To Who, Or Not To Who?
David Tennant set the rumour mills to work earlier this week when he announced his plans to leave the BBC's time travel sci-fi series, Dr Who.
Bookmaker William Hill has made 44 year old David Morrissey (who starred in other BBC dramas, State of Play and Blackpool) as its favourite to be Tennant's successor whilst the Daily Mirror is championing ex Eastender, Tom Ellis as their favourite to play the protagonist.
At this early stage, nobody really knows who is going to replace the now legendary Doctor. Tennant stated:
"I actually think it's one of those parts that any actor could bring something very valid to, because he can be anything and because it's a sort of blank canvas every time."
When looking back through history at previous Drs Who, Tennant's claims seem well founded. William Hartnel was somewhat of anti-hero, putting other people's lives in danger for the sake of his own curiosity whilst the fourth incarnation of the role, played by Tom Baker, saw a far more eccentric doctor. His trademark long scarf and fondness of jelly babies made Baker an instant hit with the public.
As with all Doctors, Tennant's popularity rocketed after he took the part in 2005. Christopher Eccleston starred as The Doctor for just one season prior to Tennant and was voted Most Popular Actor for his efforts at reviving the old Time Lord.
What's in store for everyone's favourite Doctor is yet to be announced, but we wait with baited breath to find out who the BBC are offering as the 11th generation of the Sonic Screwdriver-wielding Gallifreyan.
Tenannt can currently be seen on stage in the RSC's rendition of Shakespeare's Hamlet. The tragedy comes to London from 3 December 2008 until 10 January 2009 and will be showing at the Novello Theatre.
Published By: Jon Lane
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