Christopher Eccleston, 57, displays his VERY muscular biceps in a black vest as he leaves set after filming BBC Oliver Twist adaptation in Cheshire

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-9749169/Christopher-Eccleston-57-displays-muscular-frame-black-outfit-filming-BBC-drama.html

Christopher Eccleston displayed his muscular biceps in a black vest as he left the set of the BBC's new Oliver Twist adaptation Dodger on Thursday. 

The Doctor Who alum, 57,   revealed his defined guns as he loaded his bag in his Range Rover after a long day on set at the National Waterways Museum in Cheshire .

He sported a short haircut and goatee as he ditched his Victorian-era costume after playing criminal organiser Fagin in the 10-part family drama.

 

Fagin - one of the main characters in the original 1838 Oliver Twist novel - is the leader of a group of children who he teaches to pickpocket in exchange for shelter.  

Saira Choudhry, 31, who is best known for playing Anita Roy in Hollyoaks and Tegan in Paul Abbott's No Offence, takes on the role of Nancy who is a member of Fagin's gang and Bill Sikes' lover. 

Shameless star David Threlfall, 67, will play chief of police Sir Charles Rowan in the series, while child actor Billy Jenkins, 14, - who was in The Crown - will also feature in the new drama. 

The series, which will appear on CBBC and BBC iPlayer, has been written by Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery, while Charlie Higson has also guest-written an episode.

 

Oliver Twist is Charles Dickens' second novel, and was published as a serial from 1837 to 1839. It was released as a three-volume book in 1838, before the serialisation ended.

The story centres around orphan Oliver who was born in a workhouse and sold into an apprenticeship with an undertaker.

After escaping, Oliver travels to London, where he meets the 'Artful Dodger' Jack Dawkins, a member of a gang of juvenile pickpockets led by Fagin. 

Christopher said of the upcoming series: 'Fagin is an iconic role, I'm a very fortunate actor.

'Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery have taken Charles Dickens' extraordinary characters and imagined a whole new world and lives for them. I'm very, very excited.'

Thomas, who is also co-directing the series, said: 'I have always loved Oliver Twist but wasn't so keen on Oliver himself. I preferred the company of Dodger, Fagin and the gang. 

'I thought it would be fun to create a family show with Dodger at its heart and see how he came to be a master criminal in Victorian London.

'Working with the very best material as a springboard, it's a total delight to expand Dickens' rich world of characters and create a few of my own.

'To top it all, we have an incredible cast who are starring in the show. I can't wait for families all over the world to see it!' 

Christopher left the role of Doctor Who after appearing for just one series in 2005, despite being praised by fans for her performance as the Time Lord.

The series gripped viewers with the return of the infamous Daleks, the debut of Captain Jack (played by John Barrowman) and the Doctor's blossoming romance with Rose Tyler. 

But the end of series one saw Christopher's Doctor regenerate, with David Tennant taking over the role for the second series in 2006.

Since his departure, the actor has candidly revealed that he battled anorexia during filming for the sci-fi drama, and was praised by fans for bravely revealing his mental health struggles.

Writing in his book I Love The Bones Of You, he said: 'The illness is still there raging within me as the Doctor.

'People love the way I look in that series, but I was very ill. The reward for that illness was the part. And therein lies the perpetuation of the whole sorry situation.'  

For help and support with eating disorders contact SEED on (01482) 718130 or visit www.seedeatingdisorders.org.uk   

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Re: [cefansite] Dodger FIRST LOOK: Doctor Who's Christopher Eccleston transforms into criminal Fagin in period costume on set of the BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist

I hope they bring this to the US.  I know he will be great in this.  Thanks for sharing!

Sally Ann

On Thu, Jul 1, 2021 at 2:08 PM Virginia McGovern <ednaboxe@gmail.com> wrote:

Former Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston was seen on the set of the new BBCdrama Dodger for the first time on Thursday.

The actor, 57, wore a period costume as he filmed scenes at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, alongside former Hollyoaks star Saira Choudhry.

Christopher will play criminal organiser Fagin in the 10-part family drama which is an adaptation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.

