Scottish actor David Tennant let slip his real name on BBC’s The One Show and the reason for the change.

The 53-year-old appeared on the latest episode of the popular evening show alongside guests Jeff Goldblum, Eddie Kadi and Indiyah Polack. Talking away to presenters Clara Amfo and Lauren Laverne, former Doctor Who star David let slip the reason why he was forced to change his real name and why he chose the name David Tennant.

Clara said: David, I know music had a massive influence in your life growing up, so much so that inspired your stage name.”

David replied: “It did yeah! Because I had to change my name, as you do when you join the union. And somebody with your name- my name is David McDonald- so at 16 I had to find a new name.”

Explaining how he found his surname Tennant, he said: “So I went through a copy of Smash Hits and I found Neil Tennant from Pet Shop Boys and I thought that’s a good, strong solid name.

“So I’m named after Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys. Yeah!”

Chiming in on the conversation, Jeff added: “McDonald, hey I never knew that. Have you ever seen the movie, The Tennant?” When David said he hadn’t, Jeff had those in studio giggling when he then said: “Very good movie!”

Some surprise regarding David’s name was also raised by viewers watching at home, with one fan writing: “Could have sworn I’ve read about David Tennant claiming his stage name came from Scotland’s best selling lager.”

While another viewer shared: “Jeff Goldblum is so effortlessly funny. He is on The One Show and just asked David Tennant if he’s ever watched The Tennant.”

David will be back on screens on Sunday night, presenting the 2025 Baftas. Sharing his thoughts on being given the gig a second year in a row, the actor revealed that he enjoys stepping into the presenting role.

Writing for Radio Times, he said: “I like presenting, without the pressure of it being my job. It’s a performance, like anything. I get to dabble in a very supported environment. When you see someone who really knows how to do it – Dermot O’Leary or Davina McCall, say – they absolutely know what those moments require.

“It’s a skill set that I can only aspire to. I can probably afford to do it one more time and then just get out, drop the mic and run.”

The One Show airs Mondays-Fridays at 7pm on BBC One

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