How very true.

It's been implied in other things he has said, although I can't find the article to hand.

Here it is, or at least one version of it.

I'm not too fussed...really, we don't need all the older Docs back for this anniversary. Some of them have a Big Finish audio coming out where they get to shine. Everyone gets what they want in some capacity, even if it's not in the way some prefer.

Aww no, I'm really disappointed by this news. Although Tennant was my favourite Doctor, I'd rather see Eccleston back; he was my first, and only had one series. I would have been great to see him back, especially to interact with 10 and 11. Still, I'll try not to live in denial...

It's a shame. I would've loved to have seen him one last time on the show.

I think Chris did all he needed to do. He got the ball rolling, and rode off into the sunset when his job was done.

Although, he did say in an interview that Moffat wrote two of his BEST episodes, and now Steven's the head writer and executive producer. The entire production team is different now.

He would probably experience something completely different if he were to come back. A nicer atmosphere.

A regeneration scene from 8 to 9 which would just need his image in amongst the special effects?

At least he was there for one series....

I would have loved to have seen him reunited with Rose (just to see Rose's expression to be with 9 and 10 at the same time) but - like others - 9 wasn't my favourite Doctor so as long as 10 and 11 are in it, I'm happy.

I still have my fingers crossed for 8, though!!!

True. If McGann does appear it will make up for it 10-fold.

I don't know, the pedantic in me wants to emphasise that he claimed Moffat's episodes were the 'best received'. Whether they were his personal favourites or not wasn't clear. In the end, he joined Doctor Who as a favour for Russell T.

And as for the filming experience, who knows! The show hasn't been filmed in 3D before, which, apart from the obvious teething problems which might occur, it would suggest that the direction might end up being more 'style-over-substance', which I gather isn't Chris's thing at all.

I'm making him sound like a right acting toff, aren't I! Of course he isn't. I admire actors with principals and boundaries.

It's a shame roles like The Doctor have such a tight, sharp grip on the actors that inhabit them. It must be so off-putting.

is this definite..... who was actually told this.... any chance they are lying to keep it a suprise... it would seriosuly be a crying shame if he wasn't in it

Being reported by newspapers as well.....
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-en...n-8561822.html

At least one living former doctor - David Tennant - will return for the one-off show after it was announced he and Billie Piper, who played companion Rose Tyler for two series, will join the current Doctor, played by Matt Smith, in the programme.

But fans might still get the chance to see Eccleston's portrayal of The Doctor as show bosses are rumoured to be planning to use old footage of previous doctors for the special show.

BBC spokesman..... who is it.... normal papers rubbish... no photos of billie either......

what is going on...... i say cards are still on the table here

has anyone like moffat said chris isn't in it?

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for Paul McGann's return myself.

Damn so Chris was tempted enough to meet up with Moffat but still declined. Tantalisingly close...

Very wise of the BBC to be clear that he's not in it and also to point out that he was never in it to put to rest all those false rumours of him changing his mind etc. Hopefully that will stop some of the bitchy comments being aimed at him (although probably not).

He considered it. Just be happy he thought about, listened to Moffat at least twice, and gave it some thought. That's a massive positive, even he's not involved now.

Well, Bowie declined to appear in the Olympics closing ceremony but then decided to release a new album instead so who knows what the future holds

Sad news. Chris seemingly is one of those actors who doesnt look back easily.
That said, it is not impossible I guess for him to appear in the future-possibly a film?
Would have been perfect for the 50th though.

The spokesman told DS, not the papers, it's definitely true.

a film lololololololool

if he is not in the 50th no way for a film lololo

If Chris Eccleston is not going to be in the 50th Anniversary episode, that means that the Rose Tyler we will see in it will will not be the earlier likeable one who was the Ninth Doctor's companion, but the later insufferable one who accompanied the Tenth Doctor. What a drag.

We definitely need more than two Doctors in this episode. Here's how to complete a trio of Doctors - bring back Paul McGann!

Also, here's a novel idea - cast an unknown actor in his twenties to play a younger version of Wiliam Hartnell's Doctor.

Who said that the ninth Doctor won't be in it? No one. They said that Chris Eccleston won't be filming anything for it. That's all.

So, basically, they left Granny McSmith in charge of casting? Typical (IMO). The Zygons beat up Alpha Centauri so the tenth Doctor steps in to help, egged on by a hologram of the second Doctor.

Oh well. I never expected CE to be in it, but it would have been nice. He was never a fan if the show and is well known as someone who wants to keep moving forward with roles. Did us all a great favour by doing such a good job (*blows raspberry in direction of a certain diva casting agent*)

The BBC should get revenge, though, by making half the special out of ninth doctor clips. just to annoy him.

Hope Moffat's done something to homage his Doctor without him, Ten and Eleven turning to each other upon saving the world from the The Daleks / Zygons and saying "Fantastic!" or something.