50. Tegan Jovanka
PLAYED BY: Janet Fielding
ONSCREEN: 1981 - 84
RATING: 67.75%
Officially holding the title as the longest running companion, kicking off our list at number 50 is the Australian mouth-on-legs who joined the TARDIS crew at the end of Tom Baker's run as the Doctor, staying for almost the whole of Peter Davison's tenure. Although at first an unwilling traveller, Tegan soon grew accustomed to life aboard the ship, and when the Doctor left her behind at Heathrow, thinking that was what she wanted, she was devastated. She soon met up with him again in Amsterdam, however, and rejoined her friends aboard the ship. However, during an encounter with the Daleks, Tegan left the Doctor - she'd seen too much death and travelling had stopped being fun.
REMEMBERED FOR: Rabbits. The Mara laugh. Brave heart, Tegan. Her air hostess outfit. Being Australian.
Personally, I've always been a big fan of Tegan, and thought she might've come higher than this. I think she is fully deserving of a place in the top fifty, although I know many fans who aren't keen on her. What about you? Let me know!
ONSCREEN: 1981 - 84
RATING: 67.75%
Officially holding the title as the longest running companion, kicking off our list at number 50 is the Australian mouth-on-legs who joined the TARDIS crew at the end of Tom Baker's run as the Doctor, staying for almost the whole of Peter Davison's tenure. Although at first an unwilling traveller, Tegan soon grew accustomed to life aboard the ship, and when the Doctor left her behind at Heathrow, thinking that was what she wanted, she was devastated. She soon met up with him again in Amsterdam, however, and rejoined her friends aboard the ship. However, during an encounter with the Daleks, Tegan left the Doctor - she'd seen too much death and travelling had stopped being fun.
REMEMBERED FOR: Rabbits. The Mara laugh. Brave heart, Tegan. Her air hostess outfit. Being Australian.
Personally, I've always been a big fan of Tegan, and thought she might've come higher than this. I think she is fully deserving of a place in the top fifty, although I know many fans who aren't keen on her. What about you? Let me know!
49. Rose Tyler
PLAYED BY: Billie Piper
ONSCREEN: 2005 - 06, 2008, 2010
RATING: 67.76%
Very surprisingly low result in my opinion, but it's the way people voted. When Doctor Who returned to our screens in 2005, Billie Piper's Rose was fundamental to its success. The first regular companion to be openly in love with the Doctor, Rose was much more than that. Fun, warm and, perhaps most importantly, normal, Rose won over the hearts of the nation and was particularly important in that she introduced a more appealing side to Doctor Who for many young girls; something which had perhaps been previously lacking. Rose witnessed the Doctor regenerate and was eventually trapped in a parallel world, which she returned from briefly to help the Doctor and the other 'Children of Time' save the Universe from Davros and the Daleks.
REMEMBERED FOR: Being in love with the Doctor. Her smile. Her mother. That beach scene.
Personally, I thought Rose would've made it into the top 20 - I know some fans aren't fond of her but she was an important character. At least she made it into the top 50 in the end: at one point she was all the way down in the 80s!
ONSCREEN: 2005 - 06, 2008, 2010
RATING: 67.76%
Very surprisingly low result in my opinion, but it's the way people voted. When Doctor Who returned to our screens in 2005, Billie Piper's Rose was fundamental to its success. The first regular companion to be openly in love with the Doctor, Rose was much more than that. Fun, warm and, perhaps most importantly, normal, Rose won over the hearts of the nation and was particularly important in that she introduced a more appealing side to Doctor Who for many young girls; something which had perhaps been previously lacking. Rose witnessed the Doctor regenerate and was eventually trapped in a parallel world, which she returned from briefly to help the Doctor and the other 'Children of Time' save the Universe from Davros and the Daleks.
REMEMBERED FOR: Being in love with the Doctor. Her smile. Her mother. That beach scene.
Personally, I thought Rose would've made it into the top 20 - I know some fans aren't fond of her but she was an important character. At least she made it into the top 50 in the end: at one point she was all the way down in the 80s!
