Dr Who regenerated

As Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston prepares to vanish from our screens in a blaze of light on Saturday night, the actor has been praised for com

15:31 18 June 2005

As Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston prepares to vanish from our screens in a blaze of light on Saturday night, the actor has been praised for coming to the rescue of the cult show.

Eccleston, who is quitting his part as the famous Timelord after just one series, has "turned around the reputation" of the sci-fi show, according to writer Russell T Davies.

"I love Doctor Who and I love the old Doctor Who," Davies told the BBC.

"But, even with all that love, you have to admit that the name of the programme had become a joke and its reputation had become a cheap joke at that - you know rubber monsters and shaky sets.

"And Chris, as one of the country's leading actors, by being willing to step up to the line and take on that part has proved himself to be magnificent and has turned it around. "

In his grand exit tonight, viewers will see Eccleston's Doctor "die" after absorbing all the energy from the centre of the Tardis.

The Timelord then regenerates into the new Doctor Who, played by David Tennant.

And with actress Billie Piper signed up to play his loyal assistant Rose for all 13 episodes of the next series, it looks as though Doctor Who is set to remain on our screens for some time.

The BBC series has just been named the most popular cult TV show, in a poll of viewers for the website Cult TV.

Doctor Who, which returned in March after a 16-year absence, brought an end to Star Trek's 11-year reign at number one.