CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON - ECCLESTON IS NEW DR WHO

Classically trained British actor CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON has been confirmed as DR WHO for the eagerly awaited new TV series.

The 28 DAYS LATER star will be the ninth Dr Who in the cult British show - beating off competition from transvestite comedian EDDIE IZZARD, GOSFORD PARK actor RICHARD E GRANT and TV favourite ALAN DAVIES, to appear in the first series in 15 tears.

JANE TRANTER, head of BBC drama, says, "We have chosen one of Britain's finest actors.

"It signals our intention to take Dr Who into the 21st century as well as retaining its core, traditional values to be surprising, edgy and eccentric."

Filming is due to start in Wales later this Spring (04) with the first series airing early next year (05).