'Doctor Who': The Most Iconic Pictures

As 'Doctor Who' fever sweeps the nation, we look back at some of the most iconic Time Lords. The eighth series will feature twelve episodes and the Christmas special premieres on August 23… we can't wait! What's more, it's been confirmed that Peter Capaldi has already been signed up for a second series. Wow!

1. 1. Peter Capaldi: The Twelfth Doctor

   At 55, Capaldi is the oldest actor to play the Doctor since the first one, William Hartnell… who was the same age as Capaldi when he started. "Being asked to play the Doctor is an amazing privilege" Capaldi gushed about his new role. "Like the Doctor himself I find myself in a state of utter terror and delight. I can't wait to get started." The actor is clearly all geared up for his latest screen appearance as the plot is set to get more alienated than ever before! Picture: Ray Burmiston/BBC

2. 2. Matt Smith: 2005-13

   Time Lord Matt Smith was a popular choice with the Whovians. Known for his witty humour and compassionate persona Smith was a favourite whilst tackling controversial episodes such as 'Let's Kill Hitler' and 'The Big Bang'. Picture: Press/BBC

3. 3. Matt Smith: The Eleventh Doctor

   The Doctor and his assistant Amy Pond (played by Scottish actress Karen Gillan), fly through space flanked by a Smiler, a Dalek and a Weeping Angel. Arrrgh! Picture: Press/BBC

4. 4. David Tennant: 2005-13

   He may look young, but David Tennant enjoyed a good run as the Doctor for five years after replacing Christopher Eccleston in 2005. Apparently he originally wanted to use his Scottish accent in hopes of becoming the first kilted doctor but obviously this idea didn't go down too well. Picture: Press/BBC

5. 5. David Tennant: The Tenth Doctor

   The Doctor and Martha Jones, played by David Tennant and Freema Agyeman show the universe who's boss! Picture: Press/BBC

7. 6. Christopher Eccleston: The Eighth Doctor 2005-06

   Christopher made history by being the first actor to portray the Doctor who was born after the series originally began. However, his time on the iconic show was short-lived when he left after just one season, but that didn't stop him from being voted "Most Popular Actor" at the 2005 National Television Awards for his portrayal of the Doctor. Get in! Picture: Press/BBC

8. 7. Sylvester McCoy: The Seventh Doctor 1987-89

   A whimsical character: McCoy developed into a mysterious person very quickly after the departure of his companion Mel Bush. After much commotion from the Doctor Who fan base, Sylvester McCoy completed his time as the Doctor with the episode 'Survival' in which he returned to the Tardis. McCoy was the last Doctor of the "classic" series, when it ended in December 1989. Picture: Press

9. 8. Sylvestre McCoy and Sophie Aldred

   The Doctor and his assistant Ace (played by Sophie Aldred) pose with some Daleks. Absolutely spiffing! Picture: Press

10. 9. Colin Doctor: The Sixth Doctor

    During his time as the Doctor, Baker travelled to The Mysterious Planet and battled the terrifying Vervoids. Rather you than us Doctor… great jacket though! Colin Baker was the Doctor when the series was almost cancelled in 1985. Picture: Press

11. 10. Colin Baker: 1984-86

    Now these are what we call big barnets! Colin Baker and Bonnie Langford rock the 'fro as the Doctor and Mel Bush. Picture: Press

13. 11. Peter Davison: The Fifth Doctor 1982-1984

    Rambling through time on a mission to save the human race is a hefty weight on anyone's shoulders, but surely even tougher on the youngest Doctor yet. Taking on the challenge, Davidson was so successful in the role he returned for a 'Children In Need' special along with David Tennant in 2007. Picture: Photoshot

14. 12. The Doctor And Ramana

    Lalla Ward played Ramona's second incarnation, after Mary Tamm. We love her awesome fashion sense! The outfit she's wearing in the picture the the left is actually a variation on Tom Baker's own. Lalla even ended up briefly marrying the Doctor. Picture: Photoshot

15. 13. K9 The Robot Dog

    The loveable K9 was the robotic dog created by Professor Marius. In his original formation K9 Mark 1 first appeared back in 1977. WhoFact: that plaster on Tom's face in that pic is down to the fact that he'd had been bitten by a REAL dog (not a robot). Picture: Photoshot

16. 14. Tom Baker: The Fourth Doctor

    The British actor is pictured here, wearing his trademark scarf, with arguably his feistiest companion, Leela. Played by the actress Louise Jameson, Leela certainly wasn't a damsel in distress. The highly-strung savage wore animal hide for clothing and was famous for telling the Doctor "Do not worry. I will protect you." She eventually decided to remain on Galifrey and marry the Time Lord Andred. Picture: Photoshot

17. 15. Tom Baker: 1974-1981

    Stepping on board the Tardis, where he would spend the next 7 seasons, Baker brought with him a bohemian aura. Setting the standard high for future Doctor's to follow, with his witty humour and originality, Baker always managed to overcome the struggles against the Krynoid and Zygons. Travelling through time can be tricky business but with help from his sonic screwdriver he survived. Picture: Press

19. 16. Jon Pertwee: The Third Doctor

    Sarah Jane Smith, played by Elisabeth Sladen was one of the Doctor's toughest companions. This brave lady was shot, kidnapped and even prepared for ritual sacrifice! In the picture to the right she's seen helping The Doctor take down a Sontaran…scary stuff! Picture: Press

20. 17. Jon Pertwee: 1970-1974

    Playing the third Doctor for five seasons, Pertwee was known for his love of elaborate clothing and need for action. Not only this but his amazing acting abilities saw him sail past the challenge of the Autons, The Sea Devils and of course the mighty Daleks, but only with a little help from his three trusty sidekicks, Liz Shaw, Jo Grant (pictured left) and Sarah Jane Smith. Picture: Press

21. 18. Patrick Troughton: The Second Doctor 1966-69

    The first regeneration of the Doctor was much quirkier than his predecessor. However, although the baggy trousered 'Cosmic Hobo' might sound like a soft option, the second Doctor did his fair share of combating evil. Battling against the likes of the Yeti, The Cybermen and Ice Warriors, Troughton's stint saw us discover the Doctor's role as a Time Lord for the fist time. In this picture Nicolas Courtney stars as the Brigadier. Picture: Press

22. 19. Frazer Hines And Deborah Watling As Jamie And Victoria

    It would be a lonely life if the Doctor had to travel through space and time all alone! Thankfully he has plenty of companions to keep him company. Frazer Hines and Deborah Watling played friends Jamie and Victoria respectively. In the picture to the left, the Tardis lands in Tibet as the Doctor visits Det Sen monastery to return the sacred ghanta bell. Picture: Press

23. 20. William Hartnell: The Very First Doctor

    The initial Doctor left the show after four seasons due to age and ill-health, but reprised his role just once more for the programmes 10th anniversary in 1973. However, despite Hartnell bowing out in 1966, producers were keen to keep their hit show going. Hence the concept of 'regeneration' was born, allowing an injured Doctor to return transformed in a new body! Can you recognise Peter Pruves? He was in the programme a year before he joined the TV show 'Blue Peter'. Picture: Photoshot

25. 21. William Hartnell: 1963-66

    Hartnell was the very first televised Doctor. The veteran actor kicked off series one of the futuristic fictional program back in 1963, taking on the Zarbi of Web Planet and witnessing the first ever invasion of the infamous Daleks. This photo shows the very first Tardis crew: William Russell as Ian, The Doctor, Jacqueline Hill as Barbara and Carole Ann Ford as the Doctor's granddaughter Susan. Picture: Press