40. Henry Gordon Jago & Professor Litefoot
PLAYED BY: Christopher Benjamin and Trevor Baxter
ONSCREEN: 1977
RATING: 69.52%
Robert Holmes had a knack for creating memorable duos. Jago and Litefoot represent one of his most fondly remembered "comedy double acts" - which is unusual, considering they have just two episodes together on screen. The reason for their popularity, however, is understandable. Unlike his other double acts, with the sort of "leader and comedy side-kick", Jago and Litefoot are presented as two individual characters in their own rights; before they encounter one another, we get to know each rather well, and they are in fact two rather different characters. It is this difference between them, however, which led to such an enduring appeal. After The Talons of Weng-Chiang, the pair's original story, had broadcast, a spin-off series was genuinely considered for the two, and over 30 years later, [audio company] Big Finish took it upon themselves, with Jago & Litefoot now being one of the most popular audio series which they produce.
REMEMBERED FOR: Their enduring appeal. Litefoot eating the meat with Leela. Oh corks. Thinking the Doctor was from Scotland Yard.
I love Talons, and I love these characters. I would've maybe even put them a bit higher, they're just so well written and acted. I wonder if they'd have done so well had I done them separately. Any thoughts?
ONSCREEN: 1977
RATING: 69.52%
Robert Holmes had a knack for creating memorable duos. Jago and Litefoot represent one of his most fondly remembered "comedy double acts" - which is unusual, considering they have just two episodes together on screen. The reason for their popularity, however, is understandable. Unlike his other double acts, with the sort of "leader and comedy side-kick", Jago and Litefoot are presented as two individual characters in their own rights; before they encounter one another, we get to know each rather well, and they are in fact two rather different characters. It is this difference between them, however, which led to such an enduring appeal. After The Talons of Weng-Chiang, the pair's original story, had broadcast, a spin-off series was genuinely considered for the two, and over 30 years later, [audio company] Big Finish took it upon themselves, with Jago & Litefoot now being one of the most popular audio series which they produce.
REMEMBERED FOR: Their enduring appeal. Litefoot eating the meat with Leela. Oh corks. Thinking the Doctor was from Scotland Yard.
I love Talons, and I love these characters. I would've maybe even put them a bit higher, they're just so well written and acted. I wonder if they'd have done so well had I done them separately. Any thoughts?
39. The Master (Anthony Ainley)
PLAYED BY: Anthony Ainley
ONSCREEN: 1981-86, 1989
RATING: 69.85%
Anthony Ainley chuckled onto our screens as the Master at the end of Tom Baker's tenure as the Doctor. Not too dissimilar from Roger Delgado in appearance, he appeared in the show more sporadically than his predecessor, meaning that when he did turn up, it was perhaps more unexpected and exciting for the audience. Possibly more comical but just as evil, this version of the Master came to be when the dying, decaying corpse of his final regeneration assimilated itself with Tremas, a consul of Traken and father of soon-to-be companion Nyssa. His manipulation of Nyssa's misconception of him as her father in Logopolis proved to any doubting viewers that the Master was just as evil as he had been, if not worse, and although his disguises varied from the brilliant to the laughable, his presence always brought a strong sense of menace to any adventure which he featured in. His last appearance was in Survival, the final broadcast episode of the original series, although Anthony Ainley returned to the role for the 1997 computer game Destiny of the Doctors. He died in 2004.
REMEMBERED FOR: His laugh. Oh my dear Doctor you have been naive. His beard. Won't you show mercy to your own...?
I like Ainley's version of the Master, although I do feel that the production team tried to make him too like Roger Delgado. Even so, very deserving of his top 40 place. Opinions?
