Fifteenth Doctor in Jeopardy

As a devoted fan, I had the privilege of making my debut as the fifteenth Time Lord in the 2024 Christmas special of Doctor Who, when it graced our screens once more.

For many years, the central role has been taken up by various male actors, each given twelve distinct identities ranging from William Hartnell to David Tennant, who have all possessed the ability to navigate the Time and Relative Dimension in Space (TARDIS).

However, this season, the popular science fiction series has experienced a significant decline in viewership, with many viewers expressing dissatisfaction over the introduction of socially and politically progressive narratives.

There’s talk circulating that Ncuti, aged 32, might leave the BBC series following only two seasons.

It’s been speculated that the Scottish actor has already shot his departure scene where he transforms (regenerates), and there’s concern among the crew that this might mark the conclusion of the series, having run for an impressive 62 years so far.

He made history when he joined the show as the first-ever black actor to take on the role.

In this piece, we delve into every actor who has portrayed the legendary character throughout its six decades of existence.

First Doctor – William Hartnell – 1963-1966

The initial series introduced everything, featuring William Hartnell portraying the renowned Time Lord for the first time in his original form. He arrived on Earth with his granddaughter Susan following a self-imposed exile from their home planet Gallifrey, making her the only family member to accompany him on his adventures.

Although the initial series had uncertain effects and was shot in black and white, it remains fondly remembered by devoted fans and was reimagined in the 2013 TV movie “Adventures Across Space and Time,” featuring David Bradley portraying the role of Hartnell.

Venturing through the expanse of space and time alongside Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright, the group encountered the show’s toughest adversary: the Daleks. Known for their relentless enmity, these mechanical beings pursued the Doctor across the universe.

Journeying through space-time with companions Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright, our team encountered their deadliest enemy – The Daleks. Renowned for their ceaseless hostility, these robots chased the Doctor across the cosmos.

During this period, the Doctor said goodbye to Susan when she developed feelings for human freedom fighter David Campbell in the 22nd century.

During this time period, the Doctor encountered the Cybermen too. These beings were developed as an advanced form of human, engineered to lack any feelings or emotions whatsoever.

However, prolonged travels ultimately wore down the elderly Doctor, and following a fight against the Cybermen, he succumbed within the TARDIS alongside his companions, Polly and Ben Jackson, marking the beginning of his second reincarnation.

In truth, the actor Hartnell found it challenging to meet the show’s shooting deadlines, which ultimately resulted in him leaving the production. Regrettably, he passed away in the year 1975.

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

Initially, Ian Chesterton (portrayed by William Russell) and Barbara Wright (portrayed by Jacqueline Hill) played significant roles during the early stages, but it was Susan Foreman who originally designed the blueprint of the character that is recognized today.

In 1963, the character Susan, portrayed by Carole Ann Ford, first appeared on Doctor Who. This was during the episode titled “An Unearthly Child.

The 83-year-old is now renowned as the first one in history, and her last regular appearance, titled “The Dalek Invasion of Earth,” was broadcast in 1964.

Afterward, she featured in two separate episodes. The first was within the 1983 narrative titled “The Five Doctors,” and the second occurrence was in the 1993 charitable production named “Dimensions in Time.”

Or:

Later on, she showed up twice. Once in the 1983 story called “The Five Doctors” and again in a 1993 charity special titled “Dimensions in Time.

Second Doctor – Patrick Troughton – 1966-1969

Typically, The Second Doctor diverged significantly from his forerunner, yet he didn’t shy away from numerous journeys alongside companion Jamie.

In his portrayal of the Doctor, Troughton battled recurring adversaries like the Daleks and Cybermen, but he also faced new threats such as the Great Intelligence and the Ice Warriors, some of whom have reappeared in more recent episodes.

In this particular instance, I had the pleasure of witnessing the introduction of a longstanding figure from one of my favorite series – Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart, commonly known as the Brigadier. This memorable encounter took place within the labyrinthine tunnels beneath London’s Underground system, where I found myself crossing paths with none other than the Doctor himself.

The second incarnation of the Doctor’s tenure concluded when the TARDIS materialized amidst a battleground, a conflict engineered by an extraterrestrial army of warlords. These cosmic militarists, in collusion with a rogue Time Lord known as the War Chief, systematically abducted and indoctrinated humans into serving as their combatants.

