Russell T Davies surprised by Doctor Who's longevity

Russell T Davies, the showrunner of Doctor Who, never expected the series to last 20 years after its 2005 revival. He rebooted the classic sci-fi show 16 years after it was canceled by the BBC. Davies, 61, said that actress Billie Piper, who played Rose Tyler, was his "secret weapon" for the show's success. Piper starred alongside Christopher Eccleston in the first series, which aired on March 26, 2005. Later, David Tennant became the 10th Doctor. In an interview with Radio Times, Davies shared his feelings during the show's revival. He loved Doctor Who but thought it might be a last chance to make it work again. At that time, he hoped for just a second season. He noted that the show felt both important and precarious. Davies praised both Eccleston and Piper, saying her talent was a great surprise. He acknowledged that there were doubts and criticisms ahead of the show's return. He emphasized the unique storytelling style of Doctor Who, which allows for varied and imaginative episodes. He mentioned that many actors have played the Doctor due to the character's ability to regenerate. Reflecting on the show's lasting success, Davies remarked, “Never, never, never would you have thought we’d be here 20 years later.” Davies took over as showrunner from Chris Chibnall in 2022. In 2023, Tennant returned to portray the 14th Doctor in three special episodes to celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary. Currently, Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor, and his second series is set to launch on April 12 on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.