The changing face of Doctor Who and his companions: Your ultimate guide to every Time Lord and where they are now as David Tennant reprises his role for the 60th anniversary

• READ MORE: Who is Ncuti Gatwa? Meet the star set to be the next Doctor Who
• READ MORE: Who is Doctor Who’s VERY glam new companion Millie Gibson?

Doctor Who is finally set to return tonight at 6.30pm on BBC One for the modern version’s 14th series, with Ncuti Gatwa taking the role of the time-travelling Time Lord from Christmas Day onwards.

The main character has been played by men for decades, with 12 different names – from William Hartnell to David Tennant – holding the keys to the TARDIS. 

Similarly the Lord’s companions have typically been much younger women, aside from the few men in the early years including Jamie McCrimmon – this year will feature Millie Gibson, 19.

This was until Jodie Whittaker debuted in 2017 as the first female to play the Doctor and Sex Education star Ncuti, 30, will make history this year as the first-ever black actor to take on the role.

Look back as the show’s incredible 60-year history, with all manner of adventures, Gallifrey drama and awe-inspiring time travel.

It’s here! Doctor Who returns tonight for a new series, with Nucti Gatwa taking on the role of the first ever black actor to play the Time Lord from Christmas Day (pictured in character)

Making history: The Sex Education star, 30, will make history as he will debut as the first-ever black actor to take on the role of the Time Lord 

Change: The Lord’s companions have typically been much younger women, aside from the few men including Jamie McCrimmon – this year will feature Millie Gibson, 19, pictured

Back in the day: Take a look back at the show’s incredible 55-year history, with all manner of adventures, Gallifrey drama and awe-inspiring time travel

First Doctor – William Hartnell – 1963-1966

Best Episode: The Dalek Invasion Of Earth (1964)

It was the series that started it all, with veteran actor William Hartnell playing the iconic Time Lord in his first incarnation, as he crashed to Earth with his granddaughter Susan after being ‘exiled’ from their planet Gallifrey – the only member of the Doctor’s family to join him on his travels.

Despite shaky effects and the black-and-white filming, the first series is remember fondly by die-hard fans and was re-imagined in the 2013 TV film Adventures Across Space and Time with David Bradley taking on Hartnell’s role. 

Travelling through space and time with Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright, the team came across the series’ most formidable foe The Daleks, with the robots notorious for their never-ending hatred chasing the Doctor throughout the cosmos.

It was in this time the Doctor parted ways with Susan after she fell in love with human resistance fighter David Campbell in the 22nd Century. 

The Doctor also came across the Cybermen in this era after they were first created as a ‘better’ version of humanity, with any and all emotions removed from their minds.

But years of travel eventually took their toll on the ageing Doctor, and it was after a battle with the Cybermen that he collapsed in the TARDIS with his companions Polly and Ben Jackson, transforming into the second incarnation.

In reality actor Hartnell was struggling to keep up with the show’s film schedule which led to his departure, and he died in 1975. 

Most memorable companion: Susan Foreman (Carole Ann Ford)

As the first Time Lord, William was blessed with a trio of companions. 

While Ian Chesterton – played by William Russell- and Barbara Wright – played by Jacqueline Hill – had a part to play in the new early days, Susan Foreman was the woman who laid the blueprints for what we know the role as today. 

Susan, who Carole Ann Ford played, made her Doctor Who debut in 1963 during the episode An Unearthly Child. 

The 83-year-old has gone down in history as the ‘original’ and her final regular episode, The Dalek Invasion of Earth, aired in 1964. 

She then made two guest appearances, first during the 1983 story, The Five Doctors and again in the 1993 charity special, Dimensions in Time.

First face: William Hartnell played the first Doctor from 1963-1966, with a somewhat ‘old and grumpy’ version of the character crashing to Earth after being exiled from his home 

The original: Susan Foreman, played by Carole Ann Ford, made her Doctor Who debut in 1963 during the episode, An Unearthly Child (pictured in the early 60s) 

Second Doctor – Patrick Troughton – 1966-1969

Best Episode: Tomb Of The Cybermen (1967)

In typical fashion The Second Doctor was in stark contrast to his predecessor, thought did embark on plenty of travels with partner Jamie.

While tackling familiar foes such as the Daleks and Cybermen, Troughton’s version of the character also encountered new enemies such as the Great Intelligence and the Ice Warriors, who have also made surprise appearances in the modern series.

This time also saw the debut of classic series mainstay Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart (or the Brigadier), when he met the Doctor in the tunnels of the London Underground.

