manchester

news

Perfect timing for Doctor Who

ANIMATED: Cosgrove Hall's web version

SCI-FI classic Doctor Who is to make a TV comeback - and Manchester writer Russell T Davies is the man breathing new life into the character

Davies, the writer behind such controversial dramas as Queer as Folk and The Second Coming, will write the new series produced by BBC Wales.

It is likely to go on air in 2005 but no announcement has been made on who will play the heroic Time Lord.

The announcement adds to the show's north west connection, with Manchester studio Cosgrove Hall already making a special animated version for internet broadcast later this year, voiced by actor Richard E Grant.

Swansea-born Davies, now based in Manchester, is no stranger to the world of Doctor Who. A self-confessed fan, he contributed to the show's range of spin-off novels in the 90s.

"I grew up watching Doctor Who, hiding behind the sofa like so many others," he said. "Doctor Who is one of the BBC's most exciting and original characters. He's had a good rest and now it's time to bring him back.

"The new series will be fun, exciting, contemporary and scary."

The original show ran from 1963 to 1989, with seven actors in the lead role. An attempted US relaunch in 1996, starring Paul McGann, failed to win over viewers.

One high profile fan is Bolton comedy star Peter Kaye. He told a BBC local radio phone-in: : "If anyone in the programme hierarchy is listening, Peter Kaye wants to be the new Dr Who."

27/09/2003

Submit your comments

Email this to a Friend