Doctor Who: 8 Greatest Things Russell T Davies Contributed To The Whoniverse

Choosing an actor to play a new Doctor who would appeal to older fans, while also drawing new viewers to the series, was always going to be a tough ask. Thankfully, Davies and his team succeeded with the casting of Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor.

At first pitched by Davies as a Doctor who could easily be your best friend, Eccleston's Ninth Doctor became a somewhat 'stripped back' version of the Classic series Doctors to prevent new viewers being turned off by an overly eccentric lead. This was partially shown through his more simple costume - a black leather coat, sweater, and trousers - as Eccleston didn't want his performance to be overshadowed by his costume.

The Ninth Doctor was praised for balancing the darkness and light of the Doctor's character; serious when need be, but also fun and funny. After all he's survived, the Ninth Doctor lives in the moment, happy to be alive.

Though Eccleston stayed on Doctor Who for just one series, Whovians will never forget him or the legacy he helped Davies to create. More recently, Eccleston seems to have warmed back up to the role, reprising the Ninth Doctor for a new set of Big Finish audio dramas.