From the very beginning in 1963, the Doctor, the enigmatic Time Lord, has rarely been alone. Starting with his own granddaughter Susan Foreman, the TARDIS doors have constantly welcomed a vibrant array of characters, each leaving their indelible mark on the Doctor’s journeys through time and space. These individuals, more than just passengers, are the Doctor’s friends, confidantes, and often, the very heart of the adventures. From classic figures to the latest additions like Varada Sethu’s Belinda Chandra, joining in season 15, the roster of Doctor Who companions is as rich and varied as the universe itself.
But who are these incredible people who’ve stood by the Doctor’s side? In what order did they join the TARDIS team? And who truly counts as a Doctor Who sidekick?
This guide offers a definitive list of Doctor Who companions, presented in order of their first appearance alongside the Doctor.
Doctor Who Companions: An Ordered List
The following list encompasses the characters who have journeyed with the Doctor, whether as full-time TARDIS travelers or significant allies in specials or multiple episodes.
Susan Foreman
Carole Ann Ford as Susan Foreman in Doctor Who.
Susan Foreman, the Doctor’s granddaughter and first companion, portrayed by Carole Ann Ford in Doctor Who.
Who plays Susan Foreman? Carole Ann Ford.
First Appearance: An Unearthly Child
Last Appearance: The Dalek Invasion of Earth (regular), The Five Doctors (guest)
Susan Foreman holds the unique distinction of being the very first companion in Doctor Who history, introduced in the inaugural episode, An Unearthly Child, in 1963. Her exceptional intellect sparks the curiosity of her teachers, Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright. Their investigation into Susan’s brilliance leads them to a junkyard and ultimately, inside the seemingly ordinary police box that is the TARDIS.
Within the TARDIS, Ian and Barbara encounter Susan’s grandfather, the Doctor, a mysterious traveler through time and space. Susan remained a central figure until The Dalek Invasion of Earth in 1964. In this story, a poignant turn of events saw Susan fall in love with David Campbell, a human resistance fighter battling the Dalek invasion. Recognizing her chance for a normal life and happiness, the Doctor, with a heavy heart, made the difficult decision to lock Susan out of the TARDIS, enabling her to embrace her newfound love and future on Earth.
Carole Ann Ford revisited the role of Susan in the 1983 anniversary special, The Five Doctors, and again in the 1993 charity special Dimensions in Time.
In an interview with RadioTimes.com, Carole Ann Ford reflected on the character of Susan, stating, “They didn’t use any of these things, which is a shame. She could have been a much broader personality, a much more interesting personality. They wanted her to identify as the girl next door so all the interesting – I think the interesting things anyway – that I was trying to put into it were all eliminated after the first episode, which was a shame.” Her words highlight a potential for Susan’s character that remained unexplored, leaving fans to wonder about the paths her character could have taken.
Barbara Wright
William Hartnell as the First Doctor with Jacqueline Hill as Barbara Wright in Doctor Who.
Jacqueline Hill as Barbara Wright, a school teacher and one of the original Doctor Who companions, alongside William Hartnell as the Doctor.
Who plays Barbara Wright? Jacqueline Hill.
First Appearance: An Unearthly Child
Last Appearance: The Chase
Barbara Wright, a history teacher, was another key figure introduced in the very first Doctor Who episode, An Unearthly Child, in 1963. Driven by concern for her gifted student Susan Foreman, Barbara, alongside her colleague Ian Chesterton, embarked on an investigation into Susan’s unusual abilities. This investigation inadvertently led them to the TARDIS and the extraordinary world of the Doctor.
Throughout their travels with the Doctor, both Barbara and Ian yearned for their home on Earth. Their desire for home finally culminated in their departure in the epic 1965 story, The Chase. Given a chance to return to their own time, they seized the opportunity, leaving the Doctor to continue his adventures, albeit without their grounding presence.
Ian Chesterton
William Russell as Ian Chesterton in Doctor Who.
William Russell as Ian Chesterton, a science teacher and early Doctor Who companion, pictured in a classic pose.
Who plays Ian Chesterton? William Russell.
First Appearance: An Unearthly Child
Last Appearance: The Chase (regular), The Power of the Doctor (guest)
Ian Chesterton, a science teacher, completes the trio of original companions introduced in An Unearthly Child. Like Barbara Wright, Ian’s initial involvement stemmed from his concern for student Susan Foreman. Together, their pursuit of understanding Susan’s talents drew them into the wonders and perils of the Doctor’s universe.
Ian and Barbara’s time aboard the TARDIS was marked by their shared longing for Earth. This yearning for home ultimately guided their decision to leave the Doctor in The Chase. However, Ian’s story didn’t entirely end there.
In a remarkable return, William Russell reprised his role as Ian Chesterton for a cameo in the 2022 episode, The Power of the Doctor. This appearance, a staggering 57 years after his last regular role, served as a heartwarming nod to the show’s enduring legacy and the lasting impact of its first companions.
Vicki
Maureen O’Brien as Vicki, a 25th-century orphan who became a Doctor Who companion in the 1960s series.
Who plays Vicki? Maureen O’Brien.
First Appearance: The Rescue
Last Appearance: The Myth Makers (regular), Tales of the TARDIS (guest)
Vicki arrived on the scene in the 1965 story The Rescue. An orphan from the 25th century, Vicki was a survivor of a spaceship crash on the planet Dido. Rescued from a dangerous fellow survivor by the Doctor, Ian, and Barbara, Vicki was invited to join the TARDIS crew, stepping in to fill the void left by Susan’s departure.
