Christopher Eccleston Reveals Fight With ‘Doctor Who’ Bosses As Reason For His Exit

Christopher Eccleston has finally revealed why he left “Doctor Who” after a successful first season in 2005. The English actor stunned Whovians when he announced he wouldn’t be continuing the iconic role anymore, prompting speculations that he clashed with showrunner Russell T Davies. He all but confirmed that he did.

In an interview with “Loose Ends” host Emma Freud, the 51-year-old actor uncharacteristically talked about the long-running show, which he helped revived 10 years ago before abruptly leaving it after just one season. In his previous interviews, he wasn’t as forthcoming with the details of his exit. In his recent interview, though, he has revealed a little more than he had previously, and he didn’t even appear annoyed in talking about the show.

He was still hesitant to talk about why he left, only saying that what was important was that he did. However, after repeated prodding from the host, who argued that it’s important for his fans to know his reasons, Eccleston admitted he had conflict with the top guys, as what the fans have already surmised.

“Myself and three individuals at the very top of the pyramid clashed so off I went,” he explained, but refused to further give information. “But they’re not here to say their side of it so I’m not going into detail.”

He didn’t give names, but during Eccleston’s time, Davies was the chief writer, executive producer and showrunner. Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat, who became showrunner after Davies’ exit in 2008, were also at the top tier, as well as a few other names. Eccleston also didn’t specify what his issues with the top bosses were, but he told the Daily Record that he simply had enough.

“I’d had enough. I wanted to do it my way, they wanted something else. We were never going to compromise so it was best to be straight about it and just go. It’s very easy to stay in one job and make your comfort zone, and I want to resist that temptation,” he told the paper.

He didn’t completely leave “Doctor Who,” though. As he jokingly added to “Loose Ends,” he was “there in spirit” in David Tennant, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi, referring to the actors who succeeded him.

After leaving the lucrative role, Eccleston went on to star in numerous television, film and theatre roles, including the blockbuster “Thor: The Dark World.” He is currently starring in the UK drama “Safe House,” in which he plays a former detective who recuperates from a serious injury by running a guest house with his wife Katy (Marsha Thomason) in the country.

“Safe House” premieres on STV on Monday.