Matt Smith's Doctor Who is 'a bit like Tom Baker'
A top television expert has said Northampton actor Matt Smith's portrayal of Doctor Who is reminiscent of the man who was arguably the show's biggest-ever star, Tom Baker.
Daily Telegraph journalist Neil Midgley followed the former Northampton School for Boys pupil during the first six months of filming for the hit show's new series.
He said the Northampton- born actor brought a new kind of intensity to the show, with a performance much different to that of David Tennant, who he replaced as the Doctor in the New Year.
He said: "Smith is certainly his own Doctor. Less prickly than Christopher Eccleston and without the slapstick of David Tennant, he brings an air of muddled intensity that's a bit reminiscent of, say, Tom Baker, though without the stripy scarf."
Matt's first full episode of Doctor Who is due to be shown on BBC1 on April 3, with the corporation expecting anything up to 10 million viewers to tune in.
The episode, called The Eleventh Hour, will also be shown at an exclusive preview event in Northampton on March 31, where both Matt and his new co-star, Karen Gillan, will be present.
Speaking to Mr Midgely about the show, Matt said: "I think episode one has a lovely fairytale quality to it. It's quite filmic, actually, and has a great story.
"It's a good start for us."
It has also been reported Matt will star in an official Doctor Who computer game to be released later this year.
Nintendo is believed to have signed a contract said to be worth more than 10 million to create the game for its Wii and DS consoles.
It is thought the game, which would include baddies such as the Daleks and Cybermen, could be in shops for Christmas.
The new series of Doctor Who is due to run for 13 episodes and a Christmas special is also planned.
During the series, it has been rumoured the Doctor will meet a host of famous characters from history, including Winston Churchill and artist Vincent Van Gogh.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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