Although he successfully thwarted the plan, the Time Lords penalized the Doctor by forcing a regeneration upon him, and they also banished him into exile on 20th-century Earth, as punishment for violating the laws of non-interference.

After Troughton left, he passed away in 1987, and later on, his grandson, Harry, appeared as Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter movie adaptations.

During Patrick Troughton’s tenure, his companions seemed to frequently change, but among these, Jamie McCrimmon, portrayed by Frazer Hines, stands out as the most unforgettable traveling partner, at the age of 79.

In the year 1966, Frazer made his debut within the series “The Highlanders.” His character was established as a representative of the Clan MacLeod from 18th-century Scotland. This means that he first appeared on screen in a story set during the 1700s in Scotland.

In almost all of Patrick’s episodes, Frazer was present, except for the very first one, “The Power of the Daleks.” Meanwhile, Ben, Polly, Victoria, and Zoe made appearances together with Patrick in various episodes, as well.

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

The latest time he regularly shared scenes with the Doctor was during The War Games, and subsequently, he made a special return for Tales of the TARDIS.

Third Doctor – John Pertwee – 1970-1974

During this period, The Doctor predominantly journeyed with the adventurous Jo Grant. Interestingly, she eventually departed to travel with a man who shared striking similarities with the future Eighth Doctor, Paul McGann!

In a more playful manner compared to his forerunners, contemporary admirers may recognize Pertwee not just for his roles as a politician on television, but also for his character in Worzel Gummidge.

Fortunately, his exile on Earth came to an end, enabling him and his comrades to journey to various parts of the cosmos, where they encountered journalist Sarah Jane Smith.

In this period, we witnessed a historic event where multiple incarnations of The Doctor crossed paths for the very first time. Specifically, the Third Doctor encountered his two predecessors, marking the final portrayal of the First Doctor by William Hartnell.

In addition, it featured the debut of ancient adversaries known as The Silurians and The Autons, who made their appearance in the inaugural episode of the 2005 revival.

Eventually, after a dangerous run-in with The Green Death, Jon Pertwee’s Doctor underwent regeneration – he passed away in 1996 – and his traditional suit-wearing self was replaced by arguably the most iconic version of the character from the classic era.

It’s true that Liz Shaw was the Doctor’s (Pertwee) initial companion, but there is a unique bond between him and Jo Grant (played by Katy Manning), unlike any other.

Katy stepped in as a valuable addition to the show, skillfully striking a balance between being smart and self-assured while remaining captivated by the Doctor’s genius. This kept her character curious and significant to the plot’s progression.

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. 

However, upon deciding to wed a scientist she encountered amidst The Green Death’s events, it became her moment to bid farewell.

In her most recent outing, she graced the screen as a special guest star in an installment of Tales from the TARDIS.

Fourth Doctor – Tom Baker – 1974-1981 

Tom Baker, known for his voluminous curled hair and famed striped scarf, held the title of longest-serving Doctor during the Classic era and became the most recognizable face associated with this period. His collaboration with Sarah Jane Smith significantly enhanced her status as one of the most revered companions until actress Elizabeth Sladen’s passing in 2011.

As I traversed the cosmos for over seven eventful years, I encountered none other than the infamous Time Lord antagonist – The Master. Over time, this enigmatic figure has solidified himself into a familiar face, standing alongside iconic adversaries such as the Daleks and Cybermen.

Following an unintended departure that left Sarah Jane Smith behind in Scotland, The Doctor embarks on a journey by himself for the initial time, captivating viewers as well as introducing the creation of the Daleks known as Davros in an exceptional episode widely recognized as one of the series’ finest.

Encountering the Time Lady Romana, who transforms into a new version portrayed by Laila Ward, the youthful charm embarks on numerous journeys accompanied by her latest partner. This duo additionally encounters the robotic canine K-9, a character that has made frequent comebacks in the contemporary series as well.

During the same period, Tom Baker and Laila Ward actually got married off-screen as well; however, their marriage only lasted for two years, ending in 1982.

Following Romana and K-9’s decision to remain in E-space, the Doctor encounters Adric and Tegan. His tenure wearing the scarf ends when he meets The Watcher, a representation of one of his future selves.

