Who’s who next in the Tardis

Christopher Eccleston has quit as Dr Who after one series.

Scottish actor David Tennant has signed up as the new Dr Who, the BBC has announced.

The Casanova star is replacing Christopher Eccleston who is bowing out of the role after just one series. The 34-year-old Tennant who decided to become an actor after watching Dr Who at the age of 3, will be the 10th Time Lord.

Eccleston, 41, took on the role when the show returned to the BBC in March following a 16-year hiatus. The series will screen here on Prime in a few months.

Tennant follows Eccleston, Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker, Peter Davison, Tom Baker, Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton, William Hartnell and Paul McGann, who played the doctor in a one-off TV movie, in the role.

Tennant, who worked with the sci-fi show's writer Russell T. Davies in the drama series Casanova, said playing the doctor, and getting his own Tardis, was a "lifelong dream".

He will begin filming the second 13-part series for BBC1 in the northern summer.

Tennant said: "I grew up loving Doctor Who and it has been a lifelong dream to get my very own Tardis."

Tennant also paid tribute to his predecessor, saying: "Taking over from Chris is a daunting prospect. He has done a fantastic job of reinventing the doctor for a new generation and is a tough act to follow."

At 34, Tennant is one of the youngest actors to tackle the part, giving the time traveller a youthful image. He will make his appearance in the new adventure with former pop star Billie Piper, 22, who will return as the Time Lord's assistant Rose.

Following the sci-fi show's return to the screen, the BBC is also planning a Dr Who Christmas special, with Eccleston still in the lead.

- NZPA