David Tennant, best known for his role as the Doctor on the long-running series Doctor Who, is once again at the forefront of the entertainment world as he hosts the upcoming EE BAFTA Film Awards on February 16, 2024. This builds upon his previous success as the host for last year’s event, as he continues to solidify his status as both a talented actor and charismatic presenter.
While many recognize David for his work on screen, fewer know of his rich family life and personal struggles. The Scottish-born actor, whose birth name is David McDonald, has built a life rich with both love and challenges. He is married to actress Georgia Tennant, who he met on the set of Doctor Who back in 2008 when she played his genetically engineered daughter, Jenny. Their connection blossomed, leading them to tie the knot on New Year's Eve 2011.
Georgia, who has her own impressive legacy—her father Pete Davison was also a Doctor on the show from 1981 to 1984—has navigated significant tribulations, particularly with her health. Back in 2018, Georgia faced immense anxiety after her cervical smear test returned concerning results. She candidly shared, “Before I’d made it up upstairs to tell my husband, I’d started planning my funeral.” Her health scare served as a wake-up call, driving home the importance of regular check-ups and screenings.
Overall, her ordeal brought her to strongly advocate for women to take their health seriously. She fervently stated, “If the first part of the story didn’t hit home, I hope this bit does. From borderline changes to cancer to cancer-free in mere months. It really could have been a different story.” Georgia’s willingness to share such personal experiences on her blog not only provides solace to others facing similar fears but also raises awareness of cervical cancer.
The couple is fiercely protective of their family's privacy; they live in West London with their five children: Olive, Wilfred, Doris, Birdie, and Georgia's eldest son, Ty. When it’s come to their children, David remarked, “We’re not quite as squeamish as we were,” reflecting on how their comfort level with media coverage has evolved over time. But their intent is clear: to provide their children with a joyful childhood away from the intense scrutiny of public life.
While Georgia is known for her roles across various series, including The Bill and Merlin, both she and David enjoy being able to share their lives with their fans without overexposing their children. The couple’s dynamic truly shines when they collaborate, as seen with the comedy Staged, where they both play fictionalized versions of themselves. Georgia has shared, “I really, really enjoy it. I mean, he’s the only person I ever really want to spend any time with.”
Ty, Georgia's son from her first relationship, has even carved his own path as an actor, appearing recently in War of the Worlds and the highly anticipated House of the Dragon. The impact of David’s love and acceptance is evident as Ty, reflecting on their relationship, expressed, “I watched him on TV as the hero, and it was crazy how much your life can change.”
With four more children to nurture, including Wilfred who is recently establishing his performance chops at only 10 years old, the Tennants are committed to emphasizing creativity and independence. David noted, “When he found out about the new baby, he was like, 'You're having another one?' It's odd when a 17-year-old is giving his parents a lecture on birth control!”
The Tennants are not only forging their own paths through their respective careers but also using their experiences to inspire and educate others. Georgia’s focus on health awareness and the lessons from their parenting experiences combine to create a family narrative rich with love, creativity, and resilience.
Reflecting on their life together, David and Georgia Tennant show there’s more than meets the eye when it concerns celebrity family dynamics. Their story is not merely one of fame but of authenticity, love, and growth within the challenges of life.