48. Sergeant Benton
PLAYED BY: John Levene
ONSCREEN: 1968-75
RATING: 68.00%
Lovable and loyal, Sergeant Benton first appeared on our screens during 1968's The Invasion, assisting the second Doctor in defeating the cybermen. He returned mid-way through 1970's Ambassadors of Death, remaining in the show as a semi-regular until 1975. Completely faithful in the Doctor, Benton did his best to always do the right thing, even allowing him to knock him unconscious after General Finch had ordered the Doctor to be taken prisoner (Invasion of the Dinosaurs). One of the most fondly remembered members of the "UNIT family," after the Doctor was freed by the Time Lords and could once again travel through time and space, UNIT stories became less frequent, with (the now) RSM Benton making his final appearance in 1975's The Android Invasion.
REMEMBERED FOR: Sir! His salute. That's pretty obvious, isn't it? Being the only companion to be seen naked (I think!)
I think this is the perfect position for old Benton. An important and lovable character who should definitely be in the Top 50. Just right in my opinion. Please, if you think I'm wrong, tell me! Always nice to hear others opinions :)
ONSCREEN: 1968-75
RATING: 68.00%
Lovable and loyal, Sergeant Benton first appeared on our screens during 1968's The Invasion, assisting the second Doctor in defeating the cybermen. He returned mid-way through 1970's Ambassadors of Death, remaining in the show as a semi-regular until 1975. Completely faithful in the Doctor, Benton did his best to always do the right thing, even allowing him to knock him unconscious after General Finch had ordered the Doctor to be taken prisoner (Invasion of the Dinosaurs). One of the most fondly remembered members of the "UNIT family," after the Doctor was freed by the Time Lords and could once again travel through time and space, UNIT stories became less frequent, with (the now) RSM Benton making his final appearance in 1975's The Android Invasion.
REMEMBERED FOR: Sir! His salute. That's pretty obvious, isn't it? Being the only companion to be seen naked (I think!)
I think this is the perfect position for old Benton. An important and lovable character who should definitely be in the Top 50. Just right in my opinion. Please, if you think I'm wrong, tell me! Always nice to hear others opinions :)
47. Harriet Jones
PLAYED BY: Penelope Wilton
ONSCREEN: 2005, 2006, 2008
RATING: 68.42%
MP turned Prime Minister turned Former Prime Minister Harriet Jones first appeared on our screen during the Ninth Doctor's battle against the Slitheen in Downing Street. Good in a crisis, Harriet took control, ordering the Doctor to fire a missile at Downing Street to kill the Slitheen, even though it could possibly mean their deaths. She became Prime Minister not long after, the Doctor stating that she would lead Britain through what would be known as its 'Golden Age.' However, during their encounter with the Sycorax, Harriet made a decision which infuriated the newly-regenerated Tenth Doctor, who took it upon himself to destroy her government with 6 words. After this, Harriet continued to work in Earth's defense, being instrumental in the defeat of Davros and the Daleks, even though it meant sacrificing her own life. She still maintained, however, that she had made the right choice in destroying the Sycorax ship.
REMEMBERED FOR: MP Flydale North. Yes, we know who you are. Don't you think she looks tired?
I adore Harriet Jones. Penelope Wilton's performance has always been one of my favourites and I was devastated when the Daleks exterminated her. Personally, I would've put her a little higher, but as it is, I'm just glad she made the top 50. You?
ONSCREEN: 2005, 2006, 2008
RATING: 68.42%
MP turned Prime Minister turned Former Prime Minister Harriet Jones first appeared on our screen during the Ninth Doctor's battle against the Slitheen in Downing Street. Good in a crisis, Harriet took control, ordering the Doctor to fire a missile at Downing Street to kill the Slitheen, even though it could possibly mean their deaths. She became Prime Minister not long after, the Doctor stating that she would lead Britain through what would be known as its 'Golden Age.' However, during their encounter with the Sycorax, Harriet made a decision which infuriated the newly-regenerated Tenth Doctor, who took it upon himself to destroy her government with 6 words. After this, Harriet continued to work in Earth's defense, being instrumental in the defeat of Davros and the Daleks, even though it meant sacrificing her own life. She still maintained, however, that she had made the right choice in destroying the Sycorax ship.
REMEMBERED FOR: MP Flydale North. Yes, we know who you are. Don't you think she looks tired?
I adore Harriet Jones. Penelope Wilton's performance has always been one of my favourites and I was devastated when the Daleks exterminated her. Personally, I would've put her a little higher, but as it is, I'm just glad she made the top 50. You?
