10.22am - Prince Charles turned down role in Dr Who
THE Prince of Wales turned down an offer to star in science fiction hit Doctor Who, the show's producer has revealed.
Speaking at the The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, writer and executive producer Russell T Davies told 2,000 sci-fi fans the Prince snubbed his invitation to star in the popular BBC drama.
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Joined on-stage by actor John Barrowman, who plays Captain Jack Harkness in the hit series, Mr Davies OBE called the Prince a "miserable swine".
Referring to his new book Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale, Mr Davies was asked about his plans for a Prince Charles cameo in the time-travelling series.
He said: "He turned us down, the miserable swine."
Mr Davies, considered to be the leading force behind the 44-year-old show's revival, recently announced his tenure as lead writer and executive producer would end in 2009.
The 45-year-old Welshman resisted giving away any secrets about the forthcoming specials or next series to the crowd in Cheltenham.
The 10-day literature festival, now in its 59th year, will see a host of political figures, writers, actors and comedians take part in more than 350 events across 20 different venues.
This year's line-up boasts the likes of actor and director Sir Richard Attenborough, former deputy prime minister John Prescott and comedienne Dawn French.
More than 88,000 tickets sold in advance of the event, which will see Nobel prize-winning author Toni Morrison, TV presenter Richard Madeley and former London mayor Ken Livingstone take the stage.
4 Comments
by Roger, Gloucester
Monday, October 13 2008, 10:11PM
“I took my children to the Russell T Davies talk last night. The show wasn't really sutible for the many young children in the audience as both Russell and John just couldn't help themselves tell everyone over and over again that they are gay! Some of the sexual references were just about as hot as the temperature in the I-can't-believe-it's-not-airconditioned Centaur! Never again.”
by Simon, Leckhampton
Monday, October 13 2008, 9:50PM
“Bad news about Prince Charles not taking a role in Dr Who but I understand that Camilla has been offered a part as an Ood.”
by Tongue in Cheek, Tower of London
Monday, October 13 2008, 7:33PM
“I don't blame him for not taking the job.It would affect his benefits...lol.”
by Mammoo, Bishops Cleeve
Monday, October 13 2008, 11:45AM
“Went to see this last night. Had a great time. Audience ranged from age 7 to 90. Russel T is a great inspiration and so funny and John Barrowman is also very funny and so so handsome.”