How Much Money Doctor Who's Biggest Stars Got Paid

Let’s now fast-forward to the 2005 series.

Bringing Doctor Who back was a massive risk for the BBC. They knew that if it was going to stand any chance at being successful – and being taken seriously – it needed to be fronted by a truly great actor.

Christopher Eccleston fit the bill in every conceivable way, but he did come at a cost. According to one report from The Standard, Eccleston’s single year on the show left him a whopping £600,000 better off. That’s over £1 million in 2024 – an extremely impressive salary considering the revival was far from a safe bet.

Of course, he did leave Doctor Who prematurely, in exceptional circumstances. So assuming that figure is accurate, it might refer to a contract for multiple series rather than just Series 1 – perhaps three series at £200,000 each? Even then, that would be almost £350,000 per year in 2024. Not too shabby either way!

Whatever the case, it appears Eccleston was a more costly actor, with a source quoted as saying:

“There was some relief that Chris went as he was so expensive. The show was only going to be recommissioned if the costs were cut.”

As we’ll see, reducing the salary of the show's leading man does seem to match up with what came immediately afterwards.