BBC Admits To Faux Pas On Eccleston Departure

The other shoe finally begins to drop... According to BBC News, the BBC "admits it broke an agreement with" actor Christopher Eccleston in the controversial issue that led to Eccleston not returning for a second year. "The BBC failed to speak to actor Christopher Eccleston before revealing he was going to quit Dr Who after the first series, it has admitted. It was originally claimed the actor feared being typecast if he stayed on. In a statement, the BBC quoted Eccleston as saying 'he hoped viewers continued to enjoy the series.' But the BBC has admitted it did not consult him about that statement and also broke its agreement not to reveal he planned to film just one series." The news report suggests that the BBC regrets not having spoken to Eccleston before responding to the press enquiries after word of Eccleston not returning was broken by the Mirror and the Sun on March 30. "The BBC regrets not speaking to Christopher before it responded to the press questions on Wednesday 30 March," said BBC Head of Drama and Commissioning Jane Tranter. "The BBC further regrets that it falsely attributed a statement to Christopher and apologises to him." A further report onYahoo! News adds an additional quote from Tranter: "Contrary to press statements Christopher did not leave for fear of being typecast or because of the gruelling filming schedule." A BBC spokesman said a mutual agreement was made between the corporation and Eccleston in January that the fact he was not making a second series would not be made public. But after journalists questioned the press office, the news was confirmed. The news reports also mention the second season and that David Tennant is still in negotiations to star. (Thanks to Steve Tribe, Paul Engelberg, Matt Kimpton, Benjamin Elliott)