Doctor Who Best Bits: Daleks galore, adventures across time and THAT beach-side goodbye... the most iconic moments from show's 55-year history as Jodie Whittaker makes her debut

• e-mail

Doctor Who is finally set to return on Sunday October 7th for the modern version's eleventh series, with Jodie Whittaker taking on the role of the first ever female Doctor.

The character has been played by men for decades prior, with twelve different names - from William Hartnell to Tom Baker to David Tennant - having held the keys to the TARDIS.

Now, take a look back at the show's incredible 55-year history, with all manner of adventures, Gallifrey drama and awe-inspiring time travel.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's here! Doctor Who is set to return on Sunday October 7th for the modern version's eleventh series, with Jodie Whittaker taking on the role of the first ever female Doctor

Back in the day: Take a look back at the show's incredible 55-year history, with all manner of adventures, Gallifrey drama and awe-inspiring time travel, as twelve men have taken on the role of the iconic Doctor

First Doctor - William Hartnell - 1963-1966

Best Episode: The Dalek Invasion Of Earth (1964)

Most memorable companion: Susan Foreman (Carole Ann Ford)

It was the series that started it all, with veteran actor William Hartnell playing the iconic Time Lord in his first incarnation, as he crashed to Earth with his granddaughter Susan after being 'exiled' from their planet Gallifrey - the only member of the Doctor's family to join him on his travels.

Despite shaky effects and the black-and-white filming, the first series is remember fondly by die-hard fans and was re-imagined in the 2013 TV film Adventures Across Space and Time with David Bradley taking on Hartnell's role. 

Travelling through space and time with Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright, the team came across the series' most formidable foe The Daleks, with the robots notorious for their never-ending hatred chasing the Doctor throughout the cosmos.

First face: William Hartnell played the first Doctor from 1963-1966, with a somewhat 'old and grumpy' version of the character crashing to Earth after being exiled from his home planet Gallifrey

Beloved: The first series is remember fondly by die-hard fans and was re-imagined in the 2013 TV film Adventures Across Space and Time with David Bradley taking on Hartnell's role

Evik: Travelling through space and time with granddaughter Susan, the Doctor came across the series' most formidable foes The Daleks, with the robots notorious for their never-ending hatred chasing the Doctor throughout the cosmos

It was in this time the Doctor parted ways with Susan after she fell in love with human resistance fighter David Campbell in the 22nd Century. 

The Doctor also came across the Cybermen in this era after they were first created as a 'better' version of humanity, with any and all emotions removed from their minds.

But years of travel eventually took their toll on the ageing Doctor, and it was after a battle with the Cybermen that he collapsed in the TARDIS with his companions Polly and Ben Jackson, transforming into the second incarnation.

In reality actor Hartnell was struggling to keep up with the show's film schedule which led to his departure, and he died in 1975. 

Number Two: Patrick Troughton played The Second Doctor from 1966-1969. A stark contrast to his predecessor, his met an array of new enemies during his time in the TARDIS

Second Doctor - Patrick Troughton - 1966-1969

Best Episode: Tomb Of The Cybermen (1967)

Most memorable companion: Jamie McCrimmon (Frazer Hines) 

In typical fashion The Second Doctor was in stark contrast to his predecessor, thought did embark on plenty of travels with partner Jamie.

While tackling familiar foes such as the Daleks and Cybermen, Troughton's version of the character also encountered new enemies such as the Great Intelligence and the Ice Warriors, who have also made surprise appearances in the modern series.

This time also saw the debut of classic series mainstay Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart (or the Brigadier), when he met the Doctor in the tunnels of the London Underground.

The Second Doctor's time came to an end when the TARDIS landed in the middle of a war-zone, created by a race of alien warlords who, with the help of another renegade Time Lord the War Chief, progressively kidnapped and brainwashed humans into becoming soldiers for them.

While he was able to defeat the plot, The Doctor's punishment came in a forced regeneration from the Time Lords for breaking the laws of non-interference, and he was also sentenced to exile on the 20th Century Earth.

Following his exit Troughton died in 1987, and his grandson Harry went onto play Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter film series. 

