Since its re-launch in 2005, BBC show 'Doctor Who' has seen through a handful of Doctors beginning with the 9th incarnation played by Christopher Eccleston. The role has since been passed down to several other talented actors. This year however, will mark an important moment in 'Doctor Who' history, because for the first time ever, we'll get to see a female Doctor.
In order to celebrate the welcome change, we've compiled a list of the entrances and exits of the various incarnations of the Doctor since 2005.
9th Doctor
In the 2005 episode called 'The Parting of the Ways', 9th Doctor, Christopher Eccleston is forced to regenerate after saving companion Rose Tyler from the power of the time vortex. Eccleston left the show with, "Rose... Before I go, I just want to say you were fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. And you know what? So was I!", as his final words. The episode marked the entrance of David Tennant's Doctor.
10th Doctor
The 2009 Christmas special entitled 'The End of Time' saw David Tennant's 10th Doctor bid us farewell. The Doctor left with an emotional goodbye to all of his companions and friends throughout time, beginning with former companions Martha Jones and Mickey Smith, played by Freema Agyeman and Noel Clarke. Tennant's Doctor continued with Catherine Tate's character, Donna Noble, and ended with his very first companion, Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper. In the same episode, we're introduced to the 11th Doctor, played by Matt Smith. Tennant's last words were "I don't want to go".
11th Doctor
In 'The Time of the Doctor', the 2013 Christmas special, Peter Capaldi made his first appearance as the 12th Doctor. Matt Smith bade farewell to his companion Clara, vowing to "always remember when the Doctor was me". Amy Pond, the 11th Doctor's first companion, visits first as a little girl, and then as a grown woman, played by Karen Gillan.
12th Doctor
Peter Capaldi is due to leave the show in this year's Christmas special and will pass the baton to Jodie Whittaker who will play the 13th and first ever female Doctor. The special will be called 'Twice Upon a Time' and will feature the first ever Doctor who'll be played by David Bradley.
Our favourite
As much as we've loved each incarnation for their various quirks, for us there's one Doctor's exit that stood out the most, and it's that of David Tennant. The actor's spell as the Doctor lasted a few series longer than his predecessor, and his final episode was the best exit yet. What better way to go than by bidding each of his many companions a goodbye? It was definitely an emotional one!
Catch 'Doctor Who' on Christmas Day!
