@@MaouVallkur He literally left Doctor who after 1 season because of his principals and morals. He has consistently been publicly outspoken about the unprofessional workspace that Doctor Who season 1 was. And being a british actor and publicly critizising the BBC must have had a great deal of damage on his career.
@@MaouVallkur After 20 years? He's literally been vocal about his displeasure with how the production was handled by RTD et. al. FOR those 20 years lmao
@@Choom2077 he’s never had the balls to name and shame, I’ve watched many interviews over the years and he always pussy foots around the subject, the most we would get is “myself and those at the the top of the pyramid clashed so I left”
I also like the trade off in respect. Just about all of the fanbase understands why he doesn’t want to come back, even if they still ask. And his issue is more with the *people* he worked *for* than the people he worked *with* or the *content* he worked *on* , which I’m sure people have dealt with that before, too. (Deploying Strawman) If this was another fanbase to another popular series, *that* fanbase probably would’ve shadow hammered him for being so much against who/what/etc made that series so popular.
Well, he never returned when Moffat and his co-producers when were in charge so yeah you’re probably right. At least we have the Big Finish audio productions he did.
@tiffanyroberts6460 not for all the fans...fire people that revived the series so successfully and are breathing new life into it once more,just because one actor has a problem with them....?!
@tiffanyroberts6460 Dudess!!! The Timeless Child storyline from CC brought more mystery to the character and was actually a stroke of genius....the show's title implies mystery...not knowing how many incarnations they had or where they originally came from adds mystery to a character we've become familiar with over the years....and if you think RTD should never write for the show again....the man who successfully revived it and is reinvigorating it once more....hard to see how you're a fan of it....did you ever like it...?
Man I loved Eccleston but I don't blame him for not wanting to go back after what went down. He's got balls to tell it like it is. You can tell the audience doesn't really get what happened though
A defamatory statement was released about him after he left, saying how "tired he was" implied physical tiredness and not "tired of this BS". And it would have impacted people's perceptions of the situation. Also cost him work opportunities. It's highly unjust how he was treated, and those responsible need to be held accountable.
I have to say. Out of all the 'New' Doctors, Christopher Ecclestone is my favorite. Because he is a very VERY good actor, and he brought something completely new to the role.
People like to dismiss him but he really was the backbone of the role, and what was built off of for proceeding Doctors. Only wish he had stayed as the Doctor for longer, tbh.
He's the least stereotypically Dr. Who, just look at his attire. And yet he ended up being the most genuine of the new doctors with only one season under him. Most likely, the executives hired the new doctors who would have to kiss ass, fall in line and not rebel.
given Eccleston's labour union background, it all makes sense. what hurts is that every time he speaks about his time on DW you learn more things and there's more miserable info every time.
Unfun fact: After Eccleston left the BBC issued a statement saying that he left because he was tired, and after that producers wouldn't work with him anymore. The "don't you think she looks tired" line from Tennant was likely a reference to just how petty the politics behind the scenes at the BBC really are.
You have to understand that Eccleston is an actor known for not doing sequels though, I'm not throwing shade but everything he says is correct though and I respect how he stands by what he knows is right and looks out for #1. The BBC said jump and Eccleston left the room.
I see the situation as it follows. My best friend is a woman. We became friends YEARS after we met in Primary school. In 6th grade, we were in the same class, but we weren’t friends. Our teacher bullied me HARD, but my friend had a total opposite experience with the teacher. I can’t be mad at the situation these days because she has great memories from it, but my friend does understand 100% where i’m coming from. I know for a fact that Christopher would/was/is happy for Billie’s involvement with the series after the first season, regardless of what he thinks about the politics of the show.
"wow, seems like Eccleston's relationship with the BBC is really healing, voicing for Big Finish and accepting more interviews, glad they're finally on good te-"
Always liked him as an actor before doctor who and he is one of my favourite doctors, definitely my favourite of the new era, him being so honest just makes me like him even more, he was absolutely Fantastic
I'm glad he still likes being associated with the character and doesn't regret it, especially given he has plenty of reason to resent it all things considered
It's brilliant to finally have some small form of context to the whole scenario, even if it is from just one side. I appreciate him sharing it out like that!
At least he came back for the Big Finish 9th Doctor audio series. I havent listened to it, but I heard its really good and Eccelston's performance feels as if he never left at all.
He spent years staying away from the politics and throughout the show producers treated him like trash. I don't blame him for just being straight forward now.
Christopher obviously went through a lot as a kid, growing up in working class Manchester like i did, so many institutions let us down, and i can tell he was abused, also having been anorexic myself. My own theory is that some real bad shit went down on the set of the first season of NewWho, i don’t doubt Russell’s talent as a writer, but i imagine in years to come some bad shit will come out about him and Chris found this out before anyone else has.
I believe Billie Piper's stunt double was very nearly hospitalized/killed during a stunt with a sofa. He brought up the safety concerns and nothing was done to address it. He was also vocal about a lot of other issues on set during the first few episodes. Though i believe he really enjoyed the Empty Child/Doctor Dances.
@@uhorneEccleston and Davies had worked together before, and their strong professional relationship was part of the reason Eccleston was cast in Who. Evidently, something happened on the first series that caused that relationship to break down. The allegations about Noel Clarke and John Barrowman also don't paint the most complimentary picture of Davies as showrunner.
@@lordhoot1and they still have kids together so I pity them whenever they have to spend time with their dad and how does she explain why their dad is being a sh1t. 😂 I do feel sorry for her name always trending whenever he's being an a-hole. She is more famous than he is, as he's only well known for his famous family. Also his sister is Emilia Fox, a talented actress who has to put up with a stupid brother.
I won't pretend to understand what actually went on, this is my first time hearing about all of this, but it sounds like a classic case of what happens when your work becomes a toxic environment. A lot of that comes from employer's/colleague's unrealistic expectations, failure to meet each other's needs, hostility and/or micromanagement etc. When you're in that environment, you're made to feel like less than a human being, no wonder he doesn't want to return to that, I wouldn't. Good on Christopher for calling it out because he's not the only one.
Im brand new with Doctor Who and Im on Matt Smiths doctor. Christopher is head and shoulders my favourite still, loved Tenants run so much and Matt is a lot of fun but absolutely nothing has compared to the doctor and roses first run.