As a seasoned lifestyle connoisseur looking back on my career, I can’t help but recall the joy I’ve brought to audiences through various roles, one of them being the narrator for the hilarious sketch series, Little Britain. Though I may be turning 84, my enthusiasm and love for entertainment remain as vibrant as ever!

Sarah Jane Smith, portrayed by Elisabeth Sladen, is a cherished figure and widely regarded as the finest companion in the classic era of the show.

In 1973, she first appeared on the scene during “The Time Warrior”. Initially, she functioned as a traveling partner for Jon Pertwee’s character, the Third Doctor. However, following his regeneration into Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor, Sarah Jane chose to continue her journey with him.

In 2011, Elisabeth passed away, but she had initially built upon the foundation laid by Jo Grant. Her extraordinary intellect allowed her to develop into a significant secondary character.

Following her last appearance as a permanent cast member in “The End of Time,” it proved challenging for others to match her unique charm, as numerous potential companions endeavored unsuccessfully to emulate her role – they even experimented with using two robot dogs.

In this scenario, Harry Sullivan, Leela, K9 Mark I & II, Romana I, Romana II, Adric, Tegan Jovanka, and Nyssa were all frequently present with the Fourth Doctor during his adventures.

Fifth Doctor – Peter Davison – 1981-1984

During the 1980s, the enthusiasm for Doctor Who among fans started to decrease, yet the time when Peter Davison was in the TARDIS remains highly regarded.

In a poignant turn of events, I found myself bearing witness to a significant moment in this captivating series – the tragic demise of Adric, who valiantly attempted to prevent a cosmic vessel from colliding with our ancient planet Earth.

Once more, the period was filled with political turmoil on Gallifrey, and I had the chance to meet three of my former selves, who were brought to the planet by President Borusa. He sought to uncover Rassilon’s secret for eternal life.

Eventually, the Fifth Doctor and his final companion, Peri Brown, encountered lethal, pure spectrox on the planet Androzani Minor.

In a selfless act, with just one dose of the antidote left, he chose to give up his life to save Peri. For the first time, he questioned whether regeneration would be an option this time, before eventually transforming into the Sixth Doctor.

67-year-old Davison once again took on the character of The Doctor in a Children In Need special from 2007, where he encountered the Tenth Doctor, played by David Tennant, within the TARDIS. Interestingly, his daughter, Georgia Moffett, later married Tennant in 2011.

Among the Fourth and Fifth Doctors’ companions, it was Adric, portrayed by Matthew Waterhouse, who left the most lasting impression, even though he appeared with both of them.

In the 1980s sci-fi tale, Full Circle, Matthew first appeared as a mathematical prodigy from the extraterrestrial world of Alzarius, who was also an alien.

In 1982, his exit, as part of Earthshock, was an unforgettable one. Tragically, he lost his life while trying to prevent a Cybermen spaceship from colliding with Earth.

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

However, Matthew wasn’t just accompanied by the Fifth Doctor; he also shared adventures with Nyssa (played by Sarah Sutton), Vislor Turlough (Mark Strickson), Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding), and Kamelion (portrayed by Gerald Flood).

Sixth Doctor – Colin Baker – 1984-1986

Colin Baker’s tenure as the witty Doctor was marked by turbulence, as his departure following poor ratings resulted in an uncomfortable regeneration sequence.

After a tumultuous initial meeting, the Sixth Doctor found himself inexplicably choking his companion Peri. Despite this rocky start, they proceeded to confront several familiar foes such as the Master, Daleks, Cybermen, and Sontarans together.

Upon their first meeting, an unsteady aftermath caused the Sixth Doctor to inadvertently strangle his companion Peri. However, they managed to overcome this awkward beginning and faced off against a variety of old adversaries including the Master, Daleks, Cybermen, and Sontarans.

There was much talk about why Peri left the show without an on-screen explanation. It was rumored that her character may have been killed off, following her cruel exploitation in brain transplant experimentation.

In truth, she was indeed alive, though subsequent trials for the Doctor caused some disarray in the Time Lords’ temporal order. Unfortunately, the Doctor and Peri never managed to reconnect following these events.

Following an assault on the TARDIS by the malevolent Time Lady scientist known as The Rani, the Sixth Doctor sustains injuries that ultimately lead to his regeneration into the Seventh Doctor. However, the specifics of his demise were not depicted on-screen.

