30. Amy Williams (nee Pond)
PLAYED BY: Karen Gillan, Caitlin Blackwood
ONSCREEN: 2010-12
RATING: 73.03%
The Doctor met a seven year old Amelia Pond immediately after regenerating into his eleventh self. She asked him to investigate a crack in her wall, but after hearing the TARDIS cloister bell, he told her to wait as he'd be back in five minutes. Amelia packed her suitcase and waited all night, but the "raggedy Doctor" never returned. Even though their meeting was short, the Doctor had a strong impact on young Amelia's life. She made drawings and dolls of him, even making her friends partake in role-play (including her future boyfriend Rory Williams), becoming totally obsessed with him. When the Doctor returned twelve years later, Amy had distanced herself from him, but reluctantly agreed to help him defeat the Atraxi who were invading the Earth. The Doctor asked her to join him in his travels, and she accepted delightfully, although it was another two years before he returned from his "test-drive" of his rejuvenated TARDIS. Amy failed to mention to the Doctor that he had returned the night before her wedding, simply telling him to make sure he could get her back for the next day. As they traveled, it became clear that Amy was incredibly sexually attracted to the Doctor and even attempted to 'have her way with him' despite showing him that she was due to be wed. This horrified the Doctor, who instantly picked up husband-to-be Rory to join them on their adventures. Throughout their travels together, Amy came to realise that it was Rory who she really loved and the two eventually married, after clearing up some timey-wimey complications, of course.
REMEMBERED FOR: Scottish girl in an English village. Her legs. Her daughter. Fish fingers and custard. The crack in her wall. I'm a kissogram! Being ginger.
I wasn't a big fan of Amy at first; I liked Karen Gillan but found the character's infatuation with the Doctor tiring. Since she's been devoted to Rory, however, I've adored her. Very deserving of her placing, I was quite surprised as I thought she'd make top 20. Opinions?
ONSCREEN: 2010-12
RATING: 73.03%
The Doctor met a seven year old Amelia Pond immediately after regenerating into his eleventh self. She asked him to investigate a crack in her wall, but after hearing the TARDIS cloister bell, he told her to wait as he'd be back in five minutes. Amelia packed her suitcase and waited all night, but the "raggedy Doctor" never returned. Even though their meeting was short, the Doctor had a strong impact on young Amelia's life. She made drawings and dolls of him, even making her friends partake in role-play (including her future boyfriend Rory Williams), becoming totally obsessed with him. When the Doctor returned twelve years later, Amy had distanced herself from him, but reluctantly agreed to help him defeat the Atraxi who were invading the Earth. The Doctor asked her to join him in his travels, and she accepted delightfully, although it was another two years before he returned from his "test-drive" of his rejuvenated TARDIS. Amy failed to mention to the Doctor that he had returned the night before her wedding, simply telling him to make sure he could get her back for the next day. As they traveled, it became clear that Amy was incredibly sexually attracted to the Doctor and even attempted to 'have her way with him' despite showing him that she was due to be wed. This horrified the Doctor, who instantly picked up husband-to-be Rory to join them on their adventures. Throughout their travels together, Amy came to realise that it was Rory who she really loved and the two eventually married, after clearing up some timey-wimey complications, of course.
REMEMBERED FOR: Scottish girl in an English village. Her legs. Her daughter. Fish fingers and custard. The crack in her wall. I'm a kissogram! Being ginger.
I wasn't a big fan of Amy at first; I liked Karen Gillan but found the character's infatuation with the Doctor tiring. Since she's been devoted to Rory, however, I've adored her. Very deserving of her placing, I was quite surprised as I thought she'd make top 20. Opinions?