Oh, dear, you're going to love Capaldi. You'll probably need some time for his take on the Doctor to click, but once you're done with all his seasons, you'll look back in awe of what he did with the character.
@@Equimanthorn80 Capaldi was brilliant. He was the perfect mix of classic and new Doctor, and the fact that he wore the third and fourth doctor's jackets over the course of his time was a nice touch
An interesting piece of information to consider is that, from what I have heard, Doctor Who was going to end with the 13th Doctor because no one wanted to pick up the series as show runner until RTD decided to become show runner again. It does bring up an interesting question of if Eccleston would have preferred Doctor Who ending or having the series continue despite RTD becoming show runner again. I wouldn’t be surprised or blame him if he preferred to have the series end than have RTD becoming a show runner.
It was also going to end with 12 until Chibnall took over, and it was also going to end with 10 until Moffat took over. Transitions between showrunners are never smooth in this show.
The protection might have been a mess on the inside but the show especially those first 2-3 seasons of the reboot are some great British telly. Thanks for the memories Chris your performance was much loved and sorry to hear it wasn't a pleasant experience.
I absolutely hate that people are using this to say "See! RTD is so woke now that even Eccleston is asking for him to resign!" No, it's because of the various issues he encountered back in 2003 - 2005 when they were making series 1, it has nothing to do with the current era of the show. Stop trying to make this about something it's not.
It just goes to show that those people don't know that the show has always been "woke" and plus they don't seem to understand that Christopher eccleston is a big lefty like a really big one and that's why I love him.
@@Jmad643 Indeed. They are so simple minded, they hear the words "politics" and jump to the conclusion that Chris must be refering to how "WOKEEE" the show is..... nope, he's actually talking about the relationship between production crew and the higherups, the mistreatment, and possibly even John Barrowman's misconduct. But you know these "AHHH WOKE" people, they'll cling on to anything!
I'm a simple man, i hear the word woke, and my brain immediately tunes out the rest. Because it's either the same tired arguments or people who don't even know how to define the word Woke...
Yah, I think people are taking the way he uses the word Politics out of contents. He's talking about office politics, Chris is pretty outspoken on a lot of political issues and wouldn't have a problem with the shows political themes. Just look at the videos of him yelling at people to pick up their litter because they are destroying the planet
I'm on board with Eccleston on this. Sack RTDavros and the producers that are bombarding Doctor Who into an absolute mockery of itself. I'd love if good showrunner would just come along, retcon everything after Capaldi's run and give Eccleston one or two more seasons.
20 years on and Christopher's performance still blows me away and I really enjoy his portrayal of the Doctor. His series isn’t necessarily my favourite, but his Doctor is. It's a shame that the unpleasantness going on off-screen overshadowed the good things that came out of his stint on the programme. I think this is the first time I've seen him name names, which he'd always been reluctant to do, though I had suspicions who those people likely were.
It’s a shame that Eccleston’s run on Doctor Who suffered from the lingering feelings of the show back in the 80’s. That Doctor Who was a relic of a bygone age, that sci-fi and fans of it should not be pandered to. He’s right that the BBC were quick to go from “Doctor Who is bad, always was” to “Doctor Who is incredible, best thing we ever did!” And while I understand his frustrations with Russel, Julie, and Phil, they were trying to show to a new age of people that Doctor Who was fantastic, they were just as in the dark as Eccleston was. If Eccleston came onto the show when it was more established, say as the 11th or 12th Doctor, who knows how he would feel. And now with the experience Russel and his team have with Doctor Who, I think Eccleston would find it much better this time.
These fuck sticks at the BBC literally had the man Blacklisted from working AT ALL in ALL of England. Its why he had to move to the states to find work. He's pissed for a reason. They weren't just petty. They tried to fucking ruin his career. I agree with him. Sack those pricks.
I disagree. RTD and the producers were pushing a very different agenda. It was insipid, initially, now it's full on. If you do watch it now, that's pretty evident. Parents are NOT going to introduce their children to this. RTD has killed it. RIP Dr Who.(Not even from Gallifrey! 🤔🙄😳 Enough said.
As someone who kept his reasons for leaving incredibly vague all these years I wonder now why he’s opened up a bit more as to why. On another note I totally agree with him
I thought you were making a comment about his beard until I read the second sentence. As custodian of such a beard myself I was preparing to take umbrage.
Honestly, sounds like an amazing deal to me. Bring a person who deserves rhe the role, and get runners who still want to tell amazing stories. Literally a win-win
Christopher Eccleston summing up the truth of Doctor Who in 2005 and to a greater extent fame, success, popularity and money. It's interesting, because, a few years ago, I remember RTD (in a DWM interview) recounting the story of how he was at a launch party for the first series in 2005 with lots of people from the BBC as well as the then new production team. And, as he was chatting to people, he could hear BBC suits slagging off Doctor Who or saying why it was BOUND to fail? So, for all the Doctor Who fans in 2023/4, DON'T think for one second that the BBC or Disney are doing it for YOU. They are ONLY doing it for money making purposes and pushing their politics. Doctor Who has ALWAYS been an underdog ever since 1963. And it still is. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! David
No chance. Even ignoring the fact Christopher won't work under the current producers, the Tales of the TARDIS shorts are very nostalga heavy with little dramatic substance, and Eccleston has gone on record for decades that he's against that sort of cheap storytelling, and frankly I don't blame him.
I don’t understand why Eccleston is so stunning and brave for bailing after the first series instead of at least trying to use his clout as the star of a hit show to improve the situation for the cast and crew he claimed to care about instead of waiting years to pointlessly denounce not only Davies but the entire BBC. Here he complains about the studio politics as much as he complains about the alleged mistreatment of the crew. Somehow I don't think David Tennant, Catherine Tate, and Billie Piper would have continued with the series and then come back to it years later if Davies is the horrible monster he's made out to be. Certainly not Tennant who has 3 times the career Eccleston could hope for.