ONSCREEN: 1981-86, 1989
RATING: 69.85%
Anthony Ainley chuckled onto our screens as the Master at the end of Tom Baker's tenure as the Doctor. Not too dissimilar from Roger Delgado in appearance, he appeared in the show more sporadically than his predecessor, meaning that when he did turn up, it was perhaps more unexpected and exciting for the audience. Possibly more comical but just as evil, this version of the Master came to be when the dying, decaying corpse of his final regeneration assimilated itself with Tremas, a consul of Traken and father of soon-to-be companion Nyssa. His manipulation of Nyssa's misconception of him as her father in Logopolis proved to any doubting viewers that the Master was just as evil as he had been, if not worse, and although his disguises varied from the brilliant to the laughable, his presence always brought a strong sense of menace to any adventure which he featured in. His last appearance was in Survival, the final broadcast episode of the original series, although Anthony Ainley returned to the role for the 1997 computer game Destiny of the Doctors. He died in 2004.
REMEMBERED FOR: His laugh. Oh my dear Doctor you have been naive. His beard. Won't you show mercy to your own...?
I like Ainley's version of the Master, although I do feel that the production team tried to make him too like Roger Delgado. Even so, very deserving of his top 40 place. Opinions?
38. Liz Shaw
PLAYED BY: Caroline John
ONSCREEN: 1970, 83
RATING: 70.00%
Liz arrived on our screens in 1970 for Doctor Who's first colour season, recruited by the Brigadier due to her vast scientific knowledge. Although at first reluctant, Liz soon became a fixture, and despite that she often clashed with the Brigadier, she proved to be important in cementing the Doctor's relationship with Lethbridge-Stewart. Degrees in medicine, physics and "a dozen other subjects", Liz could easily understand the Doctors 'technobabble', and was much more independent than many previous female companions had been. Her witty remarks and sarcastic nature appealed to the Doctor, and the two had a strong relationship, Liz seeming much more of an associate than an assistant. The Doctor was naturally very frustrated when she left to return to Cambridge, citing that he didn't need her, but rather someone to "pass him his test tubes and tell him how brilliant he was". Liz's arrival in the show came with its new "down-to-earth" format, and although she was exactly what the Doctor needed in that first series, producer Barry Letts decided that a more typical companion was needed than Liz, and she left after the end of Inferno. Actress Caroline John continued her involvement with the series in many other ways: she returned to the show in 1983 for a cameo in the 20th anniversary special The Five Doctors, recorded several audio adventures as Liz for Big Finish and was even given her own straight-to-video spin-off series in the 1990s - P.R.O.B.E. She died earlier this year, and was honoured by fans and production staff alike, with [current executive producer] Steven Moffat calling her "a brilliant actress and a tremendous co-star for Pertwee."
REMEMBERED FOR: Her various hairstyles. Her miniskirts. Alien invaders? Little blue men with three heads! Her scientific knowledge. Her smirk. Her parallel double.
I adore Liz. For me, she's a top 20 if not top 10 character. But for a character who appeared in just one series of Who she's done well. I was devastated when I learnt of Caroline John's death, such a lovely woman and a fabulous actress. She'll be missed.
ONSCREEN: 1970, 83
RATING: 70.00%
Liz arrived on our screens in 1970 for Doctor Who's first colour season, recruited by the Brigadier due to her vast scientific knowledge. Although at first reluctant, Liz soon became a fixture, and despite that she often clashed with the Brigadier, she proved to be important in cementing the Doctor's relationship with Lethbridge-Stewart. Degrees in medicine, physics and "a dozen other subjects", Liz could easily understand the Doctors 'technobabble', and was much more independent than many previous female companions had been. Her witty remarks and sarcastic nature appealed to the Doctor, and the two had a strong relationship, Liz seeming much more of an associate than an assistant. The Doctor was naturally very frustrated when she left to return to Cambridge, citing that he didn't need her, but rather someone to "pass him his test tubes and tell him how brilliant he was". Liz's arrival in the show came with its new "down-to-earth" format, and although she was exactly what the Doctor needed in that first series, producer Barry Letts decided that a more typical companion was needed than Liz, and she left after the end of Inferno. Actress Caroline John continued her involvement with the series in many other ways: she returned to the show in 1983 for a cameo in the 20th anniversary special The Five Doctors, recorded several audio adventures as Liz for Big Finish and was even given her own straight-to-video spin-off series in the 1990s - P.R.O.B.E. She died earlier this year, and was honoured by fans and production staff alike, with [current executive producer] Steven Moffat calling her "a brilliant actress and a tremendous co-star for Pertwee."
