AUSTRALIAN WANTS TO BE NEW DR WHO

AUSSIE CAMPAIGNS TO BECOME NEW DR WHO

AUSTRALIAN journalist, writer and actor Chris Thomas has his sights on

travelling through time in the TARDIS and taking on the Daleks, after

launching a campaign to become the next Doctor Who.

It follows the BBC's announcement the series will return in 2005 as a

six-part series, 14 years after the popular show was axed.

Eight actors have played the title role of Doctor Who on television -

William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison,

Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann - and Mr Thomas wants to be the

ninth.

The new series is to be produced by BBC Wales and will be written by

acclaimed television dramatist Russell T. Davies, most famous for the series

Queer As Folk.

Thomas, 31, who is based in Perth, Western Australia, and has a string of

eclectic stage credits to his name, says he is determined to be considered

for the coveted role.

"I know it's a long shot but when you get one chance to fulfil your ultimate

ambition, then surely it's worth doing all you can to pursue it?" he said.

"There are bound to be howls of protest from some quarters when they hear an

Australian wants to take on the part but it's simply a matter of doing it

with a British accent.

"Besides, Sylvester McCoy had a notable Scottish lilt when he played the

role."

Mr Thomas says he has forwarded his details to the BBC but is now

encouraging others to get in touch with BBC-1 controller Lorraine Heggessey

(lorraine.heggessey@bbc.co.uk), BBC Wales head of drama Julie Gardner

(julie.gardner@bbc.co.uk), BBC head of continuing series Mal Young

(mal.young@bbc.co.uk) who is overseeing the project and writer Davies

(russell@centuryfalls.demon.co.uk) to lend support to his cause.

"I'm adamant anything is possible and I'm more than ready for the

challenge," he said.

"All I'm asking for is a chance to be considered and then it will be up to

me to prove myself."

Despite the likelihood the BBC will choose a name actor for the part, Thomas

doesn't care there may be insurmountable odds against him.

"As the good Doctor once said himself. 'Where there's life, there's hope'."

For interviews or photographs of Mr Thomas, please e-mail

cthomas@tower.net.au