I think it's unfortunate that Christopher and RTD can't just sit down and talk. I'm certain that there's nothing malicious in RTD's wish to just push through and get the show made, no matter what - even if it made him unsympathetic to Chris' complaints from the set. Russell had the world on his shoulders making it. The sheer weight of expectation and potential judgement, all at a time when they were making a type of show the BBC hadn't made, or funded, in decades. I respect Chris for sticking to his guns, I lose a tiny bit of that when his bitterness clouds his ability to see the other side.
That quote from BBC was given the go-ahead, if not outright penned, by Russell. Eccleston wanted to bow out gracefully but that quote is really what made it all public and I think that lie is probably where a lot of the animosity comes from. Russell would probably need to apologise to Eccleston before he’d ever consider coming back.
Weirdly he groups RTD with himself and Billie in "people the BBC would have blamed if New Who had failed" right here in this video so his issue with RTD must be different from what he's describing there.
@@JackThuRipper1 I'd agree with that. I absolutely do feel that RTD owes Chris a personal, sit down apology. RTD has already said that he blames himself for the situation, being the boss. I do honestly feel that it's Chris's stubbornness that has prevented it from happening, though.
@@SarcyBoi41 His issues with RTD weren't because of what RTD did, it was what he didn't do. In the past he mentioned that he brought up a lot of concerns about on set behaviour, safety issues, and mistreatment of the crew to the higher ups but was ignored.
RTD doesn't care about the show, just his own era. That was proven by the 60th anniversary being a celebration of series 4. Absolutely disgusting but the paper fans who only care about Tennnat lap it up
Didn't Billie Piper look terribly awkward during Eccleston's tirade. I suspect her take on the events that went on behind the scenes are somewhat at odds with Eccleston's. And as she said, she never had a problem with returning to the show. And despite what Eccleston said, the show was a huge success right from the moment it returned in 2005. Its success is not just down to his and Billie's involvement, but also those who he thinks should be sacked. Indeed, Doctor Who became even more popular once David Tennant arrived, with the same production team behind him.
Perhaps, and I'm sure Eccleston has addressed this before, it's because this was really her first big acting role? She was new, and I'm pretty sure that Eccleston has talked about her not having the experience and confidence to say no about the sorts of things he would clearly have no issue calling out. Also... Eccleston is talking about the production of the show, not the airing. The whole point was that people (BBC higher ups) didn't want to be associated with it because they thought it'd be absolute dogshit, but then when it took off like it did, they turned around and acted like they had 100% confidence it in the whole time. Eccleston clearly doesn't want anything to do with bullshitters like that. That's the politics he's referring to. Having to keep people happy at the BBC higher level. RTD (and those he also mentioned) played that game. Eccleston didn't. And likely lost a lot of respect for them for rolling over to people that were basically shitting from up high on the work they were doing.
He didnt say it wasnt immediately a success, he said during production they were completely left to their own devices and the beeb were far too hands off which is why production was such a mess. Someone literally nearly died on set it was such a shitshow. And yet afterwards when it DID work and was so succesful, everyone was proud to put their name to it and take credit, thats his issue.
I agree with some of what you say, but the fact is Billie Piper was there at the time, she is no longer new in the acting profession, she could confirm or deny what he is saying; but probably not when he's sitting right next to her! I do remember reading an interview with her once where she joked about the differences on set between working with Eccleston and Tennant and how much lighter the atmosphere was on set after Tennant arrived. Apparently Eccleston tended to stay in his caravan, brooding (avoiding all that bullshit flying about, probably) whereas Tennant was very much on set, laughing and getting involved. But then Tennant was a life-long fan and Eccleston never thought the original show had been made with children like him in mind: whatever that's supposed to mean. I must make it clear, I do really like Chris and agree with his stance on most things; but this issue has gone on for far too long, and that's a shame because he's probably locked himself out of ever working with RTD again. Which is a greater loss for him IMO, not RTD. @@markc4008
@@Julian-ij3vcI feel like the fact Piper stayed on is probably the reason she doesn't see the set as having been as toxic as Eccleston does. But I'll be honest, Eccleston not being on set being light hearted and Tennant choosing to do so doesn't really help the case. If anything, it's perhaps more of a reason why Piper wouldn't speak out, because what she recalls is just pure work during S1 and then fun during S2 and S4. Which is fair. The atmosphere plays a big part in how fun making a show can be. But how fun the making of the show was is not the issue here. I don't think Eccleston really cares about working with RTD again, so it's hardly a loss for him.
@@markc4008 I think Chris would like to return (he said he loves the role), but not under those people he called out. Which is the main issue here, as they are currently at the helm, RTD mostly, but also those others, some went from BBC to the Bad Wolf production company, I think I saw some of those names there. So it's not like he is at loss with or without RTD, he is more at loss BECAUSE of RTD. Under someone else, he might return, or at least think about it seriously. But not under RTD. Well at least he's at Big Finish, where he can still be the Doctor.
I'm relatively excited to have RTD back based on his prior tenure on the show and its character-writing strength. But if it was a choice between RTD and getting Ecclseton back, sack that showrunner in a heartbeat! :-)
i'd say the showrunner is more important than the actor in a show where the actor constantly changes anyways. it's not eccleston's show anymore, baby :-)
RTD had a solid vision, but he's not the George Lucas of Dr. Who. More like Dave Filoni, where he still takes cues from KK and the toxic fandom. If I would grade the showrunners of New Who based on their series', it'd be Russel T. Davies: B Steven Moffat: B+ Christ Chimmey: C I hope we can find a truly brilliant NEW showrunner in the next couple series. We'll find it in their writing staff.
He literally just said why💀 Before it was popular they would call it crap and blame it on him, billie and Davies. Then when it did become popular they started acting like they supported them all along, he didnt like how fake they were towards him and their politics
Eccleston was the only experience person on set. There was a lot of pressure going on with the BBC to bring back the show. RTD and his team has no idea how to manage the production as they were all new to it. Eccleston had a terrible time filming the show, and the BBCs politics going on behind the scenes, so he left after his first series and swore never to return unless those producers had nothing to do with bum
There was a lot of bullying of junior crew members. I saw an interview with RTD during production. He was very forceful about wanting it to be perfect. "I will personally lean against the scenery to stop it wobbling." He said. With hindsight it's not that difficult to see that he was probably capable of being a complete bstd to anyone he didn't think was doing a perfect job. Also, John Barrowman and Noel Clarke were indulging in wildly inappropriate behaviour for a workplace, or indeed any place that wasn't a sleazy Soho nightclub full of perverts. Eccleston complained about it and the bullying and his concerns were dismissed. When he decided to leave, the production team put out stories that implied he wasn't up to the job. He'd brcome tired, he didn't rralise what a hard job it was, he hadn't been prepared for so much attention. (For crying out loud, he'd been in Cracker. One of the most talked about series of the previous 20 years) RTD couldn't help echoing the production hierarchy's tactics in "The Christmas Invasion" when the Tenth Doctor torpedoed Prime Minister Harriet Jones (MP for Flydale North) by saying to a flunky "Do you think she looks tired?" Eccleston found casting directors to be unwilling to hire him after that.