29. The First Doctor
PLAYED BY: William Hartnell (Also Richard Hurndall)
ONSCREEN: 1963-66, 72-73, 83
RATING: 73.19%
The granddaddy of them all, William Hartnell's Doctor was the one who kicked off the series and is one of the most important figures in the history of Doctor Who. Stuck in 20th Century London with granddaughter Susan, when her teachers investigated and discovered the truth about their mysterious pupil, the Doctor kidnapped them, preferring to take them with him as opposed to risking them telling people what they had uncovered and revealing his secrets. At first he seemed a manipulative and unpleasant man, although he did apologise to Barbara for getting her and Ian involved when they became trapped in the Stone Age. As he travelled, his two new human companions allowed the Doctor to see the error of his ways, and he became a much more friendly and lovable figure, whilst still retaining the irascibile nature his friends were familiar with. Although outwardly physically frail, the Doctor retained a sense of youth and an underlying cheekiness - something which became much more proominent in his second incarnation. He was very protective of his younger companions, particularly orphan Vicki who he rescued from the planet Dido. Whilst he could often be short with Susan, he was much friendlier towards Vicki, perhaps regretting the way he had sometimes treated his grandfather. The First Doctor had a total of 10 companions, and seemed much more affected by their farewells than many of his later incarnations. As his travels went on, the Doctor gradually became more and more worn down, and after his first encounter with the cybermen, he collapsed without warning, transforming into a completely different man in front of latest companions Polly and Ben.
REMEMBERED FOR: His encounters with the Daleks. Hmm. Chesterton! One day, I shall come back. Yes, I shall come back. Mountain goats. Fast return switch.
The First Doctor is, in fact, my favourite Doctor. He was the first 'classic' Doctor I saw, and for me, there's something particularly magic about his episodes, particularly the earlier ones. However, I do think that there are other Doctors who should be higher than him, and a top 30 placing is very apt for ol' Bill. What do you think?
ONSCREEN: 1963-66, 72-73, 83
RATING: 73.19%
The granddaddy of them all, William Hartnell's Doctor was the one who kicked off the series and is one of the most important figures in the history of Doctor Who. Stuck in 20th Century London with granddaughter Susan, when her teachers investigated and discovered the truth about their mysterious pupil, the Doctor kidnapped them, preferring to take them with him as opposed to risking them telling people what they had uncovered and revealing his secrets. At first he seemed a manipulative and unpleasant man, although he did apologise to Barbara for getting her and Ian involved when they became trapped in the Stone Age. As he travelled, his two new human companions allowed the Doctor to see the error of his ways, and he became a much more friendly and lovable figure, whilst still retaining the irascibile nature his friends were familiar with. Although outwardly physically frail, the Doctor retained a sense of youth and an underlying cheekiness - something which became much more proominent in his second incarnation. He was very protective of his younger companions, particularly orphan Vicki who he rescued from the planet Dido. Whilst he could often be short with Susan, he was much friendlier towards Vicki, perhaps regretting the way he had sometimes treated his grandfather. The First Doctor had a total of 10 companions, and seemed much more affected by their farewells than many of his later incarnations. As his travels went on, the Doctor gradually became more and more worn down, and after his first encounter with the cybermen, he collapsed without warning, transforming into a completely different man in front of latest companions Polly and Ben.
REMEMBERED FOR: His encounters with the Daleks. Hmm. Chesterton! One day, I shall come back. Yes, I shall come back. Mountain goats. Fast return switch.
The First Doctor is, in fact, my favourite Doctor. He was the first 'classic' Doctor I saw, and for me, there's something particularly magic about his episodes, particularly the earlier ones. However, I do think that there are other Doctors who should be higher than him, and a top 30 placing is very apt for ol' Bill. What do you think?
28. Idris
PLAYED BY: Suranne Jones
ONSCREEN: 2011
RATING: 73.79%
Expertly played by Suranne Jones, Idris was the name of a woman whose body and mind became inhabited by the TARDIS, although she seemed to prefer the name 'Sexy'. The Doctor was devastated when his ship had to return to its normal form, although he'd relished the opportunity to finally talk with his longest and only constant companion.
I'm a big fan of The Doctor's Wife, so I am very happy to see Idris in the Top 30. Very, very well played and thought through character. Also, she's the bloody TARDIS! What more could you want?
ONSCREEN: 2011
RATING: 73.79%
Expertly played by Suranne Jones, Idris was the name of a woman whose body and mind became inhabited by the TARDIS, although she seemed to prefer the name 'Sexy'. The Doctor was devastated when his ship had to return to its normal form, although he'd relished the opportunity to finally talk with his longest and only constant companion.
I'm a big fan of The Doctor's Wife, so I am very happy to see Idris in the Top 30. Very, very well played and thought through character. Also, she's the bloody TARDIS! What more could you want?
