Tennant to Leave Doctor Who After 2009 Specials

It’s official — announced today by the man himself: Tennant will only do the 2009 specials, and a new Doctor will feature in the 5th Series.

The news has appeared on the Outpost Gallifrey news page, as well as The Guardian newspaper, the website for BBC News, and, finally, on the official Doctor Who website.

Tennant is quoted as saying: “I love this part, and I love this show so much that if I don’t take a deep breath and move on now I never will, and you’ll be wheeling me out of the Tardis in my bath chair.” Tennant also says, “I think it’s better to go when there’s a chance that people might miss you, rather than to hang around and outstay your welcome,” he said.

As usual for a long-time Who fan, I am filled with a mix of wistful disappointment and excited anticipation.