Tennant's Costly Doctor Who Sacrifice

Dr Who exit costs David Tennant dearly

Actor David Tennant's bank balance took a hit when he gave up Doctor Who for a Shakespeare role - the decision cost him $1.6 million (£1 million), according to new figures.

The Brit's fortune plummeted from $4 million (£2.5 million) to $2.4 million (£1.5 million) in the first nine months after he gave up his title role in the cult sci-fi series after four years as the Time Lord.

Profits for the star's Sandyboy firm, into which he channels his earnings, also fell by $800,000 (£500,000), according to accounts filed at the official U.K. government register of companies.

Tennant filmed his last four episodes as the Time Lord in January 2009 and followed up his Doctor Who stint with a lead role in a Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Hamlet.