So, which is it, Matt? This evening’s National Television Awards ceremony has seen Matt Smith take the gong for Best Actor, but after the Doctor Who star took his trophy he was asked about his future on the show…
…and gave conflicting answers.
At one point, Matt announced that he has “no plans to leave” the role of the Time Lord, but later repeated an earlier comment that he had “one more year” on the show (although Hollywood hasn’t come calling yet).
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It’s obviously a great night for an actor to be touting for work, but is Matt really leaving in 12 months time? Or is he letting everyone know that his contract is up for renewal and he would be happy to hang around?
We really, REALLY need to know as Doctor Who fans. But at the same time, wouldn’t it be great if the Doctor’s regeneration came as a complete surprise?
Ultimate, we’re bound to find out eventually, but the uncertainty ahead of the 50th anniversary is a little upsetting…
I think he was acknowledging his contract ends in a year. That doesn’t mean he won’t re-sign.
That’s exactly right, he’s just stating that he’s still under contract for a year. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll be there for the 50th, it’s a matter of what happens afterward. I don’t think Smith is a “master planner” when it comes to his career. He seems a bit off the cuff. An artist, not a businessman. He could also arrange to do a project other than DW as well, including shooting films. He’s probably going to have a huge gap in the production schedule at some point anyway.
…and yeah, although it’d be impossible with all the non stop coverage of everything they do, it would be wild if they managed to cast a new Doctor and end Smith’s reign as a total surprise after the 50th.
Umm – as Doctor Who Fans so we “really REALLY need to know?” Sense of perspective please. Smith has been excellent, but if he’s regenerated, there’ll be another excellent one along in a minute. I’d rather *not* know if he’s getting out of a big story alive or not. Makes it more fun to watch.
Spot on Paul!
Well said
And yeah, as Rick & Miken say above, it’s pretty obvious that Matt was saying his current contract runs out in a year’s time but he’d be keen to sign up for further series if asked.
Another non-story really!
It’s already been explained before that most actors on the show don’t know when they’re leaving; since production goes season-by-season, but those who play The Doctor have the most latitude in that.
He said in that radio interview before Christmas he was doing another year. He is doing the 50th. After all Dr Who has only been commissioned up to 2013.
I doubt a regeneration could be kept secret. A Doctor moving on is such big news there is no way the BBC could keep quiet about it – I mean look how they did in 2005 with Eccleston when they tried to keep it quiet then?
GET OFF THE SHOW! NO MORE.