Smith Hopeful for Eccleston Return

Many fans are hoping for a multi-Doctor story for Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary next year. While most of the surviving Doctors have expressed an interest in returning, Christopher Eccleston may prove a tougher nut to crack.

Eccleston distanced himself from the show after leaving the role of 9th Doctor due to problems

But Matt Smith is still hopeful for Eccleston’s return.

Smith told Esquire magazine: “Chris will be alright. Well, I mean, who knows? I’d love it. I’d love him to come back.”

He added: “I love his Doctor. I really do. He was from Manchester. Proper hard. Leather jacket. He’d give my Doctor a bit of a whopping, wouldn’t he?”

Last year, Eccleston made it pretty clear he wasn’t interested in returning. When asked directly, he replied: “No, never bathe in the same river twice.”

However, during a recent Q&A at the National Theatre, Eccleston told audiences he thought there was “more for him to do” with the character. So perhaps he could be swayed yet?