Vicki’s adventures with the Doctor were relatively brief. She departed in The Myth Makers, also in 1965. In this story set in ancient Troy, Vicki fell in love with the warrior Troilus. Choosing love and a new life, Vicki decided to remain in Troy, where legend suggests she became the mythical figure Cressida.
Maureen O’Brien revisited Vicki in a special short film included on the Blu-ray release of Doctor Who’s second season. She also reprised the role in an episode of the spin-off series Tales of the TARDIS, sharing the screen with fellow companion Steven Taylor, further cementing Vicki’s place in Doctor Who lore.
Steven Taylor
Peter Purves as Steven Taylor in Doctor Who.
Peter Purves as Steven Taylor, a 23rd-century spaceship pilot who travelled with the First Doctor.
Who plays Steven Taylor? Peter Purves.
First Appearance: The Chase
Last Appearance: The Savages (regular), Tales of the TARDIS (guest)
Steven Taylor, a spaceship pilot hailing from the 23rd century, was introduced in the 1965 story The Chase. Stranded on the planet Mechanus after a crash landing, Steven endured two years alone before stowing away aboard the TARDIS.
Steven’s time with the Doctor was marked by clashes in their moral viewpoints, particularly concerning the casualties they encountered during their travels. These philosophical differences added a layer of tension and complexity to their dynamic.
Steven’s journey with the Doctor concluded in The Savages in 1966. He chose to leave the TARDIS to help forge a unified society from the warring Savages and Elders on a ravaged planet, embracing a leadership role and a chance to make a lasting positive impact.
Like Vicki, Steven Taylor also reappeared in Tales of the TARDIS, in an episode alongside Vicki, giving fans another glimpse into the lives of these early companions.
Katarina
Adrienne Hill as Katarina in Doctor Who.
Adrienne Hill as Katarina, a companion from ancient Troy whose time on the TARDIS was tragically short.
Who plays Katarina? Adrienne Hill.
First Appearance: The Myth Makers
Last Appearance: The Daleks’ Master Plan
Katarina, a woman from ancient Troy, was persuaded by the departing Vicki to join the Doctor’s travels in The Myth Makers in 1965. Her time in the TARDIS, however, was tragically brief.
Katarina’s story ended in The Daleks’ Master Plan, also in 1965. Taken hostage by a prisoner named Kirksen aboard a spaceship, Katarina made a heroic and selfless choice. Rather than allow the Doctor to be coerced by Kirksen, Katarina opened the airlock, sacrificing herself and Kirksen to the vacuum of space.
Katarina holds the somber distinction of being the first Doctor Who companion to be killed off within the series, a landmark moment that demonstrated the real dangers faced by those who traveled with the Time Lord. Her sacrifice remains a poignant moment in the show’s history.
Sara Kingdom
Jean Marsh as Sara Kingdom in Doctor Who.
Jean Marsh as Sara Kingdom, a Space Security Agent who became a controversial but significant Doctor Who companion.
Who plays Sara Kingdom? Jean Marsh.
First Appearance: The Daleks’ Master Plan
Last Appearance: The Daleks’ Master Plan
Sara Kingdom, a Space Security Agent, is a character whose status as a true companion is often debated. Introduced in the epic 1965-1966 story The Daleks’ Master Plan, Sara initially appears as a ruthless and cold agent.
Despite her initial antagonistic demeanor, Sara gradually becomes an ally to the Doctor in his fight against the Daleks. She plays a crucial role in thwarting the Daleks’ scheme involving the Time Destructor, a weapon capable of accelerating time itself.
Tragically, Sara becomes a victim of the Time Destructor. Unable to escape its effects, she rapidly ages and dies, a grim fate that underscores the high stakes of her alliance with the Doctor. Sara’s complex character and ultimate sacrifice make her a memorable, if debated, figure in the Doctor Who companion lineage.
Dorothea “Dodo” Chaplet
Jackie Lane as Dodo Chaplet in Doctor Who.
Jackie Lane as Dodo Chaplet, a vibrant teenager from 1960s Earth who joined the Doctor on his journeys.
Who plays Dodo Chaplet? Jackie Lane.
First Appearance: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve
Last Appearance: The War Machines
Dorothea “Dodo” Chaplet, a bright and enthusiastic teenager from 1966 Earth, was introduced in the 1966 story The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve. Dodo was an orphan and, unknowingly, a descendant of Anne Chaplet, a woman the Doctor and Steven had encountered in 1572 Paris. The Doctor, burdened by his past abandonment of Anne to the horrors of the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, perhaps saw a chance for redemption in Dodo.
Dodo joined the Doctor on his travels, explaining she had no family to return to in the 20th century. Her time with the Doctor was relatively short-lived, ending somewhat abruptly in The War Machines (1966). In this story, Dodo, suffering from a cold, was left in the countryside to recuperate and ultimately chose not to return to the TARDIS, her departure occurring off-screen.
Polly
Anneke Wills as Polly, Patrick Troughton as the Second Doctor, and Michael Craze as Ben in Doctor Who.
Anneke Wills as Polly, a sophisticated 1960s companion, alongside the Second Doctor and Ben Jackson.
Who plays Polly? Anneke Wills.
First Appearance: The War Machines
Last Appearance: The Faceless Ones
Polly, a sophisticated young woman from London’s swinging sixties, was introduced in The War Machines in 1966. Working as a secretary for Professor Brett, the creator of the malevolent AI WOTAN, Polly found herself caught in the crossfire of alien schemes.
In The War Machines, Polly befriended Dodo and met Ben Jackson, a working-class sailor who rescued her from unwanted attention at a nightclub. Polly and Ben joined forces with the Doctor to combat WOTAN, inadvertently becoming TARDIS travelers when they returned Dodo’s TARDIS key after her departure.
