"The man is a master": Doctor Who helmer holds Christopher Eccleston's contribution to the show in high regard

Christopher Eccleston's casting as the Ninth Doctor in the 2005 regeneration of Doctor Who was a turning point for the show. Not only did it redefine the role, but it also had a key part to play in the show's return to popularity. Russell T Davies, the reviver and showrunner at the time, has always been an outspoken admirer of Eccleston's work. He said,

"I mean, the man is a master. You get to work with a genius – someone who's still at the top of his game all these years later. That's what we were lucky to get."

He added,

"The thing I’ve got to say is that Chris is a magnificent actor and a magnificent man — he’s truly a leader of men — and he was a magnificent Doctor Who as well,”

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Bringing Doctor Who back to life with a New Direction

In 2005, Doctor Who came back on the television screens after 16 years. Reintroducing the popular series was in the hands of Russell T Davies, who aimed to make the show contemporary while keeping its nature intact. Bringing Christopher Eccleston aboard as the Doctor was integral to this plan.

Davies emphasized the importance of this decision, commenting,

"You forget what a brave move it was to take the part on when the press were quoting people like Paul Daniels as the next Doctor."

The inclusion of Eccleston indicated a shift away from past interpretations, working to dispense with any "pompousness" that the character carried. Davies said,

"He's a Time Lord, so in people's minds, he's become a lord, someone loquacious and pompous and ostentatious and posh. So Chris singlehandedly, in one moment, shook that off."

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Navigating on-set challenges and professional dynamics

Despite the show's success, reports emerged of tensions during production. Eccleston described how his rapport with his seniors

"My relationship with my three immediate superiors — the showrunner, the producer and co-producer — broke down irreparably during the first block of filming and it never recovered,"

In reply, Davies reaffirmed his continued respect and duty of care towards Eccleston, saying,

"If it gets into any sort of tit for tat then I'm having a conversation with my lead actor via the press, and that's not on. What has to be remembered when the show's being discussed in the present tense, now, is that I was his employer - I was his producer. I have a duty of care towards any lead actor I work with, so I have a duty of care towards Chris in that moment."

The remarks highlight Davies' dedication to upholding professionalism and recognizing Eccleston's defining role, whatever the backstage disputes.

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Lasting legacy of the Ninth Doctor

Eccleston's performance left a lasting impression on the Doctor Who franchise. His take on the role introduced a new combination of intensity and humor, redefining the Doctor for a new generation. Davies had praise for this balance, saying,

"I think his comedy is funny – he plays it brilliantly. I think the darkness is off the scale with him – when the Doctor's angry, it's spectacular"

The legacy of the Ninth Doctor continues to this day, with fans and writers both acknowledging the pivotal role Eccleston took in ensuring the series' longevity. As Davies himself well captured,

"It’s a magnificent, never-to-be forgotten Doctor, and it was an honour to work with an actor delivering a performance like that."

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Christopher Eccleston's brief run as the Doctor was groundbreaking for Doctor Who. Under Russell T Davies' stewardship, the show not only returned but flourished, paving the way for upcoming Doctors and episodes. Davies' commentary shows great admiration for Eccleston's role, crediting the actor for his courage and ability in remaking an icon.