I would never have watched Doctor Who if it wasn't for Christopher Eccleston. I was an adult when it came back and hadn't grown up watching Doctor Who...I was aware of it as a cheap show with pantomime looking actors in flamboyant costumes (now that I have watched a lot of Doctor Who, I can see how unfair that was). So when the guy from Our Friends in the North and Shallow Grave and Cracker is going to be in it, I paid attention. He gave the show credibility for me.
How incredibly refreshing to hear something real and heartfelt from an earnest and honourable man. It makes such a change from the nauseating consensus that RTD is some kind of miracle worker whose farts smell of roses. Actually I strongly suspect, were he not gay, he'd be held in considerably less esteem and a lot more dirty laundry would have come out. Having said that I've no doubt Eccleston's demons are part of the equation.
@@diccchocolate416 Most of them didn't even left. Like sure the showrunners changed, the main cast changed, but some people in the background still remained. See, some of those people left the BBC, but formed the Bad Wolf production company and are back at producing Doctor Who, right now with RTD as showrunner, so the old team back together. And when RTD leaves, they may still remain and find someone else.
People keep asking him this question. He keeps giving the same answers. But he never ever actually clarifies anything. What did RTD or the other producers do to still have a feud over it 20 years later?
DOCTOR WHO: 73 Yards REVIEW | Is Ruby Dreaming? | EXPLAINED | DREAM LORD | Missy Working for UNIT?
ua-cam.com/video/QNGgp2bIAS4/v-deo.html
I respect the hell out of Eccleston for calling them out by name, no bullshit. There is a man with an unwavering moral compass, truly The Doctor.
What respect for growing some balls after 20 years? lol okay
@@MaouVallkur He literally left Doctor who after 1 season because of his principals and morals. He has consistently been publicly outspoken about the unprofessional workspace that Doctor Who season 1 was. And being a british actor and publicly critizising the BBC must have had a great deal of damage on his career.
@@MaouVallkur After 20 years? He's literally been vocal about his displeasure with how the production was handled by RTD et. al. FOR those 20 years lmao
@@MaouVallkur What do you mean "after 20 years". Clearly you were either still in your mums belly or living under a rock for the last 20 years.
@@Choom2077 he’s never had the balls to name and shame, I’ve watched many interviews over the years and he always pussy foots around the subject, the most we would get is “myself and those at the the top of the pyramid clashed so I left”
I like that he also doesn't hold it against billie for returning either and stayed friends with her
Makes sense. He left due to petty politics, wouldn't want to lose a friend to that.
Sad that it's likely he won't return but Love how honest he is honestly lol
I also like the trade off in respect. Just about all of the fanbase understands why he doesn’t want to come back, even if they still ask.
And his issue is more with the *people* he worked *for* than the people he worked *with* or the *content* he worked *on* , which I’m sure people have dealt with that before, too.
(Deploying Strawman) If this was another fanbase to another popular series, *that* fanbase probably would’ve shadow hammered him for being so much against who/what/etc made that series so popular.
Well, he never returned when Moffat and his co-producers when were in charge so yeah you’re probably right. At least we have the Big Finish audio productions he did.
@@stephenmurphy2212I think that was because he doesn't like multi-Doctor stories...he is NOT a fan of that type of tale!
@tiffanyroberts6460 not for all the fans...fire people that revived the series so successfully and are breathing new life into it once more,just because one actor has a problem with them....?!
@tiffanyroberts6460 Dudess!!! The Timeless Child storyline from CC brought more mystery to the character and was actually a stroke of genius....the show's title implies mystery...not knowing how many incarnations they had or where they originally came from adds mystery to a character we've become familiar with over the years....and if you think RTD should never write for the show again....the man who successfully revived it and is reinvigorating it once more....hard to see how you're a fan of it....did you ever like it...?
Man I loved Eccleston but I don't blame him for not wanting to go back after what went down. He's got balls to tell it like it is. You can tell the audience doesn't really get what happened though
RTD fans.
What happened like
A defamatory statement was released about him after he left, saying how "tired he was" implied physical tiredness and not "tired of this BS". And it would have impacted people's perceptions of the situation. Also cost him work opportunities.
It's highly unjust how he was treated, and those responsible need to be held accountable.
@@scw55 oh yeah! I kinda forgot the whole "Doesn't she look tired?" thing with Harriet Jones was also a jab at him. Thanks for reminding me
@@chihauhaun thought that was just a Margaret thatcher joke 😅
Good on him, hearing about his upbringing it seems like he has solid morals
I have to say. Out of all the 'New' Doctors, Christopher Ecclestone is my favorite. Because he is a very VERY good actor, and he brought something completely new to the role.
I hope we see another doctor with Northern working class energy in the future!!!
People like to dismiss him but he really was the backbone of the role, and what was built off of for proceeding Doctors. Only wish he had stayed as the Doctor for longer, tbh.
He's the least stereotypically Dr. Who, just look at his attire. And yet he ended up being the most genuine of the new doctors with only one season under him. Most likely, the executives hired the new doctors who would have to kiss ass, fall in line and not rebel.
given Eccleston's labour union background, it all makes sense. what hurts is that every time he speaks about his time on DW you learn more things and there's more miserable info every time.
union background?? damn i love it when random people i vaguely like turn out to be actually based it's the best feeling
@@darkacadpresenceinblood Eccleston is VERY based.
Unfun fact: After Eccleston left the BBC issued a statement saying that he left because he was tired, and after that producers wouldn't work with him anymore. The "don't you think she looks tired" line from Tennant was likely a reference to just how petty the politics behind the scenes at the BBC really are.
