From devastating health battles to bitter rows on set, here we take a look at every actor who has played Doctor Who and their lives away from the camera
Away from Daleks and time travel, the Doctors’ lives off-screen look completely different.
With devoted Doctor Who fans across the world spanning multiple generations, the role catapults whoever takes it on into extraordinary fame.
It’s amongst the most coveted positions on telly – with a select group of top actors having assumed the responsibility throughout the years.
When the original Doctor departed in 1966, an inspired workaround was devised, granting the Time Lord the capacity to regenerate into a fresh form.
In recent years the show’s budget had jumped dramatically, due to a co-production and distribution deal the BBC had with Disney Plus.
READ MORE: Doctor Who legend set to make comeback as Tenth Doctor for the Big Finish
That deal has just recently ended, and while the BBC has confirmed that the show will continue, with a 2026 Christmas special already confirmed. Exactly how it will be financed, and whether it will be part of another deal, remains to be seen.
Now one of the well-known Doctor’s is back, as David Tennant announced he’s making a shock return to the show. The fan favourite Time Lord will be back on screens at Christmas. But there’s a huge difference this time, as he won’t actually be on the screen.
Instead, he will be back in audio form, reprising in his original role in 15 brand new audio episodes titled Big Finish adventures. They’re “fast, funny, scary audio drama” according to Big Finish creative director Nicholas Briggs. Here we take a look at the past actors who have taken the Doctor Who hotseat…
William Hartnell
The original incarnation of the Doctor, William Hartnell initially harboured doubts about starring in what was first presented as a children’s programme. Fortunately, he was persuaded to accept the role in November 1963, which would become the defining moment of his professional life.
Hartnell donned a wig for the character and famously described him as “a cross between the Wizard of Oz and Father Christmas“. As his health declined and memorising dialogue became increasingly difficult, Hartnell departed the programme just shy of his three-year milestone in October 1966.
However, he did return for the tenth anniversary special, The Three Doctors, in 1972, filming his contribution whilst seated and reading from cue cards. Sadly, numerous episodes from his era were lost when the BBC conducted a clearout of archived material in the early 1970s.
This marked his final acting work, as Hartnell’s deteriorating condition resulted in permanent hospitalisation from December 1974. He suffered with cerebrovascular disease and passed away peacefully in his sleep from heart failure in April 1975, aged 67.
Patrick Troughton
According to Hartnell, Patrick Troughton was the “only man in England” who could take over. The First Doctor transformed into Troughton’s Second Doctor in October 1966, with the actor ensuring his interpretation was distinctly different.
Troughton became beloved amongst cast and crew members, frequently playing pranks on set, though he rarely participated in interviews, fearing excessive media exposure might restrict his career prospects.
Following three demanding years, the actor chose to step away from the part to avoid being pigeonholed in subsequent roles. However, Troughton’s involvement with Doctor Who didn’t end there, as he returned for special appearances in 1973, 1983 and 1985.
His starred in major films including Scars of Dracula, The Omen and Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger. Television audiences also saw him in various programmes such as Coronation Street, All Creatures Great and Small and The Sweeney.
Tragically, Troughton suffered a fatal heart attack in March 1987 while visiting America as a guest at a science fiction convention – where he had been eagerly anticipating screenings of his classic episodes. Several of his children pursued acting careers, and his grandson is Harry Melling, known for portraying Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter film series.
Jon Pertwee
Jon Pertwee brought significant transformations to the Doctor, with his tenure drawing inspiration from James Bond – reshaping the character into an action-oriented hero.
The actor had already achieved recognition playing Chief Petty Officer Pertwee in beloved radio comedy The Navy Lark, and through appearances in several Carry On films.
After four years as the Doctor from 1970 to 1974, he chose to depart to pursue his theatre work and prevent being pigeonholed.
He subsequently acknowledged it was partly due to the tragic passing of his close friend and fellow cast member Roger Delgado, who portrayed The Master. Pertwee returned to the character for the 20th anniversary celebration, The Five Doctors, and the 1993 Children In Need special featuring EastEnders.
The performer later secured another iconic part as Worzel Gummidge, achieving cult status as the beloved scarecrow from 1987 to 1989. Pertwee cherished his bond with Doctor Who enthusiasts, regularly attending fan gatherings and conventions right up until his passing.
He suffered a fatal heart attack whilst asleep at 76. A toy Worzel Gummidge placed upon his coffin, as specifically requested in his will. His son Sean Pertwee has carved out an impressive acting career, featuring in the horror film Dog Soldiers and portraying Batman’s loyal butler Alfred in the Gotham television series.