 

Fagin - one of the main characters in the 1838 novel - is the leader of a group of children who he teaches to pickpocket in exchange for shelter. 

Christopher transformed into Fagin in a long blue and grey jacket which he wore over a light pink waist coat and light blue shirt. 

He had a brown neckerchief on and a brown hat and was carrying a suitcase and a box as he filmed what appeared to be a tense scene alongside Saira.

Saira, 31, - who is best known for playing Anita Roy in Hollyoaks and Tegan in Paul Abbott's No Offence - wore a blue dress with elaborate sleeves and a beige cape. 

 

Shameless star David Threlfall, 67, will play chief of police Sir Charles Rowan in the series, while child actor Billy Jenkins, 14, - who was in The Crown - will also star, though they were not seen on set on Thursday. 

The series, which will appear on CBBC and BBC iPlayer, has been written by Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery, while Charlie Higson has also guest-written an episode.

Oliver Twist is Charles Dickens' second novel, and was published as a serial from 1837 to 1839 and released as a three-volume book in 1838, before the serialisation ended.

 

The story centres on orphan Oliver who was born in a workhouse and sold into apprenticeship with an undertaker.

After escaping, Oliver travels to London, where he meets the 'Artful Dodger' Jack Dawkins, a member of a gang of juvenile pickpockets led by Fagin. 

Christopher said of the upcoming series: 'Fagin is an iconic role, I'm a very fortunate actor.

 

'Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery have taken Charles Dickens' extraordinary characters and imagined a whole new world and lives for them.

'I'm very, very excited.'

Thomas, who is also co-directing the series, said: 'I have always loved Oliver Twist but wasn't so keen on Oliver himself.  

'I preferred the company of Dodger, Fagin and the gang. 

 

'I thought it would be fun to create a family show with Dodger at its heart and see how he came to be a master criminal in Victorian London.

'Working with the very best material as a springboard, it's a total delight to expand Dickens' rich world of characters and create a few of my own.

'To top it all, we have an incredible cast who are starring in the show.

'I can't wait for families all over the world to see it!' 

Christopher left the role of Doctor Who after appearing for just one series in 2005, despite being praised by fans for her performance as the Time Lord haunted by the destruction of his home planey.

The series gripped viewers with the return of the infamous Daleks, the debut of Captain Jack (played by John Barrowman) and the Doctor's blossoming romance with Rose Tyler. 

But the end of series one saw Christopher's Doctor regenerate, with David Tennant taking over the role for the second series in 2006.

Since his departure the actor has candidly revealed that he was battling anorexia during filming for the sci-fi drama, and was praised for fans for bravely revealing his mental health struggles.

Writing in his book I Love The Bones Of You, he said: 'Many times I've wanted to reveal that I'm a lifelong anorexic and dysmorphic.

'I never have. I always thought of it as a filthy secret, because I'm Northern, because I'm male and because I'm working-class.'

The father-of-two revealed his anorexia was prevalent during his spell on the BBC drama, adding: 'The illness is still there raging within me as the Doctor.

'People love the way I look in that series, but I was very ill. The reward for that illness was the part. And therein lies the perpetuation of the whole sorry situation.' 

Dodger will air later this year on BBC.

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Dodger FIRST LOOK: Doctor Who's Christopher Eccleston transforms into criminal Fagin in period costume on set of the BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist

Former Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston was seen on the set of the new BBCdrama Dodger for the first time on Thursday.

The actor, 57, wore a period costume as he filmed scenes at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, alongside former Hollyoaks star Saira Choudhry.

Christopher will play criminal organiser Fagin in the 10-part family drama which is an adaptation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.

 

Fagin - one of the main characters in the 1838 novel - is the leader of a group of children who he teaches to pickpocket in exchange for shelter. 

Christopher transformed into Fagin in a long blue and grey jacket which he wore over a light pink waist coat and light blue shirt. 

He had a brown neckerchief on and a brown hat and was carrying a suitcase and a box as he filmed what appeared to be a tense scene alongside Saira.

