Ninth Doctor Who Christopher Eccleston features in a superb interview in the Telegraph this week in which the actor chats about his love of the stage and his varied career.
Naturally there are questions about the reasons behind his quitting Doctor Who after just 13 episodes – a decision that he has never come clean about. Suggestions have been made that he felt conditions on the show were not what he expected , but he continues to maintain a dignified vagueness on the situation whenever asked.
“I know what went on and the people who were involved know what went on – that’s good enough for me.”
On taking the job in the first place, Eccleston believes he made the right choice.
“My conscience is completely clear. I’ve lived my life, particularly my working life, on the basis that I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror about the way I behave. It wasn’t a bold move, it was an entirely natural one. I’m hugely grateful to the children who to this day come up and talk to me about the show.”
A full read of the article is thoroughly recommended!
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It’s a shame that he’s so resolute about not ‘bathing in the same river twice’. It would have been nice if he could have just made one final appearance in the 50th anniversary.
Chris is a self employed man who will work for the right price. Just like most actors .
Everyone has a price and I would put a bet that if the BBC offered him enough cash he would come back to WHO.
This guff about not bathing in the same water twice is pure theatrical pretentiousness that should be treated with the contempt it deserves.
The contempt it deserves..? Good Lord…
Has anyone ever delved into what exactly Eccleston is talking about? I’ve heard him say this several times in interviews (“I knew what was going on…”), but what does that mean? What’s he talking about? Was it as simple as filming just going badly because of the scope of the new show? Or were people getting harrassed and threatened? I don’t really think it’s all that dignified that he keeps evading the details of what went on–it’s just vague and maddening.
He mentioned bullying during a masterclass last year, which was a relatively private event for acting students. Basically it sounds like the crew was being forced to work in unsafe conditions and he took issue with it (and probably got into fights with specific directors/producers, though that’s speculation). This is the transcript of his answer to the “why did you leave DW” question: http://badwilf.co.uk/?p=820
For what it’s worth, a crew member on a DW forum had already spoken about this in PMs to another Chris fan ages ago – but I didn’t see said PMs, it was all done in private and I can only take the fan’s word for it. There were stories going around on DW forums about this all the same, and a few directors and producers were pointed out as being particularly unpleasant to the crew (not RTD, might I add).
Why does he have to explain himself? Clearly there were issues that he was not happy with but he would rather not name names or go into more detail. He is only giving the explanation he is when being pressed to make some comment on his time on the series. Its not like he is saying “I have things I could tell you that would shock you” or whatever. He’s just giving a short answer to a question so the interviewer can move on to another subject. Simple as that.
I think my issue is that he keeps saying “something went on” instead of just saying “No comment.” or “I’d rather not talk about it.” By saying “something went on”, it adds a whole other dimension (no pun intended!) to it. It makes it sound like something dramatic or sinister was going on (which it may have been?), where a “no commenty” type remark wouldn’t make anyone think twice about it.
So, when will RTD or Billie Piper or anyone else on the show come forward and tell their side of the story?
……?
I am not sure why he wont tell, unless what went on was a bit embarrassing to him maybe, he turned up a bit tipsy one too many times. If he doesant want to say, then people should respect that
Maybe he just didn’t want to become famous as the first gay actor to play the part..and left before they started asking too many questions.?
Christopher Eccleston is a professional actor. It’s his job- his bread and butter. He has to protect his employability if he wants to work again. The last thing he needs is a reputation for bad-mouthing those he works with. He is also a private individual (albeit one with a public profile) and is entitled to guard that. The role of the Doctor was at the end of the day a job to him. He owes us fans no explanation for his decision to leave.
Just enjoy the thirteen episodes that he did. (Or don’t enjoy them- the choice is yours.) Leave the poor man alone!