TV
Nesbitt rules out 'Doctor Who' role
Published Tuesday, Mar 11 2008, 15:36 GMT | By Simon Reynolds | 21 comments
The 43-year-old Cold Feet actor has been linked with the part following rumours that David Tennant will be leaving the cult BBC show.
Commenting on the speculation, Nesbitt told Teletext: "Definitely not. I couldn't follow Christopher Eccleston or David Tennant. I thought they were both brilliant."
The actor admitted his daughters, Peggy, 9, and Mary, 5, were big fans of the show.
"[Doctor Who isn't] something that I really grew up with, although my kids love it."
Scottish actor Robert Carlyle has also denied rumours that he is in line to replace Tennant.
Tennant will return to play the Doctor next month, but is expected to leave the role after three specials in 2009.
Nesbitt will next be seen as Pontius Pilate in the four-part BBC drama The Passion, which begins airing on March 16.
> Who would you like to see as the next Doctor? Share your views
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21 Comments
Your Responses
maggie lewis, hastings, on November 6th, 2008
I think paul mcgann would be ideal for the 11th doctor loved him as the eighth and the audio series he has done i also think to have a doctor regen again would make a brilliant story (dont suppose you would consider me as his companion? no !!!!! oh well never mind)
I think paul mcgann would be ideal for the 11th doctor loved him as the eighth and the audio series he has done i also think to have a doctor regen again would make a brilliant story (dont suppose you would consider me as his companion? no !!!!! oh well never mind)
jordan, basingstoke, on June 28th, 2008
I think the next dr should be nigel harmen (dennis watts eastenders) because my sister thinks hes as fitt as david tennant but i would like it to be christopher ecclston again
I think the next dr should be nigel harmen (dennis watts eastenders) because my sister thinks hes as fitt as david tennant but i would like it to be christopher ecclston again
DT lover, on June 3rd, 2008
I really dont mind who plays Eleven so long as they make the role their own and the show itself remains a success. Admittedly I dont think James Nesbitt would do much for the role. I like the sound of Gabriel Thomson (phew!) or Patrick Stewart. Kenneth Branagh too! He said himself he was 'dying' for a role on the show.
I really dont mind who plays Eleven so long as they make the role their own and the show itself remains a success. Admittedly I dont think James Nesbitt would do much for the role. I like the sound of Gabriel Thomson (phew!) or Patrick Stewart. Kenneth Branagh too! He said himself he was 'dying' for a role on the show.
Paul Cooke, Sheffield, on April 1st, 2008
I think any of the following would be good to see as the doctor after David Tennant. Someone said have an older man in the role again, well what about Simon McCorkindale or Clive Mantle. Others well what about Scott Maslin, Jonathan Kerrigan (ex-heartbeat) or last but not least Gabriel Thompson (Michael from My Family)
I think any of the following would be good to see as the doctor after David Tennant. Someone said have an older man in the role again, well what about Simon McCorkindale or Clive Mantle. Others well what about Scott Maslin, Jonathan Kerrigan (ex-heartbeat) or last but not least Gabriel Thompson (Michael from My Family)
Gunblader, Croydon, on March 16th, 2008
GOD DAMNIT! Stop saying David Tennat!, he can't stay in the role forever! He might get bored, he might DIE, but anyway, hes leaving the show at some point so someone has to take his place! I never thought of good ol Desmond (from Lost) before someone mentoned him, he'd be pretty good. Seriously tho, i hope Nesbitt changes his mind. Awesome man. Also deviating from seriousness again: Patrick Stewart? Lol, just lol.
GOD DAMNIT! Stop saying David Tennat!, he can't stay in the role forever! He might get bored, he might DIE, but anyway, hes leaving the show at some point so someone has to take his place! I never thought of good ol Desmond (from Lost) before someone mentoned him, he'd be pretty good. Seriously tho, i hope Nesbitt changes his mind. Awesome man. Also deviating from seriousness again: Patrick Stewart? Lol, just lol.
Terry, Wales , on March 14th, 2008
Anyone who claims they'll stop watching the show if Tennant leaves is a complete liar. They probably said the same when Eccleston left. Yes, Tennant is a genius and it'd be good to give him a 7 year run like Tom Baker, but another actor could easily become as popular. I'd opt for Mark Heap, Anthony Head, or Martin Jarvis. Perhaps its time for an old man again.
Anyone who claims they'll stop watching the show if Tennant leaves is a complete liar. They probably said the same when Eccleston left. Yes, Tennant is a genius and it'd be good to give him a 7 year run like Tom Baker, but another actor could easily become as popular. I'd opt for Mark Heap, Anthony Head, or Martin Jarvis. Perhaps its time for an old man again.
Imz, UK, on March 13th, 2008
Patrick Sewart. Or Robert Vaughn - seriously, I think he'd be great. AND it may stop all these "companion falling in love the the Doctor" storylines that have been going on the the last couple of series'.
