The announcement of the departure of the titular Doctor of Doctor Who is always a big event. There are the hurrahs that the last Doctor is on his way out. Or, like me, the mourning for what were about to lose (See
my last article). Its a big cyclone of change and anticipation. Though is it just me, or would it be better if they could keep the regeneration a secret? How amazing would it be to tune into Doctor Who, thinking youre watching one Doctor and end up watching another by the end credits? In this day and age, thats virtually impossible and a terrible shame. How utterly brilliant if the Tenth Doctors regeneration at the end of series fours
The Stolen Earth had actually been his regeneration? That may have gone down as the best kept secret and most shocking moment in Nu Who history. (And the excellent
Waters Of Mars aside, would there have been much of a loss if
Journeys End had led directly to
The Eleventh Hour?) The thing that dominates the announcement of any departure is the frantic debate over who is going to be the next Doctor. And for me, its all a little tiring. Just because someone is a good actor (or actress) and demonstrates the ability to take on the quirky mannerisms of the Doctor, that doesnt mean theyre going to
be the Doctor. We have no idea what kind of personality the Doctor is going to have. What stories are planned. Who the executive producer (Steven Moffat) would consider for the role. Because thats his (or hers) responsibility. They need to have the vision to bring the Doctor to the television screen that will have the biggest and best impact on the audience. Frankly, I dont really care who Steven Moffat chooses, as long as the Doctor is great. Thats my own requirement. But yet there seems to be this global debate, as if that will determine who will follow in Matt Smiths footsteps. And for every Idris Elba or Benedict Cumberbatch, thereswellthis is what this article is about. Some of the rumours on the Internet these last few days have been quite ridiculous. It makes you wonder if they appreciate what Doctor Who is all about. Here are five of the best.