Sky Showbiz – Wednesday 6th April, 2005

One in four Dr Who fans want to see Richard E Grant as the next Timelord.

A poll by Sky Showbiz Online revealed the Withnail & I star is the clear favourite to replace Christopher Eccleston.

Fans were rocked when Eccleston revealed last week he’s quitting the show after just one series.

He has proved a massive ratings hit – even beating Ant & Dec’s Saturday Takeaway into second place.

And fans say Grant could continue the success of Eccleston, who stars alongside former pop babe Billie Piper in the revamped sci-fi show.

Wacky comedian Eddie Izzard polled more than 19% of the votes to take second place, with Love Actually star Bill Nighy in third with 13%.

Robbie Williams was surprisingly in fourth place with Casanova star David Tennant – tipped to take over Eccleston – in fifth place.

The Office star Ricky Gervais was just behnd him with 8% and Anna Friel’s boyfriend David Thewlis was last with just over 6%.”