‘Doctor Who’ creator Steven Moffat has made a confession which will shock fans, admitting that he considered pulling the plug on the show when David Tennant left.
The actor quit the show in 2009, leaving producers questioning whether anyone could possibly replace him.
David Tennant
DoctorWhoTV report that Steven made his comments at the Hay Festival, revealing that it was former ‘Doctor Who’ writer Russell T Davies who insisted new episodes should be made.
"I think there were plans maybe to consider ending it,” Steven said. "It was Russell T Davies saying, 'You are not allowed to end it' [that kept it going]."
David was succeeded by Matt Smith in the end, but Steven has admitted that deciding on a replacement was a “huge question”.
"David owned that role in a spectacular way, gave it an all-new cheeky sexy performance and became a national treasure," he explained. "So the idea that ‘Doctor Who’ could go on at all in the absence of David was a huge question.
"I didn't realise how many people thought it wouldn't succeed at all. That was quite terrifying when I found out about it later."
Matt Smith replaced David
Matt went on to star as the Doctor until 2013, stepping down at the end of the last series.
Peter Capaldi is set to star as the twelfth Doctor and filming has begun of the new series, which will be broadcast in August.
In January, we were given our first glimpse at Capaldi as the Doctor and the cast were recently spotted filming scenes in Port Talbot, Wales.
David Tennant Through The Years
Billie Piper, David Tennant(01 of43)
A 2006 handout photo made available by the BBC from an episode of "Doctor Who" showing Billie Piper, left, as Rose Tyler and David Tennant as The Tenth Doctor. "Doctor Who" is turning 50 and the BBC is throwing a broadcasting blowout for the sci-fi show, which began with little fanfare and few expectations on Nov. 23, 1963 but is now one of its biggest hits and major exports. (AP Photo/BBC, Mike Hogan) (credit:AP)
The Friday Night Project - David Tennant(02 of43)
Filming for the Friday Night Project (TX: Channel 4, March 28, 2008 @ 2200) with David Tennant. Comedy Sketches that David took part in with Justin and Alan include a Dr Who spoof filmed in the style of a Carry On film, complete with a sexy nurse and David dressed as a new camp Doctor as he joins Alan Carr and Justin Lee Collins as the second guest host in the sixth series of The Friday Night Project at the London Studios. (credit:PA)
David Tennant on Absolute Radio - London(03 of43)
David Tennant co-hosts the Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show on Absolute Radio at their studios in Leicester Square, central London. (credit:PA)
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"Sunshine on Leith" Screening - London(05 of43)
David Tennant arriving at the Sunshine on Leith film VIP screening at BAFTA in Piccadilly in London. (credit:PA)
Doctor Who Series 4 screening - London(06 of43)
David Tennant stands infront of the Tardis after arriving for the Doctor Who Series 4 screening at the Apollo West End in central London. (credit:PA)
David Tennant(07 of43)
FILE - In Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011 file photo, British actor David Tennant arrives for the UK premiere of Fright Night at a central London venue. "Doctor Who" star David Tennant is returning to the Royal Shakespeare Company this year to play a troubled king in "Richard II." Tennant, who played the time-travelling hero of the beloved, long-running BBC sci-fi series for four years, starred in an acclaimed RSC production of "Hamlet" in 2008. Artistic director Gregory Doran Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 announced details of other productions for late 2013, including adaptations of Hilary Mantel's historical novels "Wolf Hall" and "Bring Up the Bodies," which focus on King Henry VIII's enigmatic powerbroker, Thomas Cromwell. (AP Photo/Jonathan Short, File) (credit:AP)
The Evening Standard Theatre Awards - London(08 of43)
David Tennant arrives at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards, held at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. (credit:PA)
Absolute Radio Nativity show(09 of43)
David Tennant playing the Virgin Mary during a live nativity performance on the Christian O'Connell Absolute Radio morning breakfast show, in their studios in central London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday December 21, 2012. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire (credit:PA)
"Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger" Premiere - London(10 of43)
David Tennant arriving at the premiere of Nativity 2, Empire Cinema, Leicester square, London. (credit:PA)
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists Premiere - London(11 of43)
David Tennant arrives for the premiere of new film Pirates at the Mayfair Hotel in London. (credit:PA)
National Television Awards 2007 Press Room - London(12 of43)
Dr Who actor David Tennant receives the award for Most Popular Actor, backstage during the National Television Awards 2007, Royal Albert Hall, London. (credit:PA)
Empire Presents...Big Screen - London(13 of43)
David Tennant arrives at the premiere of Fright Night, part of the Empire Big Screen, at the O2 centre in east London. (credit:PA)
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The Graham Norton Show - London(15 of43)
David Tennant, during filming of the Graham Norton Show at the London Studios in south London, to be screened on Friday April 15 on BBC One. (credit:PA)
Empire Presents...Big Screen - London(16 of43)
David Tennant arrives at the premiere of Fright Night, part of the Empire Big Screen, at the O2 centre in east London. (credit:PA)
Harry Potter Premiere(17 of43)
