Doctor Who?

"Doctor Who" has been adventuring through space and time for 50 years. Get to know The Doctor with this handy guide:

The First Doctor

William Hartnell 1963-1966

Picture shows William Hartnell as the first Doctor. Credit: BBC
  • He may appear to be a somewhat grumpy old man, but during his time the first doctor shows himself to be brilliant, charming, warm and somewhat mischievous.
  • Signature style: Grandfatherly

The Second Doctor

Patrick Troughton 1966-1969

Picture shows Patrick Troughton as Doctor Who's 'other self', Nicholas Courtney as Brigadier Lethbridge Stewart and Katy Manning as Jo Grant. Credit: BBC
  • The Second Doctor has a more playful, almost clownish persona compared to his first incarnation, but still maintains the genius mind.
  • Signature style: Beatle-haircut and playing the recorder

The Third Doctor

Jon Pertwee 1970-1974

Picture shows Katy Manning and Jon Pertwee. Credit: BBC
  • The Third Doctor is a charismatic, dashing dandy for a colourful age who loves science and action (without violence). Banished to Earth for a time, he adapts his mode of transportation to a vintage car.
  • Signature style: Velvet, frilled shirts and a car called Bessie.

The Fourth Doctor

Tom Baker 1974-1981

Picture shows Tom Baker with two Daleks. Credit: BBC
  • He may seem more distant and alien than his predecessor, but the Fourth Doctor maintains the humour and genius of previous incarnations.
  • Signature style: Curly mop of hair, extreme scarf and jelly babies.

The Fifth Doctor

Peter Davison 1981-1984

Picture shows Janet Fielding as Tegan Jovanka, Peter Davison as The Doctor and Mark Strickson as Turlough in the TARDIS. Credit: BBC
  • The Fifth Doctor is the most youthful appearance so far, a stark contrast to his early days. This doctor is intelligent, adventurous and emotional with a moral compass.
  • Signature style: Cricket wear and celery to accessorize.

The Sixth Doctor

Colin Baker 1984-1986

Picture shows Colin Baker as The Doctor. Credit: BBC
  • The Sixth Doctor is an abbrasive change. Egotistical, impatient but still brilliant and ready to fight for good.
  • Signature style: A coat as loud as his personality.

The Seventh Doctor

Sylvester McCoy 1987-1989, 1996

Picture shows Sylvester McCoy as The Doctor and Sophie Aldred as Ace. Credit: BBC
  • The Seventh Doctor is a milder return to earlier personality traits. Curious and slightly clownish, but still up for adventure and new discoveries, and not afraid to fight the evils of the universe.
  • Signature style: Question mark wardrobe accents.

The Eighth Doctor

Paul McGann 1996

Picture shows Paul McGann as The Doctor. Credit: BBC
  • This more romantic incarnation of the Doctor, seen in the '90s North American made-for-TV movie, is an accepted figure in “Doctor Who” canon. He was a man of action and intellect, but the Eighth Doctor's time on screens would be short-lived, at least until the recently released anniversary webisode "Night of the Doctor".
  • Signature style: Victorian attire and pocket watch.

The Ninth Doctor

Christopher Eccleston 2005

Picture shows Billie Piper as Rose Tyler and Christopher Eccleston as The Doctor. Credit: BBC
  • A Doctor for a new generation, the Ninth brought a whole new look and feel to the character. This Doctor is tough, wounded, mysterious, daring and willing to mingle with his companion Rose's friends and family.
  • Signature style: Leather jacket and northern accent.

The Tenth Doctor

David Tennant 2005-2010

Picture shows Billie Piper as Rose Tyler and David Tennant as The Doctor. Credit: BBC
  • The Tenth Doctor is possibly the most layered version of the character, with charm, humour and intelligence but capable of intense bravery and passion. He reveals more of the the pain left by the Time War that was seen in his previous incarnation.
  • Signature style: Pinstripes and running shoes.

The Eleventh Doctor

Matt Smith 2010-2013

Picture shows Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor. Credit: BBC
  • The Eleventh Doctor is a whirl of energy, fast-talking, fast-moving and fast-thinking. The Man in the Blue Box shows us a zest for life and the depths of the darker sides of the universe.
  • Signature style: Bow tie with optional fez or Stetson.

The Twelfth Doctor

Peter Capaldi 2013-?

Glasgow-born actor and Oscar winner Peter Capaldi. AP Photo / Dominic Lipinski
  • The Twelfth Doctor will make his debut in the 2013 Christmas special. What will the next Doctor be like? Only time (and space) will tell...