Patrick Sewart. Or Robert Vaughn - seriously, I think he'd be great. AND it may stop all these "companion falling in love the the Doctor" storylines that have been going on the the last couple of series'.
Rose, on March 12th, 2008
I think that Andrew Lincoln star of 'This Life' and 'Teachers' would make a great Doctor.
I think that Andrew Lincoln star of 'This Life' and 'Teachers' would make a great Doctor.
Dee, Milwaukee, on March 12th, 2008
David Tennant is THE Doctor, no one else needs to replace him, he does too good of a job to be passing it off to someone else. If that happens Doctor Who will no longer be watched by adoring fans like they have since David got the role...I know I wouldn't if that happened!!
David Tennant is THE Doctor, no one else needs to replace him, he does too good of a job to be passing it off to someone else. If that happens Doctor Who will no longer be watched by adoring fans like they have since David got the role...I know I wouldn't if that happened!!
John, UK, on March 12th, 2008
There is a danger with 'hard core' DW fans in that they constantly suggest the next actor for the title role as "being like" a particular previous actor in the role. Witness the number of postings that suggest X, because he is like Y. The role has succeeded in the past by taking radical changes of direction, right back to Troughton following Hartnell (yes, I am that old...). Therefore, I would suggest someone completely 'off the wall' is most likely and most likely to succeed.
There is a danger with 'hard core' DW fans in that they constantly suggest the next actor for the title role as "being like" a particular previous actor in the role. Witness the number of postings that suggest X, because he is like Y. The role has succeeded in the past by taking radical changes of direction, right back to Troughton following Hartnell (yes, I am that old...). Therefore, I would suggest someone completely 'off the wall' is most likely and most likely to succeed.
TA, Norfolk, on March 12th, 2008
Julian Rhind-Tutt or the chap off Green Wing with the half Tom Baker hair :)
Julian Rhind-Tutt or the chap off Green Wing with the half Tom Baker hair :)
Chris Morley, Manchester, on March 12th, 2008
Should `Being Human` not become a series (which would be crime) I think Guy Flanagan would make an excellent Doctor. Young, dynamic and with a bit of an air of Paul McGann about him..
Should `Being Human` not become a series (which would be crime) I think Guy Flanagan would make an excellent Doctor. Young, dynamic and with a bit of an air of Paul McGann about him..
bad macs, on March 12th, 2008
Me, me, me, me, me, me! I'd just love to be the next Dr Who.
Me, me, me, me, me, me! I'd just love to be the next Dr Who.
Tele queen, NSW, on March 12th, 2008
If Nesbitt were to be cast as the Eleventh Doctor, I'd stop watching DW. He smirks all the time! He's an actor who, though quite OK in some of the roles I've seen him in, does seems capable of far less variety in performance than Tennant, imo.
If Nesbitt were to be cast as the Eleventh Doctor, I'd stop watching DW. He smirks all the time! He's an actor who, though quite OK in some of the roles I've seen him in, does seems capable of far less variety in performance than Tennant, imo.
Chris Clarke, on March 11th, 2008
If they can keep david around until 2010 (if he's leaving at all) then Henry Ian Cusick ie the wonderful Desmond Hume from lost would be rather marvelous I reckons...
If they can keep david around until 2010 (if he's leaving at all) then Henry Ian Cusick ie the wonderful Desmond Hume from lost would be rather marvelous I reckons...
David Virgo, Toronto, on March 11th, 2008
The Next doctor should be Julian Rhind-Tut. There is no other. A relatively new face and and an very pertwee like.
The Next doctor should be Julian Rhind-Tut. There is no other. A relatively new face and and an very pertwee like.
Amy Drake, on March 11th, 2008
I don't think a woman should take over as it would ruin Dr Who and I could never watch my fav programme again. I think David should stay as hes the best.
I don't think a woman should take over as it would ruin Dr Who and I could never watch my fav programme again. I think David should stay as hes the best.
Alex James , on March 11th, 2008
I wouldn't like to see anyone as the new Doctor as I think David Tennant is the best man for the job and he has to stay.
I wouldn't like to see anyone as the new Doctor as I think David Tennant is the best man for the job and he has to stay.
Mirgorod, Hereford, on March 11th, 2008
...but of course, if Nesbitt IS the next Doctor, the very thing he'll do is categorically deny it!
...but of course, if Nesbitt IS the next Doctor, the very thing he'll do is categorically deny it!
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Loved Greenwing and Dr Who needs an actor who can be a little eccentric or over the top without pushing it too hard - so Julian Rhind-Tutt or Stephen Mangan or Patterson Joseph, other possibles - Douglas Henshall, Andrew Lincoln, Ralph Little - now he would be interesting! Or - just give some new face a chance - but please NOT James Nesbitt who only ever plays James Nesbitt.