REMEMBERED FOR: Her various hairstyles. Her miniskirts. Alien invaders? Little blue men with three heads! Her scientific knowledge. Her smirk. Her parallel double.
I adore Liz. For me, she's a top 20 if not top 10 character. But for a character who appeared in just one series of Who she's done well. I was devastated when I learnt of Caroline John's death, such a lovely woman and a fabulous actress. She'll be missed.
37. The Master (John Simm)
PLAYED BY: John Simm
ONSCREEN: 2007, 2009-10
RATING: 70.13%
For many Doctor Who fans, John Simm is the Master. His over-the-top, insane performance of the Doctor's greatest nemesis has captured the imaginations of thousands of viewers, and his return for David Tennant's swansong made perfect sense: after all, there was never really an enemy that the 10th Doctor faced who affected him as much as Simm's Master. His complete take-over of Earth was possibly the most successful scheme of any Master; until the Doctor reversed time and defeated him, that is. Shot by his wife, the Master appeared dead, but was resurrected by a group of his followers, and succeeded in not only taking over the Earth, but also in turning every human being (bar two) into himself. You had to be there. Whilst not everyone enjoyed the series 3 finale, Simm's performance was praised by critics, his over-the-top cackling perfectly balanced with more subtle, darker moments.
REMEMBERED FOR: His laser screwdriver. Here come the drums. His wife. Becoming the Prime Minister.
I like Simm's version of the Master, but felt he was a bit too 'panto' in The End of Time. I probably wouldn't have placed him this high, maybe in the 40s, but as I said, he IS the Master for many people so I think that deserves recognition.
ONSCREEN: 2007, 2009-10
RATING: 70.13%
For many Doctor Who fans, John Simm is the Master. His over-the-top, insane performance of the Doctor's greatest nemesis has captured the imaginations of thousands of viewers, and his return for David Tennant's swansong made perfect sense: after all, there was never really an enemy that the 10th Doctor faced who affected him as much as Simm's Master. His complete take-over of Earth was possibly the most successful scheme of any Master; until the Doctor reversed time and defeated him, that is. Shot by his wife, the Master appeared dead, but was resurrected by a group of his followers, and succeeded in not only taking over the Earth, but also in turning every human being (bar two) into himself. You had to be there. Whilst not everyone enjoyed the series 3 finale, Simm's performance was praised by critics, his over-the-top cackling perfectly balanced with more subtle, darker moments.
REMEMBERED FOR: His laser screwdriver. Here come the drums. His wife. Becoming the Prime Minister.
I like Simm's version of the Master, but felt he was a bit too 'panto' in The End of Time. I probably wouldn't have placed him this high, maybe in the 40s, but as I said, he IS the Master for many people so I think that deserves recognition.
36. Professor Yana
PLAYED BY: Derek Jacobi
ONSCREEN: 2007
RATING: 70.94%
One higher than John Simm is his predecessor in the role. Derek Jacobi's turn as the lovable Yana turned terrifying Master is one of the most fondly remembered guest appearances in Doctor Who since it returned in 2005, and there's reason for it. As the bumbling Professor Yana, Jacobi played a character who it was nigh on impossible not to like; a man whose life's work was devoted to helping other people. That was probably reason for why his transformation into the Master and subsequent brutal murder of Chan-Chantho-tho was so horrifying: helped in no small part by Derek Jacobi's outstanding ability as an actor.
REMEMBERED FOR: You are not alone. His pocket watch. I! Am! The Master!
I loved Derek Jacobi when he was in Doctor Who. One of my all time favourite guest stars. One think I did wonder though; were people voting for just Yana, or Jacobi's Matser, or (like me) both? Presumably the second. Whichever, still a very good character.
