Latest Doctor Stories

The 11th Doctor Who, newcomer Matt Smith, has signed a multiyear contract with the BBC worth more than $1 million over the life of the pact. The 26-year-old actor signed a contract worth roughly $287,000 a year for five years, The Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday, to play the Timelord after David Tennant leaves the popular science fiction program. The contract comes as the British broadcaster begins to shed larger contracts amid a lousy economic climate and controversy over Jonathan Ross,...

Actor John Scott Martin, known best for portraying a deadly robot in the British TV series Doctor Who, has died at the age of 82, his wife says. Margaret Martin said the actor who donned the uncomfortable costume of the lead Dalek robot for 110 episodes of the popular science fiction series between 1964 and 1980 was a lovable fun man, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday. He loved people and they loved him, she said of Martin, who died Jan. 6 of unspecified causes. He was such fun -- the life...

Scottish actor David Tennant has returned to the London stage production of Hamlet after undergoing back surgery, the BBC said. The outgoing Doctor Who actor headlined the Royal Shakespeare Co.'s production of Hamlet in Stratford-upon-Avon during the summer and was slated to continue starring in the drama when it moved to the West End last month. However, he was forced to drop out of the play before opening night in London to have surgery for a slipped disc in his back. The RSC told the...

The career of actor Matt Smith got a lift with the BBC's announcement he will be the next star of the British TV mainstay Doctor Who. The BBC has officially tabbed the 26-year-old unknown actor to take over the legendary TV role from current star David Tennant, making Smith the 11th actor to assume the fictional mantle, the Daily Mail reported Saturday. Primarily a stage actor, Smith, who previously appeared on a pair of BBC programs, said his new role comes with a long history in British...

The name of the 11th actor to play the iconic British television character Doctor Who is to be revealed shortly, the BBC said. The decision regarding who will take over the role from outgoing star David Tennant is expected to be announced Saturday on a Doctor Who Confidential special. Tennant said in October he planned to leave the long-running science-fiction series after shooting four special episodes in 2009. Production on the 2010 season is slated to begin next summer, the British...

Scottish actor David Tennant's back injury kept him from starring in the critics-night performance of Hamlet in London Tuesday, the BBC said. Best known for his work on the iconic TV series Doctor Who, Tennant also was unable to appear on stage for Monday night's preview performance. The BBC said Tennant's understudy Edward Bennett earned a standing ovation after the play's press night performance of the sold-out Royal Shakespeare Company production, which just transferred to London's...

Finding Dr. Right brings together in one resource the necessary information to make an informed decision when choosing any type of doctor, at any time of year LYNDHURST, N.J., Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- From picking a great pediatrician to identifying the city's best otolaryngologist (and figuring out what an otolaryngologist is), navigating the medical landscape can be a daunting task, especially if you're not an MD, a DO or are certified by the ABMS. As the leading online doctor...

Outgoing "Doctor Who" star David Tennant says British actress and pop singer Billie Piper could be the next titular Time Lord on the series. Tennant recently announced he was leaving the science-fiction show after he wraps several specials set to air in 2009. He became the 10th actor to play the role of the Doctor in 2005. The Daily Telegraph quoted him as saying his former "Doctor Who" sidekick Piper could theoretically take over the role when the series returns in 2010. "Why not? It's one...

A German doctor and his family have been denied permanent residency in Australia because one of his sons has Down syndrome. Dr. Bernhard Moeller told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. he is angry because the Immigration Department did not take into account the service he provides in an area in Victoria with few doctors. John Brumby, the Victorian prime minister, called the decision "stupid." Department officials defended their decision, saying Australian law requires them to take into...

Scottish actor David Tennant has announced he is leaving the beloved science fiction television drama "Doctor Who." Tennant, who has been playing "the doctor" since 2005, is to leave the British series after this year's Christmas episode and four 2009 specials, the BBC said. The 10th actor to play the character announced his departure after winning the outstanding drama performance prize at the National Television Awards. "When 'Doctor Who' returns in 2010 it won't be with me," he said. "Now...