20. Rory Williams
PLAYED BY: Arthur Darvill
ONSCREEN: 2010-12
RATING: 76.52%
Rory Williams, the best friend turned boyfriend turned husband of Amy Pond, knew of the Doctor for most of his life - although until their first encounter, he thought him to be a figment of Amelia Pond's imagination. Things between Rory and the Doctor were quite awkward to begin with - Amy had made Rory dress as the "raggedy Doctor" as a child, and she was obviously lusting after him, despite Rory being her boyfriend. When the Doctor left again without Amy, she gave up hope and her and Rory became engaged in the intervening time between the Doctor's leaving and return. Unbeknownst to Rory, Amy had began to travel with the Doctor and after she made a pass at him, the Time Lord turned up at Rory's stag-do (via the stripper's cake) and picked him up for the journey, hoping him and Amy could reconcile and eventually marry. Amy wasn't keen on the idea, but after loosing Rory in a fictional world created by psychic pollen and realising that life without her fiancee wasn't what she wanted, she became totally dedicated to him. Tragedy wasn't far off again, however. Rory was killed by a Silurian Warrior as he saved the life of the Doctor, and then subsequently wiped from existence by a crack in time, causing Amy to forget that he had ever existed. He reappeared, however, as a roman soldier in 102 AD, much to the surprise of the Doctor (whose memory hadn't been wiped) and he desperately tried to get his future wife to remember him. Just as she was on the brink of remembering, Rory was revealed to actually be an Auton soldier, and unable to control himself, he shot her. His basic good nature and bravery won through, however, and Rory was able to overcome his Auton programming and spent 2000 years protecting the Pandorica, where Amy had been placed so that she could recover. When the universe was fixed and time returned to normal, Rory had never died, and him and Amy married as they should have. They rejoined the Doctor in his travels not long after, however, where they remained as strong and in love as when they first married, Amy now seeing the Doctor as perhaps more of a brotherly figure and Rory and the Doctor sharing a mutual respect and love for one another.
REMEMBERED FOR: His nose. His devotion to Amy. Regularly dressing as a Roman. Dying a lot. She is to me!
Goodness, that article was longer than I expected it to be! But I suppose the top 20 should get more said about them, really. I wasn't to keen on Rory at first, I just thought he was another dull, bumbling Mickey character, but since Amy fell totally in love with him, I've grown increasingly fonder of both characters. I personally would've put the two closer together in the poll, but I wouldn't have put either any lower than 20, due to the immense popularity of both characters. Tissues at the ready for episode 5, I think!
ONSCREEN: 2010-12
RATING: 76.52%
Rory Williams, the best friend turned boyfriend turned husband of Amy Pond, knew of the Doctor for most of his life - although until their first encounter, he thought him to be a figment of Amelia Pond's imagination. Things between Rory and the Doctor were quite awkward to begin with - Amy had made Rory dress as the "raggedy Doctor" as a child, and she was obviously lusting after him, despite Rory being her boyfriend. When the Doctor left again without Amy, she gave up hope and her and Rory became engaged in the intervening time between the Doctor's leaving and return. Unbeknownst to Rory, Amy had began to travel with the Doctor and after she made a pass at him, the Time Lord turned up at Rory's stag-do (via the stripper's cake) and picked him up for the journey, hoping him and Amy could reconcile and eventually marry. Amy wasn't keen on the idea, but after loosing Rory in a fictional world created by psychic pollen and realising that life without her fiancee wasn't what she wanted, she became totally dedicated to him. Tragedy wasn't far off again, however. Rory was killed by a Silurian Warrior as he saved the life of the Doctor, and then subsequently wiped from existence by a crack in time, causing Amy to forget that he had ever existed. He reappeared, however, as a roman soldier in 102 AD, much to the surprise of the Doctor (whose memory hadn't been wiped) and he desperately tried to get his future wife to remember him. Just as she was on the brink of remembering, Rory was revealed to actually be an Auton soldier, and unable to control himself, he shot her. His basic good nature and bravery won through, however, and Rory was able to overcome his Auton programming and spent 2000 years protecting the Pandorica, where Amy had been placed so that she could recover. When the universe was fixed and time returned to normal, Rory had never died, and him and Amy married as they should have. They rejoined the Doctor in his travels not long after, however, where they remained as strong and in love as when they first married, Amy now seeing the Doctor as perhaps more of a brotherly figure and Rory and the Doctor sharing a mutual respect and love for one another.
