Tennant leaving Dr. Who: Who will be the next Dr? *Originally published in 2013*

It’s official! David Tennant is leaving Doctor Who. Tennant, who became the tenth Doctor in this popular series, has announced that he will be leaving the show in 2009. The question now is obviously who his successor will be. In a true British tradition, bets have already been made and a number of names suggested. But are the pundits right? Let’s examine the current run-ups.

Some favour Paterson Joseph as the next Doctor partially because of his acting ability and the fact that he is familiar with the demands as well as the expectation such a role will require. This is because he had a part in the series with the ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston. Furthermore with his comic background, it may seem that Joseph has the right qualification for the role. However I am more sceptical, not so in regards of Joseph’s talent but rather in regard to an Afro-Caribbean Doctor. Despite the multi-cultural nature of the British society I strongly doubt that the general public is ready for a black Doctor.

 Certain things, including TV/Film characters, have become quintessentially British. To some the mere suggestion of anything less than the quintessential British image of such things/characters is dismissed as preposterous or worse political correctness gone mad! It’s like suggesting that the Queen should be of ethic minority! Such is the case too with iconic programs such as Doctor Who or James Bond for that matter. The British public is by no means racist but rather traditionally bound by perhaps nostalgia, if nothing else. It must be understood that for such iconic programs, a proportion of its loyal fan base include those who have been with the program from it’s beginning. These are individuals who can name every Doctor in the series, the type that perhaps when younger dreamed of becoming the Doctor and have subsequently passed on the love of the program to their sons and grandsons. Therefore for such individuals the Doctor Who series is more than just a TV program, its part of their memories, family, their tradition: it’s personal. Whenever one is dealing with any subject that is personal in nature to some one most tread very carefully especially if one intends to make what may be viewed as drastic changes. Granted we were introduced to a black assistance to the Doctor in the form of Martha Jones, played by the talented Freema Agyeman. However a Doctor’s assistance is one thing, a Doctor is another. I do believe that there will be a black Doctor however it won’t be for sometime yet. It is encouraging though to see that the pundits have favoured a black actor.

James McAvoy is another favoured contender, for good reasons. This 29 year-old Bafta winner is undoubtedly talented. His recent rise to fame in Hollywood in such diverse films including ‘Atonement’, ‘Penelope’, and ‘Wanted’ along side Angelina Jolie, among others is a testimony to that. However the problem with McAvoy is that he is too good-looking. The Doctor has to be pleasing to the eye for the female fans but not to good-looking to make the male fans insecure. McAvoy with his piercing blue eyes and somewhat feminine facial structure, like Decaprio in a sense, is too pretty for this role. The Doctor has to stand out from the crowd no doubt but not in a  ‘Hollywood hunk’ way, which unfortunately McAvoy oozes. The extra ordinary nature of the Doctor must be conveyed with a unique ‘quirkiness’. Whether this quirkiness is tangible such as Eccleston’s oversized coat, shabby clothing or Tennant’s over excitable nature and lightness of his movement, this quirkiness is what makes watching the Doctor believable and engaging. Watching Tennant play the Doctor can leave you exhausted, for he always looks as though he has way too much energy. However it’s this nature that makes Tennant such a good Doctor. This quirkiness makes it somewhat fitting for someone who apparently has three hearts! I am afraid that McAvoy lacks this important quality – the quirkiness!

The other reason for my reservations about his possibility as a successor to Tennant is more logical. McAvoy’s career is showing no limit with such great success in Hollywood. Despite the fact that McAvoy has recently returned to the West End, thus showing that it’s not the paycheck that drives him, soon enough Hollywood will come calling. To expect such a young and talented actor to commit himself for years, as would be expected if he were to become the eleventh Doctor, is naïve.

James Nesbitt is another favoured contender for the part. However the problem with this loveable Irish man is that he has become too familiar. This is thanks to the various programs, films he has done but also the TV appearances and adverts. Familiarity is usually a good thing for any actor but it can hurt in certain situations. The thing is that for most people when they think of Nesbitt they think of a rather sweet, funny, non-confrontation kind-of-guy. I must admit I think of the funny, chap advertising for Yellow Pages! It will therefore be difficult, in my opinion, for Nesbitt to successfully overcome such ‘stereotypes’ in order to be taken seriously as a Doctor, by some members of the public. In a sense the lack of familiarity is, to my humble opinion, what made Tennant’s portray of the Doctor refreshing. Prior to becoming the tenth Doctor, very few people knew anything about Tennant (aside from the Theatre goers).

Russell Tovey is favoured not only by the pundits but also the former writer for ‘Doctor Who’, Russell Davies. At only 27 years old, this is a great compliment and testimony of the ability of this young man to impress with his talent. However the problem with Tovey is similar to that of McAvoy. These talented young men simply do not have the right look for this role. Regardless of how superficial this assessment may be, it’s true to say that having the right look in the entertainment industry is essential. Tovey is not as strikingly handsome as McAvoy but he has a polished, sophisticated look about him. It’s easy to imagine him in a posh surrounding than a phone booth i.e., the Turdis. Nah! The Doctor must transcend class; he must be above the social ‘norms’. Tovey will make a good James Bond but not the Doctor.

There is however some hope in the form of Sean Pertwee. Granted Pertwee isn’t a well-known actor nor is he one of the bookies favourites, but he is nonetheless a worthy contender. The lack of familiarity with Pertwee’s previous work could benefit him in this role in the same way that Tennant benefited. Pertwee doesn’t have the problem with right ‘look’ unlike Tovey and McAvoy. In fact Perwee’s ties of filiation will serve him and to an extent the show very well. As his father, the fourth Doctor in the 70s, Pertwee may be more determined to excel on this role. He may also be easily acceptable by the royal fans of the show.

The predictions on who should/will succeed Tenant in this legendary role will continue. The names of those favoured by pundits and the general public alike will continue to add to this already long list. Whoever the ultimate actor or actress (as some are now suggesting) will take over has a task ahead of him/her. Tennant’s portray of the Doctor has been one of the best unquestionably. In the meantime let’s raise our glasses to Tennant and enjoy his remaining episodes.