David Tennant Announces 'Doctor Who' Departure

[LovelyMissShirleyBrahms]

LONDON (AP) -- Britain's best-known time traveler is ending his journey.

The BBC has announced that Scottish actor David Tennant will leave long-running science fiction series "Doctor Who" in just over a year.

Tennant has played the show's time- and space-traveling alien hero since 2005. He will appear in a Christmas special and four hour-long episodes to be aired in 2009 and early 2010. But he said Wednesday that when the series returns for a full season in 2010, "it won't be with me."

"This show has been so special to me," Tennant said. "I don't want to outstay my welcome."

"Doctor Who" was first broadcast in 1963 and is one of the BBC's longest-running and most popular programs. Tennant is the 10th actor to play the title character, who has the power to regenerate in a new body.

Classically trained Tennant, 37, is currently starring in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

"This show has been so special to me," Tennant said. "I don't want to outstay my welcome."



I never get it when people say stuff like this. If it's been "so special" then stay. It hardly like he'll have a career doing anything else.

[sonosun]

I never get it when people say stuff like this. If it's been "so special" then stay. It hardly like he'll have a career doing anything else.

Well said GWW.:thumbup:

[minki]

I think he doesn't want to stay so long that's all he's ever known as is the Doctor. Some actors don't mind that. But many don't because they want to take on other projects and when they go to audition, they want them to see the actor and not the character he's played for years. :shrug:

That being said, it's a shame he's going. He was a good Doctor.

[Miss Whimsey]

I love Tennant's doctor and will miss him! One of the reasons is he's such a good actor - I'd love to see his Hamlet, especially since Patrick Stewart is playing Claudius. The RSC must be making tons of money off that pairing. I always feel a bit apprehensive when the doctor is going to re-generate but then part of the fun is all the speculation beforehand. Who will be the next?

Miss Whimsey

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I think he doesn't want to stay so long that's all he's ever known as is the Doctor. Some actors don't mind that. But many don't because they want to take on other projects and when they go to audition, they want them to see the actor and not the character he's played for years. :shrug:

That being said, it's a shame he's going. He was a good Doctor.

Problem with this is that he's already pegged as "The Doctor". He hugely popular as the character with a huge cult following. He's never going to shake that off.

[minki]

True, but he is also quite the stage actor and probably wants to shine in that area as well.

[Lucas The Tucas]

:?:? ____ Who cares ?


Channel 8 showed it 2 or 3 times.

I know of 2 ...... and it wasn't put into the local tv guide before hand.

And coming into this show in the middle stinks.

And after 10 minutes ___ it !


:lucas01:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

True, but he is also quite the stage actor and probably wants to shine in that area as well.

Agreed

[MissRnR]

I was very disappointed with this news but I think he is choosing the right time to leave.

[minki]

It'll be interesting to see what Matt does with it. It probably won't be a while until it gets over here though, unless BBC America is on the ball (they have improved lately--they stopped with the DIY TV fest and focused on real shows. So there is hope).

In the meanwhile, I still have the Tom Baker years on PBS :D

[John Inman Fan]

:?:? ____ Who cares ?


Channel 8 showed it 2 or 3 times.

I know of 2 ...... and it wasn't put into the local tv guide before hand.

And coming into this show in the middle stinks.

And after 10 minutes ___ it !

:lucas01:
I agree. Never could get interested in Dr Who.Only interested to see the one Wendy played in.

[John Inman Fan]

On Graham Norton last week he said he was going to America to play in a new series(pilot).

Has a website here:
http://www.david-tennant.com/

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

He should stick to being the Doctor. He'll never make it here in the States.