Christopher Eccleston has been cast as the Doctor in the new Doctor Who TV Series, due to air in 2005. Combined with the previously announced writer/producer Russell T. Davies, we can expect a much darker, deeper and dramatic Saturday evening hiding behind the sofa.

This is a very strong casting, one that may well upset people who like a multi-faceted Doctor. However if you want a tortured soul, and someone to drag the emotion from the pit of your stomach, Christopher Eccleston is probably able to deliver.

My only hope is the, as yet uncast, companion role, will go to Kelly Macdonald, mostly based on her work as Della Smith in State of Play

Shooting starts in Cardiff later this year, and the series will be on our screens in 2005. Meanwhile here are some clips of Christopher Eccleston...

• 28 Days Later
• The Others
• Jude
• Shallow Grave

The Doctor is coming back, and this time it's serious.