'Who' star to earn £1m in five-year deal

Matt Smith will reportedly receive £1 million from the BBC when he takes over as the next Time Lord in Doctor Who.

The actor will be paid an annual salary of £200,000 by the corporation for three years, with the option to extend the contract by a further two, according to The Sun.

Producers on the sci-fi show are reportedly keen to ensure that the star stays for as long as possible. David Tennant quit the show after three years while Christopher Eccleston stayed for just one series.

"Bosses don't want Matt doing a David and leaving when things are going great," a source told the newspaper.

The BBC declined to comment on Smith's contract, but said: "All new deals are done with the economic climate in mind."

Tennant is thought to have earned around £1 million a year for the role.