Polly and Ben, an “odd couple” in many ways, witnessed the First Doctor’s regeneration into the Second. Their journey continued alongside Jamie McCrimmon. Their time with the Doctor concluded in The Faceless Ones in 1967 when the TARDIS returned them to Earth, the day after they had left.
A 2010 episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures revealed Polly and Ben working in an orphanage in India, showcasing their continued dedication to helping others. Polly also made a cameo appearance in Twice Upon a Time (2017), opposite David Bradley as the First Doctor, portrayed by Lily Travers in this instance, offering a nostalgic glimpse into her later life.
Ben Jackson
Anneke Wills as Polly and Michael Craze as Ben in the TARDIS control room.
Ben Jackson, a Royal Navy seaman and Doctor Who companion, alongside Polly in the TARDIS control room.
Who plays Ben Jackson? Michael Craze.
First Appearance: The War Machines
Last Appearance: The Faceless Ones
Ben Jackson, a Royal Navy seaman and working-class Londoner, was introduced alongside Polly in The War Machines in 1966. After rescuing Polly in a nightclub, Ben joined her in aiding the Doctor against WOTAN, becoming another accidental TARDIS passenger.
Ben’s down-to-earth nature and honesty made him a contrasting, yet complementary, “odd-couple” pairing with the more refined Polly, whom he affectionately nicknamed “Duchess”. Ben, along with Polly, witnessed the First Doctor’s regeneration.
Ben’s travels with the Doctor concluded alongside Polly’s in The Faceless Ones in 1967. Returning to Earth, the Doctor predicted Ben would eventually rise to the rank of Admiral, hinting at a bright future for the former sailor.
Like Polly, Ben also reappeared in Twice Upon a Time (2017), with Jared Garfield portraying him opposite David Bradley’s First Doctor, offering a final glimpse into his life after the TARDIS.
Jamie McCrimmon
Frazer Hines as Jamie McCrimmon in Doctor Who.
Frazer Hines as Jamie McCrimmon, a Highlander from 18th-century Scotland, often considered one of the most beloved Doctor Who companions.
Who plays Jamie McCrimmon? Frazer Hines.
First Appearance: The Highlanders
Last Appearance: The War Games (regular), Tales of the TARDIS (guest)
Jamie McCrimmon, a piper from 18th-century Scotland and a member of Clan MacLeod, was introduced in The Highlanders in 1966. He met the Doctor, Ben, and Polly in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden, a historical event that deeply impacted his life.
Jamie became a constant presence throughout the Second Doctor’s era, appearing in every story except The Power of the Daleks. In terms of episode count, Jamie is the longest-serving Doctor Who companion in the show’s history, a testament to his popularity and enduring appeal.
Jamie’s relationship with the Second Doctor was characterized by playful banter and occasional clashes of opinion. His Highland upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of chivalry, making him fiercely protective of the female companions in the TARDIS.
Jamie’s regular tenure concluded in the epic The War Games in 1969, the Second Doctor’s final story. In the aftermath of the War Games, the Time Lords placed the Doctor on trial and, as part of the sentence, wiped Jamie and Zoe’s memories of their travels, except for their initial encounters with the Doctor. Jamie was last seen back in the Scottish Highlands, facing a redcoat soldier, his adventures seemingly erased from his mind.
Frazer Hines reprised the role as an illusion in The Five Doctors (1983) and in The Two Doctors (1985), alongside Patrick Troughton as the Second Doctor. He also returned in Tales of the TARDIS with Wendy Padbury as Zoe Heriot, offering a poignant reunion for these beloved companions.
Victoria Waterfield
Deborah Watling as Victoria Waterfield in Doctor Who.
Victoria Waterfield, a Victorian-era companion, portrayed by Deborah Watling in Doctor Who.
Who plays Victoria Waterfield? Deborah Watling.
First Appearance: The Evil of the Daleks
Last Appearance: Fury from the Deep
Victoria Waterfield, the daughter of Victorian scientist Edward Waterfield, joined the Doctor and Jamie in The Evil of the Daleks in 1967 after her father was killed fighting the Daleks.
Jamie, with his protective nature, felt a particular responsibility for Victoria, who was often frightened by the unfamiliar worlds and dangers they encountered, a stark contrast to her sheltered Victorian upbringing.
Ultimately, Victoria decided the nomadic life of a TARDIS traveler was not for her. She left in Fury from the Deep in 1968, seeking a quieter life in the 20th century, leaving Jamie heartbroken at her departure.
Zoe Heriot
Wendy Padbury as Zoe Heriot, a brilliant astrophysicist and Doctor Who companion from the Second Doctor era.
Who plays Zoe Heriot? Wendy Padbury.
First Appearance: The Wheel in Space
Last Appearance: The War Games
Zoe Heriot, a brilliant astrophysicist, was introduced in The Wheel in Space in 1968. She aided the Second Doctor and Jamie in their fight against the Cybermen on a space wheel.
Zoe’s sharp intellect and mathematical genius made her an ideal companion for the Doctor. She craved real-world experiences beyond her sterile environment and formed a strong bond with Jamie.
Zoe’s time in the TARDIS concluded alongside Jamie’s in The War Games in 1969. Like Jamie, her memories of their adventures were erased by the Time Lords, leaving only the memory of their initial encounters with the Doctor.
Wendy Padbury, like Frazer Hines, reprised her role as an illusion in The Five Doctors (1983). She also returned in Tales of the TARDIS with Frazer Hines, providing a welcome reunion for fans of this dynamic duo.