ONSCREEN: 2007
RATING: 70.94%
One higher than John Simm is his predecessor in the role. Derek Jacobi's turn as the lovable Yana turned terrifying Master is one of the most fondly remembered guest appearances in Doctor Who since it returned in 2005, and there's reason for it. As the bumbling Professor Yana, Jacobi played a character who it was nigh on impossible not to like; a man whose life's work was devoted to helping other people. That was probably reason for why his transformation into the Master and subsequent brutal murder of Chan-Chantho-tho was so horrifying: helped in no small part by Derek Jacobi's outstanding ability as an actor.
REMEMBERED FOR: You are not alone. His pocket watch. I! Am! The Master!
I loved Derek Jacobi when he was in Doctor Who. One of my all time favourite guest stars. One think I did wonder though; were people voting for just Yana, or Jacobi's Matser, or (like me) both? Presumably the second. Whichever, still a very good character.
35. Zoe Heriot
PLAYED BY: Wendy Padbury
ONSCREEN: 1968-69, 83
RATING: 71.71%
Joining the TARDIS crew for Patrick Troughton's final season as the Doctor, Zoe came as a complete contrast to Victoria, the companion she replaced. Extremely intelligent (The Doctor even commenting it could be very irritating!) and sometimes rather smug, Zoe's harsh and patronizing nature soon faded as her travels with the Doctor and Jamie (Who she loved to gently mock) broadened her mind and attitudes. Zoe's incredible logic sometimes surpassed even the Doctor's, although he criticized this on their first meeting, telling her that "logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority." Her final adventure with the Doctor ended with the Time Lords erasing her memories of all but her first encounter with the Doctor, her change in personality and attitude seemingly lost.
REMEMBERED FOR: Her logic. Her catsuit. Her martial art skills. Her dimples.
N'aww I love Zoe. I probably would've put her maybe in the 20s, but she's done quite well considering. Wendy Padbury always seems like great fun on the documentaries too; I would love to meet her. But anyway, Zoe fully deserves her place. Opinions?
ONSCREEN: 1968-69, 83
RATING: 71.71%
Joining the TARDIS crew for Patrick Troughton's final season as the Doctor, Zoe came as a complete contrast to Victoria, the companion she replaced. Extremely intelligent (The Doctor even commenting it could be very irritating!) and sometimes rather smug, Zoe's harsh and patronizing nature soon faded as her travels with the Doctor and Jamie (Who she loved to gently mock) broadened her mind and attitudes. Zoe's incredible logic sometimes surpassed even the Doctor's, although he criticized this on their first meeting, telling her that "logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority." Her final adventure with the Doctor ended with the Time Lords erasing her memories of all but her first encounter with the Doctor, her change in personality and attitude seemingly lost.
REMEMBERED FOR: Her logic. Her catsuit. Her martial art skills. Her dimples.
N'aww I love Zoe. I probably would've put her maybe in the 20s, but she's done quite well considering. Wendy Padbury always seems like great fun on the documentaries too; I would love to meet her. But anyway, Zoe fully deserves her place. Opinions?
34. Vincent Van Gogh
PLAYED BY: Tony Curran
ONSCREEN: 2010
RATING: 72.057%
Like Madame de Pompadour, Vincent van Gogh is another historical figure who appeared in a story generally considered to be excellent. Richard Curtis' episode is one of the finest written for the show, and Tony Curran beautifully portrays a man struggling against his internal demons. It's unusual for Doctor Who to tackle something so real as depression, but in doing so presents a fully rounded and empathetic character. Vincent assisted the Doctor in defeating a monster that only he could see, forming a close bond with both the Time Lord and Amy Pond. As a way of saying thank you, the Doctor took Van Gogh into the future to show him just how renowned and respected he would become. Although it obviously had a strong impact on Vincent, it wasn't enough to tackle his depression, and he commited suicide no loong after they said goodbye, history remaining as it had before.