All that tinfoil: Among the enemies in the black and white era were the Cybermen, back then merely actors with large headmasks covered in tinfoil suits

Jovial: Jon Pertwee took on the role of the Third Doctor from 1970 to 1974. A far more whimsical man than his predecessors, many modern-day fans will also know Pertwee for his role in Worzel Gummidge

Third Doctor - John Pertwee - 1970-1974

Best Episode: Spearhead From Space (1970)

Most memorable companion: Jo Grant (Katy Manning)

During this time The Doctor was most prominently travelling with explorer Jo Grant, who hilariously left him to go travelling with a man who bore much resemblance to eventual Eighth Doctor Paul McGann!

A far more whimsical man than his predecessors, many modern-day fans will also know Pertwee for his role in Worzel Gummidge.

Luckily his exile to Earth was eventually lifted allowing him and his companions to travel to all corners of the universe, along with meeting journalist Sarah Jane Smith.

Dashing about: During this time The Doctor was most prominently travelling with explorer Jo Grant, who hilariously left him to go travelling with a man who bore much resemblance to eventual Eighth Doctor Paul McGann!

This era also the first ever multi-Doctor crossover, as the Third Doctor met his two previous selves, which also became Hartnell's last time portraying the First Doctor.

It also saw the introduction of prehistoric villains The Silurians and The Autons, who appeared in the first episode of the 2005 reboot series.

Eventually Pertwee's Doctor regenerated following a nasty encounter with The Green Death - the actor died in 1996 - with his old suited persona transforming into perhaps the classic era's most famous incarnation.

Iconic: Tom Baker famously took on the role of the Fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1981. With his mass of curled hair and legendary striped scarf, Tom Baker was both the longest-serving Classic era Doctor and its most iconic

Fourth Doctor - Tom Baker - 1974-1981 

Best Episode: Genesis Of The Daleks (1975)

Most famous companion: Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen)

With his mass of curled hair and legendary striped scarf, Tom Baker was both the longest-serving Classic era Doctor and its most iconic, with his partnership with Sarah Jane Smith cementing her as one of the most legendary companions until actress Elizabeth Sladen's death in 2011.

Over seven years of adventures The Doctor finally came across Time lord villain The Master, who went onto become a staple as recognisable as the Daleks and Cyberman.

After accidentally leaving Sarah Jane Smith in Scotland, the Doctor goes travelling alone for the first time, and fans also see the Daleks creator Davros in an episode considered one of the series' best ever. 

Larking about: After accidentally leaving Sarah Jane in Scotland, fans saw The Doctor travel alone for the first time

Transformed: The Doctor also crossed paths with the beautiful Time Lady Romana - played by Laila Ward. It was during this time that she and Tom Baker also married in real life - though they split in 1982 after just two years together

Crossing paths with the Time Lady Romana - who regenerates into a new form played by Laila Ward - the young beauty enjoys plenty of travels with her new companion, with the pair also meeting the robot dog K-9 - who has also made recurring appearance in the modern series.

It was also during this time that Tom Baker and Laila Ward also married in real life - though they split in 1982 after just two years together.

After Romana and K-9 choose to stay behind in E-space, the Doctor comes across Adric and Tegan, and his time in the scarf-wearing body comes to an after he crosses paths with The Watcher, who is a manifestation of his future incarnation. 

Tom Baker - now 84 - is also known to younger fans as the narrator for comedy sketch series Little Britain. 

Adventurous: Peter Davison played the Fifth Doctor from 1981 to 1985. It was during the 1980s that fan interest in Doctor Who began to dwindle, but this cricket vest-clad incarnation is still well-loved

Fifth Doctor - Peter Davison - 1981-1984

Best Episode: Earthshock (1982)

Most famous companion: Adric (Matthew Waterhouse)

It was during the 1980s that fan interest in Doctor Who began to dwindle, but Peter Davison's stint in the TARDIS is still well-loved.

A heart-wrenching scene also saw the first major death of the series, when Adric died trying to stop a space freighter from crashing into prehistoric Earth.

Once again the era was rife with Gallifrey political conflict, and even met three of his previous incarnations after they were summoned to the planet by President Borusa, who was attempting to gain Rassilon's secret of immortality

Round in circles: Davison reprised his role as The Doctor in 2007 in a Children In Need special where he and the Tenth Doctor David Tennant crossed paths in the TARDIS, and his daughter Georgia Moffett would go onto marry Tennant in 2011

Ultimately, the Fifth Doctor and his last partner Peri Brown were exposed to the drug spectrox in its deadly toxic raw form on Androzani Minor. 