Elizabeth “Liz” Shaw
Caroline John as Liz Shaw in Doctor Who.
Caroline John as Liz Shaw, a brilliant scientist and companion to the Third Doctor, working with UNIT.
Who plays Liz Shaw? Caroline John.
First Appearance: Spearhead from Space
Last Appearance: Inferno
Elizabeth “Liz” Shaw, a highly intelligent civilian scientist, was introduced in Spearhead from Space in 1970, the first story featuring the Third Doctor.
Recruited by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart to UNIT, Liz became a key scientific advisor, assisting in combating alien threats. Her expertise spanned a wide range of scientific fields, including meteorites, physics, and medicine.
Liz’s departure was revealed off-screen in Terror of the Autons in 1971. It was explained that she had resigned from UNIT to return to Cambridge, citing dissatisfaction with her role as the Doctor’s assistant and frustration with his ego. Despite her relatively short tenure, Liz Shaw is remembered as a highly competent and intelligent companion who held her own alongside the Doctor.
Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart
Nicholas Courtney as Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart in Doctor Who.
Nicholas Courtney as Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, a key UNIT figure and recurring Doctor Who companion, especially during the Third Doctor era.
Who plays the Brigadier? Nicholas Courtney.
First Appearance: The Web of Fear
Last Appearance: Battlefield (Doctor Who), Enemy of the Bane (The Sarah Jane Adventures)
Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart, often simply “the Brigadier,” is a unique figure in Doctor Who companion history. He was introduced in The Web of Fear in 1968 as a member of the Scots Guards investigating Yeti sightings, aiding the Second Doctor.
He returned in The Invasion later in 1968 as the leader of UNIT, again assisting the Doctor against the Cybermen. Following the Doctor’s exile to Earth and his third incarnation, the Brigadier became a regular presence, essentially a companion grounded on Earth while the Doctor was confined there.
The Brigadier appeared regularly throughout the Third Doctor’s era as the Doctor became UNIT’s scientific advisor. He continued to make appearances into the Fourth Doctor’s era, last appearing in Terror of the Zygons in 1975 alongside Tom Baker’s Doctor.
Later appearances included Mawdryn Undead (1983) with the Fifth Doctor, The Five Doctors (1983), and Battlefield (1989) with the Seventh Doctor. In Mawdryn Undead, he was revealed to have retired from UNIT to become a maths teacher.
Nicholas Courtney reprised the role one last time in Enemy of the Bane (2008), a Sarah Jane Adventures story, aiding his old friend Sarah Jane Smith.
The Wedding of River Song (2011) revealed the Brigadier had passed away months prior, a poignant moment acknowledging the character’s significance and the passage of time. The show later introduced his daughter, Kate Stewart, carrying on his UNIT legacy.
Sergeant John Benton
John Levene as Sergeant John Benton in Doctor Who.
John Levene as Sergeant John Benton, a loyal UNIT soldier and recurring companion, particularly during the Third Doctor era.
Who plays Sergeant John Benton? John Levene.
First Appearance: The Invasion
Last Appearance: The Android Invasion
Corporal John Benton was first seen in The Invasion (1968) alongside the Second Doctor. By The Ambassadors of Death (1970), he had been promoted to Sergeant and became a recurring companion during the Third Doctor’s Earthbound adventures with UNIT.
Benton was the Brigadier’s reliable right-hand man, a steadfast and loyal soldier who aided the Third and Fourth Doctors. He was known for his quiet competence and even flirted playfully with companions Jo Grant and Sarah Jane Smith.
Benton’s last appearance in the series was The Android Invasion in 1975. By Mawdryn Undead (1983), the Brigadier mentioned that Benton had retired, marking the end of his on-screen UNIT service. However, John Levene did reprise the role in Wartime (1988), the first authorized Doctor Who spin-off short film, alongside Nicholas Courtney as the Brigadier.
Captain Mike Yates
Richard Franklin as Captain Mike Yates in Doctor Who.
Richard Franklin as Captain Mike Yates, a UNIT Captain whose character arc took a dramatic turn during his time on Doctor Who.
Who plays Captain Mike Yates? Richard Franklin.
First Appearance: Terror of the Autons
Last Appearance: Planet of the Spiders (regular), The Five Doctors (guest)
Captain Mike Yates joined UNIT in Terror of the Autons (1971), another of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart’s subordinates. Yates assisted the Doctor and UNIT in numerous alien encounters and even attempted to woo Jo Grant.
However, Yates’s character took a darker turn in The Green Death (1973) when he was brainwashed by BOSS. This experience deeply affected him, leading to paranoia about environmental disasters and involvement in a conspiracy to reverse time in Invasion of the Dinosaurs (1974).
His antagonistic role in Invasion of the Dinosaurs led to his resignation from UNIT, a merciful outcome orchestrated by the Brigadier. Later in 1974, he provided Sarah Jane Smith with crucial information in Planet of the Spiders.
Richard Franklin reprised the role of Yates as a hallucination in The Five Doctors (1983), marking his final on-screen appearance in the Doctor Who universe.
Jo Grant
Jon Pertwee as the Doctor and Katy Manning as Jo Grant in Doctor Who.
Katy Manning as Jo Grant, a cheerful and adventurous companion to the Third Doctor, alongside Jon Pertwee.
Who plays Jo Grant? Katy Manning.
First Appearance: Terror of the Autons
Last Appearance: The Green Death (regular), Tales of the TARDIS (guest)
Jo Grant, a junior civilian operative for UNIT, was introduced in Terror of the Autons (1971). Less experienced than Liz Shaw, Jo served as a more relatable and enthusiastic co-protagonist alongside Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor.
