A
very elusive Chris Eccleston...
comments on Doctor Who! At the ninth Doctor 50th anniversary event, for the British Film Institute:
“I love the BFI. I love the Doctor and hope you enjoy this presentation. Joe Ahearne directed five of the 13 episodes of the first series. He understood the tone the show needed completely – strong, bold, pacy visuals coupled with wit, warmth and a twinkle in the performances, missus.
“If Joe agrees to direct the 100th anniversary special, I will bring my sonic and a stair-lift and – providing the Daleks don’t bring theirs – I, the ninth Doctor, vow to save the universe and all you apes in it.”
Prepared message, didn't appear in person, but it's so nice to hear him speaking warmly of the show. You never quite know where you stand with Chris. It sounded like he was on the cusp of joining the fiftieth for a while. There are lots of wonderful stories on the internet about him meeting fans - especially children - many years after he left the role, and being so lovely about it, so I don't think he's grouchy at all, I think he's really just that fame-averse.