BBC furious over Eccleston exit

The BBC is reportedly fuming over Christopher Eccleston's decision to quit as Doctor Who.

11:20 02 April 2005

The BBC is reportedly fuming over Christopher Eccleston's decision to quit as Doctor Who after just one series.

The actor's announcement that he wanted to leave hit the beeb hard, after the station spent millions on merchandising which carries his image, hoping to cash in on the show's popularity.

BBC Worldwide licensed Manchester firm Character Options to design more than 20 items and a 12in action figure of Eccleston's Doctor, which will be in stores this October.

The 41-year-old quit the show after just one series because he fears he will be typecast.

A BBC source told The Daily Mail: "Chris's decision to quit on artistic grounds is causing major waves.

"What child is going to want to buy a Doctor Who action figure of an old Doctor when a new one is already on the television?"

The BBC is also believed to have been forced to re-shoot crucial final scenes of the show in order to enable a tenth Doctor to take over, according to the Daily Mirror.

A Dr Who fans' website, Outpost Gallifrey, has also been shut after a string of abusive emails about Eccleston's exit. Fans accused the actor of using the show to boost his profile, while followers defended him.

Editor Shaun Lyon said: "Tempers have become incredibly heated. What has transpired in the past two days has been an embarrassment to us all, so we've decided to shut down the forum for a short time."