Saira, 31, - who is best known for playing Anita Roy in Hollyoaks and Tegan in Paul Abbott's No Offence - wore a blue dress with elaborate sleeves and a beige cape. 

 

Shameless star David Threlfall, 67, will play chief of police Sir Charles Rowan in the series, while child actor Billy Jenkins, 14, - who was in The Crown - will also star, though they were not seen on set on Thursday. 

The series, which will appear on CBBC and BBC iPlayer, has been written by Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery, while Charlie Higson has also guest-written an episode.

Oliver Twist is Charles Dickens' second novel, and was published as a serial from 1837 to 1839 and released as a three-volume book in 1838, before the serialisation ended.

 

The story centres on orphan Oliver who was born in a workhouse and sold into apprenticeship with an undertaker.

After escaping, Oliver travels to London, where he meets the 'Artful Dodger' Jack Dawkins, a member of a gang of juvenile pickpockets led by Fagin. 

Christopher said of the upcoming series: 'Fagin is an iconic role, I'm a very fortunate actor.

 

'Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery have taken Charles Dickens' extraordinary characters and imagined a whole new world and lives for them.

'I'm very, very excited.'

Thomas, who is also co-directing the series, said: 'I have always loved Oliver Twist but wasn't so keen on Oliver himself.  

'I preferred the company of Dodger, Fagin and the gang. 

 

'I thought it would be fun to create a family show with Dodger at its heart and see how he came to be a master criminal in Victorian London.

'Working with the very best material as a springboard, it's a total delight to expand Dickens' rich world of characters and create a few of my own.

'To top it all, we have an incredible cast who are starring in the show.

'I can't wait for families all over the world to see it!' 

Christopher left the role of Doctor Who after appearing for just one series in 2005, despite being praised by fans for her performance as the Time Lord haunted by the destruction of his home planey.

The series gripped viewers with the return of the infamous Daleks, the debut of Captain Jack (played by John Barrowman) and the Doctor's blossoming romance with Rose Tyler. 

But the end of series one saw Christopher's Doctor regenerate, with David Tennant taking over the role for the second series in 2006.

Since his departure the actor has candidly revealed that he was battling anorexia during filming for the sci-fi drama, and was praised for fans for bravely revealing his mental health struggles.

Writing in his book I Love The Bones Of You, he said: 'Many times I've wanted to reveal that I'm a lifelong anorexic and dysmorphic.

'I never have. I always thought of it as a filthy secret, because I'm Northern, because I'm male and because I'm working-class.'

The father-of-two revealed his anorexia was prevalent during his spell on the BBC drama, adding: 'The illness is still there raging within me as the Doctor.

'People love the way I look in that series, but I was very ill. The reward for that illness was the part. And therein lies the perpetuation of the whole sorry situation.' 

Dodger will air later this year on BBC.

Sent from my iPad

Filming for new BBC drama starring Christopher Eccleston underway in Ellesmere Port

https://www.chesterstandard.co.uk/news/19409661.filming-new-bbc-drama-starring-christopher-eccleston-underway-ellesmere-port/

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Re: [cefansite] 1.2. Doctor Who: The Ninth Doctor Adventures - Respond to All Calls.

Thanks for letting me know.

Sally Ann

On Fri, Jun 18, 2021 at 2:55 PM Virginia McGovern <ednaboxe@gmail.com> wrote:

https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/doctor-who-the-ninth-doctor-adventures-respond-to-all-calls-2280?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ninth_doctor_adventures&utm_content=respond_to_all_calls

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"Admirers of Chris's Bits."
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1.2. Doctor Who: The Ninth Doctor Adventures - Respond to All Calls.

https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/doctor-who-the-ninth-doctor-adventures-respond-to-all-calls-2280?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ninth_doctor_adventures&utm_content=respond_to_all_calls

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Re: [cefansite] Christopher Eccleston: ‘I’m currently sleeping in the Tardis’

Great interview.  Thanks for sharing!

