William Hartnell (1963-1966)

The first Doctor Who was a paternal figure in the form of William Hartnell, who opened the series with a visit to 100,000BC. Silver-haired and done up like a Victorian, he was first to battle with the Daleks.

Patrick Troughton (1966–1969)

When Hartnell was succeeded by Patrick Troughton the show’s creators hit on regeneration to keep the franchise going. Step in Patrick Troughton, whose character was billed as a cosmic hobo.

Jon Pertwee (1970-1974)

The first Doctor Who to be experienced in colour, Pertwee borrowed from The Avenger’s John Steed and James Bond to create his character. Dressed as a dandy in bow ties, frilly shirts and velvet smoking jackets, the third Time Lord began his tenure exhiled to Planet Earth. Pertwee was also the first Doctor to encounter the evil Master.

Tom Baker (1974-1981)

Generally considered the greatest of the early era Doctors, Tom Baker brought a touch of lunacy to the part. Dressed in frock coat and flowing multicoloured scarf, he had mad curly hair and a wicked laugh, travelled the universe eating jelly babies and was accompanied by K-9 the robotic dog.

Peter Davison (1981-1984)

Peter Davidson became the youngest Time Lord when he took over in 1982. He reinvented Doctor Who as a youth in cricket whites armed with a sonic screwdriver and a cricket ball. Worried about becoming typecast, Davison left the show after three years.

Colin Baker (1984–1986)

Unpredictable and slightly unhinged, Colin Baker’s Doctor Who was one of the least successful with the viewers, its more serious story lines leading to a drop in ratings. The show was nearly axed completely in 1985 but continued to limp on for several more years.

Sylvester McCoy (1987–1989)

Sylvester McCoy failed to revitalise the show despite some imaginative plotlines and the Scottish actor’s efforts to give his character depth. Along with his liking for magic, the seventh Doctor stood out for his 1930s golfing jumper and Panama hat.

Paul McGann (1996)

Paul McGann played the role only once, bringing the Doctor out of retirement for a single made for TV movie. The deliberate attempt to evoke the classic Tom Baker era failed to woe audiences in the USA however, and plans for a follow on series came to nothing.

Christopher Eccleston (2004)

Another eight years passed before a spectacular come-back with Christopher Ecclestone now taking control of the Tardis. Northern, earthy, leather jacket-clad and at times slightly menacing, the era of the great Doctors had returned.

David Tennant (2005–2010)

After Ecclestone bowed out after just a year, Tennant brought a more gentle quality to the role. Geeky, but stylish, effete but sexy, his Doctor Who will be difficult to top.

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