clipped from: entertainment.timesonline.co.uk

Timelord David Tennant quits the Tardis after five years

DAVID TENNANT as The Doctor and CATHERINE TATE as Donna in Dr Who

David Tennant is to quit as Doctor Who at the end of next year.

The actor made the announcement just before he won the Outstanding Drama Performance award at the National Television Awards last night.

Tennant has been widely hailed as one of the most popular Doctors in the history of the show

He said last night: “When Doctor Who returns in 2010 it won’t be with me. Now don’t make me cry. The 2009 shows will be my last playing the doctor.”

The BBC confirmed that Tennant would complete the filming of four special episodes to be shown this year and early in 2010, as well as a Christmas special in 2009. There is no series scheduled for next year because of Tennant’s commitments with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

if I don’t take a deep breath and make the decision to move on now, then I simply never will.

This show has been so special to me, but I don’t want to outstay my welcome.

But we’re planning the most enormous and spectacular ending,