After that, Baker, who is currently 75 years old, made an appearance on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here in 2012, sharing the spotlight with Helen Flanagan and Charlie Brooks. He was the fourth contestant to be voted off.

63-year-old actress Nicola Bryant debuts as Peri Brown in the 1984 tale titled “Planet of Fire.” (This version tries to make it more conversational and easier to read.)

Initially, she encounters the Fifth Doctor. In a selfless act, he gives up his life which triggers his regeneration, all for her safety.

During her tenure as the Sixth Doctor’s companion, Nicola narrowly escaped an attempt on her life by Colin. This occurred when Colin, temporarily unbalanced following his regeneration, tried to harm her.

In the year 1986, during the extended narrative titled “The Trial of a Time Lord,” her character vanishes. This is followed by the revelation, made by a future Doctor called ‘The Valeyard,’ that she was rescued and later married King Yrcanos of Thoros Alpha.

Melanie ‘Mel’ Bush (played by Bonnie Langford) quickly took over the role, resembling Jo Grant from the time of Jon Pertwee.

Or simply:

Bonnie Langford stepped into the role as Melanie ‘Mel’ Bush, much like Jo Grant during Jon Pertwee’s era.

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

Seventh Doctor – Sylvester McCoy – 1987-1989

Move into his seventh reincarnation, carrying his distinctive cane and vest adorned with punctuation marks – despite interest in Doctor Who beginning to decline, the period when Sylvester McCoy portrayed the Doctor is fondly recalled. This era saw Bonnie Langford, now a star on EastEnders, assume the role of the flighty companion Mel Bush.

In my journey as a lifestyle expert, I found myself interacting with the enigmatic character Ace, played by Sophie Aldred. With a touch of my usual quirky charm, I took her under my wing and shared insights about the vastness of our universe, guiding her through its mysteries.

Once more, The Rani created problems for The Doctor, trying to sabotage their plans. However, despite their efforts, the series couldn’t be preserved, and the short-lived tenure of McCoy as a traveler in the TARDIS concluded unexpectedly when BBC decided to cancel the show in 1989.

In actuality, the Doctor’s regeneration didn’t occur on-screen during the momentous gang shootout; instead, he was wounded and subsequently taken to a hospital morgue where he regenerated several hours after being shot. This event was depicted in the 1996 TV movie.

75-year-old McCoy has landed numerous acting gigs post Star Trek, including portraying Ragast the Brown in The Lord of the Rings: The Hobbit Trilogy.

It’s not inaccurate to note that the Seventh Doctor, portrayed by Sylvester McCoy, predominantly traveled with just one companion – Ace, played by Sophie Aldred.

In 1987, she made her debut in an episode called Dragonfire. Although the series was discontinued during the time of Sylvester, it’s clear that their bond was destined to be.

The fearless comrade had no hesitation in referring to the Seventh Doctor as ‘Professor’, and they remained virtually unseparated until her last recurring role in the series finale, titled Survival.

In 2022’s The Power of the Doctor, she once again took on her character as she met up with the Thirteenth Doctor, portrayed by Jodie Whittaker.

Or more casually:
In the 2022 special show, The Power of the Doctor, she returned to play her role and interacted with the Thirteenth Doctor, who was played by Jodie Whittaker.

Eighth Doctor – Paul McGann – 1996 & 2013

For approximately nine years, the character of Doctor Who had been absent from our screens. Then, a television film revival occurred as a joint American production, starring Paul McGann – a relative from the McGann acting dynasty – in the principal role.

As a fervent devotee, I couldn’t help but be gripped by the thrilling plot twist where The Master, brilliantly portrayed by Eric Roberts, attempted to seize the Doctor’s last regenerations by prying open the Eye of Harmony within the TARDIS. This audacious act almost brought about the annihilation of our very planet.

Fortunately, the Doctor and his associate, Dr. Grace Holloway, managed to avert Earth’s destruction, causing the Master to be drawn into the Eye instead.

In this movie, viewers got a sneak peek into the possibility of a romantic relationship between the Doctor and his companion, as they exchanged a passionate kiss under a shower of fireworks towards the end. This scene sparked outrage among fans when it was initially released.

Viewers felt let down when McGann didn’t return as The Doctor in future seasons, but he did make a cameo in a 2013 short titled “The Night of the Doctor,” which laid the groundwork for the series’ 50th anniversary storyline.