REMEMBERED FOR: His nose. His devotion to Amy. Regularly dressing as a Roman. Dying a lot. She is to me!
Goodness, that article was longer than I expected it to be! But I suppose the top 20 should get more said about them, really. I wasn't to keen on Rory at first, I just thought he was another dull, bumbling Mickey character, but since Amy fell totally in love with him, I've grown increasingly fonder of both characters. I personally would've put the two closer together in the poll, but I wouldn't have put either any lower than 20, due to the immense popularity of both characters. Tissues at the ready for episode 5, I think!
19. Barbara Wright
PLAYED BY: Jacqueline Hill
ONSCREEN: 1963-65
RATING: 76.77%
The only companion (so far) to save the universe in a cardigan and sensible shoes, Barbara spoke Doctor Who's first line, which in itself is something of an achievement. A history teacher at Coal Hill School, Barbara brought up the subject of a mysterious pupil, Susan Foreman, with fellow teacher Ian Chesterton, and after deciding that something suspicious was going on, they followed Susan home, only to discover that her "house" was actually a Police Box which was bigger on the inside than the out. Kidnapped by the mysterious Doctor, who was worried the two teachers would reveal his secrets to the world, Barbara's initial skepticism at what she saw soon faded, and she soon accepted things at their face value. Although in many ways a calming influence on her fellow travelers, Barbara frequently clashed with the Doctor during their earlier adventures. When the Doctor accused Ian and Barbara of interfering with the TARDIS controls as a way of blackmailing him into taking them home, Barbara flipped, telling the Doctor that he had no right to accuse them, in fact that he should "get down on his hands and knees and thank them." When the Doctor realised his mistake, he apologized to Barbara, telling her "we must look after you, you're very valuable". After this, Barbara and the Doctor grew ever fonder of one another, and her broad knowledge of various periods of history proved very resourceful on their travels. When they landed in the time of the Aztecs, Barbara was mistaken as a reincarnation of the high priest Yetaxa and put in a position of power. Despite the Doctor's intense warnings about meddling with history, Barbara tried, in vain, to get the Aztec people to give up their sacrificial ways. Her realisation of her failure was an important moment in her journey, and afterwards Barbara always relished and admired the things she saw but never directly attempted to interfere with history again. Barbara was, in many ways, the mother figure during her time on the TARDIS, particularly to orphan Vicki who joined the Doctor not long after Susan bade farewell. Her kind and caring nature coupled with her stunning outward appearance led to Barbara being the object of desire for many men in the various places they visited, particularly Caesar Nero, who physically lusted after her during a trip back in time to 64 AD. Although she enjoyed her travels, Barbara never lost her desire for home, and when the opportunity presented itself, Barbara was the one who suggested the idea to Ian. The Doctor was distraught at the prospect, refusing to have any part in the plan, even having a shouting match with Ian. As usual, Barbara stepped in as the voice of reason, but it wasn't until Vicki spoke with the Doctor that he reluctantly agreed. Overjoyed to be back home (even if it was two years out) Barbara and Ian thanked the Doctor for the ride, rejoicing to be back on Earth but sparing a short moment to remember their friend.
Jacqueline Hill died of cancer in 1993. Her legacy as Barbara will remain forever, however.
REMEMBERED FOR: Her massive hair. Her battlegear. Being the first companion to do the 'TARDIS reveal'. Being menaced by a plunger. Not Barbara. Yetaxa.
