The Eleventh Doctor can play a mean game of football. We’ve seen it in The Lodger; the fella certainly knows how to get the ball connecting with the net.

And it’s funny to think that Matt Smith was going to be a professional footballer if it wasn’t for an injury that set him back and sent him on a path to being an actor.

But now, Smith couldn’t play football if he wanted to, he’s just too important to the world of Doctor Who and the BBC. At least, that’s what the insurance people are saying.

Apparently the actor is banned from playing football by BBC bigwigs and insurance companies because let’s face it, if he did do himself a mischief then the whole world of Doctor Who would come to a stop.

Smith told the Radio Times:

“I’d love to play football now. Everyone at work plays on Tuesdays, but they won’t let me…I guess it’s the insurance companies and, realistically, if I turn my ankle over and we can’t shoot, then we’re screwed, aren’t we? You just can’t. It’s a small price to pay.”

Smith, who knows the toll that a very physical role can play thanks to his filming on Bert & Dickie, about two British rowers in the Olympics, is content with his regulations as long as it means he can do his job:

“You’ve got to make some sacrifices and be as dedicated as you can be. Particularly with Doctor Who. It’s two or three hours of line-learning a night.”

Good on you Matt!

The new Radio Times – covering the week commencing Saturday, July 21st – is on sale now and comes in a variety of Olmpic-themed covers…