With only one dose of the antidote available, he nobly sacrificed his own existence to save Peri, expressing doubt for the first time that regeneration might be possible this time, then regenerating into the Sixth Doctor.

Davison - now 67 - reprised his role as The Doctor in 2007 in a Children In Need special where he and the Tenth Doctor David Tennant crossed paths in the TARDIS, and his daughter Georgia Moffett would go onto marry Tennant in 2011.

Change my dear! Colin Baker played the Sixth Doctor from 1984 to 1986. His time as the sharp-tongued Doctor was a turbulent period, with the actor's early dismissal as ratings plummeted leading a slightly awkward regeneration scene.

Sixth Doctor - Colin Baker - 1984-1986

Best Episode: The Two Doctors (1985)

Most famous companion: Peri Brown (Nicola Bryant)

Colin Baker's time as the sharp-tongued Doctor was a turbulent period, with the actor's early dismissal as ratings plummeted leading a slightly awkward regeneration scene.

The unstable aftermath led the Sixth Doctor to strangle companion Peri upon their first encounter, and the pair went onto face numerous old villains including the Master, Daleks, Cybermen and Sontarans.

Speculation was rife surrounding Peri's exit from the show after it wasn't played out on-screen, though she was believed to have been killed after being cruelly used as a test subject in brain transplant experiments.

Rough ride: His regeneration was played out off-screen due to his abrupt axe from the show, with actor Colin going onto appear on I'm A Celebrity Get Met Out Of Here in 2012

But in reality she was in fact alive, but after the Doctor was put on trial yet again the Time Lords, events left his timelines tangled slightly, as he and Peri did not reunite.

After the TARDIS is attacked by villainous Time Lady scientist The Rani, the Sixth Doctor is injured and regenerates into the Seventh, though the nature of his death was never played out on-screen. 

Since then Baker - now 75 - went onto appear on I'm A Celebrity Get Met Out Of Here in 2012, alongside Helen Flanagan and Charlie Brooks, and was the fourth camp-mate to be eliminated. 

On its way out: Sylvester McCoy played the Seventh Doctor from 1987 to 1989. While fan interest had begun to dwindle by this point, it is still a well-remembered era thanks to now EastEnders star Bonnie Langford's role as dizzy companion Mel Bush

Seventh Doctor - Sylvester McCoy - 1987-1989

Best Episode: Remembrance Of The Daleks (1988)

Most Memorable Companion: Mel Bush (Bonnie Langford)

Head into his seventh incarnation - with his signature cane and punctuation-printed vest - interest in Doctor Who had started to dwindle, but McCoy's era as the Doctor is well-remembered, as now-EastEnders star Bonnie Langford took on the role of dizzy companion Mel Bush.

The Doctor - still his ever whimsical self - also crossed paths with the ruthless heroine Ace (Sophie Aldred), taking her under his wing and teaching her about the universe.

Once again The Rani was causing trouble for The Doctor as she attempted to thwart their plans, but eventually the show could not be saved, and McCoy's short-than-most tenure in the TARDIS came to an abrupt end when BBC axed the show in 1989.

In reality, his regeneration did not directly play out on-screen, as the Doctor was shot in the middle of a gang shootout. The TV movie in 1996 then saw his new face revealed as he regenerated several hours later in the hospital morgue. 

McCoy - now 75 - has gone onto land various acting roles since his time on Who, and also played Ragast the Brown in the Lord Of The Rings: The Hobbit trilogy. 

Back again: Paul McGann played the Eighth Doctor in 1996 when Doctor Who was revived from a TV movie, thought he also returned for a special online film 2013 as part of the 50th Anniversary story

Eighth Doctor - Paul McGann - 1996, 2013

Most Memorable Companion: Grace Holloway (Daphne Ashbrook) 

After a near-decade off-screen Doctor Who was brought back as a TV movie in an American co-production, with Paul McGann - a member of the McGann acting family - taking on the leading role.

This film saw The Master (played here by Eric Roberts) trying to steal the Doctor's remaining lives by opening the Eye of Harmony the TARDIS, which nearly destroyed the Earth.

Luckily, the Doctor and his companion Dr Grace Holloway (Daphne Ashbrook) prevent the Earth's destruction, leading the Master is sucked into the Eye.

