10 Actors Who Turned Down Doctor Who

Hugh Grant has become a household name for starring as the charming, slightly awkward lead in almost every Richard Curtis movie, from Four Weddings and a Funeral to Love Actually.

When Doctor Who was re-booted in 2005, Hugh was the first choice to play the Ninth Doctor for the classic sci-fi series. He was actually no stranger to the role as he had portrayed the title character for a Red Nose Day special.

The actor turned down the role because he believed the revival wouldn’t be successful enough, and the role ultimately went to Christopher Eccleston. However, Grant later expressed his deep regret after the show was incredibly successful.