"Look, I know we thrust ourselves upon you. But we've been through a great deal together since then. and all we've been through will remain with us always. It'll probably be the most exciting part of my life. But Doctor we're different people. And now we have a chance to go home. And we want to take that chance"
I utterly and completely adore Barbara. She is my all time favourite character and I was so pleased to see her do this well. I am probably a bit biased but I do think she should be in the top 10. Agree? Disagree? Let me know!
ONSCREEN: 1963-65
RATING: 76.77%
The only companion (so far) to save the universe in a cardigan and sensible shoes, Barbara spoke Doctor Who's first line, which in itself is something of an achievement. A history teacher at Coal Hill School, Barbara brought up the subject of a mysterious pupil, Susan Foreman, with fellow teacher Ian Chesterton, and after deciding that something suspicious was going on, they followed Susan home, only to discover that her "house" was actually a Police Box which was bigger on the inside than the out. Kidnapped by the mysterious Doctor, who was worried the two teachers would reveal his secrets to the world, Barbara's initial skepticism at what she saw soon faded, and she soon accepted things at their face value. Although in many ways a calming influence on her fellow travelers, Barbara frequently clashed with the Doctor during their earlier adventures. When the Doctor accused Ian and Barbara of interfering with the TARDIS controls as a way of blackmailing him into taking them home, Barbara flipped, telling the Doctor that he had no right to accuse them, in fact that he should "get down on his hands and knees and thank them." When the Doctor realised his mistake, he apologized to Barbara, telling her "we must look after you, you're very valuable". After this, Barbara and the Doctor grew ever fonder of one another, and her broad knowledge of various periods of history proved very resourceful on their travels. When they landed in the time of the Aztecs, Barbara was mistaken as a reincarnation of the high priest Yetaxa and put in a position of power. Despite the Doctor's intense warnings about meddling with history, Barbara tried, in vain, to get the Aztec people to give up their sacrificial ways. Her realisation of her failure was an important moment in her journey, and afterwards Barbara always relished and admired the things she saw but never directly attempted to interfere with history again. Barbara was, in many ways, the mother figure during her time on the TARDIS, particularly to orphan Vicki who joined the Doctor not long after Susan bade farewell. Her kind and caring nature coupled with her stunning outward appearance led to Barbara being the object of desire for many men in the various places they visited, particularly Caesar Nero, who physically lusted after her during a trip back in time to 64 AD. Although she enjoyed her travels, Barbara never lost her desire for home, and when the opportunity presented itself, Barbara was the one who suggested the idea to Ian. The Doctor was distraught at the prospect, refusing to have any part in the plan, even having a shouting match with Ian. As usual, Barbara stepped in as the voice of reason, but it wasn't until Vicki spoke with the Doctor that he reluctantly agreed. Overjoyed to be back home (even if it was two years out) Barbara and Ian thanked the Doctor for the ride, rejoicing to be back on Earth but sparing a short moment to remember their friend.
Jacqueline Hill died of cancer in 1993. Her legacy as Barbara will remain forever, however.
REMEMBERED FOR: Her massive hair. Her battlegear. Being the first companion to do the 'TARDIS reveal'. Being menaced by a plunger. Not Barbara. Yetaxa.
"Look, I know we thrust ourselves upon you. But we've been through a great deal together since then. and all we've been through will remain with us always. It'll probably be the most exciting part of my life. But Doctor we're different people. And now we have a chance to go home. And we want to take that chance"
I utterly and completely adore Barbara. She is my all time favourite character and I was so pleased to see her do this well. I am probably a bit biased but I do think she should be in the top 10. Agree? Disagree? Let me know!
18. Captain Jack Harkness
PLAYED BY: John Barrowman
ONSCREEN: 2005-2011
RATING: 77.08%
Captain Jack Harkness first met the Doctor in WWII England, where he quickly established himself as a huge flirt. At first he seemed - particularly in the Doctor's eyes - to be a conman; in fact, the hideous plague which was affecting London residents and turning them into gasmask wearing zombies had been caused by him, albeit unintentionally. But he redeemed himself by taking an unexploded bomb into his ship so as to rescue people - something which made the Doctor have a change of hearts, and he invited him aboard the TARDIS.
