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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Grace Hoffman

Why David Tennant quit Doctor Who after claiming he would die in the role

It's difficult to think of the popular series Doctor Who without thinking of fan favourite actor David Tennant.

The Scottish actor quickly took the nation by storm for his incredible portrayal of the Tenth Doctor between 2005-2010.

The five-year stint saw David, 51, put on an award-winning display in the incredibly popular British science-fiction television series.

Undoubtedly, his departure left fans heavily grieving as the actor stepped down from his role after an incredible journey that left him "honoured" for the "life changing" opportunity.

Way back in 2008, David was coming off the most recent series of Doctor Who following his highly acclaimed run.

David is best recognised as the BBC's Tenth Doctor (Getty Images)
He starred in the role between 2005-2010 (Getty Images)

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The actor accepted his incredible win for Best Drama Performance at the British National Television Awards in a bombshell video.

David revealed that the final collection of Doctor Who episodes to come in 2009 would be his last leg as the character.

His announcement hit like a ton of bricks for sci-fi fans and was incredibly surprising, given his magnificent run as arguably the show's best Doctor to date.

Despite the shocking announcement, his departure was far from malice as he later admitted that he simply didn't "want to outstay [his] welcome".

Ultimately, he was worried that it was too tempting to forever portray the addicting character.

David said that the role was 'life changing' (PA)
He was incredibly grateful of the show (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

At the time, the Harry Potter star told the BBC: "I've had the most brilliant, bewildering and life changing time working on Doctor Who.

"I have loved every day of it. It would be very easy to cling on to the TARDIS console forever and I fear that if I don't take a deep breath and make the decision to move on now, then I simply never will.

"You would be prising the TARDIS key out of my cold dead hand. This show has been so special to me, I don't want to outstay my welcome."

Whilst David alerted fans of his departure a year ahead, he wanted to share his gratitude for "when the time finally comes".

He added: "I feel very privileged to have been part of this incredible phenomenon, and whilst I'm looking forward to new challenges I know I'll always be very proud to be the Tenth Doctor."

Exciting news on Sunday, 17 May, heard that David and Catherine Tate (Donna Noble) - one of the most loved pairings in Doctor Who history - have finally reunited to film scenes again for the hit TV show.

The star-studded pair are set to reprise their roles in the popular sci-fi series for a special 60th anniversary episode - set to release in 2023.

The duo will return to Doctor Who in 2023 (PA)
They will reprise their role for the 60th anniversary (BBC)

After originally parting ways in 2008, when the Doctor had to wipe Donna’s memory in order to save her life, the new storyline is kept top secret by the BBC.

According to the storyline he left her family with a warning: if ever Donna remembers, she will die - with the duo coming face to face again, one huge plotline awaits.

Showrunner Russell T Davies said: “They’re back! And it looks impossible - first, we announce a new Doctor, and then an old Doctor, along with the wonderful Donna, what on earth is happening? Maybe this is a missing story. Or a parallel world. Or a dream, or a trick, or a flashback.

“The only thing I can confirm is that it’s going to be spectacular, as two of our greatest stars reunite for the battle of a lifetime.”

Earlier this month, the announcement of the show's newest Doctor came just short of the news that David and Catherine would be returning to their roles.

Ncuti will star as the 14th Time Lord (WireImage)
He's 'honoured' to star in the new role (PA)

The Doctor Who series has seen a flurry of Doctors throughout its years, including the likes of Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Netflix's Sex Education actor Ncuti Gatwa would be the next famous face to step into the Doctor's shoes.

The Rwanda-born actor will till take over from Jodie Whittaker as the current serving star of Doctor Who.

He said: “It feels really amazing. It’s a true honour. This role is an institution and it’s so iconic.”

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