The Second Doctor’s time came to an end when the TARDIS landed in the middle of a war-zone, created by a race of alien warlords who, with the help of another renegade Time Lord the War Chief, progressively kidnapped and brainwashed humans into becoming soldiers for them.

While he was able to defeat the plot, The Doctor’s punishment came in a forced regeneration from the Time Lords for breaking the laws of non-interference, and he was also sentenced to exile on the 20th Century Earth.

Following his exit Troughton died in 1987, and his grandson Harry went onto play Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter film series. 

Most memorable companion: Jamie McCrimmon (Frazer Hines) 

Patrick Troughton had somewhat of a revolving door regarding companions, but his most memorable associate was Jamie McCrimmon, played by Frazer Hines, 79. 

Frazer’s first appearance was in 1966 during The Highlanders, as his character was introduced as a pipe of the Clan MacLeod in 18th-century Scotland. 

While Ben (Michael Craze), Polly (Anneke Wills), Victoria (Deborah Watling) and Zoe (Wendy Padbury) made appearances with Patrick, Frazer starred in every one of his episodes aside from his first story, The Power of the Darleks.  

Frazer is the longest-running companion in Doctor Who history, in terms of number of episodes. 

His last regular appearance alongside the Doctor was in The War Games – he also came back as a guest for Tales of the TARDIS.

Number Two: Patrick Troughton played The Second Doctor from 1966-1969. A stark contrast to his predecessor, his met an array of new enemies during his time in the TARDIS

 History made: Jamie McCrimmon, played by Frazer Hines, 79, left, pictured in 1968 with Wendy Padbury, made his debut in in 1966 during The Highlanders (pictured in the late 60s)

Third Doctor – John Pertwee – 1970-1974

Best Episode: Spearhead From Space (1970)

During this time The Doctor was most prominently travelling with explorer Jo Grant, who hilariously left him to go travelling with a man who bore much resemblance to eventual Eighth Doctor Paul McGann!

A far more whimsical man than his predecessors, many modern-day fans will also know Pertwee for his role in Worzel Gummidge.

Luckily his exile to Earth was eventually lifted allowing him and his companions to travel to all corners of the universe, along with meeting journalist Sarah Jane Smith.

This era also the first ever multi-Doctor crossover, as the Third Doctor met his two previous selves, which also became Hartnell’s last time portraying the First Doctor.

It also saw the introduction of prehistoric villains The Silurians and The Autons, who appeared in the first episode of the 2005 reboot series.

Eventually Pertwee’s Doctor regenerated following a nasty encounter with The Green Death – the actor died in 1996 – with his old suited persona transforming into perhaps the classic era’s most famous incarnation.

Most memorable companion: Jo Grant (Katy Manning)

Liz Shaw (Caroline John) may have been Pertwee’s first companion, but there is no chemistry like his and Jo Grant’s (Katy Manning). 

Katy came as the saving grace to the show’s companion role. She was able to perfect the balance between intelligent and confident but still dazzled by the Doctor’s brilliance to stay inquisitive and relevant to the story. 

She became the nation’s favourite after her first appearance in the 1971 story Terror of the Autions as her upbeat energy when the going got tough became admirable and contagious. 

But it was her time to say goodbye when she decided to marry a scientist she met during the course of The Green Death.

Her latest appearance was fairly recent as she starred as a guest in an episode of Tales of the TARDIS. 

Jovial: Jon Pertwee took on the role of the Third Doctor from 1970 to 1974

Dashing about: During this time The Time Lord was travelling with explorer Jo Grant, who left him to go travelling with a man who bore much resemblance to Eighth Doctor Paul McGann!

Chemistry: There no chemistry like Pertwee’s and Jo Grant’s (Katy Manning) as she made her debut in the 1971 story Terror of the Autions  (pictured 1971) 

Fourth Doctor – Tom Baker – 1974-1981 

Best Episode: Genesis Of The Daleks (1975)

With his mass of curled hair and legendary striped scarf, Tom Baker was both the longest-serving Classic era Doctor and its most iconic, with his partnership with Sarah Jane Smith cementing her as one of the most legendary companions until actress Elizabeth Sladen’s death in 2011.

Over seven years of adventures The Doctor finally came across Time lord villain The Master, who went onto become a staple as recognisable as the Daleks and Cyberman.

After accidentally leaving Sarah Jane Smith in Scotland, the Doctor goes travelling alone for the first time, and fans also see the Daleks creator Davros in an episode considered one of the series’ best ever. 

Crossing paths with the Time Lady Romana – who regenerates into a new form played by Laila Ward – the young beauty enjoys plenty of travels with her new companion, with the pair also meeting the robot dog K-9 – who has also made recurring appearance in the modern series.

