I considered trying to avoid finding out who the Doctor was going to be but figured it was pointless. The news was going to be unavoidable.

However I do try to avoid all other knowledge about DW. I like to be surprised. We don't even watch the 'Next Week' previews at the end of the episode.

It annoys me that the BBC seem to take great pride in spoiling surprises. Such as plastering the Doctor + Darleks / Cybermen etc on the cover of the Radio Times.