Tom Baker, generally regarded as the best Dr Who, is to become the voice bhind BT's BT Text service. Accoridng to a recent poll, Tom Baker's voice was the fourth most recognisable celebrity voice.

"It is a big responsibility to be Britain's voice of text," said Baker. " What appeals to me most is the thought that I will be bringing good news to people whether it's a cheeky message, a birthday greeting or just a quick hello. Whatever it is, hopefully my voice will bring a smile to people's faces."

Recording all the sounds needed to provide the service took 11 days, with more than 11,000 phrases recorded.

The service will even let the sender text rude words and phrases and has been programmed to recognise abbreviations. Even text speak such as "gr8", "cu 18r" and "smilies" like :-) will be spoken. If "xx" is put at the end of a text, Baker will say "kiss, kiss", or four or more "x's" will make Baker say "lots of kisses".

Gavin Patterson, BT group managing director of consumer services, said: "As one of our great British icons, Tom appeals across the generations, for his role as the fourth Doctor Who, more recently as the narrator of 'Little Britain' and as Donald McDonald in 'Monarch of the Glen'."

He added: "He's the perfect choice to be the new voice of text, showing everyone -- young and old -- how easy and fun it is to send and receive texts on your home phone."

Tom Baker's voice will be heard reading out text messages sent to landlines from January 31 in the UK.