Television programme broadcast by BBC One since 1963. It was originally intended to be an educational programme using time travel as a means to explore scientific ideas and famous moments in history. With the introduction of the Daleks however, it moved into the realms of science fiction. Falling viewing numbers, and a less-prominent transmission slot contributed to the programme being axed in 1989. It 'regenerated' in 2005 with sharper scripts and special effects and has produced several spin-offs.
The programme depicts the adventures of a Time Lord called the Doctor, an extra-terrestrial being who appears to be human. The Doctor explores the universe in a time-travelling space ship called the TARDIS. The TARDIS exterior appears as a blue British police box, which was a common sight in Britain in 1963 when the series first aired.
The title character has been portrayed by the following actors (in sequence): William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann, Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, Jodie Whittaker.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
