11 Times Doctor Who Stupidly Spoiled Its Own Secrets

9. The BBC Confirmed Matt Smith Was The "Firm Favourite"... Two Hours Before His Casting Was Revealed

The Secret: Amidst fevered fan discussions and intense media speculation, Matt Smith had been secretly chosen as David Tennant's successor in the role of the Eleventh Doctor and his casting was set to be revealed unto the nation in a special New Year edition of Doctor Who Confidential. He'd already been inhabiting the role for over a month and they'd done a great job at hiding it thus far, even sneaking him into the the BBC Television Centre under false pretences for his first official Doctor Who photoshoot on Christmas Eve. Sneaky! How It Was Spoiled: By the BBC running a report citing Matt Smith as the "firm favourite" in a news segment that was broadcast directly before his anticipated announcement. Viewers basically went into the Doctor Who Confidential episode with his name already at the forefront of their minds which meant that it wasn't actually a surprise at all when he did pop up. BBC News subsequently released a statement to affirm that it had been a pure coincidence, which is one thing the Doctor himself has told us never to ignore. Unless we're busy. But why even bother to mention Matt at all, if his casting was just speculation? It all smells a bit fishy to us...