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The Changing Face of Doctor Who | How to regenerate a Time Lord

About this collection

In 1966, William Hartnell stepped down from the lead role in the beloved science fiction series, 'Doctor Who'. Rather than simply recast the part, the production team came up with a solution that would ensure the series would run for years to come.

Discover what happens when one Time Lord hands over his TARDIS to the next. See early plans for the first 'new Doctor', Patrick Troughton, and discover how viewers reacted to the change. Photos also show the moments when new Doctors and their companions were unveiled and reveal those actors who narrowly missed out on becoming TV's favourite time traveller.

The Changing Face of Doctor Who Collection

A letter from the Radio Times about William Hartnell.

Letter to 'Radio Times' about William Hartnell.

WRITTEN 1965
1 PAGE

A viewer sends in a letter of support for 'Doctor Who' actor William Hartnell.

go to Letter to 'Radio Times' about William Hartnell.
A memo outlining the character for the second Doctor Who.

'The New Doctor Who'.

WRITTEN c. 1966
1 PAGE

A memo outlines the character of the second Doctor.

go to 'The New Doctor Who'.
Radio Times, 5-11 November 1966

'Radio Times', 5-11 November 1966

WRITTEN 1966
3 PAGES

Patrick Troughton's first appearance as 'Doctor Who' overshadowed by the Daleks.

go to 'Radio Times', 5-11 November 1966
'Radio Times' letters page, 24 November, 1966

'Radio Times' Letters Page, 24 November 1966

WRITTEN 1966
1 PAGE

The 'Radio Times' letters page receives a mixed reception to the new Doctor Who.

go to 'Radio Times' Letters Page, 24 November 1966
Audience Research Report on 'Power of the Daleks'

Audience Research Report: 'The Power of the Daleks'

WRITTEN 1966
2 PAGES

Patrick Troughton's first adventure as the Doctor gets a cautious response from viewers.

go to Audience Research Report: 'The Power of the Daleks'
An article from the Radio Times about actor Patrick Troughton.

'Radio Times', 15 December 1966

WRITTEN 1966
2 PAGES

Promoting the new Doctor Who and 'The Highlanders'.

go to 'Radio Times', 15 December 1966
A memo about new characters for Doctor Who.

The New Characters for 'Doctor Who', 1971

WRITTEN c. 1970
1 PAGE

A memo outlines fresh companions and a new enemy for Doctor Who.

go to The New Characters for 'Doctor Who', 1971
Radio Times 3 - 9 January, 1970

'Radio Times' Presents the Third Doctor Who

WRITTEN 1970
3 PAGES

Jon Pertwee's Doctor Who graces the front cover of 'Radio Times'.

go to 'Radio Times' Presents the Third Doctor Who
'Radio Times' interview with Jon Pertwee

'Radio Times' on 'Two Edwardian Chassis'

WRITTEN 1970
2 PAGES

'Doctor Who' star Jon Pertwee shows off his new car.

go to 'Radio Times' on 'Two Edwardian Chassis'
Audience Reaction Report on Spearhead from Space

Audience Research Report: 'Spearhead from Space'

WRITTEN 1970
1 PAGE

Viewers share their thoughts on Jon Pertwee's first 'Doctor Who' story.

go to Audience Research Report: 'Spearhead from Space'
Audience Research Report: 'Robot'.

Audience Research Report: 'Robot'

WRITTEN 1975
2 PAGES

Viewers review Tom Baker's debut as the Doctor.

go to Audience Research Report: 'Robot'
Radio Times interview with Tom Baker and Terry Nation.

'Radio Times': 'The Mean Machines'

WRITTEN 1975
1 PAGE

Tom Baker meets the creator of the Daleks.

go to 'Radio Times': 'The Mean Machines'
Radio Times clippings about Castrovalva.

'Radio Times' introduces the Fifth Doctor

WRITTEN 1982
2 PAGES

Introducing Peter Davison as the next Doctor Who.

go to 'Radio Times' introduces the Fifth Doctor
The letters page from 'Radio Times' about Doctor Who's midweek timeslot.

'Radio Times' Letters Page, 30 January 1982

WRITTEN 1982
2 PAGES

A new timeslot for 'Doctor Who' isn't popular.

go to 'Radio Times' Letters Page, 30 January 1982
Audience Research Report on 'Doctor Who', 1982 series.

Audience Research Report on 'Doctor Who' for 1982

WRITTEN 1982
3 PAGES

Viewers appraise Peter Davison's first year as the Doctor.

go to Audience Research Report on 'Doctor Who' for 1982
Article from Radio Times featuring actor Colin Baker wearing two jackets.

'Radio Times' Back Page, 23 March 1984

WRITTEN 1984
1 PAGE

A dream come true for Doctor Who Number Six.

go to 'Radio Times' Back Page, 23 March 1984
Audience Response Report on 'Doctor Who' in 1984.

Audience Response Report on 'Doctor Who' in 1984

WRITTEN 1984
2 PAGES

Audiences review Peter Davison's final year as the Doctor and Colin Baker's debut.

go to Audience Response Report on 'Doctor Who' in 1984
Cuttings from the Radio Times, 5 September 1987.

Radio Times, 5 September 1987

WRITTEN 1987
2 PAGES

'Doctor Who' takes over the back page of 'Radio Times'.

go to Radio Times, 5 September 1987
Audience Reaction Report for 'Doctor Who', 1987 Series.

Audience Reaction Report for 'Doctor Who' for 1987.

WRITTEN 1988
3 PAGES

Sylvester McCoy faces harsh criticism from the viewers.

go to Audience Reaction Report for 'Doctor Who' for 1987.
Radio Times, Bank Holiday 1996, featuring Paul McGann.

Radio Times, 25-31 May 1996

WRITTEN 1996
3 PAGES

Paul McGann is the Doctor.

go to Radio Times, 25-31 May 1996

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