Outraged: It was in this film that fans saw their first glimpse at what a romance between the Doctor and his companion Dr Grace Holloway could look like, as they share a firework-lit kiss in the closing scenes which infuriated fans at the time

It was in this film that fans saw their first glimpse at what a romance between the Doctor and his companion could look like, as they share a firework-lit kiss in the closing scenes which infuriated fans at the time.  

Fans were also disappointed that McGann failed to reprise his role as The Doctor in a later series, though he did appear in 2013 short called The Night Of The Doctor, which set the plot-line for the show's 50th Anniversary.

But in 2004 it was announced that Doctor Who would be returning for a brand new series with Queer As Folk writer Russell T Davies at the helm...

He's back! Christopher Eccleston played the Ninth Doctor when Doctor Who was revived in 2005, taking on the role one series alongside Billie Piper's companion Rose Tyler

Ninth Doctor - Christopher Eccleston - 2005

Best Episode: The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances (2005)

Most famous companion: Rose Tyler (Billie Piper)

When Doctor Who finally returned to the BBC in March 2005, fans were adamant that it would fail, especially after it was revealed that pop star Billie Piper had been cast as the companion Rose Tyler - a very modern character who worked in a department store and lived on a council estate.

The series was an instant hit as Rose teamed up with Eccleston's version of The Doctor, this time a leather jacket-clad man with a Northern accent because 'lots of planets have a North!'

A drastic change for the series at this point was the absence of Gallifrey, which had been destroyed - off-screen - in a Time War with the Daleks.

New face: The series was an instant hit as Rose teamed up with this new war-hardened Doctor, this time a leather jacket-clad man with a Northern accent because 'lots of planets have a North!'

New look: The Daleks took centre stage in this new series with a scary gold exterior, and an explosive finale saw thousands of the aliens robots try to conquer a futuristic version of Earth under the leadership of their Emperor

Iconic: This series also saw the debut of huge fan favourite Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) as he tried to con Rose as 51st Century Time Agent as his ship crash landed in the middle of World War Two.

The Daleks took centre stage in this new series with a scary gold exterior, and an explosive finale saw thousands of the alien robots try to conquer a futuristic version of Earth under the leadership of their Emperor.

This series also saw the debut of huge fan favourite Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) as he tried to con Rose as 51st Century Time Agent as his ship crash landed in the middle of World War Two. 

His first episode was also the story which saw fans introduced to Steven Moffatt, who eventually took over from Davies as showrunner in 2010.

Sadly Eccleston's tenure in the TARDIS was brief - largely due to reports of disagreements behind the scenes - but his regeneration proved epic, kissing Rose to absorb the TARDIS vortex and save her life. 

Emotional: Sadly Eccleston's tenure in the TARDIS was brief - largely due to reports of disagreements behind the scenes - but his regeneration proved epic, kissing Rose to absorb the TARDIS vortex and save her life

Still not ginger! David Tennant played the Tenth Doctor from 2005 to 2010. Ask most Doctor Who fans and they would predominantly name this as their favourite Doctor, largely due to the suit-wearing adventurers' feelings for Rose Tyler

Tenth Doctor - David Tennant - 2005-2010 

Best Episode: Midnight (2008)

Most famous companion: Donna Noble (Catherine Tate)

Ask most Doctor Who fans and they would predominantly name David Tennant as their favourite Doctor, largely due to the suit-wearing adventurers' growing feelings for Rose Tyler.

The pair's heart-breaking goodbye on Bad Wolf Bay in the Series 2 episode Doomsday left many fans on the brink of tears, as Rose confessed she loved the Time Lord, but he was pulled away from the parallel world before having a chance to say it in response.

It was a difficult period for The Doctor as he struggled to move on from the woman he loved, but went onto team up with Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) for a series where The Master was re-introduced thanks to John Simm's sensationally sinister performance.

In tears: The pair's heart-breaking goodbye on Bad Wolf Bay in the Series 2 episode Doomsday left many fans on the brink of tears, as Rose confessed she loved the Time Lord...

Not happening... but he was pulled away from the parallel world before having a chance to say it in response. It has since been voted one of sci-fi televisions' greatest ever moments

Here come the girls: Following Rose's departure, Ten teamed up with medical student Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman left). But it was Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) that sent the show sky-high in terms of TV ratings and general fan appeal (right)

But it was Donna Noble - who returned to show after a guest appearance in the 2006 Christmas Special - that sent the show sky-high in terms of TV ratings and general fan appeal.

