The BBC has stated that they will be officially announing the name of the actor who has been hired to play the eleventh Doctor.
The new actor was cast last year, and the BBC uncharacteristically was able to keep the lid on the secret through the holidays.
Head of drama at BBC Wales, Piers Wenger said: “We believe the actor is going to bring something very special to the role and will make it absolutely their own. I just can’t wait to tell everyone who it is – it has been a nail-biting Christmas trying to keep this under wraps!”
Speculation on the name of the eleventh actor to play the Doctor in the long-running series since William Hartnell began it all back in 1963 has been fevered since it was revealed that tenth Doctor David Tennant would not be returning to the role in 2010 when the fifth series begins.
Many names have been bandied about, including Jeckyll actor James Nesbitt (who I personally think would make a great Doctor, and who certainly has an in with new producer Stephen Moffat), Paterson Joseph, John Simm, David Morrissey, as well as the names of several female actors including former companion Billie Piper, and comedien Jennifer Saunders.
The female Doctor rumor has been out there ever since 1980 when fourth Doctor Tom Baker decided it would be fun to start a rumor by wishing his successor the best of luck “whomever he OR SHE may be” during the press conference when he announced he would be leaving the role.
Personally, having grown up with the Doctor as a man, I would prefer him to stay that way. I see the character as a male character, and in many ways saw him as something of a father figure and role model when I was a boy, so a sudden sex change (which seems like it would be done merely for sensationalism) does not seem to be the right move in my opinion.
But we’ll all find out Saturday when the BBC broadcasts a special edition of Doctor Who Confidential on BBC One this Saturday January 3rd. David Tennant will continue in the role throughout 2009 for the plannned specials. It is not known if a regeneration scene will appear at the end of the 2009 Christmas special, or if it will wait until the beginning of the next Doctor Who series in 2010.
Tags: 11th doctor who, 11th doctor who announced, New Doctor Who
I agree with you on the Doctor remaining male. Can you imagine if Romana regenerated into a guy for godsakes?! Or the Master became a poodle. Chaos!