UK NEWS

DOCTOR WHO’S HOLLYWOOD SNUB

Billie will return to the show

Sunday November 25,2007

By David Stephenson

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BBC bosses are desperately trying to lure big name stars to add a touch of Hollywood glamour to Doctor Who.

But attempts to recruit the likes of Sir Ben Kingsley, Dennis Hopper and Gary Oldman to take on the Time Lord have met with failure.

Despite the show being a huge hit with viewers and winning a string of awards – including a coveted BAFTA – a host of stars have turned down the chance to appear as a fiendish baddie in three specials due to be filmed next year.

Although Billie Piper has been lined up for the one-off shows, even that has failed to tempt some of Hollywood’s finest to star opposite David Tennant who plays the Time Lord.

An insider close to the show said: “The BBC is looking for a top cast announcement. Sir Ian McKellen and David Thewlis have also been mentioned, but no one has yet been signed. They are starting to scrabble about for someone.”

The three specials will be shown in 2009, and are expected to be Tennant’s last as the Doctor.

Show creator Russell T Davies and Tennant are rumoured to have persuaded Piper to reprise her role as Rose Tyler, the Doctor’s sidekick.

Insiders say the plot will centre on Rose’s quest to track down the Doctor in a bid to save Earth, which has become affected by some of his past actions.

Billie was an instant hit with viewers, winning the Most Popular Actress gong at the National Television Awards in 2005 and 2006.

Since its 2005 comeback Doctor Who has had, until now, no trouble attracting top names for cameo roles.

Australian pop star Kylie Minogue has been lined up to guest star this Christmas as a waitress at the 1912 launch party of the Titanic.

Comedienne Catherine Tate, Life on Mars star John Simm, Weakest Link host Anne Robinson and One Foot in the Grave’s Richard Wilson have all made guest appearances.

The refusals are surprising, coming at a time when the show is riding high after scooping two gongs at this year’s National TV Awards, picking up the Most Popular Drama award for the third year running.

WHUH?

26.11.07, 8:38am

So, The Sun make up a casting rumour – the actor involved denies it, what with it being made up – this equals a snub from Hollywood?

Can't quite see your logic there.

• Posted by: HansFeet • Report Comment

HOLLYWOOD SNUB

25.11.07, 9:03pm

I do remember a time when it was just UK actors/actresses appearing in the show.I'm just a nobody...a mere mortal,but i'd love to work on the show with David and the rest of the cast/crew.

• Posted by: Scotsmiss • Report Comment

I AM NOT SURPRISED

25.11.07, 5:30pm

Christoper Eccleson made a quick exit from Dr Who, he only done one series. I think it is time to put the programme to rest. The younger viewers must wonder about the police box (Tardis), they have never seen one.

• Posted by: fireowl • Report Comment

LOSING THE PLOT

25.11.07, 12:35pm

The BBC are losing the plot. Dr Who stood the test of time because it's quirky, not because it's a weekly celebrity extravaganza. The more gloss they put on it, the less I'm interested.

• Posted by: Garnes • Report Comment