I think 3 full series is the ideal length of time, and with the exceptions of Tom Baker and Jon Pertwee, is the established tenure for the majority of the other doctors. Baker went on far too long in my opinion.

But as long as Smith does more than 1 series and less than 5, I won't have a problem.

The longer he stays, the more we as viewers will begin to anticipate how his doctor will react in any given situation, so 3 years should be about right.

Tennant is the least likely to struggle...as he has proved himself more than enough while appearing as the Doctor....if he was able to convince people of being able to play more parts then....from TV to Radio and theatre....he will have no problem convincing people to still give him roles...i mean since he has left the role he has done two films, two radio plays, shot for a pilot series, is shooting for a drama, probably right this moment, has two film projects in the pipe line.....I think the main reason we are not seeing a lot of him right now is that he is trying not to get too involved with too many projects while this pilot is still up in the air....because if it gets commisioned, the he will have to commit to it....but if it doesn't then he can look somewhere else...its because of this pilot he dropped out of Burke and Hare...and then only for it to be announced by NBC that they were not planning to show Rex in the Spring, as they had hoped. Shame about that...would have loved to see Pgg and Tennant together.

As for Eccleston...well he again hasn't been typecast...he has always been a very private actor....doing sometimes one job once a year....this year we have Lennon from him....


And as for Matt Smith...the reason i suggested that his youth and energy will be a benefit is that say if he did stick to 7 years in the role, i feel that just like DT, he will put his fingers in other pies....and as he leaves he will only be 35 years old....still at an age where actors are employed a lot. Plus he has more than shown his versetality....he will have no problem....DT and CE have thrown the whole typecasting thing in the bin....now anyone who works on Doctor Who is hot property!

Many people have been surprised at Tennant's decision to walk away from the Burke and Hare project. It just doesn't make sense on the part of someone looking to establish themselves in Hollywood.... Unless Tennant has a very significant other project which he can't as yet talk about or confirm.. Rumour (and I stress, only rumour) has it that he will be cast as Bilbo Baggins in 'The Hobbit' film due to be released in 2012. If that transpires, then I don't think we need have any worries at all about Tennant establishing himself post-Doctor Who.

Of course, if nothing happens, and Tennant doesn't get a 'big role', then he can always return for the 2013 Anniversary special of Doctor Who!!

so long as its a longer run then CE did (loved him but hated him leaving so soon) I'll be ok!

Am I the only one who thinks maybe we should get used to and enjoy watching Matt Smith rather than wondering how long he will play The Doctor? The guy has only just started for goodness sake! Lol!

I just hope we don't get into a similar situation we did with Tennant where he was asked when he was leaving every five minutes! This was being asked even as early as the completion of the second season!

Let's just settle into watching Matt Smith. Such questions should only be speculated on after he's done at least three series, which he's contracted to appear in.