Tom Baker
Holding the record as the longest-reigning Doctor, Tom Baker assumed the iconic role in June 1974 and remained until March 1981. His vibrant scarf, unmistakable voice and fondness for jelly babies resonated brilliantly with audiences, and he frequently improvised alterations to the scripts.
Most fans regard him as the definitive Doctor, consistently topping popularity surveys, and he featured in numerous beloved episodes. Baker expressed dissatisfaction with his concluding series and famously had creative differences with producers during his final episodes.
Following his departure, he portrayed Sherlock Holmes in a BBC miniseries and appeared in Blackadder II as the pirate Redbeard Rum. Leveraging his remarkable voice, Baker transitioned into voice acting, contributing to children’s programmes and serving as narrator for the comedy series Little Britain.
Baker has maintained ties with the Doctor Who universe, featuring in the 50th anniversary special The Day of the Doctor and various audio productions, including one scheduled for release this month.
Recently celebrating is 92nd birthday in January, the actor receieved an OBE in November last year for his services to television; marking the day with his character’s iconic costume, and his very own Tardis.
Peter Davison
Peter Davison became the youngest performer to embody the role at that time, at just 29. Following guidance from former Doctor Patrick Troughton, Davison committed to just three years on the programme amid concerns about typecasting.
Despite urgent appeals from producers to continue, Davison departed in March 1984, though he subsequently admitted regretting his decision not to film a fourth series, as the writing had significantly improved during his final year.
He told Radio Times: “I was asked to do a fourth year – and originally I had in my head I’d do three years, and I thought it was time just to burn the bridges and move on.”
He returned to the iconic role for a 2007 Children In Need special, where the Fifth Doctor encountered the Tenth Doctor, David Tennant, who would later marry his daughter. Following his tenure, Davison featured in Magnum, P.I., Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders and Death In Paradise.
He also portrayed a fictionalised version of himself in the Channel 4 comedy series Toast of London. The actor sparked backlash when he suggested that a female Doctor would result in “a loss of a role model for boys” – with the resulting furore prompting him to abandon Twitter.
Most recently, Davison featured as Mr. Percival in this year’s Call the Midwife Christmas special, and he also reprised his iconic role as the Fifth Doctor for the new promotional mini-episode Dalek adventure.
Destination: Daleks, first broadcast in December 2025, saw the beloved Time Lord reunite with his quippy companion Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding) as they returned to Butler’s Wharf in London.
Colin Baker
Colin Baker aspired to surpass Tom Baker’s tenure but managed only two and a half years in the part. His stint as the Doctor proved turbulent, with viewers outraged when he attempted to throttle his companion during his debut episode.
An 18-month break then interrupted his first series, which faced criticism for excessive violence, sparking fears the show might never return. Baker eventually resumed the role, but in 1986 BBC Controller Michael Grade agreed to commission another series only on condition that Baker be replaced.
Although his contract came to an end, Baker received an invitation to return for four episodes to film his regeneration storyline. The actor, who claimed he was “treated shabbily’, declined the offer, though he subsequently confessed to regretting his “brutally selfish” decision and not considering the devoted fanbase.
Baker revived the character just once on television during the 1993 Children In Need special, though he has continued to lend his voice to the Time Lord in numerous audio productions.
His career progressed with stage performances and guest spots on programmes including Casualty, Doctors and Hollyoaks. Reality television has also featured prominently in Baker’s career, with stints on the 12th series of I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity 5 Go Camping.
Last year, Colin spoke out on his views about Billie Piper becoming the sixteeth Doctor. He disagreed with the decision and argues that “she’s someone else” – causing a mixed reaction from Doctor Who fans.
As the show’s creatives hinted at Billie’s retun, Colin, now 82, weighed in on the creative choice, telling the Oxford Mail of the regeneration: “I don’t have a clue, but I suspect it’s a load of old malarky. I think they didn’t know what to say, so they did that. I think there will be something involving Billie Piper, but she’s not the Doctor, who can she be?”
Sylvester McCoy
Another performer whose tenure proved relatively brief, Sylvester McCoy took on the mantle in September 1987 but departed after merely two years.
His beginning proved peculiar, as he was required to portray Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor wearing a wig after Baker declined to return for the regeneration sequence.
Originally conceived as a more lighthearted interpretation, viewer criticism prompted McCoy to transform the character into a more sinister presence.
