Christopher Eccleston is new Dr. Who

LONDON, March 22 (UPI) -- British actor Christopher Eccleston has been chosen to be the new Dr. Who in an updated version of the popular British show.

Eccleston, the classically-trained star of "28 Days Later," won the role over transvestite comedian Eddie Izzard, "Gosford Park" actor Richard Grant, and TV favorite Alan Davies, World Entertainment News Network reported Monday.

"We have chosen one of Britain's finest actors," said Jane Tranter, who heads the BBC's drama department. "It signals our intention to take Dr. Who into the 21st century, as well as retaining its core, traditional values to be surprising, edgy and eccentric."

Eccleston will be the ninth actor to portray the title character. The last "Dr. Who" series aired 15 years ago. Filming is set to begin this spring in Wales, with the series being broadcast next year.