So this morning, news broke that Christopher Eccleston is apparently not returning to Doctor Who. Digital Spy broke the news first, claiming that they have spoken to the BBC PR team and that while Chris had a couple of meetings with Steven Moffat to discuss the 50th episodes, he ultimately decided not to do it. Now as you can imagine, the internet has predictably exploded with the news and emotions range from outrage to disappointment.
What I want to say is that we have neither heard from Chris or the BBC officially to confirm this and I know that Digital Spy have a history of getting things wrong. It's not to say that the story is false because it could well be true but I have difficulty believing DS when they only say an 'official source' in their article and don't name them at all. Chris may well not be in the episode but it may not be for the reasons stated or if he is, the BBC want to keep this a secret as long as possible and are therefore not backing up DS or denying DS's story. The only people that will know the real truth is Chris, Moffat and the Beeb.
Regardless, it does not excuse the absolute horrific comments being made about Chris on the internet. Fans have exploded with rage and are calling him an absolute failure, the world's biggest idiot, a twat, a prick, douchebag etc. People are also saying he's let the fans and the show down completely and we should never forgive him for this total error in judgement. I hardly know what to make of it but it's completely and utterly unacceptable behaviour. I get that people are upset and I get that he's their favourite Doctor (he's mine too) but there is absolutely no need to fucking rage at the guy for a decision (if true) he's made. I respect Chris enormously as an actor and he is a man of principle. If he does not feel a role is right for him, he won't take it and I completely agree and respect that. Why should an actor have to come back to a role he did almost ten years ago purely because the fans want it? It's not right.
I really loathe the Who fandom sometimes because it can be completely out of control with fans believing that they have a sense of entitlement to pretty much everything. I admire Moffat for even taking on the 50th ep, knowing that fan's expectations will be out of control.