Matt Smith wants to be Doctor Who 'forever'

Bang Showbiz

22 June 2012

'Doctor Who' star Matt Smith wants to stay in the role of the iconic Time Lord "forever."

'Doctor Who' star Matt Smith wants to play the Time Lord "forever."

It has been rumoured the actor - the 11th to take up the iconic titular role - will be retired from the series after next year's 50th anniversary shows, but he hopes to stay around for much longer.

When asked how long he is hoping to play the doctor, he told the Daily Express newspaper: "Forever, 50 years. I'm loving it. I think we've got one of our strongest seasons yet coming up. I really do. We go into the 50th year all guns blazing."

Originally the character of The Doctor - who has two hearts - was said to be able to regenerate into new forms only 12 times in total. However, in more recent series, this figure has been revised, with the Doctor replying he could regenerate "507" times if he chose.

Matt won the role of The Doctor in 2010, following on from David Tennant, who recently admitted he is a "nervous wreck" over the pressure of finding work since 'Doctor Who'.

David - who is starring in five-part BBC One drama, 'True Love' - said: "I wait for someone to say, 'You've had a good run. Now it's time to go.' I admire other actors' work and then see mine and it seems false and crass. As an actor you put yourself up for appraisal on a regular basis and ask for your insecurities to be tweaked. No wonder I'm a nervous wreck."

In addition to appearing as The Doctor, Matt will soon appear in BBC Olympics drama 'Bert And Dickie'.