Billy Connoly as the Eighth Doctor

[Roranicus]

Billy Connoly has confirmed rumours this week that he was considered for the part of the Eighth Doctor, eventually played by Paul McGann

"It was brought up in a meeting, apparently, but nobody told me until after they decided against it. If I had done it, he would have been angrier, a much angrier Doctor Who. I would have loved it. I'd have taken it."

The world's top Doctor Who historian, Alex Westthorp, revealed earlier this year that the BBC had Connolly on its shortlist. He said: "Billy was seriously considered for the eighth Doctor. Everyone was talking about him as a serious actor.

"I think he would have brought his own sense of comedy to the character, and would have made an incredibly special Doctor. Connolly could easily have made that role his own and taken it to another level."

I dont like the sound of his portrayal too much, but I do think he would have made a great Doctor. Still would.

[Roranicus]

Just realised this is totally the wrong section. Feel free to move it

[Tardis-Console]

I think he would be brilliant. He shouldnt play it too straight though. I think him playing it with some light comedy would be brilliant. I want him as the next one after Matt

[Vampyros Adric]

I am kinda glad that we didn't get to see this. For a kick off I think it would have meant virtually no 8th Dr Big Finish Audio. The Big Yin is certainly not an actor in the class of McGann and I really liked the promise of McGann as the Doctor. With Connolly it would almost certainly have been a one shot deal. It is an intriguing idea though...

[TheDoctorDonna]

I think I agree with Chris on this one. He could potentially be good as maybe a one off, but I dont think he would have stuck around and it would mean we wouldnt have had all these years worth of audios because I really dont think he would have been that commited to the role.

[MandyDuchovney]

Good Grief  Never knew that For the first time ever I am thankful McGann got the gig

The thought of what would have transpired with Connoly in the role doesn't bear thinking about He's great at what he does..but way too larger than life as a personality to reign himself in for the disciplines of the role.

[Exterminate]

I can't imagine he would have been well receieved to be honest. Thats not to say he couldnt have done a good job, I just dont think people would have bought into it