He's said it before, and today he's saying it yet again. Christopher Eccleston will not appear in person for any part of the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special. This news comes on the tails of the announcement that former 10th doctor David Tennant will be making his return alongside his much loved companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper). A BBC spokesperson released the following statement to The Independent on the matter.

Chris met with Steven Moffat a couple of times to talk about Steven's plans for the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary episode. After careful thought, Chris decided not to be in the episode. He wishes the team all the best.

It's been reported on fan sites like Bad Wilf that Eccleston vowed never to return after his falling out with the management, so what more can we expect? As much as I love his portrayal of The Doctor, I'm kind of glad this isn't happening. No spoiler or anything but the return of Tennant is at least consistent with the current storyline, where I think it would be a bit of a stretch to work the 9th Doctor in somehow. Then again the show's writing always seems to surprise me. Is anyone going to miss Eccleston on the 50th anniversary?