After the Time Lords restored the Doctor’s ability to travel in time and space, Jo embarked on numerous adventures to alien worlds, facing iconic villains like the Master and the Daleks.
Jo’s bubbly and compassionate nature made her deeply endearing. She developed a close, protective bond with the Doctor, and he reciprocated her affection.
In The Green Death (1973), Jo found love with scientist and environmentalist Professor Clifford Jones. Choosing love and a new path, Jo left the Doctor to marry Clifford and work with him in the Amazon. The Doctor, while saddened by her departure, was genuinely happy for her.
Katy Manning reprised the role in The Death of the Doctor (2010), a Sarah Jane Adventures episode, meeting her successor Sarah Jane Smith and reuniting with the Doctor. It was revealed Jo and Clifford had seven children and twelve grandchildren, continuing their environmental work. Manning also made cameos in The Power of the Doctor (2022) and Tales of the TARDIS, further enriching Jo’s legacy.
Sarah Jane Smith
Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith with K9 in Doctor Who.
Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith, one of the most iconic and beloved Doctor Who companions, pictured with K9.
Who plays Sarah Jane Smith? Elisabeth Sladen.
First Appearance: The Time Warrior
Last Appearance: The End of Time (Doctor Who), The Man Who Never Was (The Sarah Jane Adventures)
Sarah Jane Smith is arguably the most iconic Doctor Who companion of all time. Elisabeth Sladen debuted as the inquisitive journalist in The Time Warrior (1973).
Initially traveling with Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor, Sarah Jane continued with Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor after regeneration, proving herself brave, empathetic, and fiercely independent.
Sarah Jane’s time with the Doctor ended in The Hand of Fear (1976), when the Doctor mistakenly dropped her off in Aberdeen instead of her Croydon home. Decades passed before their reunion.
Sladen reprised the role in the pilot for K-9 and Company (1981), a spin-off series where Sarah Jane had adventures with K9, a robotic dog gifted to her by the Doctor. She also returned in The Five Doctors (1983) and Dimensions in Time.
The revived Doctor Who in 2005 brought Sarah Jane back in School Reunion (2006), opposite David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor and K9, marking the first return of a classic companion to the new series.
Sarah Jane’s popularity led to her own spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures, where she defended Earth with teenage heroes, including her adopted son Luke. She returned to Doctor Who in The Stolen Earth/Journey’s End (2008), aiding the Tenth Doctor and other companions against the Daleks.
Her final Doctor Who appearance was a cameo in The End of Time (2009-2010), David Tennant’s farewell story. The Sarah Jane Adventures ran for five seasons, featuring appearances from classic Doctor Who characters and the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors. The series ended prematurely after Elisabeth Sladen’s tragic death in 2011, leaving a void in the Whoniverse. The final episode ended with the poignant message: “And the story goes on… forever.”
Dr. Harry Sullivan
Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith and Ian Marter as Dr. Harry Sullivan in Doctor Who.
Ian Marter as Dr. Harry Sullivan, a UNIT surgeon-lieutenant and companion to the Fourth Doctor, alongside Elisabeth Sladen.
Who plays Harry Sullivan? Ian Marter.
First Appearance: Robot
Last Appearance: The Android Invasion
Dr. Harry Sullivan, a Surgeon-Lieutenant with UNIT, was introduced in Robot (1974), the first story featuring Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor.
Alongside Sarah Jane Smith, Harry became a companion to the Fourth Doctor. Portrayed as old-fashioned, brave, and somewhat clumsy, Harry provided a different dynamic to the TARDIS crew.
Harry’s regular role concluded in Terror of the Zygons (1975), when he returned to London. However, Ian Marter made a guest appearance as Harry later that year in The Android Invasion, providing a brief return for the affable doctor.
Leela
Louise Jameson as Leela in Doctor Who.
Louise Jameson as Leela, a warrior from the Sevateem tribe and a fiercely independent Doctor Who companion.
Who plays Leela? Louise Jameson.
First Appearance: The Face of Evil
Last Appearance: The Invasion of Time
Leela, a warrior from the savage Sevateem tribe, debuted in The Face of Evil (1977). Descended from the human crew of a crashed Earth ship, Leela was strong-willed and fiercely independent, a stark contrast to the Doctor’s usual companions.
Leela boldly entered the TARDIS and continued to travel with the Fourth Doctor, bringing a primal energy and unique perspective to their adventures.
Leela’s journey ended in The Invasion of Time (1978). She chose to remain on Gallifrey with Andred, a Gallifreyan native, after actress Louise Jameson decided to leave the show, giving Leela a new path and life beyond the TARDIS.
K9
K9, the Doctor's robotic canine companion, alongside Sarah Jane Smith.
K9, the robotic dog companion of the Doctor, pictured with Sarah Jane Smith.
Who voices K9? John Leeson, David Brierley, Roy Skelton.
First Appearance: The Invisible Enemy
Last Appearance: Journey’s End (Doctor Who), Goodbye Sarah Jane Smith (The Sarah Jane Adventures)
K9, the iconic robot dog, was introduced in The Invisible Enemy (1977). Created by Professor Marius in the year 5000, K9 Mark I joined the Doctor and Leela on their adventures. He departed with Leela in The Invasion of Time.
K9 Mark II appeared in The Ribos Operation (1978) and travelled with Romana II before leaving with her in Warrior’s Gate (1981).
K9 Mark III was introduced in the K-9 and Company pilot with Sarah Jane Smith. K9 Mark IV later joined Sarah Jane in her spin-off series, The Sarah Jane Adventures, after Mark III was destroyed in School Reunion (2006).
