WHO'D BELIEVE IT!

May 4 2006 Paisley Daily Express

STUNNED regulars at a town centre pub couldn't believe their eyes when Doctor Who strolled in for a surprise visit.

David Tennant, who plays the Time Lord in the hugely popular BBC TV series, turned heads when he walked through the doors of the Bull Inn, in New Street, Paisley sporting a hairy new look.

The 35-year-old actor was back in his home town to film a documentary series about Paisley and his connection with it.

But bar staff, let alone customers, at the historic Bull had no idea David was turning up until half an hour before he put in an appearance.

Pub boss, Iain MacKinnon, 28, said: "We knew there was going to be filming but didn't know who was taking part.

"Then one of the people involved told us it would be David. When he arrived you could see people turning to look at him.

"He sat in the corner while the filming was happening."

Iain revealed the former Paisley Grammar School pupil was extremely friendly.

"He posed for a picture and we are going to put it on our Bull Inn Mug Shots board which we have here," Iain added.

And there was a treat in store for Iain's niece Robyn, 13.

"She is a massive Doctor Who fan, and I managed to get David Tennant's autograph for her," he revealed.

David, son of the Very Rev Dr Sandy McDonald and his wife Helen, who live in the Dykebar area, caused quite a stir with his flying trip in and out of town.

Excited female staff at the nearby Castelvecchi fish and chip shop had spotted the famous Buddie popping into the pub.

And they were desperate to know if the bachelor boy was back in town for good.

One fan, 32-year-old Jenny Wright, said: "I didn't realise it was him at first glance because of the new look, which by the way I liked. It was a bit of a shock when I realised I was only feet away from Dr Who himself.

"It made my day and I'll have something to tell my friends for decades to come.

"He is pretty handsome."