Christopher Eccleston to feature in Doctor Who

Christopher Eccleston will feature in upcoming 'Doctor Who' episode 'Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS', when the Ninth Doctor's voice is heard as a space crew try and break into the TARDIS.

Christopher Eccleston is returning to 'Doctor Who' - as a voice from the past.

The 49-year-old actor was rumoured to be coming back for the sci-fi show's 50th anniversary episode in November but decided not to reprise his role as the Ninth Doctor.

However, he will feature in next week's episode 'Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS', which focuses on a spaceship salvage team which captures the TARDIS.

As they try and break into the time-travelling machine viewers will hear the Ninth Doctor's voice say, "The assembled hordes of Genghis Khan couldn't get through these doors, and believe me they've tried."

It is a line from 'Rose', which was the first episode of the new run of 'Doctor Who' which began in 2005 and starred Billie Piper as the Time Lord's companion Rose Tyler.

It was revealed that Christopher had met with showrunner Steven Moffat to discuss the possibility of returning for the 50th anniversary special alongside Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith and Tenth Doctor David Tennant.

However, he ultimately decided not to come back for the feature-length adventure, which will also feature Billie and current companion Jenna-Louise Coleman.

A spokesperson for the BBC previously said: "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."

Source: list.co.uk