Doctor Who Showrunner RTD Praises Christopher Eccleston’s “Genius” Despite Their Rumored Feud 20 Years Ago

Current Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies looks back on the production of the series’ revival and praises Christopher Eccleston’s portrayal of the Time Lord. The showrunner revived the sci-fi series for a new generation in 2005, just over 26 years after the series was cancelled in 1989, with Eccleston leading as the Ninth Doctor. Alongside Billie Piper’s new companion Rose Tyler, Eccleston led Doctor Who season 1, but departed in the season finale as David Tennant followed him amid reporting concerns of typecasting and creative differences.

Now, in a larger retrospective with RadioTimes, Davies has shared the dedication and care that Eccleston brought to Doctor Who. Focusing in on a moment during production where Eccleston shared a detail he had found when researching the role, the writer stated that the actor hoped to work a trait from William Hartnell’s First Doctor into the season, with Davies stating that he hoped that Eccleston was aware of the incredible impact that he had on audiences. Check out Davies’ full recollection below:

I mean, the man is a master. You get to work with a genius – someone who’s still at the top of his game all these years later. That’s what we were lucky to get. I remember walking on set one morning and Chris had discovered in some book or online that the Doctor was allergic to aspirin, which is something William Hartnell’s Doctor had said. So we had this great morning of working out whether we could get aspirin into a plot. I did have to tell Chris, ‘Things that were said in the ’60s aren’t necessarily lore – you don’t have to absolutely follow them’. But that tells you a lot about how he threw himself into it. I hope he knows how well remembered he is, as a magnificent Doctor who broke the mold.

What Eccleston’s Doctor Who Departure Meant For The Show

The Actor’s Career Was Placed In Jeopardy By Haphazard Statements

Though Davies is eager to offer praise for Eccleston’s contribution to Doctor Who, it is highly unlikely that the gesture would be returned by the actor. Despite the writer and actor having a pleasant appreciation for one another thanks to their previous collaboration on the religious drama The Second Coming, Eccleston has stated that the toxic and stressful environment of the production had strained their relationship. As such, Eccleston had decided to depart the series quietly, providing the reason that he wanted to avoid being typecast in a statement that was intended to be released at an appropriate time.

However, the aftermath of Eccleston’s departure would only worsen things, as the premature announcement of his departure spoiled the initial agreement. Furthermore, Eccleston’s reason for departure was attributed by the BBC as him being exhausted and tired, which could have jeopardized his career and reputation, as the actor went as far as to claim the BBC had blacklisted him for several years. Though the actor has returned as the Ninth Doctor through audio dramas, Eccleston has firmly ruled out a television return so long as Davies and his colleagues are in charge.

Our Take On Davies’s Christopher Eccleston Praise

The Showrunner May Regret The Handling Of Eccleston’s Departure But Holds No Ill Will

While Eccleston may be uninterested in offering an olive branch to Davies anytime soon that could result in future Doctor Who seasons, it is clear that the showrunner acknowledges what the actor brought to the series. As more details have emerged about the troubles during Eccleston’s season, it is possible that both Davies and the returning producers of his tenure had learned from the star’s experience and sought to do better in the years since. Furthermore, with Eccleston having attended conventions since 2018, it is likely his experience with fans has given him greater insight into the appreciation for his tenure.

Source: RadioTimes

Doctor Who

5/10

Release Date

December 25, 2023

Directors

Douglas Camfield, David Maloney, Christopher Barry, Michael E. Briant, Barry Letts, Michael Ferguson, Richard Martin, Peter Moffatt, Pennant Roberts, Lennie Mayne, Chris Clough, Ron Jones, Paddy Russell, Paul Bernard, Michael Hayes, Timothy Combe, Morris Barry, Gerald Blake, Graeme Harper, Waris Hussein, Rodney Bennett, Mervyn Pinfield, Hugh David, John Gorrie

Writers

Russell T. Davies, Dave Gibbons, Kate Herron, Steven Moffat

Franchise(s)

Doctor Who