David Tennant is a household name thanks to his illustrious TV and film career. From Doctor Who to Broadchurch and Rivals, the BAFTA and Emmy-winning actor has starred in an endless list of acclaimed productions, gathering a legion of loyal fans along the way.
It was this dedicated fanbase that first spotted a unique detail about the Scottish star: he was born with polydactyly. Tennant confirmed the rare condition in an interview last year, confirming that he has an extra toe on his right foot.
During an interview with Metro last year, the Good Omens star was asked about the speculation circulating among fans on Reddit, and whether "people know" about it.
© Getty Images"Well, they do now," he said.
The 55-year-old actor confirmed that the rumours were true, explaining that he has an extra toe on his right foot. "It's sort of like a nubbin," he said.
What is polydactyly?
Polydactyly is a birth defect resulting in extra digits on the hands or feet. According to The Hospital for Special Surgery, polydactyly means "many fingers (or toes)" in Greek and is one of the most common congenital limb differences in newborn children.
© Getty Images for BAFTAIt affects approximately 1 in 3,000 newborns. According to The British Psychology Society, the condition has an incidence of around 0.2 per cent in the population.
What causes the condition?
The condition can either be inherited or occur randomly. Four weeks into pregnancy, the growing embryo develops four limb buds that will eventually become the arms and legs.
© GettyAccording to The Hospital for Special Surgery, a fifth cleft will occasionally develop, creating another finger or thumb, or a sixth toe. This can be due to random occurrence or because it was genetically inherited.
David's latest TV role
David is back on our TV screens in the second season of Disney's hit romance drama, Rivals.
© Disney+Based on the best-selling novel by the late Dame Jilly Cooper, the Cotswolds-set bonkbuster is set in the high-stakes world of 1980s British television and follows the rivalry between ruthless TV executive Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) and notorious womaniser and former Olympic showjumper, Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell).
The synopsis continues: "Careers, marriages, and reputations hang in the balance as personal and professional lives collide in a world where secrets can't stay hidden for long. Bold, emotionally charged, and filled with unforgettable moments, Rivals is a thrilling ride through a landscape of breathtaking beauty, fierce competition, and life-changing decisions where the cost of success could be everything."