REMEMBERED FOR: His libido. The Face of Boe, they called me.
I am not too fond of Jack if I'm honest. I liked him in his first few appearances but I've never been a Torchwood fan and that put me off him. He is, in many ways, the definitive Russell T Davies character, and very much one of the 21st century, so for that he deserves a high placing. Any thoughts?
ONSCREEN: 2005-2011
RATING: 77.08%
Captain Jack Harkness first met the Doctor in WWII England, where he quickly established himself as a huge flirt. At first he seemed - particularly in the Doctor's eyes - to be a conman; in fact, the hideous plague which was affecting London residents and turning them into gasmask wearing zombies had been caused by him, albeit unintentionally. But he redeemed himself by taking an unexploded bomb into his ship so as to rescue people - something which made the Doctor have a change of hearts, and he invited him aboard the TARDIS.
REMEMBERED FOR: His libido. The Face of Boe, they called me.
I am not too fond of Jack if I'm honest. I liked him in his first few appearances but I've never been a Torchwood fan and that put me off him. He is, in many ways, the definitive Russell T Davies character, and very much one of the 21st century, so for that he deserves a high placing. Any thoughts?
17. The Master (Roger Delgado)
PLAYED BY: Roger Delgado
ONSCREEN: 1971-73
RATING: 77.10%
Although a big fan of Roger Delgado's performance, I do feel the Master could be a bit of an idiot at times. He was, however, The Third Doctor's perfect nemesis and in my mind he has never been bettered in the role by any other actor. The most menacing of Masters and I think he set the standard as the defining performance for many Doctor Who villains. What do you think of him?
ONSCREEN: 1971-73
RATING: 77.10%
Although a big fan of Roger Delgado's performance, I do feel the Master could be a bit of an idiot at times. He was, however, The Third Doctor's perfect nemesis and in my mind he has never been bettered in the role by any other actor. The most menacing of Masters and I think he set the standard as the defining performance for many Doctor Who villains. What do you think of him?
16. Romana II
PLAYED BY: Lalla Ward
ONSCREEN: 1979-81, 83
RATING: 77.12%
For a long time, Romana II was my favourite companion, and I still hold her in high regard. Taking over from Mary Tamm wasn't going to be easy, but I think Lalla Ward did very well, bringing more lightheartedness to the role. Her character was very modern in a way, she was much less of a damsel in distress than many previous companions had been, and was definitely the Doctor's equal, perhaps even his better! A perfect placing in my opinon. Any thoughts?
ONSCREEN: 1979-81, 83
RATING: 77.12%
For a long time, Romana II was my favourite companion, and I still hold her in high regard. Taking over from Mary Tamm wasn't going to be easy, but I think Lalla Ward did very well, bringing more lightheartedness to the role. Her character was very modern in a way, she was much less of a damsel in distress than many previous companions had been, and was definitely the Doctor's equal, perhaps even his better! A perfect placing in my opinon. Any thoughts?
15. The Cybermen
PLAYED BY: Various
ONSCREEN: 1966-Present
RATING: 77.73%
Unlike the Daleks, the Cybermen for me go in and out of favour. At the moment, I'm not too keen on them. I feel that their early black and white appearances were the best, and I particularly dislike the post-2005 series Cybermen. I feel like they've been overused, even though they haven't appeared too often. However, they are the 'monster' with the most appearances behind the Daleks, and for that they deserve recognition, not to mention the terror they brought to the lives of many small children. An acceptable placing. Any opinions?
ONSCREEN: 1966-Present
RATING: 77.73%
Unlike the Daleks, the Cybermen for me go in and out of favour. At the moment, I'm not too keen on them. I feel that their early black and white appearances were the best, and I particularly dislike the post-2005 series Cybermen. I feel like they've been overused, even though they haven't appeared too often. However, they are the 'monster' with the most appearances behind the Daleks, and for that they deserve recognition, not to mention the terror they brought to the lives of many small children. An acceptable placing. Any opinions?