However, in 2004, it became known that Doctor Who was coming back on screen with a fresh series, with Russell T. Davies (known for his work on Queer As Folk) taking charge.

Dr. Grace Holloway, portrayed by Daphne Ashbrook (age 60), served as the primary traveling partner for the Eighth Doctor, played by Paul McGann.

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

In the story, Daphne was the initial travel partner of Paul following an unintentional event where she triggered the regeneration of the Seventh Doctor. Unfortunately, in a bid to save his life after he was shot, she ended up taking it instead.

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

In her last ordinary episode from the 1996 series, she assisted Paul in his battle against The Master. Rather than jumping back into the TARDIS, she bid him goodbye with a kiss.

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

Ninth Doctor – Christopher Eccleston – 2005

When Doctor Who made its comeback to BBC in March 2005, skeptical fans predicted failure, particularly upon learning that pop star Billie Piper was chosen for the role of Rose Tyler, a contemporary character who held a job at a department store and resided on a public housing complex.

In the new season, the show quickly gained popularity when Rose worked alongside a Doctor character portrayed by Eccleston. This Doctor was a rugged figure wearing a leather jacket and sporting a Northern accent, reflecting his line that “many planets have a North!

At a pivotal moment in the show’s progression, the significant absence of Gallifrey was noticeable. This location, crucial to the series, was presumed destroyed – without any on-screen depiction – during a timely conflict with the Daleks known as the Time War.

In this latest series, the Daleks dominated as they sported a chilling golden exterior. The climax was dramatic, featuring countless robot aliens, under the command of their Emperor, attempting an invasion of a futuristic Earth, aiming to seize control.

In this series, Captain Jack Harkness, a beloved character played by John Barrowman, made his first appearance. He attempted to deceive Rose while posing as a 51st-century Time Agent, as his spaceship happened to land amidst the chaos of World War II.

In the initial installment, viewers were first acquainted with Steven Moffat, who later assumed the role of showrunner from Davies, starting from the year 2010.

Unfortunately, Eccleston’s time aboard the TARDIS was short-lived, mainly because of rumored conflicts off-camera. However, his regeneration was nothing short of spectacular; he kissed Rose to draw in the TARDIS vortex energy and ultimately saved her life.

Since Christopher Eccleston’s portrayal of the Doctor was limited to just one season, it follows naturally that Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper at age 41, would be considered his most favored companion due to their extended screen time together.

Billie’s character became a beloved national figure following her debut as an ordinary store employee back in 2005 during the self-titled episode, “Rose.

She went along with Christopher on numerous adventures, but it was during a confrontation against Daleks that she absorbed the power from the Time Vortex.

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

In the 2005 episode “Doomsday,” the Ninth Doctor was energized to a critical point by the lethal surge of power coursing through her.

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

Tenth Doctor – David Tennant – 2005-2010 

Inquire from a majority of Doctor Who enthusiasts, and they often cite David Tennant as their preferred Doctor, primarily because of the increasing affection displayed towards Rose Tyler by this dashing Time Lord in his tailored attire.

In the Series 2 episode Doomsday, set at Bad Wolf Bay, the couple’s heart-wrenching farewell left numerous viewers on the verge of tears. Rose admitted her love for the Time Lord, but he was whisked away from the alternate world before he could reciprocate, leaving his words unspoken.

During a challenging phase, The Doctor found it hard to overcome his feelings for the woman he adored. However, he eventually joined forces with Martha Jones (portrayed by Freema Agyeman), and together they embarked on an adventure where The Master was reintroduced, thanks to John Simm’s captivatingly malevolent portrayal.

However, Donna Noble, who made a reappearance following her guest spot in the 2006 Christmas Special, was the one who propelled the show to new heights in both television ratings and overall popularity among fans.

Catherine Tate received high praise for her witty back-and-forth with The Doctor, whom she affectionately referred to as Spaceman, reaching a climax in the 2008 finale where many of The Doctor’s previous allies banded together once more to battle against the Daleks and Davros.

In the closing moments, it was a sorrowful goodbye as The Doctor said farewell to each of his traveling companions, including Rose, who chose to stay with a blend of human and Time Lord (a character resembling Ten). This marked the beginning of Tennant’s exit, which occurred the following year.