It was also during this time that Tom Baker and Laila Ward also married in real life – though they split in 1982 after just two years together.

After Romana and K-9 choose to stay behind in E-space, the Doctor comes across Adric and Tegan, and his time in the scarf-wearing body comes to an after he crosses paths with The Watcher, who is a manifestation of his future incarnation. 

Tom Baker – now 84 – is also known to younger fans as the narrator for comedy sketch series Little Britain. 

Most famous companion: Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen)

Sarah Jane Smith – played by Elisabeth Sladen – was an icon and is often considered to be the best companion during the classic run.

She made her debut in 1973 during The Time Warrior and while she initially served as a companion to Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor, Sarah Jane later stays with him after he regenerates into Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor. 

Elisabeth, who died in 2011, evolved the template crafted by Jo Grant and her brilliance led her to grow into a second main character.

After her final episode as a regular in The End of Time, she was hard to replace as a seemingly never-ending list of companions desperately tried to fill her shoes – they even tried two robotic dogs. 

Harry Sullivan (Ian Marter), Leela (Louise Jameson),  K9 Mark I and II (John Leeson, David Brierley, Roy Skelton), Romana I (Mary Tamm), Romana II (Lalla Ward), Adric (Matthew Waterhouse), Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding) and Nyssa (Sarah Sutton) were all seen by the Fourth Doctor’s side.

Transformed: The Doctor also crossed paths with the beautiful Time Lady Romana – played by Laila Ward. It was during this time that she and Tom Baker also married in real life 

Icon: Sarah Jane Smith – played by Elisabeth Sladen, who died in 2011 –  is often considered to be the best companion after starting in the 1973 story The Time Warrior (pictured 1974 with Ian Marter as Harry Sullivan)

Fifth Doctor – Peter Davison – 1981-1984

Best Episode: Earthshock (1982)

It was during the 1980s that fan interest in Doctor Who began to dwindle, but Peter Davison’s stint in the TARDIS is still well-loved.

A heart-wrenching scene also saw the first major death of the series, when Adric died trying to stop a space freighter from crashing into prehistoric Earth.

Once again the era was rife with Gallifrey political conflict, and even met three of his previous incarnations after they were summoned to the planet by President Borusa, who was attempting to gain Rassilon’s secret of immortality.

Ultimately, the Fifth Doctor and his last partner Peri Brown were exposed to the drug spectrox in its deadly toxic raw form on Androzani Minor. 

With only one dose of the antidote available, he nobly sacrificed his own existence to save Peri, expressing doubt for the first time that regeneration might be possible this time, then regenerating into the Sixth Doctor.

Davison – now 67 – reprised his role as The Doctor in 2007 in a Children In Need special where he and the Tenth Doctor David Tennant crossed paths in the TARDIS, and his daughter Georgia Moffett would go onto marry Tennant in 2011.

Most famous companion: Adric (Matthew Waterhouse)

Adric – played by Matthew Waterhouse, 61 – was the Fifth Doctor’s most memorable companion despite him also playing alongside the Fourth. 

Matthew made his debut in the 1980 story Full Circle as an alien / genius mathematician from the planet Alzarius. 

His 1982 departure, during Earthshock, was one to remember after he was killed while attempting to stop the crash of a Cybermen freighter into Earth. 

His last words were: ‘Now I’ll never know if I was right.’

But Matthew was not the Fifth Doctor’s only companion as he also had the joy of working alongside Nyssa (Sarah Sutton), Vislor Turlough (Mark Strickson), Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding) and Kamelion (Gerald Flood).

Round in circles: Davison reprised his role as The Doctor in 2007 in a Children In Need special where he and the Tenth Doctor David Tennant crossed paths in the TARDIS

Genius: Adric – played by Matthew Waterhouse, 61 – was the Fifth Doctor’s most memorable companion despite him also playing alongside the Fourth, pictured, after debuting in the 1980 story

Sixth Doctor – Colin Baker – 1984-1986

Best Episode: The Two Doctors (1985)

Colin Baker’s time as the sharp-tongued Doctor was a turbulent period, with the actor’s early dismissal as ratings plummeted leading a slightly awkward regeneration scene.

The unstable aftermath led the Sixth Doctor to strangle companion Peri upon their first encounter, and the pair went onto face numerous old villains including the Master, Daleks, Cybermen and Sontarans.

Speculation was rife surrounding Peri’s exit from the show after it wasn’t played out on-screen, though she was believed to have been killed after being cruelly used as a test subject in brain transplant experiments.