K9 made brief returns in Journey’s End (2008) and The Sarah Jane Adventures, solidifying his place as a beloved and enduring Doctor Who companion in various iterations.
Romana I
Mary Tamm as Romana I in Doctor Who.
Mary Tamm as Romana I, the first incarnation of the Time Lady companion Romana, known for her intelligence and Time Lord heritage.
Who plays Romana I? Mary Tamm.
First Appearance: The Ribos Operation
Last Appearance: The Armageddon Factor
Romana, a Time Lady, was introduced in The Ribos Operation (1978), played by Mary Tamm. Assigned by the Time Lords to assist the Doctor in the quest for the Key of Time, Romana I was initially portrayed as cool, intellectual, and somewhat condescending.
Her relationship with the Doctor began as contentious but gradually evolved into a warmer, more collaborative partnership.
Mary Tamm chose to leave the series in 1979, leading to Romana’s regeneration into a new form, portrayed by Lalla Ward.
Romana II
Lalla Ward as Romana II and Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor in Doctor Who.
Lalla Ward as Romana II, the second and more adventurous incarnation of Romana, alongside Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor.
Who plays Romana II? Lalla Ward.
First Appearance: Destiny of the Daleks
Last Appearance: Warrior’s Gate
Romana II, the regenerated form of Romana, debuted in Destiny of the Daleks (1979), played by Lalla Ward. This iteration was more adventurous and free-spirited than her predecessor. Romana II chose to regenerate into the form of Princess Astra, a character she had previously encountered in The Armageddon Factor (1979).
Romana II’s relationship with the Fourth Doctor was notably close and lighthearted, often verging on romantic. This onscreen chemistry mirrored the real-life romance between Tom Baker and Lalla Ward, who were married for a brief period.
Romana II’s journey concluded in Warrior’s Gate (1981) after an adventure in E-Space. She chose to remain behind with K9 Mark II in E-Space, marking the end of her travels with the Doctor.
Adric
Matthew Waterhouse as Adric in Doctor Who.
Matthew Waterhouse as Adric, a young alien mathematician companion whose death had a lasting impact on the Doctor.
Who plays Adric? Matthew Waterhouse.
First Appearance: Full Circle
Last Appearance: Earthshock
Adric, an alien from Alzarius in E-Space, was introduced in Full Circle (1980). A brilliant mathematician, Adric joined the Doctor, becoming a companion to both the Fourth and Fifth Doctors.
Adric’s time in the TARDIS was marked by his youthful enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity. His journey tragically ended in Earthshock (1982). In a heroic attempt to prevent a Cybermen freighter from crashing into Earth, Adric was killed.
Adric’s death was a shocking and impactful moment, being one of the few companions to die during their travels with the Doctor. His final words, “Now I’ll never know if I was right,” highlight the uncertainty and sacrifice inherent in their adventures. Adric’s death continued to haunt the Doctor, a theme recently revisited in Tales of the TARDIS.
Nyssa
Sarah Sutton as Nyssa in Doctor Who.
Sarah Sutton as Nyssa, an aristocratic alien companion known for her quiet strength and intelligence.
Who plays Nyssa? Sarah Sutton.
First Appearance: The Keeper of Traken
Last Appearance: Terminus (regular), The Caves of Androzani (guest)
Nyssa, an aristocratic humanoid alien from Traken, was introduced in The Keeper of Traken (1981). Her life was tragically disrupted by the Master, who murdered her stepmother and possessed her father.
Nyssa was taken to Logopolis by ‘The Watcher’ and learned of Traken’s destruction. She then joined the Doctor, Adric, and Tegan on their travels, even confronting the Master in her father’s form before the Fourth Doctor regenerated into the Fifth.
Nyssa continued to travel with the Fifth Doctor, eventually departing in Terminus (1983). She chose to stay on the Terminus space station, transforming it into a hospital, signifying her compassionate nature and desire to help others. Her goodbye with the Doctor was emotional, marked by a kiss.
Nyssa returned as a hallucination during the Fifth Doctor’s regeneration in The Caves of Androzani (1984). Sarah Sutton reprised the role for Dimensions in Time (1993) and a special featurette for the Season 20 Blu-ray release, keeping Nyssa’s memory alive for fans.
Tegan Jovanka
Janet Fielding as Tegan Jovanka in Doctor Who.
Janet Fielding as Tegan Jovanka, a forthright Australian air stewardess who travelled with the Fourth and Fifth Doctors.
Who plays Tegan Jovanka? Janet Fielding.
First Appearance: Logopolis
Last Appearance: Resurrection of the Daleks (regular), Tales of the TARDIS (guest)
Tegan Jovanka, an Australian air stewardess, was introduced in Logopolis (1981), the Fourth Doctor’s final story. Stubborn and outspoken, Tegan stumbled upon the TARDIS when her aunt’s car broke down.
After her aunt’s death at the hands of the Master, Tegan joined the Doctor, Adric, and Nyssa, though she insisted on returning to her job at Heathrow Airport. Tegan frequently clashed with the Doctor and Adric but was close to Nyssa.
Tegan briefly left the TARDIS after being accidentally dropped off at Heathrow, but returned a year later. Her time as a companion ended in Resurrection of the Daleks (1984), when the cumulative trauma of their adventures became too much to bear.
Janet Fielding reprised Tegan in The Power of the Doctor (2022), aiding the Thirteenth Doctor. She also reunited with Nyssa in a featurette for the Season 20 Blu-ray release and returned in Tales of the TARDIS with the Fifth Doctor, showcasing Tegan’s enduring popularity.