As a passionate admirer, I can’t help but reflect on the impact when Russell T Davies chose to part ways as showrunner. Following a string of captivating specials in 2009, we were treated to the two-part festive spectacle, “The End of Time,” which marked the end of an era for our beloved Doctor, Ten, and his journey within the TARDIS.

Besides The Master making an appearance, it was also The Time Lords who came back, this time with Timothy Dalton portraying the character of Lord President Rassilon.

In the final moments, the much-loved character was found all by themselves inside the TARDIS, expressing ‘I don’t wish to leave,’ before undergoing regeneration. Over 11 million spectators had a hard time controlling their emotions as they watched this emotional scene unfold.

It is often debated that Billie Piper was David Tennant’s most iconic co-star, but based on television ratings, episodes featuring Catherine Tate as Donna Noble saw a significant increase in viewership.

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

In the Christmas special titled “Runaway Bride,” she firmly established herself as the outspoken companion to the Tenth Doctor at the end of that year.

However, she bid farewell quickly once the season ended, knowing that David was still mourning Billy’s character. This decision turned out to be something she later came to regret.

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.  

Eleventh Doctor – Matt Smith – 2010-2013

As the record-breaking 27-year-old incumbent of the esteemed role once held by David Tennant, I found myself under the scrutiny of fans who believed that I might not be able to fill his impressive footsteps.

However, within just ten minutes of ‘The Raggedy Doctor’ sharing fish fingers and custard with Amelia Pond, a young girl, any apprehensions vanished swiftly. The lively demeanor and distinctive bow tie of Eleven quickly endeared him to fans everywhere.

Within ten minutes of eating fish fingers and custard with Amelia Pond, the Raggedy Doctor’s fears disappeared as fans fell in love with Eleven’s cheerful personality and signature bow tie.

The enigma about River Song’s real self, which the series kept unfolding, left viewers puzzled on several occasions since her timeline moved contrary to that of the Doctor – yet this complex narrative ultimately proved rewarding as she was unveiled as none other than Amy Pond and Rory Williams’ grown-up daughter.

Instead of maintaining the traditional romantic storylines, Eleven and River found themselves in an unusual union, not a conventional marriage but more like a sacred vow, to prevent a time-loop from occurring and avoid the ominous Silence – a fresh extraterrestrial addition. This change was warmly accepted by fans who had previously expressed dissatisfaction over the Daleks’ constant resurrections.

Upon assuming the role of series showrunner, Stephen Moffatt reintroduced several aliens that had briefly appeared during the Tenure era, including the Weeping Angels, which significantly contributed to heartrending episodes where Amy and Rory were permanently separated from their time-traveling journeys.

Following the unveiling of River Song’s true identity, a fresh enigma began to unravel, this time centered around the Doctor’s latest traveling companion, Clara Oswald, who is portrayed by actress Jenna Coleman, best known for her role in “Victoria.

Spectators found themselves puzzled when The Doctor met multiple versions of the character across different eras, only to discover the shocking revelation that she had been split and hidden within The Doctor’s timeline to preserve his existence. This unexpected disclosure introduced the major twist that there was a covert Doctor figure who had never before been hinted at.

During Eleven’s tenure inside the TARDIS, Doctor Who’s fanbase expanded globally, and by the time we celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013, the special episode was screened almost simultaneously across more than 80 nations.

Even though there were initial uncertainties, fans were deeply saddened when Matt Smith announced his departure from playing The Doctor in a Christmas Special, mere weeks after the 50th Anniversary. After an emotional farewell speech that some interpreted as Matt expressing gratitude towards the fans, the Raggedy Man was reborn as Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor.

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

In her role as an orphan, she was the initial individual Matt encountered following his regeneration. He pledged to come back for her at some point, and true to his word, he returned when she had grown into a spirited woman.

In various journeys, Karen’s personality accompanied the Doctor, with her partner-later-spouse, Rory, tagging along as well.

On multiple instances throughout the storyline, the duo parted ways from the Doctor prior to the 2012 episode “The Angels Take Manhattan,” choosing to remain in the past timeline instead of continuing their journey together.

In the 2013 Christmas special that marked Matt Smith’s last appearance, she reprised her character, Amy, and made an appearance as a hallucination prior to his regeneration.