46. The Seventh Doctor
PLAYED BY: Sylvester McCoy
ONSCREEN: 1987-89, 1996
RATING: 68.46%
The first Doctor to make an appearance in our countdown so far, the Seventh Doctor's era was one of variety. Although his early stories are seen by many as poor in quality, Sylvester showed promise right from the beginning, and by the end of his third season, his Doctor had managed to inject some of mystery and sparkle which had perhaps been lacking in the show's later years. Although small in stature, the Seventh Doctor seemed to have no problem in asserting himself as a figure of authority, and seemed to be more in control of the TARDIS than any of his previous incarnations. When coupled with Ace, they created the perfect foil for one another and to this day remain one of the most fondly remembered TARDIS crews.
REMEMBERED FOR: Ace! Unlimited rice pudding. Rolling his r's. Question mark jumper. His brolly.
Hmm. I don't know what to make of this placing. I've always been a fan of Sylv, and I've not really got a problem with Season 24 - I think it's just habit to hate it. I personally would've put him higher, mid-30s perhaps, but I do know a few fans who aren't keen on him. And anyway, it was you lot who voted! What do you think?
ONSCREEN: 1987-89, 1996
RATING: 68.46%
The first Doctor to make an appearance in our countdown so far, the Seventh Doctor's era was one of variety. Although his early stories are seen by many as poor in quality, Sylvester showed promise right from the beginning, and by the end of his third season, his Doctor had managed to inject some of mystery and sparkle which had perhaps been lacking in the show's later years. Although small in stature, the Seventh Doctor seemed to have no problem in asserting himself as a figure of authority, and seemed to be more in control of the TARDIS than any of his previous incarnations. When coupled with Ace, they created the perfect foil for one another and to this day remain one of the most fondly remembered TARDIS crews.
REMEMBERED FOR: Ace! Unlimited rice pudding. Rolling his r's. Question mark jumper. His brolly.
Hmm. I don't know what to make of this placing. I've always been a fan of Sylv, and I've not really got a problem with Season 24 - I think it's just habit to hate it. I personally would've put him higher, mid-30s perhaps, but I do know a few fans who aren't keen on him. And anyway, it was you lot who voted! What do you think?
45. The Sontarans
PLAYED BY: Various
ONSCREEN: 1973 to Present
RATING: 68.84%
Since they first appeared in 1973, the Sontarans have become one of the Doctor's most popular foes. Their strict military minds and crude outlook on life has brought both humour and terror to Doctor Who, leaving them as (arguably) the most popular recurring monster behind the Daleks and the Cybermen. Since they first appeared, they have been locked in battle against the shape-shifting Rutans - a war that has apparently lasted over 10,000 years. Whilst the Doctor and companions are disgusted by war, the Sonatarns see it as an honour and a way of life, Commander Skorr in The Poison Sky commenting "wonderful" after being shot dead during battle.
REMEMBERED FOR: Probic vents. Looking like baked potatoes. Being clones. Having three fingers (most of the time.) Being very short (most of the time.) Linx's tongue.
Aah, the sontarans. I've always thought they've never really matched their first appearance - Kevin Lindsay's Linx being "the definitive" Sontaran for me, if you will. As a whole, I'd say a pretty good placing. Thoughts?
ONSCREEN: 1973 to Present
RATING: 68.84%
Since they first appeared in 1973, the Sontarans have become one of the Doctor's most popular foes. Their strict military minds and crude outlook on life has brought both humour and terror to Doctor Who, leaving them as (arguably) the most popular recurring monster behind the Daleks and the Cybermen. Since they first appeared, they have been locked in battle against the shape-shifting Rutans - a war that has apparently lasted over 10,000 years. Whilst the Doctor and companions are disgusted by war, the Sonatarns see it as an honour and a way of life, Commander Skorr in The Poison Sky commenting "wonderful" after being shot dead during battle.
REMEMBERED FOR: Probic vents. Looking like baked potatoes. Being clones. Having three fingers (most of the time.) Being very short (most of the time.) Linx's tongue.
Aah, the sontarans. I've always thought they've never really matched their first appearance - Kevin Lindsay's Linx being "the definitive" Sontaran for me, if you will. As a whole, I'd say a pretty good placing. Thoughts?
