Scottish actor David Tennant has announced he is leaving the beloved science fiction television drama "Doctor Who."

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Tennant, who has been playing "the doctor" since 2005, is to leave the British series after this year's Christmas episode and four 2009 specials, the BBC said.

The 10th actor to play the character announced his departure after winning the outstanding drama performance prize at the National Television Awards.

"When 'Doctor Who' returns in 2010 it won't be with me," he said. "Now don't make me cry. I love this part, and I love this show so much that if I don't take a deep breath and move on now I never will, and you'll be wheeling me out of the Tardis in my bath chair."

Tennant told the BBC in an exclusive interview that he feels three years was "about the right time" to play the part.

"I think it's better to go when there's a chance that people might miss you, rather than to hang around and outstay your welcome," he said. "I don't ever want it to feel like a job, so I want to move on when it still feels exciting and fresh and that means I'll miss it."