But in reality she was in fact alive, but after the Doctor was put on trial yet again the Time Lords, events left his timelines tangled slightly, as he and Peri did not reunite.

After the TARDIS is attacked by villainous Time Lady scientist The Rani, the Sixth Doctor is injured and regenerates into the Seventh, though the nature of his death was never played out on-screen. 

Since then Baker – now 75 – went onto appear on I’m A Celebrity Get Met Out Of Here in 2012, alongside Helen Flanagan and Charlie Brooks, and was the fourth camp-mate to be eliminated. 

Most famous companion: Peri Brown (Nicola Bryant) 

Perpigilium ‘Peri’ Brown – played by Nicola Bryant, 63 – is introduced in the 1984 story Planet of Fire. 

She first meets the Fifth Doctor, who sacrifices himself and brings about his regeneration to save her. 

Nicola’s character had a close call after becoming the Sixth Doctor’s companion as Colin tries to kill her when he is temporarily unstable after his regeneration.

She disappears in 1986 during the season-long story, The Trial of a Time Lord, after a future Doctor, known as ‘The Valeyard’ reveals that she was saved and had married King Yrcanos of Thoros Alpha. 

She was soon replaced by Melanie ‘Mel’ Bush (Bonnie Langford), who was reminiscent of Jo Grant, from Jon Pertwee’s era.

Nicola made a final guest appearance for the Tales of the TARDIS. 

Rough ride: His regeneration was played out off-screen due to his abrupt axe from the show, with actor Colin going onto appear on I’m A Celebrity Get Met Out Of Here in 2012

Close call to death: Perpigilium ‘Peri’ Brown – played by Nicola Bryant, 63 – is introduced in the 1984 story Planet of Fire (pictured with Colin Baker in 1986)

Seventh Doctor – Sylvester McCoy – 1987-1989

Best Episode: Remembrance Of The Daleks (1988)

Head into his seventh incarnation – with his signature cane and punctuation-printed vest – interest in Doctor Who had started to dwindle, but McCoy’s era as the Doctor is well-remembered, as now-EastEnders star Bonnie Langford took on the role of dizzy companion Mel Bush.

The Doctor – still his ever whimsical self – also crossed paths with the ruthless heroine Ace (Sophie Aldred), taking her under his wing and teaching her about the universe.

Once again The Rani was causing trouble for The Doctor as she attempted to thwart their plans, but eventually the show could not be saved, and McCoy’s short-than-most tenure in the TARDIS came to an abrupt end when BBC axed the show in 1989.

In reality, his regeneration did not directly play out on-screen, as the Doctor was shot in the middle of a gang shootout. The TV movie in 1996 then saw his new face revealed as he regenerated several hours later in the hospital morgue. 

McCoy – now 75 – has gone onto land various acting roles since his time on Who, and also played Ragast the Brown in the Lord Of The Rings: The Hobbit trilogy. 

Most Memorable Companion: Ace (Sophie Aldred)

It is safe to say that Seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy was a one-woman man as his only companion was Ace (Sophie Aldred, 61).

Her first appearance was in 1987 during Dragonfire and while the show may have been cancelled during Sylvester’s era, their friendship was a match made in heaven. 

The brave companion was quick to call the Seventh Doctor her ‘Porfessor’ and the pair were inseparable until her final regular appearance was in the show’s final classic episode, Survival. 

She reprised her role in the 2022 The Power of the Doctor, where she was reunited with the Thirteenth Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker.

Icon: Head into his seventh incarnation – with his signature cane and punctuation-printed vest – interest in Doctor Who had started to dwindle, but Sylvester McCoy’s era as the Doctor is well-remembered

Back again: Paul McGann played the Eighth Doctor in 1996 when Doctor Who was revived from a TV movie, though he also returned for a special online film 2013 

Legend: It is safe to say that Seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, was a one woman man as his only companion was Ace (Sophie Aldred, 61)  who debuted in 1987 (pictured late 80s)

Eighth Doctor – Paul McGann – 1996 & 2013

After a near-decade off-screen Doctor Who was brought back as a TV movie in an American co-production, with Paul McGann – a member of the McGann acting family – taking on the leading role.

This film saw The Master (played here by Eric Roberts) trying to steal the Doctor’s remaining lives by opening the Eye of Harmony the TARDIS, which nearly destroyed the Earth.

Luckily, the Doctor and his companion Dr Grace Holloway (Daphne Ashbrook) prevent the Earth’s destruction, leading the Master is sucked into the Eye.

It was in this film that fans saw their first glimpse at what a romance between the Doctor and his companion could look like, as they share a firework-lit kiss in the closing scenes which infuriated fans at the time.  

