Big news for fans of Doctor Who tonight, especially fans of the tenth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston, as he is returning to the most iconic role on TV.
The actor, who was responsible for bringing the character back into living rooms and the world’s psyche again in 2005, had a bad experience making the show and left after only one season, saying it almost ruined his career, but it seems has has softened in his views on the experience as he is returning to the gig at Big Finish, saying: “After 15 years it will be exciting to revisit the Ninth Doctor’s world, bringing back to life a character I love playing.”
For those who don’t know, Big Finish has brought all the surviving Doctors back for numerous adventures and stories, broadening the generations and adding new layers and characters and events on a level that even the series has struggled to.
For a long time many hoped that Eccleston would return to the role in one way or another – he almost returned in the 50th anniversary special, The Day of the Doctor, joining Matt Smith and David Tennant, but in the end the late, great John Hurt came onboard as The War Doctor.
Many have speculated – and hoped – that the star would return for the current massive multi-platform event Doctor Who: Time Lord Victorious (here) and while these new adventures are standalone stories, we live in an era where fans are quickly learning that anything can happen… so let’s keep our fingers crossed.
But now we have him back at last and it’s very exciting – I’m currently rewatching the Eccleston year with my kids and on this viewing I have realised just how superb he was and I am genuinely excited for this.
Here’s the full press release from Big Finish:
Big Finish Productions, in association with BBC Studios, today announces the long-awaited return of Christopher Eccleston to the popular role he originated on television.
First seen on screen in 2005, Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor introduced a whole new generation of sci-fi fans to the TARDIS, Time Lords and sonic screwdriver.
Now he’s back in a brand-new series of twelve fantastic full-cast audio adventures in time and space, due to be released across four box sets, starting with volume one in May 2021.
Christopher Eccleston said: “After 15 years it will be exciting to revisit the Ninth Doctor’s world, bringing back to life a character I love playing.”
Story details, writers and additional guest cast are being kept under wraps at present but this Doctor Who audio series promises to be, once again, the trip of a lifetime.
Doctor Who fans worldwide can now pre-order all four volumes, which are available in three formats – collector’s edition CD, digital download or limited edition gatefold triple LP vinyl. Shop the range HERE!
Big Finish’s Chairman, Jason Haigh-Ellery said: “I first talked to Christopher about returning to the role of the Doctor at the Gallifrey One convention in February this year. 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.
“And then the pandemic happened and time moved both quickly and very slowly. Over recent months, ideas have been exchanged and discussions had. I am so pleased that Christopher has decided to return to the role with us – and I’m excited to welcome him to the Big Finish family as we discover the new adventures of the Ninth Doctor.”
Big Finish’s Creative Director, Nicholas Briggs, added: “Working with Chris was a very special time for me. The beginning of my Doctor Who TV career. So, writing for and directing him feels incredibly exciting. He’s such a powerful performer and it’ll be amazing to work with him again.”
Each of the four volumes in Doctor Who: The Ninth Doctor Adventures will be released as a 4-disc collector’s edition box set or download containing three brand-new full cast audio adventures, plus a selection of behind-the-scenes extras.
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