Smith made his first appearance as the Doctor in the April 2010 episode “The Eleventh Hour.” While some fans questioned his casting due to his youth and inexperience, others believed he had proven his acting abilities and supported his casting.
He was nominated for an Outstanding Drama Performance award at the National Television Awards for his performance in his first series, and he became the first actor in the character to be nominated for a British Academy Television Award for Best Actor.
Smith’s portrayal of the Doctor was distinguished by his enthusiasm for and interest in the universe’s many facets.
In June 2010, he performed a version of the Doctor Who theme with Orbital at the Glastonbury Festival, and in July 2010, he presented the Doctor Who Prom at the Royal Albert Hall.
In May 2012, he carried the Olympic torch in Cardiff, a reference to a Doctor Who episode from 2006 in which the Doctor did the same.
The BBC confirmed in June 2013 that Smith would leave Doctor Who following the 2013 Christmas special, and he was followed by Peter Capaldi.
In a 2016 interview, Smith expressed sorrow for not staying on the program longer and stated a desire to work more with co-star Jenna Coleman. In 2018, he stated on Desert Island Discs that he almost turned down the part of the Doctor.
What role did Matt Smith shave his head for?
Steven Moffatt made a reference to Matt’s haircut in the screenplay, but Matt had to wear a latex bald cap because the Doctor was intended to have no hair at all (and a wig to conceal his TARDIS key in).
In addition to getting a haircut, Matt suffered a knee injury in the early stages of production that necessitated surgery.