How did david tenant get the role of Doctor Who?

Answer 1

He met Russell T Davies, the writer and showrunner for Doctor Who, when he auditioned for the lead role in Casanova which Russell T Davies also wrote. RTD thought he was amazing and gave him the Casanova role, and enjoyed working with him. When Christopher Eccleston said he was going to leave RTD asked David if he wanted the role because he knew what a great actor he was. He did not have to audition for the role.

Answer 2

David Tennant met the Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies when he auditioned to play the main role in RTD's miniseries Casanova. He really impressed RTD so when Christoper Eccleston announced he was leaving Doctor Who, RTD knew right away that David Tennant would be the perfect new Doctor. RTD asked David straight out to play the role, he did not need to audition. Contrary to rumors David Tennant never auditioned for and was never considered to play the Ninth Doctor.