44. Martha Jones
PLAYED BY: Freema Agyeman
ONSCREEN: 2007-2008, 2010
RATING: 69.06%
Replacing Billie Piper's Rose was always going to be a difficult task, but Freema Agyeman did it very successfully: so much so that Martha's placed higher than Rose in our little poll! Martha first encountered the Doctor when the hospital in which she was training was kidnapped and placed on the moon by the Judoon. She impressed him instantly, and after she'd saved his life and the hospital had been returned to Earth, the Doctor offered her just one trip as a way of saying thank you, although this one trip eventually became many, Martha becoming an 'official' companion when the Doctor gave her her own key in 42. Martha was attracted to the Doctor from the moment they met, although the Doctor had never realized, and after her family spent a year being held prisoner by the Master whilst he destroyed the Earth, Martha decided her travelling days were over, leaving the Doctor but giving him a phone so that she could call him if she needed him. When they met again, Martha was a member of UNIT and now an official doctor, and was much more independent and mature than when she had traveled with the Doctor. She assisted him once more against Davros and the Daleks before making her final farewell.
REMEMBERED FOR: Being in love with the Doctor. Joining UNIT. Threatening to use the Osterhagen Key. I'm bringing you back to Earth. Randomly marrying Mickey.
I was always a big fan of Martha, particularly in series 4 - I felt that she returned a much stronger character than she had been. 44 is a good position for her in my opinion. Any thoughts? Let me know!
ONSCREEN: 2007-2008, 2010
RATING: 69.06%
Replacing Billie Piper's Rose was always going to be a difficult task, but Freema Agyeman did it very successfully: so much so that Martha's placed higher than Rose in our little poll! Martha first encountered the Doctor when the hospital in which she was training was kidnapped and placed on the moon by the Judoon. She impressed him instantly, and after she'd saved his life and the hospital had been returned to Earth, the Doctor offered her just one trip as a way of saying thank you, although this one trip eventually became many, Martha becoming an 'official' companion when the Doctor gave her her own key in 42. Martha was attracted to the Doctor from the moment they met, although the Doctor had never realized, and after her family spent a year being held prisoner by the Master whilst he destroyed the Earth, Martha decided her travelling days were over, leaving the Doctor but giving him a phone so that she could call him if she needed him. When they met again, Martha was a member of UNIT and now an official doctor, and was much more independent and mature than when she had traveled with the Doctor. She assisted him once more against Davros and the Daleks before making her final farewell.
REMEMBERED FOR: Being in love with the Doctor. Joining UNIT. Threatening to use the Osterhagen Key. I'm bringing you back to Earth. Randomly marrying Mickey.
I was always a big fan of Martha, particularly in series 4 - I felt that she returned a much stronger character than she had been. 44 is a good position for her in my opinion. Any thoughts? Let me know!
43. Sutekh the Destroyer
PLAYED BY: Gabriel Woolf
ONSCREEN: 1975
RATING: 69.07%
"Your evil is my good. I am Sutekh the destroyer. Where I tread, I leave nothing but dust and darkness I find that good! "
That's a brilliant quote, isn't it? Pyramids of Mars is generally considered one of the greatest Doctor Who stories, and that opinion is in no small part due to Gabriel Woolf's chilling performance as Sutekh. A member of the alien race the Osirans, Sutekh has stuck in the minds of fans who were terrified by him as both children and as adults, and despite appearing in only one story, remains as one of the shows most popular and discussed villains. The Doctor suggests that Sutekh may even be Satan himself, and Gabriel Woolf returned to the Whoniverse to voice the dreaded 'Beast' in 2006's The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit.
REMEMBERED FOR: Kneel before the might of Sutekh. Those hands on his chair. You are but an ant. His gift of death.
The first time I watched Pyramids of Mars, I didn't particularly enjoy it, but the one part that stuck in my mind was Sutekh torturing the Fourth Doctor. I have since re-watched it several times and it is one of my all time favourites, and I think Sutekh deserves a place in the Top 50 purely due to the impact he has had on fans despite just appearing in one story. Opinions?
ONSCREEN: 1975
RATING: 69.07%
"Your evil is my good. I am Sutekh the destroyer. Where I tread, I leave nothing but dust and darkness I find that good! "
That's a brilliant quote, isn't it? Pyramids of Mars is generally considered one of the greatest Doctor Who stories, and that opinion is in no small part due to Gabriel Woolf's chilling performance as Sutekh. A member of the alien race the Osirans, Sutekh has stuck in the minds of fans who were terrified by him as both children and as adults, and despite appearing in only one story, remains as one of the shows most popular and discussed villains. The Doctor suggests that Sutekh may even be Satan himself, and Gabriel Woolf returned to the Whoniverse to voice the dreaded 'Beast' in 2006's The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit.
REMEMBERED FOR: Kneel before the might of Sutekh. Those hands on his chair. You are but an ant. His gift of death.