REMEMBERED FOR: His beard. Not liking sunflowers. His paintings. For Amy. The Ultimate Ginge.
I wasn't fond of Vincent and the Doctor on first viewing, but it's since become one of my favourite stories. Tony Curran is excellent, and a character as well played and thought through as Vincent deserves his place. Thoughts?
ONSCREEN: 2010
RATING: 72.057%
Like Madame de Pompadour, Vincent van Gogh is another historical figure who appeared in a story generally considered to be excellent. Richard Curtis' episode is one of the finest written for the show, and Tony Curran beautifully portrays a man struggling against his internal demons. It's unusual for Doctor Who to tackle something so real as depression, but in doing so presents a fully rounded and empathetic character. Vincent assisted the Doctor in defeating a monster that only he could see, forming a close bond with both the Time Lord and Amy Pond. As a way of saying thank you, the Doctor took Van Gogh into the future to show him just how renowned and respected he would become. Although it obviously had a strong impact on Vincent, it wasn't enough to tackle his depression, and he commited suicide no loong after they said goodbye, history remaining as it had before.
REMEMBERED FOR: His beard. Not liking sunflowers. His paintings. For Amy. The Ultimate Ginge.
I wasn't fond of Vincent and the Doctor on first viewing, but it's since become one of my favourite stories. Tony Curran is excellent, and a character as well played and thought through as Vincent deserves his place. Thoughts?
33. Harry Sullivan
PLAYED BY: Ian Marter
ONSCREEN: 1974-75
RATING: 72.064%
The character of Harry Sullivan was introduced in Tom Baker's first story Robot. Originally, it'd been planned that a much older man would be playing the Doctor and Harry would've been required to perform most of the action scenes, similarly to Ian Chesterton. This was, however, not the case, with Tom Baker being selected for the role, but Harry still remained as a companion. Terribly posh (Sarah once threatened to spit in his eye if he called her 'old girl' again), Harry was the Medical officer for UNIT, but he joined the newly regenerated Doctor for a series of adventures after proving himself to be useful. Although the Doctor seemed initially sceptical of Harry, he soon grew to be fond of him, but still enjoyed to wind him up, once bellowing "Harry Sullivan is an imbecile!" before passing out! Quick witted but perhaps slightly accident prone, Harry enjoyed his travels immensely, but elected to remain on Earth in Terror of the Zygons. It seems that him and Sarah may have stayed in touch after she stopped travelling; Harry was a name Sarah suggested for her son, and in 2010, claimed that Harry did such good work with vaccines and saved millions of lives. After leaving Doctor Who, Ian Marter appeared in many other roles on television, but kept his connection with the show, novelising several stories before his untimely death at the age of 42.
REMEMBERED FOR: His quintessential Britishness. His bravery. Calling people 'old thing.' His accident-prone nature. I say!
I adore Harry, he's probably one of my all time favourite companions. I'm glad he's done so well; as a character he's so often forgotten, so it's nice to see him relatively high up. Probably would've put him in the 20s myself, but then again, there are about 50 characters I'd have in my top 20!
ONSCREEN: 1974-75
RATING: 72.064%
The character of Harry Sullivan was introduced in Tom Baker's first story Robot. Originally, it'd been planned that a much older man would be playing the Doctor and Harry would've been required to perform most of the action scenes, similarly to Ian Chesterton. This was, however, not the case, with Tom Baker being selected for the role, but Harry still remained as a companion. Terribly posh (Sarah once threatened to spit in his eye if he called her 'old girl' again), Harry was the Medical officer for UNIT, but he joined the newly regenerated Doctor for a series of adventures after proving himself to be useful. Although the Doctor seemed initially sceptical of Harry, he soon grew to be fond of him, but still enjoyed to wind him up, once bellowing "Harry Sullivan is an imbecile!" before passing out! Quick witted but perhaps slightly accident prone, Harry enjoyed his travels immensely, but elected to remain on Earth in Terror of the Zygons. It seems that him and Sarah may have stayed in touch after she stopped travelling; Harry was a name Sarah suggested for her son, and in 2010, claimed that Harry did such good work with vaccines and saved millions of lives. After leaving Doctor Who, Ian Marter appeared in many other roles on television, but kept his connection with the show, novelising several stories before his untimely death at the age of 42.