He probably was tired. Tired of all the bs that was going on behind the scenes
The BBC publishing the statement is true, but not the Tennant quote. Tennants quote was a reference to criticism aimed at Margaret Thatcher.
@@meerak915this is the point that interpretation is your own to decide
@@hastyswept5486I think meera's theory is far more plausible.
You have to understand that Eccleston is an actor known for not doing sequels though, I'm not throwing shade but everything he says is correct though and I respect how he stands by what he knows is right and looks out for #1.
The BBC said jump and Eccleston left the room.
“If you’re an alien why do you sound like you’re from the north?” “Lots of planets have a north.”
I see the situation as it follows. My best friend is a woman. We became friends YEARS after we met in Primary school. In 6th grade, we were in the same class, but we weren’t friends. Our teacher bullied me HARD, but my friend had a total opposite experience with the teacher. I can’t be mad at the situation these days because she has great memories from it, but my friend does understand 100% where i’m coming from. I know for a fact that Christopher would/was/is happy for Billie’s involvement with the series after the first season, regardless of what he thinks about the politics of the show.
I’m glad he’s still active as the Doctor in the Big Finish audio dramas. And they are fantastic!
probably because those people he named aren't involved.
No way! I’ll have to check them out.
@@photoben he’s got a bunch right now. $30 per volume, three episodes each.
big finish are still pc garbage though, look up what they did to james dreyfuss
His honesty is refreshing and something we needed to hear.
"wow, seems like Eccleston's relationship with the BBC is really healing, voicing for Big Finish and accepting more interviews, glad they're finally on good te-"
Always liked him as an actor before doctor who and he is one of my favourite doctors, definitely my favourite of the new era, him being so honest just makes me like him even more, he was absolutely Fantastic
I'm glad he still likes being associated with the character and doesn't regret it, especially given he has plenty of reason to resent it all things considered
It's brilliant to finally have some small form of context to the whole scenario, even if it is from just one side. I appreciate him sharing it out like that!
Eccleston is my Doctor the first Doctor I watched and grew up with. Thank you Eccleston.
At least he came back for the Big Finish 9th Doctor audio series. I havent listened to it, but I heard its really good and Eccelston's performance feels as if he never left at all.
It’s pretty damn good! I love to listen to it, because it’s really like he never left. He did a great job.
RTD hasn't anything to do with that
Mad respect for Christopher, he is a real one...
Now THIS is a Christmas Special.
He was my favourite doctor. Made the character more rugged and gritty
Billie's like 😮😏😶🫨 lmao she was so graceful handling that awkwardness
He spent years staying away from the politics and throughout the show producers treated him like trash. I don't blame him for just being straight forward now.
the business treats you like a disposable pawn, so im glad he had the morals and self respect to not put up with that fuckery
I love how honest he is. He was a great doctor and a great start to the NuWho and yet he was mistreated sm
Christopher obviously went through a lot as a kid, growing up in working class Manchester like i did, so many institutions let us down, and i can tell he was abused, also having been anorexic myself. My own theory is that some real bad shit went down on the set of the first season of NewWho, i don’t doubt Russell’s talent as a writer, but i imagine in years to come some bad shit will come out about him and Chris found this out before anyone else has.
Or their personalities just clashed without either of them being a bad person with some secret bad history. That's not an uncommon thing to happen
I believe Billie Piper's stunt double was very nearly hospitalized/killed during a stunt with a sofa. He brought up the safety concerns and nothing was done to address it. He was also vocal about a lot of other issues on set during the first few episodes. Though i believe he really enjoyed the Empty Child/Doctor Dances.
Alot of theories stem from the noel Clarke fiasco aswell
@@uhorneEccleston and Davies had worked together before, and their strong professional relationship was part of the reason Eccleston was cast in Who. Evidently, something happened on the first series that caused that relationship to break down. The allegations about Noel Clarke and John Barrowman also don't paint the most complimentary picture of Davies as showrunner.
@@AcuteP4ndaNoel was exonerated by the Met investigation. No evidence means innocent.
I like the way the crowd are so shocked someone has the BALLS to call this crap for what it is
This must have been really awkward for Billie Piper 😂
She was married to Lawrence Fox, she must have the patience of a saint
She'll have heard it before. I think the fact that they're good friends shows that she wasn't part of the problem.
@@lordhoot1and they still have kids together so I pity them whenever they have to spend time with their dad and how does she explain why their dad is being a sh1t. 😂 I do feel sorry for her name always trending whenever he's being an a-hole. She is more famous than he is, as he's only well known for his famous family. Also his sister is Emilia Fox, a talented actress who has to put up with a stupid brother.
I won't pretend to understand what actually went on, this is my first time hearing about all of this, but it sounds like a classic case of what happens when your work becomes a toxic environment. A lot of that comes from employer's/colleague's unrealistic expectations, failure to meet each other's needs, hostility and/or micromanagement etc. When you're in that environment, you're made to feel like less than a human being, no wonder he doesn't want to return to that, I wouldn't. Good on Christopher for calling it out because he's not the only one.
me when chris eccleston says he won’t return to dw even if they beheaded a royal for him: so real
me when tennant “returns” to dw every year: so real
Im brand new with Doctor Who and Im on Matt Smiths doctor. Christopher is head and shoulders my favourite still, loved Tenants run so much and Matt is a lot of fun but absolutely nothing has compared to the doctor and roses first run.
Oh, dear, you're going to love Capaldi. You'll probably need some time for his take on the Doctor to click, but once you're done with all his seasons, you'll look back in awe of what he did with the character.
@@Equimanthorn80 Capaldi was brilliant. He was the perfect mix of classic and new Doctor, and the fact that he wore the third and fourth doctor's jackets over the course of his time was a nice touch
1 session watch again and again
An interesting piece of information to consider is that, from what I have heard, Doctor Who was going to end with the 13th Doctor because no one wanted to pick up the series as show runner until RTD decided to become show runner again.
It does bring up an interesting question of if Eccleston would have preferred Doctor Who ending or having the series continue despite RTD becoming show runner again. I wouldn’t be surprised or blame him if he preferred to have the series end than have RTD becoming a show runner.
