David Tennant nearly turned down the role that would become one of his signature performances. During a recent episode of his podcast, David Tennant Does a Podcast with…, Tennant shared that his former agent advised against accepting the iconic role of the Doctor in BBC’s Doctor Who, suggesting that it might not be the right career move.
Georgia Tennant, who hosted this particular podcast episode, recalled how David was first approached to play the Doctor, citing an encounter with executive producers Russell T. Davies and Julie Gardner. The meeting took place while David was filming the 2005 miniseries Casanova, another project helmed by Davies and Gardner. At the time, the producers were looking for someone to follow Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor in their revived 2005 series. They invited Tennant to their home for a viewing of the first season, which led to their offer for him to take the role.
“And then they go, ‘Guess what? Do you want to play [the Doctor]?’ Georgia recounted, to which David humorously responded, implying he required some time to think it over. However, he admitted, “About 40 hours after they asked me, I had to process everything that it meant,” adding that despite his initial trepidation, he was ultimately inclined to accept.
During this critical period, Tennant’s agent counseled against taking the role, predicting it might not succeed. “It’s not been on yet, it’s not going to work. You don’t want that hung around your neck,” his agent advised. David disclosed that the agent was a previous one, now retired, who ultimately misjudged the opportunity. The actor, however, decided to follow his instincts. As fate had it, this decision coincided with the show’s soaring popularity, making Tennant’s Doctor a beloved character among fans.
David Tennant embraced the role of the Tenth Doctor with enthusiasm and succeeded in captivating audiences, starring in three seasons from 2005 to 2010. He later reprised the role as the Fourteenth Doctor for the show’s 60th anniversary specials in 2023, further cementing his legacy within the Doctor Who universe.
The significance of Tennant’s choice continues to resonate, showcasing how a judicious decision can shape an actor’s career trajectory. Fans of David Tennant and Doctor Who alike can appreciate the fortuitous turn of events that led to his indelible portrayal of the iconic Time Lord, highlighting the immense impact one role can have within the realm of television history.
