David Tennant leaving Doctor Who

I'M OFF: British actor David Tennant has announced he will leave hit science-fiction series Doctor Who at the end of 2009.

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Doctor Who star David Tennant has announced he will leave the hit science-fiction series at the end of 2009.

Tennant, who has played the tenth incarnation of the Time Lord since 2006 after taking over from Christopher Eccleston, said he will leave the role after completing production on the four special episodes to be screened in the UK in 2009 and early 2010, according to report from the BBC website.

"I've had the most brilliant, bewildering and life changing time working on Doctor Who," Tennant said. 

"I have loved every day of it. It would be very easy to cling on to the Tardis console forever and I fear that if I don't take a deep breath and make the decision to move on now, then I simply never will.

"You would be prising the Tardis key out of my cold dead hand. This show has been so special to me, I don't want to outstay my welcome."

No word has been given as to who will play the Doctor's 11th incarnation after he regenerates at the end of the special episodes, but a fifth series of the show has been confirmed, with long-time writer Stephen Moffett taking over executive producing duties from show-runner Russel T Davies, who is also leaving.

"I've been lucky and honoured to work with David over the past few years - and it's not over yet, the tenth Doctor still has five spectacular hours left! After which, I might drop an anvil on his head. Or maybe a piano. A radioactive piano.

"But we're planning the most enormous and spectacular ending, so keep watching!" Davies said.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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annmarie   #17   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

dont go, ive seen all the doctar who david teannant is the best actor and the cutest one!!!!!!!! well all miss seeing david on doctor who. ):

Alex T   #16   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

That's SAD! he got me into dr who. i reckon both him and christopher eccleston played awesome doctors and i love the show now.

oh well, hopefully they find someone just as good ... or at least close.

Jack Dymond   #15   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Why carnt you stay after I rote that letter to you

doctor who fan   #14   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

NO HE CANT LEAVE HES THE BEST DOCTOR THERE EVER HAS BEEN PLEASE DONT LEAVE TE SHOW IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU

Juliette   #13   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Nooooooo, he's the best Dr Who ever - don't go David!!!

hayley   #12   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

If you think its cheesy why take the time to comment when all the other comments are people that generally like the show! I will miss him as the Dr - will also miss Donna - she was such a good sidekick!

Foo   #11   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I'm afraid Doctor Who will be here for a long time to come! :-) Best Show Ever!

phlegmboy   #10   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I am going to Miss David Tennant. He has been one of my favourite Doctor's, right up there with Tom Baker.

Thanks for many hours of fun and entertainment DT.

Ray   #9   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

What a shame but not entirely unexpected. Latest series was sending signals that this Doctor's time was nearing its end.

Best Doctor for 30 years.

I've always said that at some point in the future we'll see him on the podium on Oscar Night. (Examples the ending of Doomsday when Rose left, the two-parter when he became human and was faced with the choice of switching back).

Heard gossip Andrew Davies and Robert Carlyle are on the shortlist.

scott englis   #8   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

real bad cheesy show anyways - cut the whole thing