REMEMBERED FOR: His quintessential Britishness. His bravery. Calling people 'old thing.' His accident-prone nature. I say!
I adore Harry, he's probably one of my all time favourite companions. I'm glad he's done so well; as a character he's so often forgotten, so it's nice to see him relatively high up. Probably would've put him in the 20s myself, but then again, there are about 50 characters I'd have in my top 20!
32. K9
PLAYED BY: John Leeson (David Brierly in Season 17)
ONSCREEN: 1977-81, 83, 2006, 2008 to Present
RATING: 72.16%
Wikipedia considers K9 to be Doctor Who's breakout character. It's understandable why. Although less popular with adults, children across the country adored K9; he was the talking pet that never died. Built by Professor Marius in the Year 5000, K9 joined the Doctor and Leela on their travels, remaining on board until 1981 when he stayed with the second Romana in E-Space to help her liberate the Tharil people. Although a robot who took everything literally (once wiping his memory banks of everything he knew about tennis when Romana casually told him to "forget it"), K9 still seemed to have a personality: he showed faint signs of sarcasm and having a sense of humour, albeit through a logical, robotic veil. When it was announced he was leaving, children everywhere were devastated, many writing to Blue peter in an attempt to save him. It didn't work, but K9 returned for a short-lived (one episode, in fact) spin-off series called "K9 and Company", alongside Sarah Jane Smith. He returned to the new series for School Reunion in 2006 and has since appeared in both The Sarah Jane Adventures and his own spin-off show, "K9".
REMEMBERED FOR: His laser. Affirmative! Mistress! Master! We are in a car.
I'm going to be honest here - I don't really like K9. In fact, I find him slightly irritating. I'm not sure exactly what it is I don't like, and I can stand to watch stories with him in, I've just never understood the big appeal. But, I'm not 7 years old, either, and I know there are many fans out there who like him. What about you?
ONSCREEN: 1977-81, 83, 2006, 2008 to Present
RATING: 72.16%
Wikipedia considers K9 to be Doctor Who's breakout character. It's understandable why. Although less popular with adults, children across the country adored K9; he was the talking pet that never died. Built by Professor Marius in the Year 5000, K9 joined the Doctor and Leela on their travels, remaining on board until 1981 when he stayed with the second Romana in E-Space to help her liberate the Tharil people. Although a robot who took everything literally (once wiping his memory banks of everything he knew about tennis when Romana casually told him to "forget it"), K9 still seemed to have a personality: he showed faint signs of sarcasm and having a sense of humour, albeit through a logical, robotic veil. When it was announced he was leaving, children everywhere were devastated, many writing to Blue peter in an attempt to save him. It didn't work, but K9 returned for a short-lived (one episode, in fact) spin-off series called "K9 and Company", alongside Sarah Jane Smith. He returned to the new series for School Reunion in 2006 and has since appeared in both The Sarah Jane Adventures and his own spin-off show, "K9".
REMEMBERED FOR: His laser. Affirmative! Mistress! Master! We are in a car.
I'm going to be honest here - I don't really like K9. In fact, I find him slightly irritating. I'm not sure exactly what it is I don't like, and I can stand to watch stories with him in, I've just never understood the big appeal. But, I'm not 7 years old, either, and I know there are many fans out there who like him. What about you?
