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{{article
| publication = Daily Express
| file = 2005-03-31 Daily Express.jpg
| px = 750
| height =
| width =
| date = 2005-03-31
| author = Ruth Hilton and Mark Jagasia
| pages = 11
| language = English
| type =
| description =
| categories = cast changes
| moreTitles =
| morePublications =
| moreDates =
| text =
CHRISTOPHER Eccleston has quit as Doctor Who — just four days after the show's triumphant return to TV screens.

But fans shouldn't despair. The ninth Timelord is already waiting in the wings for when the 13-week series finishes —Casanova star David Tennant.

Eccleston, 41, said he decided to quit the hit show, which has just been recommissioned, because he didn't want to become typecast and wished to be free to pursue other projects. "I've been really proud to be part of Doctor Who and the Doctor Who heritage and have been overwhelmed by the audience reaction," he told the Daily Express.

"I hope that they will continue to enjoy the new series. It has been incredible to be part of it."

Billie Piper, who plays the Doctor's assistant Rose, has already signed for the next series and for a Christmas special. Piper and Scottish heart-throb Tennant will begin filming in just over a month.

Tennant follows Eccleston, William Hartnell, Patrick Trou-ghton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy in the role.

Tennant has so impressed BBC bosses and Doctor Who writer and producer Russell T Davies with his performance in Casanova, starting on BBC1 on Monday, that he became the obvious choice to replace Eccleston. At 33 — 11 years Billie's senior — he is one of the youngest actors to tackle the part, signalling an even more dynamic image change for the time traveller.

The first episode of the new Dr Who attracted 10.5million viewers, trouncing ITV l's Ant and Dec show last Saturday.

Last night BBC drama boss Jane Lush said she hoped it would run for years to come. She told the Broadcasting Press Guild: "It is clear there is an appetite for it if we can keep it fresh with good writing and exciting adventures."

Caption: IN: David 'Casanova' Tennant

Caption: OUT: Christopher Eccleston

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Dr Who star makes way for Casanova - Revision history

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