right, will star alongside Billie Piper who returns as Rose Tyler.
Julie Gardner, BBC Head of Drama, Wales says: "Christopher Eccleston has given an exceptional performance as the ninth Doctor.
"David Tennant is a great actor who will build on the excellent work already done by Christopher in establishing Doctor Who for a new generation."
David Tennant says: "I am delighted, excited and honoured to be the tenth Doctor!
"I grew up loving Doctor Who and it has been a lifelong dream to get my very own TARDIS.
"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.
"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."
Executive producer/writer Russell T Davies adds: "Christopher Eccelston'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 first new adventure on board the TARDIS!
"Regeneration is a huge part of the programme's mythology, and I'm delighted that new, young viewers can now have the complete Doctor Who experience, as they witness their hero change his face!"
A new 13-part adventure and Christmas special begins filming in Cardiff in the summer for transmission on BBC ONE.
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