Catherine Tate's performance was lauded thanks to her hilarious banter with The Doctor - or Spaceman as she like to call him - culminating in the 2008 finale which saw many to Ten's former companions return to fight the Daleks and Davros.

The episode came to a sad end when The Doctor parted ways with all of his companions - including Rose who found happiness with a human/Time Lord hybrid version of Ten - setting the stage for Tennant's departure the following year.

Don't go! After David Tennant announced his departure from Who, viewers of almost 11 million saw his version of the Doctor finally say goodbye, with many struggling to hold back their tears as he poignantly said: 'I don't want to go'

His exit also saw Russell T Davies step down as showrunner, and after a series of specials in 2009 , the two-part festive special The End Of Time brought Ten's time in the TARDIS to a close.

Not only did The Master return, but so did The Time Lords, with Timothy Dalton playing the role of Lord President Rassilon.

Ten's closing scenes saw the fan-favourite alone in the TARDIS saying 'I don't want to go' before bursting into regeneration, with viewers of more than 11 million struggling to hold back their tears. 

Raggedy Man: Matt Smith played the Eleventh Doctor from 2010 to 2013. Despite many fans fearing he couldn't take on the role, within ten minutes of his debut fans were won over thanks to his sprightly nature and signature bow tie

Eleventh Doctor - Matt Smith - 2010-2013

Best Episode: The Eleventh Hour (2010)

Most famous companion: Amy Pond (Karen Gillan)

Cast as the youngest ever Doctor at 27, fans were adamant that Matt Smith would fail to fill the large shoes left behind by David Tennant.

But within ten minutes of the 'Raggedy Doctor' tucking into fish fingers and custard with a young Amelia Pond, all those fears were soon gone as Eleven’s sprightly nature and signature bow tie won over fans in a heartbeat.

The series’ ongoing mystery surrounding River Song’s true identity left fans confused at times - as her timeline and the Doctor’s travelled in opposite directions - but it paid off in spades as she was revealed to actually be Amy and her husband Rory William’s baby daughter all grown up.

In a twist on the show’s prior romantic plot-lines, Eleven and River ‘married’ to save the universe from a time-loop and the dreaded Silence, a welcome new alien as fans complained of the Dalek's endless resurrections.

Taking over as series showrunner Stephen Moffatt brought back several aliens that made fleeting appearance during Ten's tenure, including the Weeping Angels, which played a vital role in the tear-jerking scenes that saw Amy and Rory torn away from their time travelling adventures forever.

Teaming up: Fans also saw Eleven team up with the 'Impossible Girl' Clara Oswald, played by Jenna Coleman

The Doctor Was Me: Fans were distraught when Matt Smith confirmed he would be leaving the role of The Doctor. Following an emotional speech - that some claimed was in fact Matt thanking the fans - the Raggedy Man was transformed into Twelve

After River Song's identity was revealed, a new mystery slowly unfurled involving the Doctor's newest companion Clara Oswald - played by now-Victoria star Jenna Coleman.

Fans were left baffled as The Doctor encountered numerous incarnations of the character throughout time, and the revelation that she had been scattered throughout the Doctor's timestream to save his life led into the huge twist that there was a secret Doctor none had ever mentioned.

It was during Eleven's time in the TARDIS that Doctor Who's international appeal also widened, and upon the show's 50th anniversary in 2013, the feature-length special saw a simultaneous broadcast in upwards of 80 countries. 

And despite early doubts, fans were distraught when Matt Smith confirmed he would be leaving the role of The Doctor in a Christmas Special just a month after the 50th Anniversary, and following an emotional speech - that some claimed was in fact Matt thanking the fans - the Raggedy Man was transformed into Peter Capaldi's Twelve. 

Iconic: While not technically one of the show's famous twelve time-travellers, the late John Hurt's version of the Doctor is worthy of mentioning, thanks to his lauded appearance in the 50th Anniversary Special

War Doctor - John Hurt - 2013

While not technically one of the show's famous twelve time-travellers, the late John Hurt's version of the Doctor is worthy of mentioning, thanks to his lauded appearance in the 50th Anniversary Special.

Making his debut in the Series Seven finale months earlier, fans were baffled that there had been another Doctor never mentioned by his other incarnations, who supposedly came to be between the faces of Eight and Nine.

It was in this special that fans saw how The Doctor was responsible for the end of Gallifrey, setting off a device called The Moment that sealed the Time War away from the rest of the universe.

