‘My favourite moment is me … not in a big-headed way!’ Stars share their best Doctor Who moments – part four

"Meet Neil Cross: Writer Of The Rings Of Akhaten And Hide "

When I was young, I used to watch Doctor Who with my family. I have fond memories of watching Planet of the Spiders at my grandmother's house and my sister and I screaming with joy and terror during Earthshock when the Cyber Army woke up. Even just imagining the sound of the Tardis's time rotor outside my bedroom window made me feel half-excited and half-terrified. At first, I wasn't interested in watching the revival of Doctor Who, but I happened to catch Dalek on TV in 2005. I decided to show it to my sons, and the four of us gathered on the sofa to watch it together, making sure to huddle close in case it got too scary. If I had a time machine, I would go back to those moments with my family and relive them all over again.

"Dylan Williams Directs Episodes With 15th Doctor In 2024"

During a filming session at Newport, we had limited time to capture the last exterior shot before the sun disappeared. Unfortuitously, two paparazzi obstructed the scene, and they refused to depart unless we granted them the privilege of a private photoshoot. In spite of this, I hastened towards them and requested their exit, which they grudgingly complied with. Thus, we succeeded in capturing the shot just in time.

Survival's Writer Rona Munro

During the lockdown, I got together with some talented ladies (Sophie Aldred, Lisa Bowerman, and Sakuntala Ramanee) on Zoom to talk about our shared love for Doctor Who. They were the actresses who played Ace, Karra and Shreela in a story I wrote called Survival. These episodes were the last to be aired before the show took a hiatus after its 26th series in 1989. It was a great honor for me to hear how much the story had meant to them. The story was really ahead of its time, featuring a lesbian subtext, and I think it was the first time a south Asian actor was a main character on Doctor Who. The conversation was deeply moving, and we all felt like we’d gone through something important together.

"Segun Akinola: Thirteenth Doctor's Composer "

In my opinion, the most noteworthy occurrence is the complete installment Demons of the Punjab in season 11. Its significance extends beyond simply being an episode. It was courageous, daring, and thought-provoking. It brought to light a section of the past that a large number of viewers may have been unfamiliar with, myself included. I feel immensely appreciative to have been involved in it.

Neve McIntosh As Silurians & Madame Vastra

The Good Man Goes to War episode was particularly remarkable for me as I had previously been killed off twice. Therefore, it was a pleasant surprise for me when I was approached to play a good guy character alongside my talented wife, Catrin Stewart, and my new friend and stunt double, Dan Starkey. The most enjoyable aspect of the filming process was the dematerialisation scene, where we were all frozen like statues until the Tardis was flat-packed by the art department. Madame Vastra was nonchalant about it all, but I was ecstatic to be a part of such an incredible moment.

"Ella Road: Author Of Legend Sea Devils "

During a video call through Zoom with the remarkable VFX squad, I witnessed some of my wild concepts for oceanic beasts being brought to life as CGI images. The team is incredibly skilled and creative. After my episode aired, I received delightful letters from fans who praised the subtle examination of Yaz and the Doctor's relationship. One individual mentioned that their queer teenage daughter was thrilled to see complex queer love and uncertain female camaraderie depicted on a mainstream TV show. It was an incredibly heartening message to receive.

William Hartnell's Granddaughter: A Biographer

When I was just six years old, Doctor Who first arrived on television. I was immediately captivated and watched every episode from the very beginning. Interestingly, because Carole Ann Ford portrayed the Doctor's granddaughter on the show, many people have confused us as being one and the same. However, when I was seven years old, I had the fantastic opportunity to explore Riverside Studios. While there, I vividly recall wandering around on my own and even sneaking into a dressing room. I was absolutely fascinated to watch my grandfather don his wig and put on his makeup. Later, I went into the studio where they were filming The Web Planet. I remember how excited I was when someone handed me a fibreglass Zarbi head. Though, if I'm being honest, I couldn't help but think the Menoptera looked a bit ridiculous!

"Meet Charlie Craggs From Doctor Who: Redacted!"

My most treasured Doctor Who memory involves me. I don't mean that in an egotistical way, as it was actually my first acting job and I know I could perform better now. However, the significance and significance of a trans character portrayed by a trans woman in a mainstream production written by a trans woman goes beyond just myself. This type of narrative is not commonly represented, and when it is, it is usually associated with negative experiences. Being able to contribute to the historical moment of Doctor Who and the representation of the trans community means the world to me.

"Beth Willis, Executive Producer 2010-2011"

The episode Vincent and the Doctor is about the Doctor and Amy showing Vincent van Gogh around the Musée D’Orsay. The episode raises the question of what would happen if Vincent knew how much he was loved while he was still alive. Would it make him less depressed? Would he still commit suicide? Amy thought it would change everything, but it didn't really. The Doctor said that sometimes good things don't make bad things less bad, and bad things don't cancel out the good things.

"David Bradley: From William Hartnell To The First Doctor"

In the last episode of the Doctor Who series, Peter Capaldi's character had his farewell moment in a story called "Twice Upon a Time". I was lucky enough to be asked to come back and play as the first Doctor, portrayed by William Hartnell, from "An Adventure in Space and Time". The episode was penned by Steven Moffat and was meant to be released during the holiday season in 2017. We were filming a scene set in a battlefield from the First World War. Both British and German soldiers were shown coming out of their trenches and exchanging gifts while playing football together on Christmas Day. Although it was a sad but beautiful moment, Peter and I kept it together even though we almost had a cry.

"Elizabeth Parker: BBC Radiophonic Workshop Member "

The Stones of Blood was a very important moment in my life. In 1977, it was incredibly difficult to get into the Radiophonic Workshop. Luckily, I was able to secure a three-month attachment when everyone was out, including the person who made the special sound for Doctor Who, Dick Mills. I spent a week in the studio in scorching heat, working hard to create the sounds of giant stones oozing blood as they moved. I started by recording guttural sounds of myself and then slowed them down. I also stretched the recordings on loops of tape around the studio and layered them on top of each other. This was a great challenge, but it helped me kick-start my career.

Meet Ella Watts, Creator Of Doctor Who: Redacted

In the television series Doctor Who, Jodie Whittaker plays the role of the Thirteenth Doctor in an episode called The Woman Who Fell to Earth. Her character makes a statement about humans being capable of evolving while remaining true to themselves. This message appears to apply not only to the show but also to the current world situation in the 21st century. For me, Jodie's casting as the Doctor was an uplifting moment, giving me hope that people of all types can play a role in shaping the narrative. Similarly, I am excited for Ncuti Gatwa to take on a similar role in the future.