Fans were also disappointed that McGann failed to reprise his role as The Doctor in a later series, though he did appear in 2013 short called The Night Of The Doctor, which set the plot-line for the show’s 50th Anniversary.

But in 2004 it was announced that Doctor Who would be returning for a brand new series with Queer As Folk writer Russell T Davies at the helm…

Most Memorable Companion: Dr. Grace Holloway (Daphne Ashbrook) 

Dr Grace Holloway – played by Daphne Ashbrook, 60 – was the main companion for Eighth Doctor, Paul McGann.

She was a San Francisco cardiologist and she made her debut in 1996 Doctor Who. 

Daphne’s character was Paul’s first companion after she inadvertently initiated the regeneration of the Seventh Doctor – she accidentally kills him while trying to save his life after he is gunned down. 

She took him to her hospital but his alien physiology hampers his recovery. 

During her final regular appearance in the 1996 series, she finished helping Paul in his fight against The Master. Instead of hopping back into the TARDIS she bids him farewell with a kiss. 

Some of her final words were: ‘I finally meet the right guy and he’s from another planet’.

Outraged: It was in this film that fans saw their first glimpse at what a romance between the Doctor and his companion Dr Grace Holloway could look like

Killer: Dr Grace Holloway – played by Daphne Ashbrook, 60 – was the main companion for Eighth Doctor, Paul McGann, after her first appearance in the 1996 Doctor Who (pictured 1996)

Ninth Doctor – Christopher Eccleston – 2005

Best Episode: The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances (2005)

When Doctor Who finally returned to the BBC in March 2005, fans were adamant that it would fail, especially after it was revealed that pop star Billie Piper had been cast as the companion Rose Tyler – a very modern character who worked in a department store and lived on a council estate.

The series was an instant hit as Rose teamed up with Eccleston’s version of The Doctor, this time a leather jacket-clad man with a Northern accent because ‘lots of planets have a North!’

A drastic change for the series at this point was the absence of Gallifrey, which had been destroyed – off-screen – in a Time War with the Daleks.

The Daleks took centre stage in this new series with a scary gold exterior, and an explosive finale saw thousands of the alien robots try to conquer a futuristic version of Earth under the leadership of their Emperor.

This series also saw the debut of huge fan favourite Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) as he tried to con Rose as 51st Century Time Agent as his ship crash landed in the middle of World War Two. 

His first episode was also the story which saw fans introduced to Steven Moffatt, who eventually took over from Davies as showrunner in 2010.

Sadly Eccleston’s tenure in the TARDIS was brief – largely due to reports of disagreements behind the scenes – but his regeneration proved epic, kissing Rose to absorb the TARDIS vortex and save her life. 

Most famous companion: Rose Tyler (Billie Piper)

Christopher Ecclestone’s Doctor only lasted a season, so by default, Rose Tyler – played by Billie Piper, 41 – is his favoured companion.

Billie’s character was a national favourite after starting out as ‘just a shop girl’ in 2005 during the self-named episode, Rose. 

She joined Christopher on many adventures until a battle with Daleks saw her take on the power of the Time Vortex. 

The newfound power emerged with her ‘Bad Wolf’ persona until the Doctor saved her life.

He absorbed the fatal level of energy flowing through her which then ignited the Ninth Doctor in 2005s episode Doomsday. 

Her latest appearance was in 2013 during the The End of Time.

He’s back! Christopher Eccleston played the Ninth Doctor when Doctor Who was revived in 2005, taking on the role one series alongside Billie Piper’s companion Rose Tyler

Iconic: This series also saw the debut of huge fan favourite Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) as he tried to con Rose as a 51st Century Time Agent 

Emotional: Sadly Eccleston’s tenure in the TARDIS was brief – largely due to reports of disagreements behind the scenes – but his regeneration proved epic

Refresh: Christopher Ecclestone’s Doctor only lasted a season so by default Rose Tyler – played by Billie Piper, 41 – is his favoured companion

Tenth Doctor – David Tennant – 2005-2010 

Best Episode: Midnight (2008)

Most famous companion: Donna Noble (Catherine Tate)

Ask most Doctor Who fans and they would predominantly name David Tennant as their favourite Doctor, largely due to the suit-wearing adventurers’ growing feelings for Rose Tyler.

The pair’s heart-breaking goodbye on Bad Wolf Bay in the Series 2 episode Doomsday left many fans on the brink of tears, as Rose confessed she loved the Time Lord, but he was pulled away from the parallel world before having a chance to say it in response.

