Doctor Who: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Eleventh Doctor

4. His Trademark Dance Was Completely Improvised

Doctor Who Matt Smith Eleventh Doctor
BBC Studios

The Eleventh Doctor was something of a trailblazer, inventing the quadricylce, Yorkshire puddings, fish custard, pasta, and more.

However, one of his most enduring innovations – if not the most enduring – was devised by Matt Smith himself.

Upon arriving at Amy and Rory’s wedding, the Doctor declares that he only came for the dancing, before breaking into a routine lovingly dubbed ‘The Drunk Giraffe’.

As Karen Gillan recalled to Doctor Who Confidential, this iconic arm-shaking action was ad-libbed by Smith on the day. She said:

“Matt had to do this dance… it was written, obviously, that he’s a terrible dancer. But Matt made up this whole routine.”

Arthur Darvill concurred that “That is just how he dances”, with Steven Moffat adding that “He’s incredibly athletic and graceful in his own way."

It’s hardly the most stylish dance ever, but it was a hit with the kids at the Ponds’ wedding, and a whole generation of young fans watching at home.

Maybe don’t go doing it at weddings though.

 
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