Vislor Turlough
Mark Strickson as Vislor Turlough in Doctor Who.
Mark Strickson as Vislor Turlough, a Trion pupil tasked with killing the Doctor, but who ultimately became a loyal companion.
Who plays Vislor Turlough? Mark Strickson.
First Appearance: Mawdryn Undead
Last Appearance: Planet of Fire
Vislor Turlough, a mysterious pupil at Brendon Public School, was introduced in Mawdryn Undead (1983). Secretly, Turlough was tasked by the Black Guardian to assassinate the Doctor in exchange for a return to his home planet.
Turlough accepted the Doctor’s invitation to travel in the TARDIS while plotting his assassination. However, over time, Turlough’s loyalty shifted, and he ultimately rejected the Black Guardian, choosing to stand by the Doctor.
Turlough’s origins were revealed: he was a Trion, a political prisoner who had escaped to Earth. Learning that conditions on Trion had improved, Turlough chose to return home in Planet of Fire (1984), ending his complex and morally ambiguous journey with the Doctor.
Kamelion
Kamelion in the TARDIS, a shape-shifting android companion.
Kamelion, a shape-shifting android and Doctor Who companion, briefly pictured inside the TARDIS.
Who plays Kamelion? Gerald Flood (voice).
First Appearance: The King’s Demons
Last Appearance: Planet of Fire
Kamelion, a shape-shifting android created by the Master, was introduced in The King’s Demons (1983). The Doctor freed Kamelion from the Master’s control, and the android became a companion.
Kamelion’s time with the Doctor was brief. In Planet of Fire (1984), the Master regained control. Desperate to avoid being enslaved again, Kamelion pleaded with the Doctor to destroy him, a tragic end for this unique companion.
Peri Brown
Nicola Bryant as Peri Brown, an American botany student who travelled with the Fifth and Sixth Doctors.
Who plays Peri Brown? Nicola Bryant.
First Appearance: Planet of Fire
Last Appearance: The Trial of a Time Lord: Mindwarp (regular), Tales of the TARDIS (guest)
Peri Brown, an American botany student, was introduced in Planet of Fire (1984). She met the Fifth Doctor and Turlough and, after Turlough’s departure, asked to join the Doctor on his travels.
Peri was present when the Fifth Doctor regenerated into the Sixth. The Sixth Doctor, in a post-regeneration delirium, briefly attempted to harm Peri, setting a turbulent tone for their relationship.
Peri’s regular appearances ended during The Trial of a Time Lord (1986). In the Mindwarp segment, Peri was seemingly killed after Kiv’s mind was transferred into her body.
However, later in The Trial of a Time Lord, it was revealed Peri’s death was a fabrication by the Valeyard. She had been rescued and married King Yrcanos of Thoros Alpha, a surprising and off-screen resolution to her story. Nicola Bryant reprised Peri in Tales of the TARDIS with Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor, revisiting their complex dynamic.
Melanie “Mel” Bush
Bonnie Langford as Mel Bush in Doctor Who.
Bonnie Langford as Mel Bush, a computer programmer from 20th-century Earth and companion to the Sixth and Seventh Doctors.
Who plays Mel Bush? Bonnie Langford.
First Appearance: The Trial of a Time Lord: Terror of the Vervoids
Last Appearance: Dragonfire (regular), The Power of the Doctor (guest)
Melanie “Mel” Bush, a computer programmer from 20th-century Sussex, was introduced during The Trial of a Time Lord (1986). Uniquely, Mel was introduced to the Sixth Doctor through a Matrix projection of future events.
The Sixth Doctor later met Mel in her timeline, and she joined him on his adventures, continuing with the Seventh Doctor after regeneration.
Mel’s journey ended in Dragonfire (1987). She left the Doctor to travel on the ship Nosferatu II with Sabalom Glitz. Bonnie Langford reprised Mel in a cameo in The Power of the Doctor (2022) and is set to return for the 14th season and potentially the 60th-anniversary specials, bringing back a familiar face for modern audiences.
Ace
Sophie Aldred as Ace in Doctor Who.
Sophie Aldred as Ace, a resourceful and explosive-loving companion, and the last of the classic series.
Who plays Ace? Sophie Aldred.
First Appearance: Dragonfire
Last Appearance: Survival (regular), Tales of the TARDIS (guest)
Ace, the final companion of the classic series, was introduced in Dragonfire (1987). A troubled London teenager, Ace was working as a waitress on Iceworld when she met the Seventh Doctor. After Mel’s departure, Ace accepted the Doctor’s invitation to travel in the TARDIS.
Ace and the Seventh Doctor developed a close bond. Ace, armed with a baseball bat and explosives, was fiercely protective of the Doctor, whom she affectionately called “Professor.” The Doctor, in turn, sought to mentor and support her, helping her confront her troubled past, including a firebomb attack that impacted her deeply.
Ace’s last regular appearance was in Survival, the final episode of the classic series. Though she chose to rejoin the Doctor after returning to Perivale, their paths diverged sometime before the 1996 TV movie.
Sophie Aldred reprised Ace in The Power of the Doctor (2022), reuniting with the Thirteenth Doctor and Tegan Jovanka. It was revealed that Ace and the Doctor had parted ways after a falling out, but they reconciled in this story. Ace also returned in Tales of the TARDIS with Sylvester McCoy, continuing to explore her post-TARDIS life.
Dr. Grace Holloway
Daphne Ashbrook as Dr. Grace Holloway in Doctor Who: The Movie.