It was a difficult period for The Doctor as he struggled to move on from the woman he loved, but went onto team up with Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) for a series where The Master was re-introduced thanks to John Simm’s sensationally sinister performance.

But it was Donna Noble – who returned to show after a guest appearance in the 2006 Christmas Special – that sent the show sky-high in terms of TV ratings and general fan appeal.

Catherine Tate’s performance was lauded thanks to her hilarious banter with The Doctor – or Spaceman as she like to call him – culminating in the 2008 finale which saw many to Ten’s former companions return to fight the Daleks and Davros.

The episode came to a sad end when The Doctor parted ways with all of his companions – including Rose who found happiness with a human/Time Lord hybrid version of Ten – setting the stage for Tennant’s departure the following year.

His exit also saw Russell T Davies step down as showrunner, and after a series of specials in 2009 , the two-part festive special The End Of Time brought Ten’s time in the TARDIS to a close.

Not only did The Master return, but so did The Time Lords, with Timothy Dalton playing the role of Lord President Rassilon.

Ten’s closing scenes saw the fan-favourite alone in the TARDIS saying ‘I don’t want to go’ before bursting into regeneration, with viewers of more than 11 million struggling to hold back their tears. 

Most famous companion: Donna Noble (Catherine Tate)

Many will argue that Billie Piper was David Tenant’s most memorable companion, but according to the ratings, episodes starring Donna Noble, played by Catherine Tate, 53, rocketed their viewing ratings. 

Catherine’s first appearance was in the final episode of Doomsday in 2006.

She solidified her place as the Tenth Doctor’s loud-mouthed companion in the Christmas special, Runaway Bride, later that year. 

But she soon waved her goodbyes at the end of the season as she knew David was still grieving Billie’s character – a decision she soon regretted. 

She was reunited with the Doctor in 2008 and became his full-time companion and best friend. 

Catherine’s final appearance was during the 2010 story, The End of Time.  

Still not ginger! David Tennant played the Tenth Doctor from 2005 to 2010. Ask most Doctor Who fans and they would predominantly name this as their favourite Doctor

In tears: The pair’s heart-breaking goodbye on Bad Wolf Bay in the Series 2 episode Doomsday left many fans on the brink of tears, as Rose confessed she loved the Time Lord…

Not happening… But he was pulled away from the parallel world before having a chance to say it in response. It has since been voted one of sci-fi televisions’ greatest ever moments

Here come the girls: Ten teamed up with medical student Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman left). But it was Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) that sent the show sky-high in terms of TV ratings

Sensation: Donna Noblerocketed their viewings during David Tenant’s era. Catherine’s first appearance was in the final episode of Doomsday in 2006 (pictured October 2023)

Eleventh Doctor – Matt Smith – 2010-2013

Best Episode: The Eleventh Hour (2010)

Cast as the youngest ever Doctor at 27, fans were adamant that Matt Smith would fail to fill the large shoes left behind by David Tennant.

But within ten minutes of the ‘Raggedy Doctor’ tucking into fish fingers and custard with a young Amelia Pond, all those fears were soon gone as Eleven’s sprightly nature and signature bow tie won over fans in a heartbeat.

The series’ ongoing mystery surrounding River Song’s true identity left fans confused at times – as her timeline and the Doctor’s travelled in opposite directions – but it paid off in spades as she was revealed to actually be Amy and her husband Rory William’s baby daughter all grown up.

In a twist on the show’s prior romantic plot-lines, Eleven and River ‘married’ to save the universe from a time-loop and the dreaded Silence, a welcome new alien as fans complained of the Dalek’s endless resurrections.

Taking over as series showrunner Stephen Moffatt brought back several aliens that made fleeting appearance during Ten’s tenure, including the Weeping Angels, which played a vital role in the tear-jerking scenes that saw Amy and Rory torn away from their time travelling adventures forever.

After River Song’s identity was revealed, a new mystery slowly unfurled involving the Doctor’s newest companion Clara Oswald – played by now-Victoria star Jenna Coleman.

Fans were left baffled as The Doctor encountered numerous incarnations of the character throughout time, and the revelation that she had been scattered throughout the Doctor’s timestream to save his life led into the huge twist that there was a secret Doctor none had ever mentioned.

It was during Eleven’s time in the TARDIS that Doctor Who’s international appeal also widened, and upon the show’s 50th anniversary in 2013, the feature-length special saw a simultaneous broadcast in upwards of 80 countries. 

And despite early doubts, fans were distraught when Matt Smith confirmed he would be leaving the role of The Doctor in a Christmas Special just a month after the 50th Anniversary, and following an emotional speech – that some claimed was in fact Matt thanking the fans – the Raggedy Man was transformed into Peter Capaldi’s Twelve. 