Sally Ann

On Sat, May 29, 2021 at 8:02 AM Virginia McGovern <ednaboxe@gmail.com> wrote:

https://www.bigissue.com/culture/film-tv-radio/christopher-eccleston-im-currently-sleeping-in-the-tardis/

After a single successful television series as Doctor Who, Chrisopher Eccleston is returning to battle cybermen and daleks, but this time over audio. 

It all came flooding back in minutes. After 15 years Christopher Eccleston returns to Doctor Who in four new audio adventures. Words: Adrian Lobb Image: Tony Whitmore

May 29, 2021

By Adrian Lobb

"I'm currently sleeping in the Tardis, if that's what you mean?"

Christopher Eccleston acknowledges that he likes to work. And when he isn't working with great heart and enthusiasm for The Big Issue as one of our brand ambassadors, he likes to act.

It's a profession that has seen him travel the world and star in some great television – from Our Friends In The North and Cracker to Hillsborough and The Leftovers. 

After more than 15 years away, he has now returned to one of his most famous roles. But no, says Eccleston, he did not need to wear his Time Lord's battered leather jacket to get back into character for four new Doctor Who audio adventures. 

"Within minutes, it all came flooding back," he says. "How to do it, how I like to play him, how I like to work, the joy of it. It was all there."

"Tom Baker said it's not an acting role. And it's true" 

So how is the Ninth Doctor when we meet him again after all this time? 

"Charismatic, enigmatic, mercurial, witty, heroic, obstinate, fierce as ever," says the actor. "He's travelling alone. And I enjoy that element. Because sometimes the relationship dynamics can detract from the narrative. Here he's a lone wolf, always trying to locate decency and see if it resides in human or alien form. And he's having great fun.  

"The emotional attachments are formed on the hoof, usually with women, and not for romantic reasons, just because women know a lot more about injustice than white males, let's be honest. 

"We stayed away from the dark war Doctor, the damaged PTSD Doctor that I essayed a lot in the television series. It's very separate and distinct." 

Eccleston has been impressed, he says, by the writing of the audio dramas. And he is enjoying the chance to work again following lockdown. 

"These writers are top, top drawer," he says. "As with any other project with me, apart from when I do shite in America – and I mean film in America, not The Leftovers, which is one of the best things I have ever done – it's all about the writing. I'm amazed none of these ideas have been or will be screened. We've met Lady Macbeth, we've met the Brigadier and we met a Cyberman earlier. My Doctor is very enthusiastic, very excitable – all the things I remember. 

"Suddenly the physicality, the energy levels I employed – which are very much mine, I think – came back. Tom Baker said it's not an acting role. And it's true. It's partly yourself, partly the writers."

Back in time Christopher Eccleston with Billie Piper as Rose, but this time the Doctor is flying solo Image: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

It was Eccleston to whom former showrunner Russell T Davies first entrusted the keys to the Tardis and one of the most important, beloved characters in British television history when bringing the show back to the screen in 2005 after a 16-year absence. 

It was a big success, re-establishing Doctor Who as a primetime sci-fi series for all the family. David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi and now Jodie Whittaker were all able to build on the foundations laid by Eccleston. 

"I had a lovely, lovely, warm greeting from Peter Capaldi the other day," he says. "We just bumped into each other, which was very nice."

"I've always retained a deep affection for playing the role and what it means to people" 

While Eccleston loved and still loves the character, after one successful season he left amid acrimony. Over the years, he has spoken many times about it and is keen to look forward not back. 

"I've always retained a deep affection for playing the role and what it means to people," he says now. "I disconnected from the politics and the lies and the bullshit, but not my relationship with the people who love the show." 

In recent years, Eccleston began attending (and enjoying) fan conventions, as well as watching some of his old episodes with his children Albert and Esme. So does he feel he has been on a journey back to the Doctor for some time? 

"I never left him," says Eccleston. "From day one I was approached in the street by fans. And that's continued. Not a day of my life has gone by without me having to interact with people who are fans of Doctor Who. I've always embraced them, literally and figuratively, and they me. 

