New Dr. Who actor says one season only

LONDON, March 31 (UPI) -- The newest star in Britain's revived hit BBC series "Dr. Who," Christopher Eccleston, has announced he's leaving after one season.

The 41-year-old actor said he was leery of being typecast by starring in the science fiction series too long, The Times of London said Thursday.

A BBC spokesman said Bill Nighy and Richard E. Grant are possible replacement candidates.

The BBC spent $18 million resurrecting the show, which first aired in 1963 and ended in 1989.

The first of the newest season's episodes aired Saturday, and took first place in ratings with 9.9 million viewers. The show featured man-eating garbage bins and shop dummies.

Eccleston was the ninth actor to portray the doctor, who has two hearts and the ability to transform himself when his body becomes old or damaged.