27. The Fifth Doctor
PLAYED BY: Peter Davison
ONSCEEN: 1981-84, 2007
RATING: 73.95%
The 'pleasant, open-faced' fifth Doctor replaced Tom Baker's long-running and incredibly popular fourth Doctor, so the task was always going to be a difficult one. Peter Davison excelled in the role, however, his Doctor seeming more youthful and perhaps more human than his other incarnations had been. He regenerated after saving the life of new companion Peri.
I like Peter Davison's performance, but I do feel that his Doctor was occasionally, not boring, just a bit bland. However, he is still very fondly held in the public's opinions so a perfect placing IMO - although I would say Hartnell, and maybe Pertwee, should have perhaps ranked higher. opinions?
ONSCEEN: 1981-84, 2007
RATING: 73.95%
The 'pleasant, open-faced' fifth Doctor replaced Tom Baker's long-running and incredibly popular fourth Doctor, so the task was always going to be a difficult one. Peter Davison excelled in the role, however, his Doctor seeming more youthful and perhaps more human than his other incarnations had been. He regenerated after saving the life of new companion Peri.
I like Peter Davison's performance, but I do feel that his Doctor was occasionally, not boring, just a bit bland. However, he is still very fondly held in the public's opinions so a perfect placing IMO - although I would say Hartnell, and maybe Pertwee, should have perhaps ranked higher. opinions?
26. Romana I
PLAYED BY: Mary Tamm
ONSCEEN: 1978-79
RATING: 74.11%
Romanadvoratrelundar was assigned to the Doctor as his new assistant by the White Guardian, to assist him in his quest to find the various parts of the Key to Time. A fellow Time Lord, Romana's intelligence matched and occasionally surpassed that of the Doctor's, and although at first she looked down on him, she soon grew to respect him as an equal. Despite her softening as they traveled together, Romana retained the haughty nature she had had when the Doctor first encountered her and occasionally came across as slightly uppish, yet still completely likable. Mary Tamm, who played Romana, passed away earlier this year at the tender age of 62, and tributes poured in from shocked and heart-broken fans who'd grown to love the 'Ice Queen' of the TARDIS.
REMEMBERED FOR: Graduating from the academy with a triple first. Call me Fred!
I ADORED Mary Tamm as Romana. I would say she was probably my preferred version over the delightful Lalla, but the two make the role so their own I find it difficult to judge. I was very shocked when she passed away, as were I think all fans. If I'm honest, I was surprised she'd come this high, as for some reason I'd never thought that the character was so popular. But obviously she was. May she rest in peace.
ONSCEEN: 1978-79
RATING: 74.11%
Romanadvoratrelundar was assigned to the Doctor as his new assistant by the White Guardian, to assist him in his quest to find the various parts of the Key to Time. A fellow Time Lord, Romana's intelligence matched and occasionally surpassed that of the Doctor's, and although at first she looked down on him, she soon grew to respect him as an equal. Despite her softening as they traveled together, Romana retained the haughty nature she had had when the Doctor first encountered her and occasionally came across as slightly uppish, yet still completely likable. Mary Tamm, who played Romana, passed away earlier this year at the tender age of 62, and tributes poured in from shocked and heart-broken fans who'd grown to love the 'Ice Queen' of the TARDIS.
REMEMBERED FOR: Graduating from the academy with a triple first. Call me Fred!
I ADORED Mary Tamm as Romana. I would say she was probably my preferred version over the delightful Lalla, but the two make the role so their own I find it difficult to judge. I was very shocked when she passed away, as were I think all fans. If I'm honest, I was surprised she'd come this high, as for some reason I'd never thought that the character was so popular. But obviously she was. May she rest in peace.
25. River Song
PLAYED BY: Alex Kingston, Nina Toussaint-White
ONSCREEN: 2008, 2010-Present
RATING: 74.40%
Born to Amy Pond and Rory Williams, Melody Pond was kidnapped by Madame Kovarian and raised as a weapon who would eventually kill the Doctor. The Doctor, however, had already met River before this - his first encounter with her turned out to be her last encounter with him - she sacrificed her life to save him.
REMEMBERED FOR: Killing the Doctor. Hello, sweetie. Her diary. Spoilers!
