Billie Piper, beloved by many for her role as Rose Tyler in Doctor Who, has shared her thoughts on Christopher Eccleston’s past criticisms of their time on the iconic show. Piper, who at just 23 years old, stepped into the shoes of Rose Tyler alongside Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor in the 2005 reboot, admitted to feeling sadness upon learning about Eccleston’s negative experiences during filming. This marked a pivotal moment for Piper, launching her into a career-defining role as the Doctor’s companion. Her portrayal of Rose Tyler resonated deeply with audiences, and she later reprised her role alongside David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor, further cementing her place in Doctor Who history.
Billie Piper and Christopher Eccleston in ‘Doctor Who’
Alt text: Billie Piper and Christopher Eccleston as Rose Tyler and the Ninth Doctor in Doctor Who, BBC.
Eccleston’s remarks about the 2005 series being a “mess” came to light last year at a fan convention. He attributed the issues to those behind the scenes, rather than Piper or himself, stating he would only consider returning if Russell T Davies, the showrunner at the time, was not involved. These comments offered a starkly different perspective on what many fans remember as a successful and exciting revival of the long-running science fiction series.
In a recent interview with The Independent, Billie Piper revealed her surprise at Eccleston’s feelings, confessing she was unaware of the extent of his unhappiness during the production. “I now know that he was having a hard time, but I’m not sure I understood at the time how troubled he was with it all,” Piper explained. She elaborated that her focus at the time was primarily on her own personal challenges. Despite this, Piper emphasized the strong bonds formed during that period, stating, “I’m still really close with those guys, and the whole production team really.”
Piper also reflected on her youthful enthusiasm at the time, highlighting that it was one of her first major acting roles. She described her mindset as being overwhelmingly positive and grateful for the opportunity. “It was one of my first big acting jobs. So I was like, ‘Wheeeyy!!’ Grateful, grateful, grateful. Loving it, loving it. Can’t believe I’m finally doing the job I want to do, can’t believe I’m working with all these incredible people, can’t believe I’m working with Christopher Eccleston, can’t believe I’m rebooting a British classic.” This perspective underscores the different experiences individuals can have even within the same project, and how personal circumstances can shape one’s perception of events.
Hearing about Eccleston’s struggles was disheartening for Piper. “It [was] kind of sad to hear that, really. I knew he was struggling, but yeah – I thought it was just scheduling and things like that, which are often a tricky part of what we do.” Her comments reveal a sense of empathy for her former co-star and a recognition of the pressures involved in producing a show as significant as Doctor Who.
Looking to the future, Piper expressed her enthusiasm for the Doctor Who universe and didn’t dismiss the possibility of a return. “I wouldn’t go back as a full-time thing, but I’d love to make another appearance,” she stated, offering hope to fans eager to see Rose Tyler back on screen. This willingness to revisit her iconic role, even in a limited capacity, speaks to the enduring connection she feels with Doctor Who and its fanbase.
Currently, Billie Piper is starring in Netflix’s new film Scoop, a project that brought her into the spotlight again recently. Scoop delves into the real-life events surrounding Prince Andrew’s infamous Newsnight interview. In Scoop, Piper portrays Newsnight’s interview booker, based on the author of Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC’s Most Shocking Interviews.
Billie Piper in ‘Scoop’
Alt text: Billie Piper starring in Scoop, a new Netflix film about the Prince Andrew Newsnight interview.
Initially hesitant about taking on the role, Piper recognized the importance of highlighting the untold stories of the women behind the scenes of significant events. “Oh my God, there are these unsung women behind the story,’” she recalled thinking about her character McAlister. She emphasized the crucial role McAlister played in securing the Prince Andrew interview, stating, “I think she was the reason this happened. And it’s slightly depressing that no one really knew anything about her.”
Billie Piper’s reflections on Doctor Who offer a fascinating glimpse into her experiences on the show and her enduring affection for the role of Rose Tyler. While acknowledging the challenges faced by Christopher Eccleston, she also celebrates the positive aspects of her time in the Whoniverse and leaves the door open for future appearances, much to the delight of Doctor Who enthusiasts worldwide. Her current role in Scoop further demonstrates her versatility and continued success as an actress, proving her journey from Rose Tyler to acclaimed actress is one that continues to captivate audiences.