Most famous companion: Amy Pond (Karen Gillan)

Amy Pond – played by Karen Gillan, 35 – was introduced into the Eleventh Doctor’s world in 2010. 

As an orphan, she was the first person Matt met after his regeneration. He promised to return for her, which he later did when she became a feisty lady. 

Karen’s character joined the Doctor on many adventures and brought her boyfriend-turned-husband, Rory, along for a ride. 

The pair left the Doctor on many occasions before they went their separate ways in the 2012 episode, The Angels Take Manhattan and remained to stay in past time. 

She returned to her role as Amy in Matt Smith’s final episode, the 2013 Christmas special, when she appeared as a hallucination before his regeneration. 

Raggedy Man: Matt Smith played the Eleventh Doctor from 2010 to 2013. Despite many fans fearing he couldn’t take on the role, within ten minutes of his debut fans were won over 

A sad goodbye: Amy Pond – played by Karen Gillan, 35 – was introduced into the Eleventh Doctor’s world in 2010 to accompany Matt Smith (pictured 2010)

War Doctor – John Hurt – 2013

While not technically one of the show’s famous twelve time-travellers, the late John Hurt’s version of the Doctor is worthy of mentioning, thanks to his lauded appearance in the 50th Anniversary Special.

Making his debut in the Series Seven finale months earlier, fans were baffled that there had been another Doctor never mentioned by his other incarnations, who supposedly came to be between the faces of Eight and Nine.

It was in this special that fans saw how The Doctor was responsible for the end of Gallifrey, setting off a device called The Moment that sealed the Time War away from the rest of the universe.

An embittered but comedic character, Hurt’s version earned much sympathy from fans as he made the impossible decision to wipe out his people, but remained baffled by the prospect of coming face-to-face with his future selves.

Doctor by Doctor crossovers were little known by modern Who fans, so the prospect of Matt Smith’s Eleven being in the same room as David Tennant’s Ten sent Whovians into a tailspin, especially as Billie Piper also reprised her role as Rose Tyler/Bad Wolf.

The epic special’s conclusion saw all 13(!) Doctors team up to transport Gallifrey into a hidden dimension safe from Dalek harm, with Eleven even sharing a scene with the Curator, played by Tom Baker in a surprise cameo.

The special even managed to set up 50 more years of adventures as The Doctor realised that his home was still out there, waiting to be found.

Iconic: While not technically one of the show’s famous twelve time-travellers, the late John Hurt’s version of the Doctor is worthy of mentioning, thanks to his lauded appearance 

Twelfth Doctor – Peter Capaldi – 2013-2017

Best Episode: Heaven Sent (2015)

As an already much acclaimed actor for an array of roles, fans were excited to see Scottish performer Peter take on the iconic role, especially as his stoic nature seemed a far cry from his whimsical predecessors.

Quashing any talks of a romance with companion Clara – who stayed on from the Eleven era – fans felt the show headed back to its classic roots during Twelve’s era thanks to a focus on the thrilling adventures and the sinister character Missy – played by Michelle Gomez.

Shrouded in mystery for Twelve’s first series, fans were stunned when it was revealed that Missy was in fact the Mistress, a regenerated version of iconic Who villain The Master.

Fans also grew to love Clara’s friendship with this new older Doctor, and following her first full series with Twelve speculation was rife whether she would return in 2015.

The Christmas Special eventually revealed she would be back, but Jenna Coleman confirmed soon after she would then be saying goodbye to the character for good.

Heartbreaking scenes saw Clara killed by the sinister Raven…but her death was undone two episodes later as she went on endless journeys in a somewhat purgatory state, endlessly avoiding the prospect of returning to Gallifrey to face her death.

Following Clara’s exit fans delighted when it was revealed that Pearl Mackie had been cast as Bill Potts, the show’s first ever gay companion, and she would appear alongside Matt Lucas’ returning Nardole.

Her inquisitive nature contrasted heavily with Clara, and a single series with the Doctor earned much fan praise, especially as her same-sex relationship with a human turned water hybrid Heather played a pivotal role.

But throughout that 2017 series, Twelve was seemingly in a constant struggle against the prospect of regeneration, eventually leading him to meet the very first incarnation – with David Bradley reprising his role as the character from 2013’s Adventures In Space and Time. 

Even Twelve’s time in the TARDIS was still coming to a close, fans were elated when it was hinted that a woman would be taking over the iconic role for the first time its 50-year history.

And that dream became a reality when months before Capaldi’s final scenes had even aired, Jodie Whittaker was unveiled as the Thirteenth Doctor. 