McCoy’s departure wasn’t a dismissal, nor did he formally resign, but rather the programme reached an abrupt conclusion in 1989, precisely when he felt he was finding his footing in the role.
His final television appearance came in the 1996 TV movie, though he’s maintained his connection to the character through audio dramas and the comedic tribute The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot in 2013.
Since departing the iconic time machine, McCoy, now 82, has seen his career flourish. His impressive CV includes appearances in Casualty, Hollyoaks, The Bill, Doctors and Holby City, whilst also performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company in King Lear alongside Ian McKellen.
You might also recognise McCoy from his portrayal of the wizard Radagast in The Hobbit trilogy, again sharing the screen with Ian McKellen as Gandalf.
Paul McGann
Sadly, Paul McGann was granted just a single official on-screen appearance as The Doctor. The TV movie was intended to spawn a fresh series, however poor American viewing figures meant Fox and Universal pulled the plug on further production.
McGann has said that he would have returned had producers asked, but when the programme resumed in 2005 he was absent from the cast. Nevertheless, McGann has continued voicing the Eighth Doctor in audio productions and made a brief appearance in the 2013 mini episode The Night of the Doctor.
Following his movie stint, McGann has featured in Alien 3, Gypo and Lesbian Vampire Killers. More recently, he portrayed John Gaskell across 40 episodes of Holby City. The actor, now 66, recently shut down speculation that he’ll make a comeback in the 2026 Christmas special.
Christopher Eccleston
When Doctor Who triumphantly returned in 2005, it was Christopher Eccleston who took the helm. He became the first performer to assume the character who wasn’t yet born when the programme originally launched.
Given the successful revival, it came as a surprise when his departure was announced at the series’ conclusion after merely two months in the part.
His leaving was surrounded by intrigue and dispute, with the BBC acknowledging they had incorrectly issued a departure statement in his name without his permission. They also admitted to breaching the agreement not to publicly disclose that he was only committed to one series.
Eccleston revealed that his relationship with showrunner Russel T. Davies and some of his producers had “irreparably” deteriorated during the initial filming block and never mended. “They lost trust in me, and I lost faith and trust and belief in them,” he confessed.
Following his departure from Doctor Who, Eccleston graced the stage at the Old Vic theatre and starred in TV dramas such as The Leftovers, Blackout and The A World. He also portrayed the villain Malekith in the Thor sequel, The Dark World.
Doctor Who enthusiasts were overjoyed last year when it was announced that Eccleston would be returning to the role for a series of audio dramas set to be released in May.
Now 62, the actor has been announced in Sky’s lastest production on a brand new comic crime thriller called Meantime, based on Frankie Boyle’s novel of the same name.
David Tennant
David Tennant first fully embodied the Doctor in the 2005 Christmas special and quickly became one of the most beloved stars of all time. He met his wife Georgia, daughter of Fifth Doctor Davison, when she played his genetically engineered daughter in a 2008 episode.
After four years, he chose to step down, not wanting to “outstay” his welcome. He said: “It would be very easy to cling on to the TARDIS console forever and I fear that if I don’t take a deep breath and make the decision to move on now, then I simply never will.”
Tennant did return for the 50th anniversary special, The Day of the Doctor, in 2013 and has since reprised the role in several audio dramas. His career continued to flourish with roles in Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger and as DI Alec Hardy across all three series of Broadchurch.
Tennant took on the menacing role of Kilgrave in Marvel’s Netflix series Jessica Jones and portrayed Barty Crouch Jr. in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. More recently, the Scottish star delivered a chilling performance as serial killer Dennis Nilsen in ITV’s Des.
Now returning as the tenth doctor for the new audio series, Tennant, 54, said in a statement: “Big Finish makes it dangerously easy – you turn up, have a lovely time, and suddenly you’ve saved the universe again.”
Nicholas Briggs, Big Finish’s creative director, said: “We’re always on the look-out for David to return. He is such a busy, in-demand actor, sometimes it’s just not possible for him to find the time to come to the studio.
“But we’re always ready and waiting with new stories to tell and now he’s back and we’re loving every minute of it. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride during these new adventures. They’re fast, funny, scary audio dramas with surprises from the very first episode,” according to Radio Times.
Matt Smith
Matt Smith was a relative newcomer when he landed the part of the Eleventh Doctor in 2009, prompting headlines asking ‘Doctor Who?’
At just 26, he became the youngest actor to take on the iconic role, making it his own and earning the distinction of being the first Doctor nominated for a Best Actor BAFTA. After nearly four years in the TARDIS, he chose to depart, believing the timing was right.
