David Tennant quits Doctor Who

The announcement that many Doctor Who fans had been expecting and most had been dreading has finally been made. Last night, live on The National Television Awards, David Tennant, the Tenth Doctor, accepted the award for outstanding drama performance - and then told viewers that he is quitting the show.

In an intervew with the BBC, the 37-year-old Scottish actor described his three-series stint as "the most extraordinary time, it's been bewildering, life changing, very exciting," and explained, "I don't ever want it to feel like a job, so I want to move on when it still feels exciting and fresh and that means I'll miss it."

Tennant will appear in the Doctor Who Christmas episode, The Next Doctor, alongside David Morrissey, and in four specials next year, before handing the keys to the Tardis to…Who knows?

RadioTimes.com's resident Who expert William Gallagher gave his top tip for the new Doctor: "The odds are it will be an unknown, as David Tennant was, but if it is someone well known, I'd put money on Steven Moffat casting his old Coupling star, Richard Coyle."

Meanwhile, Russell T Davies has his own favourite and one of the major bookies has come up with this top ten of possible replacements for Tennant:

Patterson Joseph - 3/1
David Morrissey - 5/1
James Nesbitt - 6/1
John Simm - 8/1
Russell Tovey - 10/1
Anthony Head - 10/1
Richard E Grant - 14/1
Robert Carlyle - 14/1
Alan Davies - 16/1
Jason Statham - 18/1

So what do you think? Are you sad to see Tennant go? And who do you think should replace him? Post a comment below.

David Tennant in talks over Doctor Who film

Actor said to want movie clause in contract


David Tennant is apparently in negotiations to play the lead in a Doctor Who flick.

The actor is currently only confirmed to appear in a Christmas episode and four specials next year.

But it is thought David, 37, will agree to make a full fifth series in 2010 if a movie is included in the deal.

‘It looks like the film is going to happen in the next few years,’ a source tells The Sun.

‘For ages, BBC Worldwide held the rights and were planning to make a movie.

'But it got held up and former BBC1 boss Lorraine Heggessey decided to bring back the TV series in 2005.

‘But everyone is keen now and the fans are clamouring.

'Part of David’s conundrum is that he wants to do films, so this looks like it would solve both issues.’

Bosses have reportedly offered David a £1.5million contract.

Patrick Stewart tipped to star in Doctor Who

Actor in talks with show bosses about part


Star Trek legend Patrick Stewart is being lined-up to appear in Doctor Who.

The actor, who worked with the show's star David Tennant, 37, in Hamlet over the summer, could feature in a two-part special next year.

‘Patrick and David are firm friends now, and want to work together again,’ a source tells The Sun.

‘They’ve got chemistry and that’s what Doctor Who is all about.

‘His role is still being finalised but the plan is for him to play a renegade Time Lord called the Meddling Monk, who was last seen in Doctor Who in the 1960s.

'Patrick’s agent is now involved and everyone is really keen. His role is a belter.’

Patrick, 68, who played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek, has previously admitted to wanting a part in the BBC show.

‘I have been a fan, actually yes, and I’m deeply dismayed that I was never asked to be in it,’ he said. 'I think it’s a terrific series.'

Russell T Davies: David Tennant could still be playing Doctor Who when he's 70

Writer thinks actor is perfect fit as the Time Lord


David Tennant could still be starring in Doctor Who when he’s collecting his pension, according to the show’s head writer.

Russell T Davies reckons the actor, 37, loves playing the Time Lord so much he may stick around forever.

‘David may never leave, he could go on forever,’ he says. ‘I haven’t talked to him about leaving. Maybe it will never happen. Maybe he’ll be 70 and have to be taken off set.’

Russell, 45, thinks David's shoes would be hard to fill as he's the perfect Time Lord.

‘David has brought everything to Doctor Who,’ he tells the Sunday Express. ‘A lot of straight men don’t handle humour well, but he can do the tragedy, too.’

David Tennant: I may return to Doctor Who

Actor says the door isn’t closed forever


David Tennant has not ruled out a surprise comeback as Doctor Who.

At the National TV Awards last week the actor announced he’s leaving the BBC show in 2009.

But David, 37, says he hopes he’ll have the chance to work with Steven Moffat, who will take over as the programme’s head writer in 2010.

‘I had a meeting with Steven and that was difficult because I love his writing,’ he tells BBC Breakfast.

‘Now I know some of his ideas I was tempted to change my mind.

‘Who knows what might happen in the future? The door isn't necessarily closed forever.’

During his absence, David hopes Billie Piper, 26 – who previously played assistant Rose Tyler – will take over as the first female Time Lord.

‘Why not? It’s one of those parts any actor could bring something valid to, because it’s a blank canvas every time.’

Meanwhile, James Nesbitt, 43, has ruled himself out of playing the next Doctor, saying it would be ‘career suicide’ because he could never do a better job than David.