Most Memorable Companion: Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman)

Clara Oswald – played by Jenna Coleman – was well suited to Capaldi’s Doctor as she complimented his brash tendencies. 

She took time to get used to the Twelfth Doctor after spending her first adventures with the Eleventh and was unsure about their budding new friendship.

But soon enough, Jenna’s character grew and soon enough became more confident and displayed more of her own personality. 

Many argue Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie) and Nardole (Matt Lucas) were also very prominent companions. 

But all was revealed on who mattered most when Bill gifted the Doctor a final conversation with a composite of Jenna’s character.

Jenna’s first appearance was in the 2012 story Asylum of the Daleks as Oswin Oswald, but she turned into a Darlek. 

She then made her second appearance, but as a second iteration of the character – Clara, in The Snowmen in 2012. She said goodbye to her adventures in the 2015 season finale Hell Bent when the Doctor’s memories of her are wiped away. 

Jenna reprises her role, as a guest, in the Twelfth Doctor’s final episode, the 2017 Christmas special Twice Upon a Time.

Darker turn: Peter Capaldi played the Twelfth Doctor from 2013 to 2017. An already much acclaimed actor, fans were excited to see the Scot take on the iconic role

She’s gone: Clara Oswald also made her exit from the series during this time, as she was killed by the Raven before being brought back to be kept in a state of purgatory

Who 2017: Following Clara’s exit fans delighted when it was revealed that Pearl Mackie had been cast as Bill Potts, the show’s first ever gay companion

Returned: Clara Oswald – played by Jenna Coleman – was well suited to Capaldi’s Doctor as she complimented his brash tendencies after she debuted in 2012 

Thirteenth- Jodie Whittaker- 2017-2022

Best Episode: Fugitive of the Judoon (2020) 

Jodie Whittaker took on the then-controversial role of the first-ever female Doctor.

The actress, 41, has portrayed the eponymous Time Lord on-screen for four years, and bowed out of the sci-fi series in her last episode in October 2022.

It is nothing short of an understatement to say that fans eagerly awaited Whittaker’s debut, as three new companions joined her for ten episodes of new faces, new worlds and new adventures.

The series was expected to be an instant hit as she brought the show up to speed with modern times, but the highly anticipated episodes were highly criticised throughout.

It has been said that her tenure struggled to live up to the hype and her potential as the show’s script was criticised many times over the years.

But her close relationship with her companion Yaz helped keep viewers glued to the screens as the pair were shipped together early on, as many suspected a budding romance.

One of her most loved episodes, Fugitive of the Judoon, was jam-packed with action after the Judoon platoon descended upon Gloucester.

The Doctor, who managed to bypass the forcefield around the city, ended up surrounded by the Judoon in the Cathedral, which saw Ruth, in all her glory, ripping off their commander’s horn.

Ruth then revealed her true identity as a version of The Doctor, but neither remembered the other.

Despite the ups and downs surrounding Jodie’s character, her exit was likened to the legendary send-off for David Tenant.

The iconic female Time Lord found peace in regeneration as she spent her last moments atop the Tardis with Yaz looking over Earth with a warming smile during the final scene of ‘The Power of the Doctor’.

While the end to her iconic role may have been a hard reality, the TV star has said previously that she left the coveted role because she feels it needs ‘new energy’.

Most memorable companion: Yaz – Yasmin Khan (Mandip Gill)

Yasmin ‘Yaz’ Khan – played by Mandip Gill, 35, was introduced in the 2018 premier The Woman Who Fell To Earth. 

She was the companion to the show’s first ever female Doctor – Jodie Whittaker – for whom she later developed romantic feelings. 

Travelling through time with the Doctor, her school friend Ryan Sinclair and his grandfather Graham O’Brien, she explored her family history and its connection to the Partition of India. 

Mandip’s character helped modernise the decades-old show and remained with the Thirteenth Doctor for her entire run. 

She said her finale goodbyes in the 2022 special The Power of the Doctor, returning to life on Earth. 

Doctor Who returns on Saturday November 25 at 6:30pm on BBC One. 

End of an era: Jodie Whittaker, 41, has portrayed the 13th incarnation of the Time Lord on-screen for four years, and bowed out of the sci-fi series in her last episode in October 2022

On screen: The series was expected to be an instant hit as she brought the show up to speed with modern times, but the highly anticipated episodes were highly criticised throughout

Romantic: Yasmin ‘Yaz’ Khan – played by Mandip Gill, 35, was introduced in the 2018 premier The Woman Who Fell To Earth (pictured 2019)

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