However, he later confessed to regretting his early exit, wishing he’d stayed longer to work alongside companion Jenna Coleman. Smith has since become a major star, portraying Prince Philip in the opening two series of The Crown and the formidable Daemon Targaryen in the Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon.
His romantic life has seen its share of ups and downs, with previous relationships including model Daisy Lowe and actress Lily James. In January, he passionately kissed a mystery brunette on a Rio de Janeiro sidewalk. He later appeared to confirm he was in a new relationship while out in public during a New Year break in the South American coastal city.
She has since been named as Jessica Felix, a Brazilian model and trainee doctor, who celebrated her 26th birthday in December, according to Daily Mail.
Peter Capaldi
Peter Capaldi was widely recognised for his portrayal of the profanity-laden Malcolm Tucker in The Thick Of It before stepping into the shoes of the Twelfth Doctor.
He had actually appeared in the 2008 episode The Fires of Pompeii playing a different character. Following a four-year stint, Capaldi revealed his departure during a heartfelt conversation on BBC Radio 2.
The actor subsequently confessed concerns that continuing in the role would compromise his ability to deliver his finest performance. Capaldi has publicly acknowledged that portraying the Doctor extends far beyond traditional acting, given the extensive demands of the franchise.
Since his exit from the programme, the Scottish star has featured in the Paddington film series and provided the voice for Rabbit in the Christopher Robin picture. His forthcoming major project sees him join the DC blockbuster The Suicide Squad, taking on the character of The Thinker.
As well as acting, Capaldi is also a singer who is set to go on tour with his music for the first time and the star is touring the UK in February and March, starting in Newcastle. Capaldi and his band are set to visit Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds, Nottingham, Cardiff, Brighton and London. He said: “I’m excited, scared, frightened about what’s going to happen.”
Recently speaking on the Half the Picture podcast, the actor revealed what he thinks is one issue in the way the show has developed over the years. “The show became very, very big,” he said. “And it was never like that when I loved it. So it became a different thing. I think the responsibilities of playing the part became more… there were more of them.”
Jodie Whittaker
The British actress became the first female and thirteenth Doctor in 2017, recently reappearing in a special episode. Whittaker starred in three series and five specials, beginning with “The Woman Who Fell to Earth” in 2018 and ending her role in 2022, before returning in 2025 with a cameo appearance in the series 15 finale “The Reality War”.
She admitted that she had to “tell a lot of lies” after being cast to keep the information secret and used the codeword “Clooney” when talking about the role.
Some fans argued a female Doctor would be a good role model for young girls, but others felt the Doctor was only ever meant to be male and said it was “political correctness” for her to take the role.
The actor urged fans not to be afraid of her gender, saying: “Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change. The fans have lived through so many changes, and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one.”
In August 2023, she starred as part of the main cast of the Netflix series Toxic Town, based on the Corby toxic waste case. From October 2024 to December 2024, Whittaker starred in the West End stage play The Duchess.
And it was announced in January last year she was starring alongside Suranne Jones in Frauds, a 6-part ITV art-heist series about two trickster women.
Before her role in Doctor Who, the actress now 43, took one of the lead roles in the hit ITV crime drama Broadchurch and the four-part BBC One medical drama Trust Me.
Ncuti Gatwa
Gatwa is best known for playing Eric Effiong in Sex Education and the Fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who. The Scottish actor has a decorated career and has earned numerous accolades for Sex Education, including a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actor in Television in 2020, and three BAFTA Television Award nominations for Best Male Comedy Performance.
In April 2022, Gatwa was cast in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie before he took on the role of The Doctor from Jodie Whittaker. He became the first black actor to lead the series, the fourth Scottish actor, and the first actor born outside the United Kingdom to do so.
Gatwa’s exit from the Doctor gives him one of the shortest ever tenures in a role, starring in just to series. Speaking to The Telegraph about leaving Doctor Who, Gatwa explained: “I was tired and burnt out at the end of [season 2]. It was exhausting. But it was a magical time, magical. There was never an opportunity to recoup the energy – it’s just go, go, go.
“I was doing seven-day weeks for eight months, and I found it hard being away from home and family. I’d already been shooting in Cardiff for five years (on and off) prior to that with Sex Education, and we started shooting Doctor Who while I was still doing Season four of Sex Ed.”
On his decision to leave he noted: “I had to wrestle with myself – I fell in love with that show. I’ll miss it, but I was ready to move on.”
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