Eleventh Doctor actor Matt Smith speaks out on criticisms directed toward Jodie Whittaker and Ncuti Gatwa’sDoctor Whotenures, highlighting the power the show still has on audiences. Smith took on the role of the series' leading Time Lord following David Tennant’s departure as the Tenth Doctor in 2010, leading the series' through seasons 5-7 and themilestone 50th anniversary celebrations. An old being with a young face nearing the end of his life, the Eleventh Doctor reckoned with letting others in once more, alongside finally facing the shame of his darkest day in the Time War.
Despite almost 14 years passing since hisDoctor Whodeparture, Smith recently shared his appreciation of the show withThe Times, alongside his support for both Whittaker and Gatwa’s tenures as the Time Lord. While giving his honest thoughts on how the role propelled him into stardom, Smith praised both the show and its continued audience appeal, before questioning how anyone could take issue with the series. Check out Smith’s full reveal below:
“It was overnight,” he says of the impact. “Nobody knew who I was and suddenly I was f***ing Doctor Who!
Not much, but Ncuti’s brilliant. I feel very proud to have been in the show. It changed my life because few shows are watched by a nine-year-old, mum and dad and 83-year-old grandma. That’s three generations, and you’re in people’s homes at Christmas. It’s an amazing responsibility. Those debates reduce it to a place that it doesn’t need to be in. People that attackDoctor Whoblow my mind. It’s about an alien who is cool and travels around the universe saving civilisations — what’s not to love?”
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Smith’s Experience Was A Unique Period For The Show
For Smith, his tenure ofDoctor Whorepresented a time that was both of concern and celebration, as major changes beyond its lead actor were occurring. With the departure of both Tennant and then-showrunner Russell T Davies,outright canceling the series was considered by the BBCbefore Smith and Steven Moffat were brought on board in a successful era that not only saw expansion through how it was broadcasted but saw the franchise celebrate 50 years of adventures. As such,Smith has a unique perspective on the series, recognizing its endurance as a staple of the BBC and pop culture.
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With this, the actor’s input on the backlash that Whittaker and Gatwa have faced is valued, as it helps combat many of the narratives pushed by tabloid reporting and media pundits. Both the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Doctor faced abacklash to their involvement focusing on sexist and narrative arguments, withWhittaker in particular finding herself accusedby former Conservative MP Nick Fletcher of being responsible for a surge in knife crime. As such, Smith’s response and experience shows that despite rhetoric,Doctor Whostill holds widespread appeal and can unite viewers across the globe.
Smith is no stranger to supporting his fellow Doctors, having been vocally supportive of both Whittaker and Gatwa upon their castings inDoctor Who. With his own tenure’s struggles and successes, Smith has one of the most unique experiences, as he proved BBC woes wrong and led the series as it had an unshakable grip on the world in 2013. As such, many fans will always appreciate the Eleventh Doctor standing up for the Time Lords who would follow him.
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Doctor Who: Released on August 12, 2025, this series follows the Doctor and their companion as they journey across time and space, encountering a range of extraordinary friends and adversaries, expanding the universe of the long-running British science fiction series.