"People come to the conventions because they have a relationship to the show, often quite profound. The Doctor is an outsider. Always has been – with a very strong, loyal and fierce following within the gay community, for instance. And you've also got a huge fanbase in neurodiverse communities. Because of the contents of my book, people at conventions have spoken to me about mental health issues and what the show meant to them at times of grief and loss – so there's been a great deal of human connection for me at them. 

"It's also meant that I can travel. I went to Muhammad Ali's birthplace, I never thought I'd do that. I'd never been to Portland, a fantastic city. And I shook William Shatner's hand. I am a Star Trek fanboy and I met William Shatner, thank you very much. He had no idea who I was, which is just how I like it. But if my dad was still around and I could tell him I'd met Captain James T Kirk, he'd be a very happy man." 

This return, we suspect, will have a similar effect on a lot of people.   

"I like to make the fans happy," says Eccleston. "I have my passions as you know – reggae, rocksteady, ska, soul music – there's certain things that excite me. So I completely understand that in people. And I'm happy if they're happy." 

Doctor Who – The Ninth Doctor Adventures are out on CD, download and limited edition gatefold triple LP vinyl at bigfinish.com 

Sent from my iPad

--
The views expressed on this group are those of the member who made them & may not reflect those of the other members.
"Admirers of Chris's Bits."
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Christopher Eccleston fan club." group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cefansite+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
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Christopher Eccleston: ‘I’m currently sleeping in the Tardis’

https://www.bigissue.com/culture/film-tv-radio/christopher-eccleston-im-currently-sleeping-in-the-tardis/

After a single successful television series as Doctor Who, Chrisopher Eccleston is returning to battle cybermen and daleks, but this time over audio. 

It all came flooding back in minutes. After 15 years Christopher Eccleston returns to Doctor Who in four new audio adventures. Words: Adrian Lobb Image: Tony Whitmore

May 29, 2021

By Adrian Lobb

"I'm currently sleeping in the Tardis, if that's what you mean?"

Christopher Eccleston acknowledges that he likes to work. And when he isn't working with great heart and enthusiasm for The Big Issue as one of our brand ambassadors, he likes to act.

It's a profession that has seen him travel the world and star in some great television – from Our Friends In The North and Cracker to Hillsborough and The Leftovers. 

After more than 15 years away, he has now returned to one of his most famous roles. But no, says Eccleston, he did not need to wear his Time Lord's battered leather jacket to get back into character for four new Doctor Who audio adventures. 

"Within minutes, it all came flooding back," he says. "How to do it, how I like to play him, how I like to work, the joy of it. It was all there."

"Tom Baker said it's not an acting role. And it's true" 

So how is the Ninth Doctor when we meet him again after all this time? 

"Charismatic, enigmatic, mercurial, witty, heroic, obstinate, fierce as ever," says the actor. "He's travelling alone. And I enjoy that element. Because sometimes the relationship dynamics can detract from the narrative. Here he's a lone wolf, always trying to locate decency and see if it resides in human or alien form. And he's having great fun.  

"The emotional attachments are formed on the hoof, usually with women, and not for romantic reasons, just because women know a lot more about injustice than white males, let's be honest. 

"We stayed away from the dark war Doctor, the damaged PTSD Doctor that I essayed a lot in the television series. It's very separate and distinct." 

Eccleston has been impressed, he says, by the writing of the audio dramas. And he is enjoying the chance to work again following lockdown. 

"These writers are top, top drawer," he says. "As with any other project with me, apart from when I do shite in America – and I mean film in America, not The Leftovers, which is one of the best things I have ever done – it's all about the writing. I'm amazed none of these ideas have been or will be screened. We've met Lady Macbeth, we've met the Brigadier and we met a Cyberman earlier. My Doctor is very enthusiastic, very excitable – all the things I remember. 

"Suddenly the physicality, the energy levels I employed – which are very much mine, I think – came back. Tom Baker said it's not an acting role. And it's true. It's partly yourself, partly the writers."

