Doctor (Doctor Who)

The Doctor is the central character in the long-running BBC television science-fiction series Doctor Who, and also features in a vast range of spin-off novels, audio dramas and comic strips connected to the series. To date, ten actors have officially played the role in the television series (including the 1996 television film), with these changes being explained by the ability of the character's race to regenerate. Several other actors have played the character on stage and film, in audio dramas, and in occasional special episodes of the series. The character's enduring popularity led the Daily Telegraph to dub him "Britain's favourite alien". The Doctor, in his tenth incarnation, is currently played by David Tennant, who announced in late 2008 that he would leave the role in 2010. Matt Smith is scheduled to assume the role of the Eleventh Doctor in 2010.