Doctor Who Series 10: 7 Big Questions After 'Knock Knock'
3. Why Hasn't David Suchet Been In Doctor Who Before?
David Suchet ,best known for playing Agatha Christie’s Belgian
detective Hercule Poirot, could hardly contain his delight about finally being
offered a role in Doctor Who (via What's On TV):
“I said yes before I’d even read the script! I’ve wanted to be in a Doctor Who my whole life. In my 47-year career as a professional actor it’s the show I’ve wanted to do the most. It’s the most iconic show on TV – and I’m including Poirot in that – so who wouldn’t want to be in it?”
Quite rightly the actor has been winning plaudits after his star turn in Knock Knock and it’s a shame that he hasn’t been considered for a recurring role.
What it does tell us is that contrary to the naysayers, the show is still in a very healthy place, able to attract some of the biggest names and most accomplished stars of stage and TV. Suchet follows in a long line of actors who have made their Doctor Who debut in their senior years including Simon Callow, Sir Derek Jacobi, June Whitfield, Timothy Dalton, Annette Crosbie, Sir John Hurt, Dame Diana Rigg, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Michael Gambon, David Warner, and David Bradley.
The pool of senior acting talent yet to have been called upon is getting significantly smaller, but no doubt when Chris Chibnall takes up the reigns we’ll be seeing plenty of others make their long overdue appearances.