Christopher Eccleston portrayed the Ninth Doctor in 2005 (Picture: BBC)

Christopher Eccleston has opened up about his decision to reprise his Doctor Who role for the first time in 16 years, describing it as ‘paid work’.

In 2005, Christopher, 57, played the Ninth Doctor in the reprisal of the sci-fi series, starring in the show alongside companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper).