Case in point: Christopher Eccleston reportedly shared a congratulatory video message with exiting Doctor Who boss Steven Moffat during the show’s wrap party.
The actor, who brought a Northern edge to the traveling Time Lord in BBC’s 2005 revival, appeared in 13 episodes before leaving the TARDIS—for reasons that, to this day, remain as mysterious as the Doctor.
On July 8, BBC Wales Senior Brand Executive Edward Russell tweeted his favorite moment from Saturday’s celebrations.
Most amazing part of last night's #DoctorWho wrap party was a video message for Steven from none other than Christopher Eccleston!— Edward Russell (@edwardrussell) July 8, 2017
Russell offered no further explanation, leaving the contents of Eccleston’s video up to Whovians’ wild imaginations.
Could this mean the Ninth Doctor, famously cagey about leaving Doctor Who after one season, has dropped whatever grudge he held against the program? We may never know.
But I wouldn’t hold my breath for Eccleston’s surprise return in December’s Christmas episode (already chock full of special guests)—the last ever to feature Moffat and star Peter Capaldi.
Doctor Who returned to the small screen in 2005 under the tutelage of executive producers Russell T. Davies and Julie Gardner; Moffat’s only contribution was the two-parter “The Empty Child”/”The Doctor Dances.”
So, unless Eccleston developed a deep-seated anxiety toward gas masks (I can’t be the only one!), it’s unclear what beef he would have with the writer-turned-showrunner.
Moffat even admitted a few years ago that he had plans for the former Gallifreyan to appear in the 50th anniversary, “but I was pretty certain Chris wouldn’t do it,” despite agreeing to “a couple of meetings.”
This isn’t Eccleston’s first remote-message rodeo: During a British Film Institute event celebrating the Ninth Doctor, host Justin Johnson read out a note from Eccleston:
“I love the Doctor and hope you enjoy this presentation,” he said, praising director Joe Ahearne, who helmed five of season one’s 13 episodes. “He understood the tone the show needed completely—strong, bold, pacy visuals coupled with wit, warmth and a twinkle in the performances.
“If Joe agrees to direct the 100th anniversary special, I will bring my sonic and a stair-lift and—providing the Daleks don’t bring theirs—I, the Ninth Doctor, vow to save the universe and all you apes in it,” Eccleston promised.
He will be 99 years old in 2063 (and Ahearne a sprightly 100).
Via Geek.Com by Stephanie Mlot
