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 favorite 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 with the first series airing early next year.

I've liked Christopher Eccleston since I first saw him (I think) in Shallow Grave. An interesting and seemingly good choice for the Doctor. He doesn't seem to share large characteristics with any of the previous Doctors, which seems to follow tradition. For example, Richard E. Grant would probably have been too much like Peter Davison and Alan Davies too much like Tom Baker.

Anyway, it's good to see production progressing, and I think that's about enough geeking out for the day.

Those of you with BBC influence, see if you can get them to simulcast it on BBC America. That'd be very cool. Otherwise, get ready to dupe it for non-British audiences.