by Paul Bowler:
Today, the official BBC website has announced that Matt Smith is set to leave Doctor Who after four amazing years on the hit BBC TV series. Matt Smith took his first trip in the TARDIS in 2010, and he will relinquish the role of the Doctor as the end of this year, after starring in the 50th Anniversary special in November, regenerating in the 2013 Christmas Special. Matt Smith has been an incredible Doctor; his incarnation has reached over 30 million unique UK viewers, and during his time in the role, the show has achieved global success. He was also one of the first actors ever to be nominated for a BAFTA in the role.
Matt Smith soon won over fans of the series to be voted Best Actor by readers of Doctor Who Magazine for the 2010 Season. He was also noted for his first series at the National Television Awards, before going on to win the most popular Male Drama Performance award in 2012. Matt Smith has been involved in some of the program’s most exciting episodes, making the role of the Doctor his own, with over 77 million fans in the UK, USA, and Australia!
Speaking to the official BBC Website, Matt Smith said: “Doctor Who has been the most brilliant experience for me as an actor and a bloke, and that largely is down to the cast, crew and fans of the show. I’m incredibly grateful to all the cast and crew who work tirelessly every day, to realise all the elements of the show and deliver Doctor Who to the audience. Many of them have become good friends and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last four years. Having Steven Moffat as show runner write such varied, funny, mind bending and brilliant scripts has been one of the greatest and most rewarding challenges of my career.” Reflecting on his time as the 11th Doctor, Matt Smith spoke of his admiration for show runner Steven Moffat. “It’s been a privilege and a treat to work with Steven, he’s a good friend and will continue to shape a brilliant world for the Doctor. The fans of Doctor Who around the world are unlike any other; they dress up, shout louder, know more about the history of the show (and speculate more about the future of the show) in a way that I’ve never seen before, your dedication is truly remarkable. Thank you so very much for supporting my incarnation of the Time Lord, number Eleven, who I might add is not done yet, I’m back for the 50th anniversary and the Christmas special! It’s been an honour to play this part, to follow the legacy of brilliant actors, and helm the TARDIS for a spell with ‘the ginger, the nose and the impossible one’. But when ya gotta go, ya gotta go and Trenzalore calls. Thank you guys. Matt”
Head writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, said: “Every day, on every episode, in every set of rushes, Matt Smith surprised me: the way he’d turn a line, or spin on his heels, or make something funny, or out of nowhere make me cry, I just never knew what was coming next. The Doctor can be clown and hero, often at the same time, and Matt rose to both challenges magnificently. And even better than that, given the pressures of this extraordinary show, he is one of the nicest and hardest-working people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Whatever we threw at him – sometimes literally – his behaviour was always worthy of the Doctor. But great actors always know when it’s time for the curtain call, so this Christmas prepare for your hearts to break, as we say goodbye to number Eleven. Thank you Matt – bow ties were never cooler. Of course, this isn’t the end of the story, because now the search begins. Somewhere out there right now – all unknowing, just going about their business – is someone who’s about to become the Doctor. A life is going to change, and Doctor Who will be born all over again! After 50 years, that’s still so exciting!”
The 11th Doctor’s adventures in time and space have seen him accompanied by three different Companions, Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill) and then Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman), Matt’s Doctor has battled against the Daleks, Cybermen, and Ice Warriors, as well as the terrifying Weeping Angels. Professor River Song (Alex Kingston) has also played a significant role in the 11th Doctor’s life, appearing in many of his adventures. His Doctor is also famous for his love of fish fingers and custard, bow ties and hats, and he would often shout the catchphrase ‘Geronimo’ in the face of extreme danger.
The exact nature of Matt Smith’s departure from the show has yet to be revealed, and it is being kept tightly under wraps for now. He will return to BBC One for the un-missable 50th anniversary episode on Saturday 23rd November 2013, in what is sure to be one of the most spectacular episodes ever seen!
DarkMedia contributor Paul Bowler is a self-Confessed Sci-Fi Geek, Doctor Who fan, and Zombie Disposal Expert. He likes movies, comic books, and all things PS3. He likes to write about his interests, would love to write a novel one day, and also enjoys chatting to the many people he has gotten to know on Twitter. When he’s not busy being an Impossible Astronaut, he likes to take a break from his adventures in time and space to enjoy some of his favourite tv shows and movies – preferably with a nice cuppa tea & a sandwich! You can follow him on Twitter @paul_bowler, or find him at his website, Sci-Fi Jubilee.
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