War Doctor – John Hurt – 2013

Although John Hurt’s character wasn’t one of the original dozen time-travelers, it’s worth noting his exceptional portrayal in the 50th Anniversary Special, which garnered much praise.

In the final episode of Series Seven, viewers found it puzzling that a new Doctor, unmentioned by any of his previous selves, appeared between the visages of the Eighth and Ninth Doctors.

In this particular episode, viewers discovered that The Doctor played a crucial role in bringing an end to Gallifrey, by detonating a device known as The Moment which enclosed the Time War and isolated it from the rest of the cosmos.

A character filled with bitterness yet possessing a comical flair, Hurt’s portrayal stirred deep sympathy among fans when he was confronted with the agonizing choice to exterminate his own kind. However, he continued to be puzzled by the idea of encountering his future incarnations.

Modern Doctor Who enthusiasts were generally unaware of Doctor-by-Doctor crossovers. Therefore, when it was revealed that Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor would share screen time with David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor, the excitement among Whovians reached a fever pitch. This anticipation escalated even further as Billie Piper returned to her role as Rose Tyler/Bad Wolf.

In the final scene of the spectacular special, all thirteen Doctors united to move Gallifrey into a concealed dimension, shielding it from any potential Dalek damage. Notably, Doctor Eleven interacted with the Curator, portrayed by the unexpected appearance of Tom Baker.

Despite the unique event, an additional fifty years of thrilling escapades were established, as The Doctor came to understand that his homeland was yet to be discovered and explored.

Twelfth Doctor – Peter Capaldi – 2013-2017

With a wealth of applauded performances under his belt, enthusiasts eagerly awaited the moment when Scottish actor Peter would embody the legendary character. Notably, his serious demeanor appeared to be a stark contrast to the lighthearted portrayals of previous actors in this role.

Dispelling rumors about a romantic relationship between Clara, who continued from the Eleven period, and the main character – fans believed that the series returned to its original style during the Twelve era due to an emphasis on exciting journeys and the mysterious antagonist Missy, portrayed by Michelle Gomez.

Initially cloaked in enigma during the initial season of “Twelve”, viewers were taken aback when it emerged that Missy was actually the reincarnation of the infamous “Doctor Who” antagonist, The Master, disguised as The Mistress.

As a devoted admirer, I couldn’t help but grow fond of the bond Clara shared with the newer, older Doctor. After witnessing her complete season with Twelve, the anticipation among fans, including myself, was intense as we speculated about her potential return in 2015.

Ultimately, the Christmas episode hinted at her return, but not long afterward, Jenna Coleman announced that she was permanently parting ways with the character.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Clara met a tragic end at the hands of the mysterious Raven. However, this demise was reversed in the following episodes when she found herself on an endless journey, seemingly in a limbo-like state, avoiding the possibility of returning to Gallifrey where her fate was sealed.

After Clara left the show, fans were thrilled to learn that Pearl Mackie was chosen to play Bill Potts, the series’ inaugural gay companion. She was set to co-star with Matt Lucas, who was reprising his role as Nardole.

Her curious personality starkly differed from that of Clara, and she garnered significant acclaim for her performance in a popular TV series alongside the Doctor. Particularly noteworthy was the portrayal of her romantic relationship with a human-water hybrid character named Heather, which significantly impacted the storyline.

During that 2017 series, I found myself in a persistent battle against the possibility of regeneration, which eventually led me to encounter the very first version of Twelve. Remarkably, David Bradley reprised his role as this character from the 2013’s Adventures In Space and Time.

Despite Twelve’s tenure within the TARDIS nearing its end, fans rejoiced at the suggestion that a female character might assume the legendary role, marking a first in its half-century legacy.

That dream came true ahead of time, as it turned out that Jodie Whittaker was revealed as the Thirteenth Doctor months before Capaldi’s final episodes had even been broadcast.

Clara Oswald, portrayed by Jenna Coleman, proved an excellent match for the Doctor, portrayed by Capaldi, as her character balanced out his bold traits.

Initially, she found it challenging to adjust to the Twelfth Doctor following her initial journeys with the Eleventh. There was a degree of uncertainty regarding the blossoming new friendship between them.

Eventually, Jenna’s character evolved, gaining confidence and expressing her individuality more openly.

