Doctor Who and tabloid rumours: when have they got it right?

Look Whos the Docs new assistant!

But given the source, might it all be a load of bobbins?

The idea of casting Walsh was so far from anyones radar that it has to have come from somewhere.

This was debunked less than a fortnight later when Eccleston was officially revealed.

I will say that I was approached, said Nighy clarified in a much later interview with theDaily Express.

But I didnt want to be the Doctor.

No disrespect toDoctor Whoor anything, I just think that it comes with too much baggage.

That year, theMailwas handed a Shafta award for poor tabloid journalism in recognition of the scoop.

Dr. Who(sic) without Daleks is like fish without chips, said then-Shadow Home Secretary Tim Collins.

Its important the BBC does a deal.

Again, there were nuggets of truth in the inaccurate ones.

And we know Billie would find it a giggle.

But Kylies casting really heralded silly season for casting rumours.

The BBC is powerless with the press, Davies says of press leaks inThe Writers Tale.

They cant stop me.

But theres little point when [BBC director general] Peter Fincham has to tell the truth.

These stories have proliferated with subsequent Doctors too.

It will beDoctor Whomeets gangland, said thePeoples ubiquitous insider.

There were plenty of thinkpieces about casting a female Doctor too.

and the Star reported that the BBC were considering her for the role.

Her initial departure inDeath In Heavenwas carried over intoLast Christmas, when she was supposed to leave for good.

More unfairly, rumours about the Doctors regeneration reared their head again, uglier than ever.

Unfortunately, certain tabloids were eager to blame the lead actor for the paradigm shift.

#StathamForDavros

Press clippings taken fromTheDoctor WhoCuttings Archive.