A confusing Christmas special for Doctor Who

Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies has said he would like to see Catherine Zeta Jones or Lesley Sharp play a female Doctor. Davies also confirmed that the Doctor would be without a permanent companion next year, as he was asked about speculation over who might take over from David Tennant when he leaves the show next year. Speaking at a press screening in London of the Christmas special of the show, called The Next Doctor, he said replacing the Doctor could take a while. He said: "It's a big deal to set up. Whoever becomes the Doctor has got to take on a whole life. "It's a lot of soul-searching to do." The special, which like previous episodes takes several twists, sees current Doctor David Tennant star without an assistant, alongside David Morrissey, who appears as another Doctor. There has been speculation that Morrissey could be poised to take up the starring role, as well as Martin Clunes, David Walliams or a female Doctor. But Davies said he had nothing to do with choosing the next star and said he did not know if people had been auditioning. When asked about women he would like to see in the role replied: "Lesley Sharp or Catherine Zeta Jones." Tennant is recovering from surgery for a bad back, which has forced him to pull out of his role in the Royal Shakespeare Company's Hamlet until he recovers.

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ITN | December 18, 2008

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