David Tennant arrives at the world premiere of 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' in London's Leicester Square, Sunday 6 November. The film is the fourth version of JK Rowling's series of Harry Potter books to be made. (credit:PA)
David Tennant visits Absolute Radio(18 of43)
Guest David Tennant at Absolute Radio in Soho, central London, where he was a guest on DJ Christian O'Connell's Breakfast Show. (credit:PA)
National Television Awards 2010 - Press Room - London(19 of43)
David Tennant with his best drama performance award, at the National Television Awards 2010, at the 02 Arena, London. (credit:PA)
David Tennant Doctor Who photocall - London(20 of43)
Doctor Who star David Tennant at the Soho Hotel in central London during a preview of Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars. (credit:PA)
Pioneer British Academy Television Awards - Theatre Royal(21 of43)
Actor David Tennant. (credit:PA)
Doctor Who Gala Screening - London(22 of43)
David Tennant arrives for the Gala Screening of the Doctor Who Christmas espisode ('Voyage of the Damned', TX: BBC One, Christmas Day, Tuesday December 25, 2007 @ 1850) at The Science Museum in west London. (credit:PA)
BRIT Awards 2008 - Press Room - London(23 of43)
David Tennant at the BRIT Awards 2008, at Earls Court in central London. (credit:PA)
Comic Relief Night at the BBC - London (24 of43)
David Tennant wearing a red nose at the BBC TV studios in Shepherds Bush, west London for Comic Relief Night. (credit:PA)
Adam Godley Pillowman (25 of43)
Actors Adam Godley (left) and David Tennant during a photocall for "The Pillowman" at Cottesloe Theatre, Southbank in London. The new play is by Martin McDonagh. (credit:PA)
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Doctor Who Series 4 screening - London(27 of43)
David Tennant arrives for the Doctor Who Series 4 screening at the Apollo West End in central London. (credit:PA)
National Television Awards 2006 - The Royal Albert Hall - Press Room(28 of43)
David Tennant with award for Most Popular Actor at the National Television Awards 2006 at the Royal Albert Hall in west London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday 31 October 2006. (credit:PA)
The Friday Night Project - David Tennant(29 of43)
Filming for the Friday Night Project (TX: Channel 4, March 28, 2008 @ 2200) with David Tennant. Comedy Sketches that David took part in with Justin and Alan include a Dr Who spoof filmed in the style of a Carry On film, complete with a sexy nurse and David dressed as a new camp Doctor as he joins Alan Carr and Justin Lee Collins as the second guest host in the sixth series of The Friday Night Project at the London Studios. (credit:PA)
Doctor Who Series 3 Gala Screening - London(30 of43)
David Tennant and Freema Agyeman arrive for the Gala Screening of Doctor Who Series 3 (TX: Saturday 31 March 2007, BBC 1), at the Mayfair Hotel in central London. (credit:PA)
Friday Night Project - London(31 of43)
David Tennant (right) as Dr Who's assistant with Justin Lee Collins (left) as Dr Who, Alan Carr (centre) and two 'Carrleks' during a performance for the Friday Night Project (TX: Friday 5 January 2230 Channel 4) at ITV Studios in central London. (credit:PA)
National Television Awards 2010 - Show - London(32 of43)
David Tennant (right) and Bernard Cribbins during the National Television Awards 2010, at the 02 Arena, London. (credit:PA)
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This publicity image released by BBC America shows David Tennant as Alec Hardy, right, and Olivia Coleman as Ellie Miller, from the series "Broadchurch," premiering Aug. 7 at 10 p.m. EST. (AP Photo/BBC America, Patrick Redmond) (credit:AP)
Pillowman (34 of43)
Actor David Tennant during a photocall for "The Pillowman" at Cottesloe Theatre, Southbank in London. The new play is by Martin McDonagh. (credit:PA)
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists Premiere - London(35 of43)
David Tennant arrives at the Premiere of The Pirates, In an Adventure with Scientists! The May Fair Hotel, London. (credit:PA)
The Beer & Cake Club with Christian O'Connell - London(36 of43)
David Tennant on stage during The Beer & Cake Club with Christian O'Connell, and the team from the Christian O'Connell Breakfast show, at the Leicester Square Theatre in London. (credit:PA)
Empire Big Screen Weekend - London(37 of43)
David Tennant introduces his new film Fright Night at the Empire Big Screen Weekend at the O2 in London. (credit:PA)
National Television Awards 2010 - Arrivals - London(38 of43)
David Tennant arriving for the National Television Awards 2010, at the 02 Arena, London. (credit:PA)
David Tennant on Absolute Radio - London(39 of43)
David Tennant co-hosts the Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show on Absolute Radio at their studios in Leicester Square, central London. (credit:PA)
National Television Awards 2010 - Show - London(40 of43)
Bernard Cribbins (left) and David Tennant colect the award for best Drama received for Dr Who during the National Television Awards 2010, at the 02 Arena, London. (credit:PA)
London Film Festival - Glorious 39 screening(41 of43)
One of the stars of the film David Tennant arriving for the Times BFI 53rd London Film Festival screening of Glorious 39, at the Vue West End in Leicester Square, central London. (credit:PA)
"Sunshine on Leith" Screening - London(42 of43)
David Tennant arriving at the Sunshine on Leith film VIP screening at BAFTA in Piccadilly in London. (credit:PA)
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix UK Premiere - Inside Arrivals - London(43 of43)
David Tennant arrives for the UK Premiere of Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix at the Odeon Leicester Square, central London. (credit:PA)