It was also going to end with 12 until Chibnall took over, and it was also going to end with 10 until Moffat took over. Transitions between showrunners are never smooth in this show.
The protection might have been a mess on the inside but the show especially those first 2-3 seasons of the reboot are some great British telly. Thanks for the memories Chris your performance was much loved and sorry to hear it wasn't a pleasant experience.
Series 1 is the best.
I'm proud that he's my Doctor. He's got the toughest spine of all of them.
Christopher Eccleston is starting to look more like The War Doctor with that beard and grey hair. 😂👍
I absolutely hate that people are using this to say "See! RTD is so woke now that even Eccleston is asking for him to resign!"
No, it's because of the various issues he encountered back in 2003 - 2005 when they were making series 1, it has nothing to do with the current era of the show. Stop trying to make this about something it's not.
It just goes to show that those people don't know that the show has always been "woke" and plus they don't seem to understand that Christopher eccleston is a big lefty like a really big one and that's why I love him.
Yeah they don’t realize Eccleston is way more left wing than RTD
@@Jmad643 Indeed. They are so simple minded, they hear the words "politics" and jump to the conclusion that Chris must be refering to how "WOKEEE" the show is..... nope, he's actually talking about the relationship between production crew and the higherups, the mistreatment, and possibly even John Barrowman's misconduct. But you know these "AHHH WOKE" people, they'll cling on to anything!
I'm a simple man, i hear the word woke, and my brain immediately tunes out the rest. Because it's either the same tired arguments or people who don't even know how to define the word Woke...
Yah, I think people are taking the way he uses the word Politics out of contents. He's talking about office politics, Chris is pretty outspoken on a lot of political issues and wouldn't have a problem with the shows political themes. Just look at the videos of him yelling at people to pick up their litter because they are destroying the planet
I would love to see them both back on doctor who. And love his honesty.
I'm on board with Eccleston on this. Sack RTDavros and the producers that are bombarding Doctor Who into an absolute mockery of itself. I'd love if good showrunner would just come along, retcon everything after Capaldi's run and give Eccleston one or two more seasons.
I can't help but think how awkward this is for Billie Piper, who has been expressly positive about her show experience 😂
20 years on and Christopher's performance still blows me away and I really enjoy his portrayal of the Doctor. His series isn’t necessarily my favourite, but his Doctor is. It's a shame that the unpleasantness going on off-screen overshadowed the good things that came out of his stint on the programme. I think this is the first time I've seen him name names, which he'd always been reluctant to do, though I had suspicions who those people likely were.
It’s a shame that Eccleston’s run on Doctor Who suffered from the lingering feelings of the show back in the 80’s. That Doctor Who was a relic of a bygone age, that sci-fi and fans of it should not be pandered to. He’s right that the BBC were quick to go from “Doctor Who is bad, always was” to “Doctor Who is incredible, best thing we ever did!” And while I understand his frustrations with Russel, Julie, and Phil, they were trying to show to a new age of people that Doctor Who was fantastic, they were just as in the dark as Eccleston was. If Eccleston came onto the show when it was more established, say as the 11th or 12th Doctor, who knows how he would feel. And now with the experience Russel and his team have with Doctor Who, I think Eccleston would find it much better this time.
These fuck sticks at the BBC literally had the man Blacklisted from working AT ALL in ALL of England. Its why he had to move to the states to find work. He's pissed for a reason. They weren't just petty. They tried to fucking ruin his career. I agree with him. Sack those pricks.
First of all, let's respect Christopher Eccleston honesty here, from what he said. He has done an audio of Doctor Who since. But never say never.
I disagree. RTD and the producers were pushing a very different agenda. It was insipid, initially, now it's full on. If you do watch it now, that's pretty evident. Parents are NOT going to introduce their children to this. RTD has killed it. RIP Dr Who.(Not even from Gallifrey! 🤔🙄😳 Enough said.
Yea, let’s not pander to a set of fans that are the reason it existed. Give your head a wobble.
Also the terms for me to start watching again.
Echo: Maya fights Daredevil for the first time
ua-cam.com/video/582By7VG2dg/v-deo.html
As someone who kept his reasons for leaving incredibly vague all these years I wonder now why he’s opened up a bit more as to why. On another note I totally agree with him
He is the goat!!!!
Great words of a great actor and a great doctor
I thought you were making a comment about his beard until I read the second sentence. As custodian of such a beard myself I was preparing to take umbrage.
@@zacmumblethunder7466 , no no, no jokes about the beard. I has one myself
Having seen an adventure in space and time I believe what he says William hartnell went through the same shit
Oh Doctor my Doctor!
Your Time stands
Honestly, sounds like an amazing deal to me. Bring a person who deserves rhe the role, and get runners who still want to tell amazing stories.
Literally a win-win
After watching the latest specials, yeah, I agree mr Eccleston.
Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor | Sacha Master Spitting facts to Yaz.
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Christopher Eccleston summing up the truth of Doctor Who in 2005 and to a greater extent fame, success, popularity and money.
It's interesting, because, a few years ago, I remember RTD (in a DWM interview) recounting the story of how he was at a launch party for the first series in 2005 with lots of people from the BBC as well as the then new production team.
And, as he was chatting to people, he could hear BBC suits slagging off Doctor Who or saying why it was BOUND to fail?
So, for all the Doctor Who fans in 2023/4, DON'T think for one second that the BBC or Disney are doing it for YOU. They are ONLY doing it for money making purposes and pushing their politics.
Doctor Who has ALWAYS been an underdog ever since 1963. And it still is.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
David
I can’t believe it’s been almost 20 years since the reboot 😳
Doctor Who: Deep Breath: Message for the Impossible girl ua-cam.com/video/pD6WVcoWVks/v-deo.html
That’s respectable. Pity he didn’t come out and say this much earlier, years ago. Makes sense.
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Doctor Who: The Giggle | Reaction/Review
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He was a boss Doctor and he's a boss in real life. I'll watch him in anything because his integrity shines in his performances.
Although it’s a shame we will most likely never have him back on the show, I’m glad he sticks to his morals. 9 will always be my favorite.