I adore River Song and I adore alex Kingston in the role, although sometimes it all gets a bit too confusing for me! 25 is a good placing when compared with the characters that she's facing! Opinions?
ONSCREEN: 2008, 2010-Present
RATING: 74.40%
Born to Amy Pond and Rory Williams, Melody Pond was kidnapped by Madame Kovarian and raised as a weapon who would eventually kill the Doctor. The Doctor, however, had already met River before this - his first encounter with her turned out to be her last encounter with him - she sacrificed her life to save him.
REMEMBERED FOR: Killing the Doctor. Hello, sweetie. Her diary. Spoilers!
I adore River Song and I adore alex Kingston in the role, although sometimes it all gets a bit too confusing for me! 25 is a good placing when compared with the characters that she's facing! Opinions?
24. Ace
PLAYED BY: Sophie Aldred
ONSCREEN: 1987-89
RATING: 74.52%
Swept away to Iceworld by a mysterious time-wind (actually created by Fenric), Ace (real name Dorothy) joined the TARDIS after Mel encouraged the Doctor to take her with him. A willinging and ambitious traveller, Ace was different from many of the companions who'd come before her; she relished her travels and showed no real desire to leave the Doctor, not even after they landed back in her home town of Perivale. Her love of explosives and her tendency to carry homemade cans of 'Nitro-9' wasn't something the Doctor necesarily agreed with, although they did prove to be useful for him on more than one occasion. It is unknown what happened to Ace after she left the Doctor, or indeed, how she left, but Sarah jane commented that a former companion of the Doctor, "Dorothy Something" had created the company A Charitable Earth, which had raised millions.
REMEMBERED FOR: Ace! Her nitro 9. Professor. Her jacket. Gordon Bennett! Who are you calling small?
In my opinion, Ace was probably the character whose background was most explored and thought through in the classic series, and it shows. I really like the character, and Sophie Aldred is quite simply delightful. Personally, I think Ace should have been quite a lot higher than this.
We also have our first (excluding the 90s for obvious reasons) overall decade winner - Ace is the greatest character of the 1980s. So what do we think of that?!
ONSCREEN: 1987-89
RATING: 74.52%
Swept away to Iceworld by a mysterious time-wind (actually created by Fenric), Ace (real name Dorothy) joined the TARDIS after Mel encouraged the Doctor to take her with him. A willinging and ambitious traveller, Ace was different from many of the companions who'd come before her; she relished her travels and showed no real desire to leave the Doctor, not even after they landed back in her home town of Perivale. Her love of explosives and her tendency to carry homemade cans of 'Nitro-9' wasn't something the Doctor necesarily agreed with, although they did prove to be useful for him on more than one occasion. It is unknown what happened to Ace after she left the Doctor, or indeed, how she left, but Sarah jane commented that a former companion of the Doctor, "Dorothy Something" had created the company A Charitable Earth, which had raised millions.
REMEMBERED FOR: Ace! Her nitro 9. Professor. Her jacket. Gordon Bennett! Who are you calling small?
In my opinion, Ace was probably the character whose background was most explored and thought through in the classic series, and it shows. I really like the character, and Sophie Aldred is quite simply delightful. Personally, I think Ace should have been quite a lot higher than this.
We also have our first (excluding the 90s for obvious reasons) overall decade winner - Ace is the greatest character of the 1980s. So what do we think of that?!
23. The Ninth Doctor
PLAYED BY: Christopher Eccleston
ONSCREEN: 2005
RATING: 76.06%
The Ninth Doctor appeared on our screens for just one series, but was vital in bringing the show back to our screens and creating a character that people could fall in love with. Although seeming at first to be quite brash and a little bit smug, the Ninth Doctor also showed more emotional moments, but it was clear that whatever had happened during the mysterious "Time War" had had a deep impact on him. He regenerated after absorbing the Time Vortex from companion Rose to save her life.
REMEMBERED FOR: Fantastic! His ears. His grin. Good source of potassium. His dancing. The Time War. Lots of planets have a north!
I always wonder whether fans opinions of the Ninth Doctor are blemished by the attitude some have towards Eccleston's reluctance to be associated further with the programme. His portrayl was undeniably very good, however, and as said he was very important in bringing the show back and having an appeal to people. Perfect placing in my mind. Any thoughts?