14. Sally Sparrow
PLAYED BY: Carey Mulligan
ONSCREEN: 2007
RATING: 77.88%
Blink is one of my top ten stories and that is in no small part down to Carey Mulligan's performance as Sally Sparrow. A story which introduced a one-off character, around whom the whole plot would centre, needed a competent actor to pull it off, and Mulligan did so with aplomb. I also love the character, as do many fans, as I regularly read about people saying they should bring her back as a companion. I wouldn't agree with that however - her story was complete and in my eyes, she wouldn't have gone with the Doctor anyway. Maybe a little cameo for the fiftieth would be nice though. Opinions?
ONSCREEN: 2007
RATING: 77.88%
Blink is one of my top ten stories and that is in no small part down to Carey Mulligan's performance as Sally Sparrow. A story which introduced a one-off character, around whom the whole plot would centre, needed a competent actor to pull it off, and Mulligan did so with aplomb. I also love the character, as do many fans, as I regularly read about people saying they should bring her back as a companion. I wouldn't agree with that however - her story was complete and in my eyes, she wouldn't have gone with the Doctor anyway. Maybe a little cameo for the fiftieth would be nice though. Opinions?
13. The Second Doctor
PLAYED BY: Patrick Troughton
ONSCREEN: 1966-69, 72-73, 83, 85
RATING: 78.81%
Ahh the wonderful, timeless Patrick Troughton. Surely, this Doctor, the influence for more other Doctors than anyone else should rank in the top ten? But alas no. 13, however, is still a very high placing, and I think that from this point onwards the brilliance of any of the character's cannot be debated - but I'm sure it will! any thoughts?
ONSCREEN: 1966-69, 72-73, 83, 85
RATING: 78.81%
Ahh the wonderful, timeless Patrick Troughton. Surely, this Doctor, the influence for more other Doctors than anyone else should rank in the top ten? But alas no. 13, however, is still a very high placing, and I think that from this point onwards the brilliance of any of the character's cannot be debated - but I'm sure it will! any thoughts?
12. Leela of the Sevateem
PLAYED BY: Louise Jameson
ONSCREEN: 1977-78
RATING: 78.91%
Leela is one of the most successful 'classic' companions, in my opinion. Louise Jameson's wonderful characterization combined with one of the most thought-through character developments in the series created a companion who the audience and fans alike could love, which made her unlikely departure all-the-more unconvincing. This, however, doesn't tend to taint people's opinions of her, and Leela constantly rates well in polls (including this one!), something of which she is fully deserving.
ONSCREEN: 1977-78
RATING: 78.91%
Leela is one of the most successful 'classic' companions, in my opinion. Louise Jameson's wonderful characterization combined with one of the most thought-through character developments in the series created a companion who the audience and fans alike could love, which made her unlikely departure all-the-more unconvincing. This, however, doesn't tend to taint people's opinions of her, and Leela constantly rates well in polls (including this one!), something of which she is fully deserving.
11. Jamie McCrimmon
PLAYED BY: Frazer Hines
ONSCREEN: 1966-69, 83, 85
PLAYED BY: 79.67%
So there we have it. Jamie just misses out on a top ten spot, but ranks as the greatest companion of the 1960s. His importance as a character from Doctor Who's history is undeniable, but personally I wouldn't have ranked him higher than the Second Doctor or Leela, but that's due to me ranking them as top 10 characters, not as I dislike Jamie. He appeared in more episodes than any other companions (117 in total), and even by today's forty-five minute standards, that's still an incredible feat.
ONSCREEN: 1966-69, 83, 85
PLAYED BY: 79.67%
So there we have it. Jamie just misses out on a top ten spot, but ranks as the greatest companion of the 1960s. His importance as a character from Doctor Who's history is undeniable, but personally I wouldn't have ranked him higher than the Second Doctor or Leela, but that's due to me ranking them as top 10 characters, not as I dislike Jamie. He appeared in more episodes than any other companions (117 in total), and even by today's forty-five minute standards, that's still an incredible feat.