Doctor Who star David Tennant has fulfilled a concert pianist’s dying wish, by using his skull in Hamlet.

When Shakespeare fan Andre Tchaikowsky died of cancer, aged 46, in 1982 he donated all his organs for medical research – except his skull.

His will stated that it go to “the Royal Shakespeare Company for use in theatrical performance”.

Since then the skull has been in a box at the RSC’s archives. It was used in rehearsals but no actor wanted the macabre prop in a live show – until Tennant.

He secretly used Andre’s skull in 22 performances of an RSC production of Hamlet in Stratford-upon-Avon. In Act Five, a gravedigger unearths the skull of jester Yorick. Hamlet says: “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio.”

Archives curator David Howells said yesterday: “David Tennant agreed to use it whereas other actors haven’t been happy to.”

Andre’s skull is also likely to be used when Hamlet opens at the Novello Theatre in London.

Family friend Dave Ferre said: “That was Andre’s dream, the family will be pleased.”