Fangirls around the world are crying. No, Nick and Jessica still aren't back together, and, no, not because Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki still aren't single. No, fangirls are crying because David Tennant, tenth incarnation of the Doctor in the beloved British television show Doctor Who, has announced he is leaving the show. It had been rumored during the fourth season, but fears were subsided in the fourth season finale after an anti-climatic moment that left viewers still with Tennant's smiling face. However, all that changed on October 29th, 2008.
Why, oh Why did Tennant Leave?
According to an interview Tennant gave the BBC on the above mentioned date, number Ten just feels it's time. "I don't want it to ever feel like a job." He told the BBC. He went on to say that he wanted to leave while acting on the show was still "fresh" and "exciting". After having had a good three year run, with companions played alternately by Billie Piper, Freema Agyeman, and most recently, Catherine Tate, Tennant has most certainly had a full Time Lord plate.
David Tennant will appear as the Doctor in four TV specials, which will take the place of a fifth season. They'll last through 2009, and in 2010, he will regenerate.
Meet the Eleventh Doctor - Matt Smith
With David Tennant leaving, however, it leaves some Gallifreyian shoes needing filled and a TARDIS lacking a pilot, but who will do it? The rumor mill was again working, with names such as John Simm, Chjwetel Ejiofor, and David Morrisey getting thrown around. On January 4th, 2009, the BBC announced relative newcomer Matt Smith as the eleventh Doctor, surprising millions. At twenty six years of age, he is the youngest actor to date to play the character. Fans are decidedly mixed on their feelings about the announcement, but the actor himself is understandably pleased. "I feel proud and honoured to have been given this opportunity to join a team of people that has worked so tirelessly to make the show so thrilling," He said in an interview.
In addition to the Doctor changing, the show's production team will also experience a difference. Russell T. Davies, the man behind Doctor Who for the past four years, will bow out as head writer, and stepping up to take his place will be Steven Moffat. Moffat has been a part of the writing team for the show since it's revamp in 2005 and has written several episodes, including "Blink" and "The Doctor Dances".