Hard times: An embittered but comedic character, Hurt's version earned much sympathy from fans as he made the impossible decision to wipe out his people

An embittered but comedic character, Hurt's version earned much sympathy from fans as he made the impossible decision to wipe out his people, but remained baffled by the prospect of coming face-to-face with his future selves.

Doctor by Doctor crossovers were little known by modern Who fans, so the prospect of Matt Smith's Eleven being in the same room as David Tennant's Ten sent Whovians into a tailspin, especially as Billie Piper also reprised her role as Rose Tyler/Bad Wolf.

The epic special's conclusion saw all 13(!) Doctors team up to transport Gallifrey into a hidden dimension safe from Dalek harm, with Eleven even sharing a scene with the Curator, played by Tom Baker in a surprise cameo.

The special even managed to set up 50 more years of adventures as The Doctor realised that his home was still out there, waiting to be found.

Darker turn: Peter Capaldi played the Twelfth Doctor from 2013 to 2017. An already much acclaimed actor, fans were excited to see the Scot take on the iconic role, especially as his stoic nature seemed a far cry from his whimsical predecessors

Twelfth Doctor - Peter Capaldi - 2013-2017

Best Episode: Heaven Sent (2015)

Most Memorable Companion: Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman)

As an already much acclaimed actor for an array of roles, fans were excited to see Scottish performer Peter take on the iconic role, especially as his stoic nature seemed a far cry from his whimsical predecessors.

Quashing any talks of a romance with companion Clara - who stayed on from the Eleven era - fans felt the show headed back to its classic roots during Twelve's era thanks to a focus on the thrilling adventures and the sinister character Missy - played by Michelle Gomez.

Shrouded in mystery for Twelve's first series, fans were stunned when it was revealed that Missy was in fact the Mistress, a regenerated version of iconic Who villain The Master.

Sinister: Shrouded in mystery for Twelve's first series, fans were stunned when it was revealed that Missy (played by Michelle Gomez) was in fact the Mistress, a regenerated version of iconic Who villain The Master

She's gone: Clara Oswald also made her exit from the series during this time, as she was killed by the Raven before being brought back to be kept in a state of purgatory, avoiding the prospect of returning to Gallifrey to face her death

Fans also grew to love Clara's friendship with this new older Doctor, and following her first full series with Twelve speculation was rife whether she would return in 2015.

The Christmas Special eventually revealed she would be back, but Jenna Coleman confirmed soon after she would then be saying goodbye to the character for good.

Heartbreaking scenes saw Clara killed by the sinister Raven...but her death was undone two episodes later as she went on endless journeys in a somewhat purgatory state, endlessly avoiding the prospect of returning to Gallifrey to face her death.

Following Clara's exit fans delighted when it was revealed that Pearl Mackie had been cast as Bill Potts, the show's first ever gay companion, and she would appear alongside Matt Lucas' returning Nardole.

Her inquisitive nature contrasted heavily with Clara, and a single series with the Doctor earned much fan praise, especially as her same-sex relationship with a human turned water hybrid Heather played a pivotal role.

Who 2017: Following Clara's exit fans delighted when it was revealed that Pearl Mackie had been cast as Bill Potts, the show's first ever gay companion, and she would appear alongside Matt Lucas' returning Nardole

Face to face: Twelve was seemingly then in a constant struggle against regeneration, eventually leading him to meet the very first incarnation - with David Bradley reprising as role as the character from 2013's Adventures In Space and Time

But throughout that 2017 series, Twelve was seemingly in a constant struggle against the prospect of regeneration, eventually leading him to meet the very first incarnation - with David Bradley reprising his role as the character from 2013's Adventures In Space and Time. 

Even Twelve's time in the TARDIS was still coming to a close, fans were elated when it was hinted that a woman would be taking over the iconic role for the first time its 50-year history.

And that dream became a reality when months before Capaldi's final scenes had even aired, Jodie Whittaker was unveiled as the Thirteenth Doctor. 

It is nothing short of an understatement to say that Whittaker's debut has been eagerly awaited by fans, as she is joined three new companions for ten new episodes of new faces, new worlds and new adventures.

Doctor Who returns on Sunday 7th October at 6:45pm on BBC One. 

Back soon: It is nothing short of an understatement to say that Whittaker's debut has been eagerly awaited by fans, as she is joined three new companions for ten new episodes of new faces, new worlds and new adventures