The True Story Behind Christopher Eccleston's Doctor Who Exit

1. "If You Want Me Back, Get Me On My Own"

Doctor Who Ninth Doctor Rose
BBC Studios

As Eccleston continued to make convention appearances, he came into contact with Big Finish Chairman Jason Haigh-Ellery at the Gallifrey One convention in early 2020.

"Christopher said he was enjoying meeting the fans and was pleased that his Doctor was remembered so fondly. He indicated he would be open to discussing a project with Big Finish."

Since that fateful meeting, Eccleston has recorded a full twelve episode series as the Ninth Doctor, with another on the way. It's certainly a positive sign that he's been able to move on from the damage and strain that playing the part put upon him. As for a potential return in the 60th anniversary? It's a bit more complicated than that...

At the SupaNova convention in Melbourne, Eccleston put out an open offer to the BBC: "If you want me back, get me on my own!"

With rumours of a potential anniversary anthology series with past Doctors, he may get his wish. And what better tribute to Christopher Eccleston, the man who re-established Doctor Who and ensured its continuing legacy, than by having him return in 2023, 20 years after the show was re-commissioned?

Watch Next


Contributor
Contributor

Citizen of the Universe, Film Programmer, Writer, Podcaster, Doctor Who fan and a gentleman to boot. As passionate about Chinese social-realist epics as I am about dumb popcorn movies.