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New Doctor Who to be announced New Doctor Who to be announced
(about 19 hours later)
The name of the actor who will replace David Tennant in Doctor Who will be announced on Saturday.The name of the actor who will replace David Tennant in Doctor Who will be announced on Saturday.
Tennant said in October that he would stand down from the show after filming four special episodes in 2009.Tennant said in October that he would stand down from the show after filming four special episodes in 2009.
His replacement - the eleventh Doctor of the TV series - will be revealed in a Doctor Who Confidential programme on BBC One at 1735 on 3 January.His replacement - the eleventh Doctor of the TV series - will be revealed in a Doctor Who Confidential programme on BBC One at 1735 on 3 January.
The casting was confirmed over Christmas and filming for the 2010 series begins in the summer.The casting was confirmed over Christmas and filming for the 2010 series begins in the summer.
Tennant is due to begin shooting the first of his four specials this month, just weeks after surgery on his back.Tennant is due to begin shooting the first of his four specials this month, just weeks after surgery on his back.
David Tennant says he is envious of his replacement, whose 'life will change'David Tennant says he is envious of his replacement, whose 'life will change'
The last of these episodes is expected to run in early 2010.The last of these episodes is expected to run in early 2010.
'Nail-biting Christmas''Nail-biting Christmas'
The casting decision has been a priority for the show's new creative team, led by executive producers Steven Moffat and Piers Wenger.The casting decision has been a priority for the show's new creative team, led by executive producers Steven Moffat and Piers Wenger.
The BBC said that in Saturday's Doctor Who special "the actor playing the new Doctor will be giving his or her initial reaction" to becoming TV's most famous time traveller.The BBC said that in Saturday's Doctor Who special "the actor playing the new Doctor will be giving his or her initial reaction" to becoming TV's most famous time traveller.
Wenger, head of drama at BBC Wales, said: "We believe the actor is going to bring something very special to the role and will make it absolutely their own.Wenger, head of drama at BBC Wales, said: "We believe the actor is going to bring something very special to the role and will make it absolutely their own.
THE 10 DOCTORS 1. William Hartnell2. Patrick Troughton3. Jon Pertwee4. Tom Baker (pictured)5. Peter Davison6. Colin Baker7. Sylvester McCoy8. Paul McGann9. Christopher Eccleston10. David Tennant11. ??? "I just can't wait to tell everyone who it is - it has been a nail-biting Christmas trying to keep this under wraps!"THE 10 DOCTORS 1. William Hartnell2. Patrick Troughton3. Jon Pertwee4. Tom Baker (pictured)5. Peter Davison6. Colin Baker7. Sylvester McCoy8. Paul McGann9. Christopher Eccleston10. David Tennant11. ??? "I just can't wait to tell everyone who it is - it has been a nail-biting Christmas trying to keep this under wraps!"
Shortly after Tennant's announcement, bookmakers were tipping several well-known names as the next actor (or actress) to step into the Tardis.Shortly after Tennant's announcement, bookmakers were tipping several well-known names as the next actor (or actress) to step into the Tardis.
Murphy's Law and Cold Feet star James Nesbitt emerged as one of the favourites, along with Paterson Joseph, John Simm and David Morrissey - who appeared in the 2008 Christmas special.Murphy's Law and Cold Feet star James Nesbitt emerged as one of the favourites, along with Paterson Joseph, John Simm and David Morrissey - who appeared in the 2008 Christmas special.
Paterson Joseph, who recently starred in Survivors and appeared in two Doctor Who episodes in 2005, has said "any actor would love the challenge" of playing the Time Lord.Paterson Joseph, who recently starred in Survivors and appeared in two Doctor Who episodes in 2005, has said "any actor would love the challenge" of playing the Time Lord.
Bookmakers made him an early favourite - offering odds of 3-1 on him becoming the first black Doctor.Bookmakers made him an early favourite - offering odds of 3-1 on him becoming the first black Doctor.
Comedian Jennifer Saunders, former Doctor Who assistant Billie Piper and film star Catherine Zeta Jones have also been mentioned in connection with the role.Comedian Jennifer Saunders, former Doctor Who assistant Billie Piper and film star Catherine Zeta Jones have also been mentioned in connection with the role.
The show's outgoing executive producer Russell T Davies said last month: "Whoever becomes the Doctor has got to take on a whole life. It's not just becoming a part of a TV show."The show's outgoing executive producer Russell T Davies said last month: "Whoever becomes the Doctor has got to take on a whole life. It's not just becoming a part of a TV show."
HAVE YOUR SAYIt would be nice to see an older wiser Dr arrive on the scene. Less cheeky chap and more brilliant eccentric professor.K., BristolSend us your comments
In October, when Tennant was asked who he thought should replace him, he joked: "Well, I've always been a big supporter of Wee Jimmy Krankie!"In October, when Tennant was asked who he thought should replace him, he joked: "Well, I've always been a big supporter of Wee Jimmy Krankie!"
Doctor Who began in 1963, and seven actors played the Doctor before the show was dropped in 1989.Doctor Who began in 1963, and seven actors played the Doctor before the show was dropped in 1989.
After a TV movie in 1996 - starring Paul McGann - the TV series returned in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston in the lead role. Tennant took over the role the same year.After a TV movie in 1996 - starring Paul McGann - the TV series returned in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston in the lead role. Tennant took over the role the same year.