ONSCREEN: 2005
RATING: 76.06%
The Ninth Doctor appeared on our screens for just one series, but was vital in bringing the show back to our screens and creating a character that people could fall in love with. Although seeming at first to be quite brash and a little bit smug, the Ninth Doctor also showed more emotional moments, but it was clear that whatever had happened during the mysterious "Time War" had had a deep impact on him. He regenerated after absorbing the Time Vortex from companion Rose to save her life.
REMEMBERED FOR: Fantastic! His ears. His grin. Good source of potassium. His dancing. The Time War. Lots of planets have a north!
I always wonder whether fans opinions of the Ninth Doctor are blemished by the attitude some have towards Eccleston's reluctance to be associated further with the programme. His portrayl was undeniably very good, however, and as said he was very important in bringing the show back and having an appeal to people. Perfect placing in my mind. Any thoughts?
22. Ian Chesterton
PLAYED BY: William Russell
ONSCREEN: 1963-65
RATING: 76.08%
Science teacher Ian encountered the Doctor when he joined fellow teacher Barbara in investigating an unusual pupil of theirs. Kidnapped by the Doctor, who worried the two teachers would reveal his secrets to the world, Ian was at first very reluctant to accept the things he was seeing, searching for a more logical, scientific answer. As their travels went on, Ian and the Doctor grew much closer, the Doctor relying on Ian's scientific knowledge and physical power many times. In many ways, Ian was the original hero of Doctor Who, the one that the public could identify with - as Ian and Barbara warmed to the Doctor, as did the audiences at home. Although he and Barbara relished their travels, they never lost the desire to return home, and when the opportunity arose, they left an obviously distraught Doctor behind and returned to 1965 through the use of a Dalek time machine.
ONSCREEN: 1963-65
RATING: 76.08%
Science teacher Ian encountered the Doctor when he joined fellow teacher Barbara in investigating an unusual pupil of theirs. Kidnapped by the Doctor, who worried the two teachers would reveal his secrets to the world, Ian was at first very reluctant to accept the things he was seeing, searching for a more logical, scientific answer. As their travels went on, Ian and the Doctor grew much closer, the Doctor relying on Ian's scientific knowledge and physical power many times. In many ways, Ian was the original hero of Doctor Who, the one that the public could identify with - as Ian and Barbara warmed to the Doctor, as did the audiences at home. Although he and Barbara relished their travels, they never lost the desire to return home, and when the opportunity arose, they left an obviously distraught Doctor behind and returned to 1965 through the use of a Dalek time machine.
21. Jo Jones (nee Grant)
PLAYED BY: Katy Manning
ONSCREEN: 1971-73, 2010
RATING: 76.52%
Jo Grant was assigned as the third Doctor's new assistant when Liz Shaw returned to Cambridge, telling him what he really needed was someone to pass him his test tubes and tell him how brilliant he was." Jo could easily fulfill that role and although at first her lack of scientific expertise annoyed the Doctor, Jo made up for this with her skills in other areas and he soon grew to adore her. The first companion to travel alone with the Doctor onscreen, Jo shared a special bond with him which was perhaps different to the companions who'd come before her, and the Doctor was heartbroken when she made the decision to leave him and go traveling with eco-mad Professor Cliff Jones. Jo made the right decision - she was invited to what was apparently the Doctor's funeral in 2010, where she revealed to Sarah Jane that she and Clifford were still married, and still traveled across the world, saving the world in their own personal way.
ONSCREEN: 1971-73, 2010
RATING: 76.52%
Jo Grant was assigned as the third Doctor's new assistant when Liz Shaw returned to Cambridge, telling him what he really needed was someone to pass him his test tubes and tell him how brilliant he was." Jo could easily fulfill that role and although at first her lack of scientific expertise annoyed the Doctor, Jo made up for this with her skills in other areas and he soon grew to adore her. The first companion to travel alone with the Doctor onscreen, Jo shared a special bond with him which was perhaps different to the companions who'd come before her, and the Doctor was heartbroken when she made the decision to leave him and go traveling with eco-mad Professor Cliff Jones. Jo made the right decision - she was invited to what was apparently the Doctor's funeral in 2010, where she revealed to Sarah Jane that she and Clifford were still married, and still traveled across the world, saving the world in their own personal way.