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

However, it became clear who truly mattered to Bill as he gave the Doctor a heartfelt goodbye conversation that combined elements of Jenna’s personality.

Initially, Jenna made her debut in the 2012 tale titled “Asylum of the Daleks,” portraying the character Oswin Oswald. However, later on, she transformed into a Dalek.

Later on, she reappeared for a second time, taking the role of Clara once more in the 2012 episode “The Snowmen”. She bid farewell to her journeys with the Doctor as her memories were erased from his mind during the season finale of 2015 titled “Hell Bent”.

In 2012, Clara made a second appearance in the show, this time playing herself. In the season finale of 2015, “Hell Bent”, she said goodbye as the Doctor erased all memories of her.

In the 2017 Christmas special titled Twice Upon a Time, Jenna returns to her character and appears as a guest in the Twelfth Doctor’s last episode.

Thirteenth- Jodie Whittaker- 2017-2022

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

For the past four years, the actress, aged 41, played the main character, the Time Lord, on screen within the science fiction show. She bid farewell to the series in her final episode, which aired in October 2022.

Without a doubt, the anticipation among fans was immense as they looked forward to Whittaker’s debut, with three fresh characters joining her for a season of ten exciting episodes filled with unfamiliar faces, exotic locales, and thrilling exploits.

Initially, it was believed that the show would instantly capture audiences’ attention due to its contemporary updates by her. However, the much-anticipated episodes faced significant criticism upon release.

Over time, it became clear that her performance on the show didn’t quite meet expectations or fully realize her abilities, as the scripts were frequently criticized.

However, her strong bond with her partner Yaz held viewers captivated from the start, as their connection hinted at a possible romantic development that many fans had anticipated.

Among her favorite episodes, titled “Fugitive of the Judoon,” was brimming with thrilling action as soon as the Judoon unit invaded Gloucester.

In a surprising turn of events, the physician successfully circumvented the city’s protective barrier, leading him to find himself encircled by the Judoon troops within the Cathedral. To everyone’s astonishment, it was Ruth who, in a grand display, dislodged the commander’s distinctive horn from its place.

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

Regardless of the varying opinions on Jodie’s personality, her departure was compared to the iconic farewell given to David Tennant.

In the concluding scene of ‘The Power of the Doctor’, the renowned Time Lady, known for her distinctive femininity and association with the TARDIS, found tranquility in regeneration. As she approached her end, she was joined by Yaz, gazing together at Earth from the TARDIS’s heights, their faces illuminated by a heartwarming smile.

Although it was tough for her to part ways with her famous character, the television actress stated earlier that she chose to leave the cherished position as she believes the role requires fresh vitality.

35-year-old Mandip Gill portrayed Yasmin ‘Yaz’ Khan, a character who made her debut in the 2018 premiere titled “The Woman Who Fell to Earth.

She initially shared the screen with Jodie Whittaker, the first female Doctor on the show, and eventually found herself developing romantic feelings for her co-star.

Accompanying the Doctor, Ryan Sinclair (a former classmate), and Ryan’s grandpa, Graham O’Brien, she embarked on a journey through time. Along the way, they delved into her ancestry and its relevance to the Partition of India.

Mandip significantly updated the long-running series, and stayed alongside The Thirteenth Doctor throughout their entire tenure.

In the 2022 special “The Power of the Doctor,” she bid her final farewells before resurrecting back on Earth.

Read More

• Cookie Run: Kingdom Pure Vanilla Cookie (Compassionate) Guide: How to unlock, Best Toppings, and more
• Reverse 1999 Willow Build Guide: Best Team, Psychubes, and more
• Cookie Run: Kingdom Black Sapphire Cookie Guide: How to unlock, Best Toppings, and more
• Slime Castle redeem codes and how to use them (September 2024)
• Cookie Run: Kingdom Candy Apple Cookie Guide: How to unlock, Best Toppings, and more
• Limbus Company Gift Fusion Guide — All EGO Fusion Gifts
• MAFS Star’s Secret Split
• The Handmaid’s Tale star to reprise role in spin-off series
• Monster Hunter Wilds director thinks the weapon balance is much closer this time: “They’re all hopefully nearly as viable as each other,” but he’s “confident, not cocky”
• All Totem Fragment Locations In Shatterscarp In Avowed

2025-02-18 16:25