31. The Third Doctor
PLAYED BY: Jon Pertwee
ONSCREEN: 1970-74, 1983
RATING: 72.39%
Just missing out on a place in the coveted top 30 is the dandiest Doctor of them all. The Third Doctor crashed onto our screens in colour at the start of the 1970s, exiled to Earth by the Time Lords with his knowledge of the TARDIS removed. Forced into an at first uneasy alliance with The Brigadier and UNIT, the Third Doctor soon settled, his bright yellow roadster Bessie being his replacement for the TARDIS for the time being. Whilst on Earth, he and his UNIT chums faced constant threat from alien invaders such as the Daleks, the Autons and the Axons, many of whom were assisted in some form by the Doctor's arch-enemy, the Master. But his desire to get back to travelling the universe never left him, and throughout his exile he was constantly seen tinkering with his console in an attempt to get it working again. After teaming up with his previous selves in The Three Doctors and saving Gallifrey from the wrath of Omega, the Time Lords returned the Doctor's freedom to him as a way of showing their gratitude. Able to travel through time and space once more, the Doctor started to show a new found sense of joie de vivre; he still faced deadly threats from aliens such as the Drashigs and the Ogrons, but now he could defeat them on various planets throughout the galaxies. When his long-term companion Jo Grant took the decision to leave him however, he was heartbroken, and never seemed quite the same afterwards until his regeneration. Even the plucky young journalist Sarah Jane Smith couldn't quite lift his spirits, and after facing his fear on the planet Metebelis III and absorbing a lethal amount of radiation, he died, regenerating once again.
The Third Doctor's reign was quite unlike that of any other Doctor, but it's unquestionable that it must've had a strong influence on Russell T Davies when he brought the series back to our screens; stories set mainly on Earth with a regular cast of lovable, recurring characters. Although not popular with some fans, the Third Doctor's era remains very high up in the public's opinion, as does the eccentric Third Doctor himself.
REMEMBERED FOR: His cape. Hai! His venusian karate. Bessie. Klokleda partha menin klatch haroon haroon haroon. A tear, Sarah Jane?
To me, the Third Doctor is one of the greatest Doctor's and I would definitely have put him in the Top 10. But not everyone is a fan, and as such, he's still done rather well. Any thoughts?
ONSCREEN: 1970-74, 1983
RATING: 72.39%
Just missing out on a place in the coveted top 30 is the dandiest Doctor of them all. The Third Doctor crashed onto our screens in colour at the start of the 1970s, exiled to Earth by the Time Lords with his knowledge of the TARDIS removed. Forced into an at first uneasy alliance with The Brigadier and UNIT, the Third Doctor soon settled, his bright yellow roadster Bessie being his replacement for the TARDIS for the time being. Whilst on Earth, he and his UNIT chums faced constant threat from alien invaders such as the Daleks, the Autons and the Axons, many of whom were assisted in some form by the Doctor's arch-enemy, the Master. But his desire to get back to travelling the universe never left him, and throughout his exile he was constantly seen tinkering with his console in an attempt to get it working again. After teaming up with his previous selves in The Three Doctors and saving Gallifrey from the wrath of Omega, the Time Lords returned the Doctor's freedom to him as a way of showing their gratitude. Able to travel through time and space once more, the Doctor started to show a new found sense of joie de vivre; he still faced deadly threats from aliens such as the Drashigs and the Ogrons, but now he could defeat them on various planets throughout the galaxies. When his long-term companion Jo Grant took the decision to leave him however, he was heartbroken, and never seemed quite the same afterwards until his regeneration. Even the plucky young journalist Sarah Jane Smith couldn't quite lift his spirits, and after facing his fear on the planet Metebelis III and absorbing a lethal amount of radiation, he died, regenerating once again.
The Third Doctor's reign was quite unlike that of any other Doctor, but it's unquestionable that it must've had a strong influence on Russell T Davies when he brought the series back to our screens; stories set mainly on Earth with a regular cast of lovable, recurring characters. Although not popular with some fans, the Third Doctor's era remains very high up in the public's opinion, as does the eccentric Third Doctor himself.
REMEMBERED FOR: His cape. Hai! His venusian karate. Bessie. Klokleda partha menin klatch haroon haroon haroon. A tear, Sarah Jane?
To me, the Third Doctor is one of the greatest Doctor's and I would definitely have put him in the Top 10. But not everyone is a fan, and as such, he's still done rather well. Any thoughts?