10 Big Differences Between New And Classic Doctor Who

8. Younger Doctors

As our society becomes increasingly preoccupied with age, so Doctor Who reflects that divisive trend. The Classic Doctors were, on the whole, mature men in the vein of the great movie stars of the times. Long serving script editor Terrance Dicks described the title role as a part needing a performer of Gregory Peck-like proportions. Indeed, when first NuWho showrunner Russell T Davies was pondering a leading man, Bill Nighy was foremost in his thoughts. Then a comparatively youthful Christopher Eccleston offered to jump aboard the TARDIS and the rest, as they say, is history. Indeed, Davies went on to claim he'd never cast someone over 40 due to the physical stamina required. Somewhat patronising, but an indication of the direction in which everything was headed. If it were up to the BBC, the Time Lords would no doubt be young and sexy throughout. The announcement of David Tennant provoked cries of "Who's that 15 year old?" Then, Matt Smith came along - "Who's that 12 year old?!" - and, despite Smith succeeding brilliantly as the Eleventh incarnation, Davies' successor Steven Moffat became initially irritated that casting agents despatched scores of twenty somethings to his door, when he'd asked for older actors. This aspect has been vital to selling the brand to America. Tennant made an impression over there but it was the core team of Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill (all in their 20s) that cemented the programme in the US, thus paving the way for a fast track between Cardiff and LA for the talent involved. Tinseltown didn't exactly beckon for the legendary Tom Baker when he decided to hang up his scarf!