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