Category : TV
Drama; Wales
Date : 20.03.2004
Printable version
Acclaimed British actor Christopher
Eccleston is to play Doctor Who in the forthcoming 13-part drama series
for Â鶹Éç ONE, it was announced by Jane Tranter, Â鶹Éç Controller of Drama
Commissioning.
Eccleston, star of Flesh & Blood and The Second Coming, will take
Doctor Who into the 21st century – travelling through time and
space, fighting monsters on all fronts, in a fresh and modern approach
to the popular science fiction series.
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He said: "I am absolutely
delighted to be playing Doctor Who.
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"I am looking forward to joining forces again with
the incredible writer Russell T Davies and taking both loyal viewers
and a new generation on a journey through time and space – which
way is the Tardis? I can't wait to get started!"
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Jane Tranter says: “We are delighted to have cast
an actor of such calibre in one of British television's most iconic
roles.
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"It signals our intention to take Doctor Who into
the 21st century, as well as retaining its core traditional values -
to be surprising, edgy and eccentric.
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"We have chosen one of Britain's finest actors
to play what, in effect, will be an overtly modern hero."
Executive producer/writer Russell T Davies adds: "We considered
many great actors for this wonderful part, but Christopher was our first
choice.
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"This man can give the Doctor a wisdom, wit and
emotional range as far-reaching as the Doctor's travels in time and
space.
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"His casting raises the bar for all of us. It's
going to be a magnificent, epic, entertaining journey, and I can't wait
to start!"
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Filming in Cardiff later this year for transmission
in 2005, Doctor Who is produced by Phil Collinson.
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The writers are Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat, Mark
Gatiss, Paul Cornell and Robert Shearman.
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Executive producers are Â鶹Éç Controller of Continuing
Drama Series, Mal Young; Head of Drama, Â鶹Éç Wales, Julie Gardner and
Russell T Davies.