The first time I watched Pyramids of Mars, I didn't particularly enjoy it, but the one part that stuck in my mind was Sutekh torturing the Fourth Doctor. I have since re-watched it several times and it is one of my all time favourites, and I think Sutekh deserves a place in the Top 50 purely due to the impact he has had on fans despite just appearing in one story. Opinions?
42. The Meddling Monk
PLAYED BY: Peter Butterworth
ONSCREEN: 1965, 66
RATING: 69.25%
The Meddling Monk is fondly remembered by fans for several reasons. He was the first other member (excluding Susan) of the Doctor's species the audience had ever encountered, and as such brought even more mystery and mythos to the show. Secondly, he was the only other recurring antagonist of the Hartnell era alongside the daleks; due not only to Peter Butterworth's fabulous performance, but also due to the character's popularity with the audience. And finally, the two tales he appeared in, The Time Meddler and The Daleks' Master Plan, are considered two of the best stories of the First Doctor's reign. A forerunner to the Master in many ways, the Monk was the first character who matched the Doctor on an intellectual level, although his careless attitude towards changing history infuriated the Doctor. Although popular with viewers, the Monk hasn't appeared since, but Big Finish have recently resurrected the character for audio, now played by Graeme Garden
REMEMBERED FOR: Having his own TARDIS. Having his TARDIS shrunk by the Doctor. Being a member of the Doctor's species. Watching the TARDIS with binoculars.
I like the Monk. Always have. Good placing in my opinion. Thoughts?
ONSCREEN: 1965, 66
RATING: 69.25%
The Meddling Monk is fondly remembered by fans for several reasons. He was the first other member (excluding Susan) of the Doctor's species the audience had ever encountered, and as such brought even more mystery and mythos to the show. Secondly, he was the only other recurring antagonist of the Hartnell era alongside the daleks; due not only to Peter Butterworth's fabulous performance, but also due to the character's popularity with the audience. And finally, the two tales he appeared in, The Time Meddler and The Daleks' Master Plan, are considered two of the best stories of the First Doctor's reign. A forerunner to the Master in many ways, the Monk was the first character who matched the Doctor on an intellectual level, although his careless attitude towards changing history infuriated the Doctor. Although popular with viewers, the Monk hasn't appeared since, but Big Finish have recently resurrected the character for audio, now played by Graeme Garden
REMEMBERED FOR: Having his own TARDIS. Having his TARDIS shrunk by the Doctor. Being a member of the Doctor's species. Watching the TARDIS with binoculars.
I like the Monk. Always have. Good placing in my opinion. Thoughts?
41. Madame de Pompadour
PLAYED BY: Sophia Myles
ONSCREEN: 2006
RATING: 69.42%
The Girl in the Fireplace is often cited as one of the best Doctor Who stories of the 21st century. It did something no Doctor Who story had ever done so successfully before: it told a love story. For the first time, we saw the Doctor fall instantly head over heals in love with someone. And not just anyone; an important historical figure. Sophia Myles' portrayal of Reinette is one of Who's most beautiful and impressive guests turns; the audience watches her grow and develop and she becomes a character who we know better than many others. It's not that surprising that her and David Tennant ended up dating afterwards. The chemistry between the two is incredible.
REMEMBERED FOR: Her dress. The monsters and the Doctor. Seems you cannot have one without another. Spontaneously snogging the Doctor. That letter at the end.
Aah I love Madame de Pompadour, just as I love The Girl in the Fireplace. I like the fact that many one off characters are mingling amongst much adored classics.
ONSCREEN: 2006
RATING: 69.42%
The Girl in the Fireplace is often cited as one of the best Doctor Who stories of the 21st century. It did something no Doctor Who story had ever done so successfully before: it told a love story. For the first time, we saw the Doctor fall instantly head over heals in love with someone. And not just anyone; an important historical figure. Sophia Myles' portrayal of Reinette is one of Who's most beautiful and impressive guests turns; the audience watches her grow and develop and she becomes a character who we know better than many others. It's not that surprising that her and David Tennant ended up dating afterwards. The chemistry between the two is incredible.
REMEMBERED FOR: Her dress. The monsters and the Doctor. Seems you cannot have one without another. Spontaneously snogging the Doctor. That letter at the end.
Aah I love Madame de Pompadour, just as I love The Girl in the Fireplace. I like the fact that many one off characters are mingling amongst much adored classics.