David got to do loads of really cool things in connection with being The Doctor, his first appearance in front of a big crowd was on November 17, 2005 when he and Billie Piper got to switch on the Cardiff Christmas lights. Not surprisingly the event was covered in the South Wales Echo but prior to Doctor Who fever I doubt the Cardiff switch on ever got covered in the Liverpool Daily Post! Not to be left out the Swindon papers also covered the switch on - which should be no surprise since this is Billie's hometown.
The event was also broadcast live on Welsh TV.
"The festive season is officially here - that's according to the hundreds of cheering revellers who turned out to see the stars of Dr Who switch on Cardiff 's Christmas lights .
New Doctor David Tennant and Billie Piper, who plays his assistant Rose, looked thrilled as they flipped the switch to transform the capital.
Billie, who has been filming with her new co-star in Cardiff , said she had been overwhelmed by her welcome to the city, which celebrates its centenary year this year. She said: 'I've had the warmest welcome, it's been really lovely. It's all been great, we're having such a great time here at the moment. 'Everybody's been very nice, we walk down the street and everybody says hello.'
David said: 'I'm having a great time. It's very nice and quite overwhelming to be here.' He added: 'Everyone in Cardiff 's friendly aren't they?'
To which there were cries of 'Yes!'.
Billie revealed how her favourite scene in the sci-fi smash hit show will be broadcast over Christmas and will involve being attacked by a Christmas tree. Speaking from the stage outside City Hall, she said: 'That's pretty exciting and quite threatening and scary at the same time.'
The pair then counted down from 10 to one and shouted 'Nadolig Llawen, Happy Christmas ' as they switched on the festive lights . (Ed Note: If you were in attendance at the recent Midnight convention you gt to hear them both say it again in Welsh!)
The crowds, with Dr Who writer Russell T Davies among them, were then treated to a dazzling firework display." - South Wales Echo - November 18, 2012
There was also coverage in the other Cardiff paper, The Western Mail, they printed Billie's entire quote:
"Cardiff is like my home town now - I have been here for about two years. We have the warmest welcome wherever we go, it's been really lovely. 'You have been so generous, giving up your streets and restaurants for us to film. 'It's all been great, we're having such a great time here at the moment, everyone is being so nice and so friendly."
They also had more of what David said as well:
"Tennant said, 'I'm having a great time in Cardiff , it's such a nice place and it's quite overwhelming to be here.' 'I'm having a miserable time - Max Boyce is taking over as the new Doctor,' he joked, before adding, 'I'm having a ball, I get to hang out with Billie Piper, it's a great time. 'Every day is different, the other day we were hanging 30ft in the air, although I can't tell you why."
Piper revealed how her favourite scene will be broadcast over Christmas and will involve being attacked by a Christmas tree. Speaking from a stage in the city centre she said: "That's pretty exciting and quite threatening and scary at the same time."
Piper, who has been filming in Cardiff for around two years, added; "Everyone's been very nice. It's all very friendly."
Tennant said: "I'm having a great time. It's very nice and quite overwhelming to be here."
The pair then counted down from ten to one before fireworks were set off." - Daily Post Liverpool