Instagram/Christopher Eccleston Celebrity Christopher Eccleston sets a bold new condition for his Doctor Who return, demanding a female showrunner. His surprising C2E2 statement reignites debate on t... April 26, 2026 AceShowbiz - Christopher Eccleston, the original Ninth Doctor from the 2005 revival of Doctor Who, has revealed a significant new condition for his possible return to the iconic sci-fi series. During the 2026 Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Eccleston stated that he would only reprise his role if a female showrunner were in charge of the show.