Back in time Christopher Eccleston with Billie Piper as Rose, but this time the Doctor is flying solo Image: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

It was Eccleston to whom former showrunner Russell T Davies first entrusted the keys to the Tardis and one of the most important, beloved characters in British television history when bringing the show back to the screen in 2005 after a 16-year absence. 

It was a big success, re-establishing Doctor Who as a primetime sci-fi series for all the family. David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi and now Jodie Whittaker were all able to build on the foundations laid by Eccleston. 

"I had a lovely, lovely, warm greeting from Peter Capaldi the other day," he says. "We just bumped into each other, which was very nice."

"I've always retained a deep affection for playing the role and what it means to people" 

While Eccleston loved and still loves the character, after one successful season he left amid acrimony. Over the years, he has spoken many times about it and is keen to look forward not back. 

"I've always retained a deep affection for playing the role and what it means to people," he says now. "I disconnected from the politics and the lies and the bullshit, but not my relationship with the people who love the show." 

In recent years, Eccleston began attending (and enjoying) fan conventions, as well as watching some of his old episodes with his children Albert and Esme. So does he feel he has been on a journey back to the Doctor for some time? 

"I never left him," says Eccleston. "From day one I was approached in the street by fans. And that's continued. Not a day of my life has gone by without me having to interact with people who are fans of Doctor Who. I've always embraced them, literally and figuratively, and they me. 

"People come to the conventions because they have a relationship to the show, often quite profound. The Doctor is an outsider. Always has been – with a very strong, loyal and fierce following within the gay community, for instance. And you've also got a huge fanbase in neurodiverse communities. Because of the contents of my book, people at conventions have spoken to me about mental health issues and what the show meant to them at times of grief and loss – so there's been a great deal of human connection for me at them. 

"It's also meant that I can travel. I went to Muhammad Ali's birthplace, I never thought I'd do that. I'd never been to Portland, a fantastic city. And I shook William Shatner's hand. I am a Star Trek fanboy and I met William Shatner, thank you very much. He had no idea who I was, which is just how I like it. But if my dad was still around and I could tell him I'd met Captain James T Kirk, he'd be a very happy man." 

This return, we suspect, will have a similar effect on a lot of people.   

"I like to make the fans happy," says Eccleston. "I have my passions as you know – reggae, rocksteady, ska, soul music – there's certain things that excite me. So I completely understand that in people. And I'm happy if they're happy." 

Doctor Who – The Ninth Doctor Adventures are out on CD, download and limited edition gatefold triple LP vinyl at bigfinish.com 

Sent from my iPad

Behind-the-scenes: Ninth Doctor Adventures - Ravagers (Christopher Eccleston)…

https://www.bigfinish.com/podcasts/v/2021-05-09-three-and-nine

Enjoy.

Virginia.

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Christopher Eccleston starring in Oliver Twist’s BBC adaptation

https://londonnewstime.com/christopher-eccleston-starring-in-oliver-twists-bbc-adaptation/229815/

Christopher Eccleston will appear in Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist BBC adaptation.

Former Doctor Who star, 57, plays crime organizer Fagin in a series titled Dodgers.

Shameless star David Threllfort will play police chief Charles Rowan in a 10-part family drama, starring Billy Jenkins and Sila Choudhry.

The series, which appears on CBBC and BBC iPlayer, was written by Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery, and Charlie Higson was also guest-written.

Ecclestone said: "Fagin is a symbolic role. I am a very lucky actor.

"Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery take up Charles Dickens' extraordinary characters, imagine a whole new world and live for them.

"I am very, very excited."

Charlie Higson (Ian West / PA)

Thomas, who also co-directs the series, said: "I've always loved Oliver Twist, but I wasn't too keen on Oliver himself.

"I liked the Dodgers, Fagin, and gangster companies.

"I thought it would be fun to create a family-friendly show around Dodger and see how he became a master criminal in Victorian London.

"I am very pleased to be able to expand the world of Dickens' rich characters and create some of my own characters by using the best materials as a springboard.

"Above all, there are great casts on the show.

"I can't wait for families all over the world to see it!"

The program will air later this year.

Christopher Eccleston starring in Oliver Twist's BBC adaptation

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