‘Doctor Who’ former star Christopher Eccleston sends video message at Moffat’s wrap party

Former “Doctor Who” star Christopher Eccleston appeared to have had set aside any ill feeling he allegedly had toward the show. The Ninth Doctor, who famously left the British series after one season, reportedly recorded a video message for departing showrunner Steven Moffat at the show’s wrap party.

Eccleston starred as the titular Time Lord when the show was rebooted in 2005. However, he previously said he had a falling out with “three individuals at the very top of the pyramid” and therefore had to leave. He refused to give more information, including what their argument was about and who the people involved were. At that time, the showrunner was Russell T Davies, while Steven Moffat was one of the writers.

He met with Moffat to talk about the latter’s plans for the show’s 50^th anniversary episode, “The Day of the Doctor,” in 2013, but ultimately decided not to be in the episode. He and Moffat appeared to at least have a good relationship.

And so it’s not inconceivable that he would wish the writer well at the show’s wrap party. According to BBC Wales senior brand executive Edward Russell, the best part of that party was Eccleston’s video message.

Russell did not offer any more explanation, leaving Whovians to speculate what Eccleston’s message contained. The video message would also unlikely to contain any promise that the 53-year-old actor would return for Moffat’s last episode as executive producer, the Christmas Special episode, in December.

He would, however, return for the 100^th anniversary. “I’m giving you an exclusive, I will return for the 100^th anniversary,” he jokingly told Inverse in May.

The show was first aired in 1963. By its 100^th year in 2063, Eccleston will be 99 years old.

“Doctor Who” Christmas Special will see current and Twelfth Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, regenerating into Thirteen. It will be Moffat and Capaldi’s last episode.

Read more:
‘Doctor Who’: Christopher Eccleston regrets leaving show early
Christopher Eccleston Reveals Fight With ‘Doctor Who’ Bosses As Reason For His Exit
‘Doctor Who’ season 10 finale: ‘The Doctor Falls’ perhaps hints at female Doctor regeneration