 Ahead of the series premiere on Australian Network ABC the Sydney Morning Herald 's Robin Oliver predicted that older viewers " will find Eccleston easily the best time lord since Tom Baker . " However Harry Venning of The Stage , whilst enthusiastic about the revival of the show , labelled Eccleston as the " show 's biggest disappointment " following the premiere episode , stating he looked uncomfortable in a fantasy role . The Guardian 's Stephen Kelly felt that Eccleston 's Ninth Doctor had many faults , two of which he felt to be " looking like an EastEnders extra and bellowing " fantastic " at every opportunity " . However , he felt that he " brought warmth , wit and promise " and a " formidable presence " . Kelly believed that Eccleston was believable as a man who had destroyed two civilisations and was dealing with the repercussions and could have brought more to the show had Eccleston stayed for a second series . Seventh Doctor actor Sylvester McCoy praised Eccleston as being " quite alien " as the Doctor and that " we were not sure if he was on the edge of insanity or not , which was rather good . " Peter Davison , who played the Fifth Doctor , criticised Eccleston 's decision to quit after a single series stating " I don 't think you can engage with the new Doctor in the way you should be able to . " 