Doctor Who: Legend of the Sea Devils | Yaz gets Dumped.
ua-cam.com/video/74r6YRqJsjg/v-deo.html
Do you know what would be really cool? If Christopher and Billie were to return then I think they should appear in Tales of the Tardis Season 2.
No chance. Even ignoring the fact Christopher won't work under the current producers, the Tales of the TARDIS shorts are very nostalga heavy with little dramatic substance, and Eccleston has gone on record for decades that he's against that sort of cheap storytelling, and frankly I don't blame him.
I would love nothing more for Christopher to come back.
Eccleston is the *_man!_*
I think Christopher Eccelston is the first person I've seen (and maybe the only one other than Elon Musk) that called people out by name on the spot
Out here naming names. Wow 🔥🔥🔥
He looks more like The Doctor than ever with the grey hair and beard. For some reason it fits perfectly.
I liked Chris portrayal. Dude was so charismatic in that role. Its too bad he has beef with the show runners.
He's true to his word and respect the hell out of what he wants.
I don’t understand why Eccleston is so stunning and brave for bailing after the first series instead of at least trying to use his clout as the star of a hit show to improve the situation for the cast and crew he claimed to care about instead of waiting years to pointlessly denounce not only Davies but the entire BBC. Here he complains about the studio politics as much as he complains about the alleged mistreatment of the crew. Somehow I don't think David Tennant, Catherine Tate, and Billie Piper would have continued with the series and then come back to it years later if Davies is the horrible monster he's made out to be. Certainly not Tennant who has 3 times the career Eccleston could hope for.
He did try and change things, it got him pushed out by senior execs and shadow blacklisted from the BBC.
I think it's unfortunate that Christopher and RTD can't just sit down and talk. I'm certain that there's nothing malicious in RTD's wish to just push through and get the show made, no matter what - even if it made him unsympathetic to Chris' complaints from the set.
Russell had the world on his shoulders making it. The sheer weight of expectation and potential judgement, all at a time when they were making a type of show the BBC hadn't made, or funded, in decades.
I respect Chris for sticking to his guns, I lose a tiny bit of that when his bitterness clouds his ability to see the other side.
That quote from BBC was given the go-ahead, if not outright penned, by Russell. Eccleston wanted to bow out gracefully but that quote is really what made it all public and I think that lie is probably where a lot of the animosity comes from. Russell would probably need to apologise to Eccleston before he’d ever consider coming back.
Weirdly he groups RTD with himself and Billie in "people the BBC would have blamed if New Who had failed" right here in this video so his issue with RTD must be different from what he's describing there.
@@JackThuRipper1 I'd agree with that. I absolutely do feel that RTD owes Chris a personal, sit down apology. RTD has already said that he blames himself for the situation, being the boss. I do honestly feel that it's Chris's stubbornness that has prevented it from happening, though.
@@SarcyBoi41 His issues with RTD weren't because of what RTD did, it was what he didn't do. In the past he mentioned that he brought up a lot of concerns about on set behaviour, safety issues, and mistreatment of the crew to the higher ups but was ignored.
I think some people have misinterpreted what he meant by politics in relation to UA-cam and news
He needs to think about his legion of fans who missed him badly and want him.return .Forgiving will heal him .
Good for him. I really hope he doesn't start resenting the fans for endlessly asking him back but I also hope he sticks to his guns.
Chris keeps it real 24/7 and I love it
I would happily see them all fired, especially Russell.
0:18 are you my mummy?
I'm going to be coming back to this the more Doctor Who drags on
Russell T Davies explains Bi-generation | Which Tardis is the original? ua-cam.com/video/P_JJOizdbFA/v-deo.html
AKA, his own "improvements" to the lore.
Yh this whole bi generation and multiple TARDIS is just ridiculous
i think thats the first time hes actually named the people hes pissed off with hes always been vague as hell about it before hand
I'm suprised he called out RTD. He seems so pleasant!
RTD doesn't care about the show, just his own era. That was proven by the 60th anniversary being a celebration of series 4. Absolutely disgusting but the paper fans who only care about Tennnat lap it up
Didn't Billie Piper look terribly awkward during Eccleston's tirade. I suspect her take on the events that went on behind the scenes are somewhat at odds with Eccleston's. And as she said, she never had a problem with returning to the show. And despite what Eccleston said, the show was a huge success right from the moment it returned in 2005. Its success is not just down to his and Billie's involvement, but also those who he thinks should be sacked. Indeed, Doctor Who became even more popular once David Tennant arrived, with the same production team behind him.
Perhaps, and I'm sure Eccleston has addressed this before, it's because this was really her first big acting role? She was new, and I'm pretty sure that Eccleston has talked about her not having the experience and confidence to say no about the sorts of things he would clearly have no issue calling out.
Also... Eccleston is talking about the production of the show, not the airing. The whole point was that people (BBC higher ups) didn't want to be associated with it because they thought it'd be absolute dogshit, but then when it took off like it did, they turned around and acted like they had 100% confidence it in the whole time. Eccleston clearly doesn't want anything to do with bullshitters like that. That's the politics he's referring to. Having to keep people happy at the BBC higher level. RTD (and those he also mentioned) played that game. Eccleston didn't. And likely lost a lot of respect for them for rolling over to people that were basically shitting from up high on the work they were doing.
He didnt say it wasnt immediately a success, he said during production they were completely left to their own devices and the beeb were far too hands off which is why production was such a mess. Someone literally nearly died on set it was such a shitshow. And yet afterwards when it DID work and was so succesful, everyone was proud to put their name to it and take credit, thats his issue.
I agree with some of what you say, but the fact is Billie Piper was there at the time, she is no longer new in the acting profession, she could confirm or deny what he is saying; but probably not when he's sitting right next to her!
I do remember reading an interview with her once where she joked about the differences on set between working with Eccleston and Tennant and how much lighter the atmosphere was on set after Tennant arrived. Apparently Eccleston tended to stay in his caravan, brooding (avoiding all that bullshit flying about, probably) whereas Tennant was very much on set, laughing and getting involved. But then Tennant was a life-long fan and Eccleston never thought the original show had been made with children like him in mind: whatever that's supposed to mean.
