The Doctor (Christopher Eccleston)

[ray gower]

Think I would like an older Doctor for the next round- How about Sir Ian Holme, if he is desperate enough to do Coronation Street, he might like a chance to do some acting too?

 

[Dave]

I think David Tennant will be more likely. Russell T Davies has worked with him before and didn't listen to any of the fans suggestions when he cast Eccleston.

As for Eccleston's departure:

from Outpost Galifrey

Russell T Davies appeared at the Celtic Film Festival, interviewed by his co-executive producer Julie Gardner, in the Balmoral Suite of the Holland House Hotel just outside the centre of Cardiff.

An 'open mic' session finished off the discussion and several Who-slanted questions were forthcoming from the audience. A tabloid journalist asked if Chris eccleton's leaving the show had been a disappointment and both Russell and Julie stated unequivocally that it was always planned that he would do just one season and that the end of episode thriteen was supposed to be an enormous surprise for the audience - a surprise now blown. Russell stated that he ahd a very clear vision of how he wanted to do the series and he spoke of some of the difficulties on mounting such an enormous production. When asked if they had favourite episodes both Julie and Rusell said their favourites changed from day to day. Russell said that 40-somethings would love the 'Dalek' episode for the way it answered so many questions about the Daleks and said that the two-part story about to be shown is "very dark". Julie did reveal that the last scene of 'The End of the World' is her favourite scene in the entire series.

So, it was supposed to be an enormous surprise for the audience. I don't think the BBC were geared up to deal with the attention this series has recieved. They can't have experienced anything like it before, whereas Fox, MGM, Paramount, SciFi Channel -- they are use to it. I think they sound a little naive actually, although everyone still seems surprised by the ratings -- last week it beat the Grand National and the Royal Wedding, and came close to the Coronation Street Wedding.

 

[owen watkin]

I think that Christopher Eccleston was the best Dr Who that I have ever seen, such a pity that he had to leave the show.

 

[ray gower]

Might dispute the title 'Best'.

But certainly a very different and hopefully unique Doctor

 

[Stargod]

I have to say, I was rather surprised I enjoyed the characters so much. I was always a Tom Baker fan, but after watching the latest round of Dr. Who, was very impressed how the new man carried the role. I found Rose and the Doctor to be normal, believeable people, who were very energetic and entertaining. It's quite a shame he is leaving after one season since he was so splendid in the role. Hopefully they can find someone to fill his shoes, though change is always risky.

 

[rune]

I personally thought Eccleston was a much better Dr in season 1, than Tenant in Season 2.

 

[Robertbert]

I'm quite heavily in the Tennant camp on this one...Buuuut having said that I thought Eccleston was blinding as the Doctor...I don't think that Doctor Who would have been anywhere as huge had it not been for him...I salute you sir...

However "I'm the Doctor...And I've just snogged Madame de Pompadour..." is one of my favourite lines of Doctor Who ever ...

 

[rune]

Yeh, how come Tenant got romance in this series, but Eccleston didnt!

 

[Robertbert]

Because Eccleston's Doctor was a "Damaged" war survivor...I don't think he'd have done romance...Even with Rose...I never thought he was that sort of chap ...But from the start Tennant's Doctor had obviously taken what Rose had done for him and that had (searches for decent word at 5.20am!!) informed the new regeneration...And made him more fun, and so more responsive to...That sort of thing...

My two penneth anyways...Besides...My wife pointed out She'd sooner be romanced by Tennant than Eccleston (She likes him...Snassn Frassn) Wouldn't know personally...

I think I'd sooner hang with Tennant's ...Ma Homie!!...

 

[Loner]

Having watched several generations (or re-generations ) of Doctors I have to say the romance thing grates on my nerves. It just feels wrong.

However, if they are going to start putting in some romance, Tennant's probably a good place to start... I may be biased after watching him in Casanova... He's not gorgeous, but I always did have a soft spot for wacky...

 

[manephelien]

I haven't seen Tennant yet, but I really like Eccleston as the Doctor. Too bad he only stuck around for one season...

 

[lordoftime]

I am not that fond of Eccleston as the Doctor, i think they should have had Paul McGann back if they were going to just regenerate him anyway at the end of the first series.

 

[lordoftime]

Ok that was a bit harsh of me. I actually did enjoy his Doctor, but was peeved that he bailed out like he did. Still, I will be buying his episodes on single DVD sets when they hit stores here next month!!! None of that bulky box set deal for me no sir!

 

[Loner]

I am not that fond of Eccleston as the Doctor, i think they should have had Paul McGann back if they were going to just regenerate him anyway at the end of the first series.

I always wondered why they didn't do some kind of transition from McGann to Eccleston... Or just go on with McGann. Perhaps he wasn't interested?

 

[littlemissattitude]

In theory, I don't see anything wrong with Christopher Eccleston staying one season and then going, in light of the tradition of a succession of Doctors.

Now, having said that, I was very sorry to see him go. I loved his Doctor. As I think I said somewhere around here at some point, I think he hit just the right balance between cheeky and wounded.

And, hey, I'd have run off to travel the universe with him.

 

[Loner]

As I think I said somewhere around here at some point, I think he hit just the right balance between cheeky and wounded.

Exactly! If there is one complaint I would make about Tennant (unlikely!) it is that he is up and down like a man off his medication...
One minute grinning and the next roaring spittle in your face - Bipolar much?

 

[SpaceShip]

Exactly! If there is one complaint I would make about Tennant (unlikely!) it is that he is up and down like a man off his medication...
One minute grinning and the next roaring spittle in your face - Bipolar much?

Sorreeee, but I think CE used spittle much more effectively than Tennant. However, I loved both actors in the part. Hope, however, that the current one stays longer than one season!

 

[lordoftime]

Loner, the no regeneration was a decision made by RTD. He felt the opening episode of a new season should not start with a regeneration. He felt it would confuse new viewers. McGann was more than willing to come back for a transition shot and perhaps more, but he was never asked.

littlemissattitude, anyone who knows of regeneration of old understands the transition of the Doctors. But with the exception of McGann, the old Doctors lasted more than one season. One year has never been heard of before.

 

[Loner]

McGann was more than willing to come back for a transition shot and perhaps more, but he was never asked.

What a shame. I think he could have had quite a decent shot at it.

 

[lordoftime]

I think so. RTD liked McGann and the movie but not enough to put him in his show.