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BBC "furious" over Eccleston exit
1 April

According to today's Daily Mail, BBC boses are "furious" over Christopher Eccleston's decision to quit Doctor Who after spending millions on merchandising which carries his image.

The BBC had hoped to cash in on the lucrative Christmas market and had licensed Manchester firm Character Options to design more than 20 items, including a 12" action figure of the Doctor due in the shops by October.

But by then, Eccleston will have been replaced by a new actor, rendering the merchandising obsolete.

The Mail claims that Eccleston's replacement will be starring in the 60-minute Christmas special, although according to the BBC's Doctor Who website, Eccleston will be appearing in it. Of course, the Doctor's ability to regenerate does not preclude both actors appearing in the episode, but there's no evidence that either report is based on fact.

While Eccleston has said that he does not want to become typecast, the Mail quotes "friends" saying that he thought the role of the Doctor was "fey" and "too effeminate".

A BBC source is quoted as saying that: "Chris' decision to quit on artistic grounds is causing major waves.

"Not only we he seen as the saviour of Saturday night ratings, but also his face is crucial to the Christmas merchandising drive. What child is going to want to buy a Doctor Who action figure of the old Doctor when a new one is already on the television?"

The Mail claims that Eccleston was offered a "lot more money" to continue in the role, but was "adamant" about turning his back on the role.

As we reported yesterday, David Tennant is the frontrunner to replace Eccleston.