I must make it clear, I do really like Chris and agree with his stance on most things; but this issue has gone on for far too long, and that's a shame because he's probably locked himself out of ever working with RTD again. Which is a greater loss for him IMO, not RTD. @@markc4008
@@Julian-ij3vcI feel like the fact Piper stayed on is probably the reason she doesn't see the set as having been as toxic as Eccleston does. But I'll be honest, Eccleston not being on set being light hearted and Tennant choosing to do so doesn't really help the case. If anything, it's perhaps more of a reason why Piper wouldn't speak out, because what she recalls is just pure work during S1 and then fun during S2 and S4. Which is fair. The atmosphere plays a big part in how fun making a show can be. But how fun the making of the show was is not the issue here.
I don't think Eccleston really cares about working with RTD again, so it's hardly a loss for him.
@@markc4008 I think Chris would like to return (he said he loves the role), but not under those people he called out. Which is the main issue here, as they are currently at the helm, RTD mostly, but also those others, some went from BBC to the Bad Wolf production company, I think I saw some of those names there. So it's not like he is at loss with or without RTD, he is more at loss BECAUSE of RTD. Under someone else, he might return, or at least think about it seriously. But not under RTD. Well at least he's at Big Finish, where he can still be the Doctor.
The goat has spoken
Given the absolute car crash of the latest season I couldn’t be loving this more.
People with responsibility in the workplace need accountability for their actions or inactions.
Yes we would love him to come back, but given how they treated the show all these years it’s wise to just let it die.
So Billie, would you return?
"So I returned a bunch of times" 😂
Love her, love him, and I love that they respect each other enough
Good for you I agree he was my favourite dr growing up Chris left dr who way to soon 😮😢
I'm relatively excited to have RTD back based on his prior tenure on the show and its character-writing strength.
But if it was a choice between RTD and getting Ecclseton back, sack that showrunner in a heartbeat! :-)
i'd say the showrunner is more important than the actor in a show where the actor constantly changes anyways. it's not eccleston's show anymore, baby :-)
RTD had a solid vision, but he's not the George Lucas of Dr. Who. More like Dave Filoni, where he still takes cues from KK and the toxic fandom. If I would grade the showrunners of New Who based on their series', it'd be
Russel T. Davies: B
Steven Moffat: B+
Christ Chimmey: C
I hope we can find a truly brilliant NEW showrunner in the next couple series. We'll find it in their writing staff.
Anyone know what they actually did to him to piss him off?
Or in what way he thought the 1st series was a mess?
He literally just said why💀
Before it was popular they would call it crap and blame it on him, billie and Davies. Then when it did become popular they started acting like they supported them all along, he didnt like how fake they were towards him and their politics
Eccleston was the only experience person on set. There was a lot of pressure going on with the BBC to bring back the show. RTD and his team has no idea how to manage the production as they were all new to it. Eccleston had a terrible time filming the show, and the BBCs politics going on behind the scenes, so he left after his first series and swore never to return unless those producers had nothing to do with bum
@@samburgerwithcheeze8145 but he blames Davies as well as the producers...
There was a lot of bullying of junior crew members. I saw an interview with RTD during production. He was very forceful about wanting it to be perfect. "I will personally lean against the scenery to stop it wobbling." He said. With hindsight it's not that difficult to see that he was probably capable of being a complete bstd to anyone he didn't think was doing a perfect job.
Also, John Barrowman and Noel Clarke were indulging in wildly inappropriate behaviour for a workplace, or indeed any place that wasn't a sleazy Soho nightclub full of perverts. Eccleston complained about it and the bullying and his concerns were dismissed.
When he decided to leave, the production team put out stories that implied he wasn't up to the job. He'd brcome tired, he didn't rralise what a hard job it was, he hadn't been prepared for so much attention. (For crying out loud, he'd been in Cracker. One of the most talked about series of the previous 20 years) RTD couldn't help echoing the production hierarchy's tactics in "The Christmas Invasion" when the Tenth Doctor torpedoed Prime Minister Harriet Jones (MP for Flydale North) by saying to a flunky "Do you think she looks tired?"
Eccleston found casting directors to be unwilling to hire him after that.
I would never have watched Doctor Who if it wasn't for Christopher Eccleston. I was an adult when it came back and hadn't grown up watching Doctor Who...I was aware of it as a cheap show with pantomime looking actors in flamboyant costumes (now that I have watched a lot of Doctor Who, I can see how unfair that was). So when the guy from Our Friends in the North and Shallow Grave and Cracker is going to be in it, I paid attention. He gave the show credibility for me.
Now i want to see them in a taskmaster new year's special!
How incredibly refreshing to hear something real and heartfelt from an earnest and honourable man. It makes such a change from the nauseating consensus that RTD is some kind of miracle worker whose farts smell of roses. Actually I strongly suspect, were he not gay, he'd be held in considerably less esteem and a lot more dirty laundry would have come out. Having said that I've no doubt Eccleston's demons are part of the equation.
Maybe he will come back with the next head writer😫
Brilliant. Billie nearly spat her water out 😂
He was the best new Doctor.
He was the best 9th doctor, with Rowan Atkinson a close second
The 9th Doctor is not my favorite, but there are a lot of us now who agree with him.
“Now” because presumably a quality of the current season? When he was talking about how people were treated on set???
My favorite doctor.
I'm fine with those conditions. RTD should be writing only, with a wise script editor filtering what he comes out with.
One of these days, all four of the people he mentioned will leave...
... And Chris will have a glorious return! ❤️
He didn't return when they left before
@@diccchocolate416 I don't blame Chris for not coming back during 13's run considering it was awful (love Jodie, hate the writing).
@@diccchocolate416 Most of them didn't even left. Like sure the showrunners changed, the main cast changed, but some people in the background still remained. See, some of those people left the BBC, but formed the Bad Wolf production company and are back at producing Doctor Who, right now with RTD as showrunner, so the old team back together. And when RTD leaves, they may still remain and find someone else.
@@mikebliss3153No one mentioned 13's run, it was about the fact that he didn't come back as the War Doctor, when he was supposed to.
@@dp-g5i Nice job missing the context of this entire chain!
People keep asking him this question. He keeps giving the same answers. But he never ever actually clarifies anything. What did RTD or the other producers do to still have a feud over it 20 years later?
Billie looks bloody adorable😂