Daphne Ashbrook as Dr. Grace Holloway, the companion from the 1996 Doctor Who TV Movie.
Who plays Dr. Grace Holloway? Daphne Ashbrook.
First Appearance: Doctor Who (1996)
Last Appearance: Doctor Who (1996)
Dr. Grace Holloway, a cardiologist from 1999 San Francisco, was the central companion in the 1996 TV movie, Doctor Who, alongside the Eighth Doctor.
Grace inadvertently caused the Seventh Doctor’s death while attempting to save him in her hospital, hampered by his alien physiology. After his regeneration, Grace aided the Eighth Doctor against the Master.
At the story’s end, Grace declined the Doctor’s offer to travel in the TARDIS, though they shared a kiss. Her line, “I finally meet the right guy and he’s from another planet,” encapsulates her brief but impactful encounter with the Doctor.
Chang Lee
Yee Jee Tso as Chang Lee in Doctor Who: The Movie.
Yee Jee Tso as Chang Lee, a complex character who served as a companion to both the Doctor and the Master in the 1996 TV Movie.
Who plays Chang Lee? Yee Jee Tso.
First Appearance: Doctor Who (1996)
Last Appearance: Doctor Who (1996)
Chang Lee, an Asian-American gangster, was introduced in the 1996 TV movie. His companion status is debated, as he uniquely served as a companion to both the Doctor and the Master.
Initially, Chang Lee was targeted by gang members who inadvertently shot the Seventh Doctor, triggering his regeneration. Lee claimed the Doctor’s belongings and encountered the TARDIS, falling under the Master’s influence and aiding his schemes.
However, after confronting the Eighth Doctor, Lee switched allegiances, helping the Doctor against the Master, ultimately sacrificing himself. The Doctor resurrected Lee and bade him farewell on New Year’s Day 2000, warning him to avoid San Francisco the following year, a quirky and ambiguous end for this morally complex character.
Rose Tyler
Billie Piper as Rose Tyler in Doctor Who.
Billie Piper as Rose Tyler, the first companion of the revived Doctor Who series, a shopgirl who became a central figure in the Doctor’s life.
Who plays Rose Tyler? Billie Piper.
First Appearance: Rose
Last Appearance: Doomsday (regular), The End of Time (guest)
Rose Tyler, a “shopgirl,” was introduced in “Rose,” the first episode of the revived Doctor Who in 2005. Played by Billie Piper, Rose became a central figure in the new series, acting as a true co-protagonist alongside the Ninth Doctor.
The series introduced Rose’s family, including her mother Jackie and boyfriend Mickey Smith, grounding her adventures in a relatable domestic life. Rose traveled with the Ninth Doctor until a battle with the Daleks led her to absorb the Time Vortex’s power, briefly becoming “Bad Wolf.” The Doctor saved her by absorbing the energy, leading to his regeneration into the Tenth Doctor.
Rose and the Tenth Doctor’s relationship deepened, developing into a romantic connection. In Doomsday (2006), Rose was tragically separated from the Doctor, trapped in a parallel universe, resulting in an iconic and heartbreaking farewell scene.
Rose returned in 2008, attempting to warn the Doctor of Davros and the Daleks’ impending threat. After this story, Rose was separated from the Doctor again but found a bittersweet “happy ending” with a human copy of the Tenth Doctor in the parallel universe.
Billie Piper reprised Rose for cameos in The End of Time (2010), meeting the Tenth Doctor before their first encounter in her timeline, and in The Day of the Doctor (2013), as the sentient weapon ‘The Moment’ manifested as her “Bad Wolf” persona. Rose Tyler remains one of the most popular and impactful modern companions.
Adam Mitchell
Bruno Langley as Adam Mitchell in Doctor Who.
Bruno Langley as Adam Mitchell, a scientist companion whose ambition led to a very short tenure in the TARDIS.
Who plays Adam Mitchell? Bruno Langley.
First Appearance: Dalek
Last Appearance: The Long Game
Adam Mitchell, a scientist portrayed by Bruno Langley, was introduced in Dalek (2005). He aided the Doctor and formed a friendship with Rose.
Adam briefly traveled with the Doctor and Rose to Satellite 5 in 200,000 AD. Driven by ambition, Adam attempted to exploit time travel by having a computer interface port installed in his brain, intending to send future knowledge back to his present.
In The Long Game (2005), the Doctor discovered Adam’s scheme and, angered by his selfish misuse of time travel, returned him home and erased his message. Adam’s attempt to gain personal advantage resulted in a very short TARDIS tenure, serving as a cautionary tale.
Captain Jack Harkness
John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who.
John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness, a charismatic Time Agent turned immortal, and a fan-favorite Doctor Who companion.
Who plays Captain Jack Harkness? John Barrowman.
First Appearance: The Empty Child
Last Appearance: Revolution of the Daleks
Captain Jack Harkness, a charismatic former Time Agent from the 51st century, was introduced in The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances (2005). Played by John Barrowman, Jack, initially an American volunteer in the Royal Air Force, quickly charmed both the Ninth Doctor and Rose.
Jack joined the TARDIS crew until his apparent death on Satellite 5 in The Parting of the Ways (2005). Rose, wielding the Time Vortex’s power, inadvertently resurrected Jack, making him immortal. Unaware of his resurrection, the Doctor and Rose left Satellite 5, setting Jack on a new path.
Jack became the lead in the spin-off series Torchwood, leading a team fighting alien threats on Earth. He returned to Doctor Who in Utopia (2007), revealing his immortality and reuniting with the Tenth Doctor and Martha Jones.
Torchwood explored Jack’s long life, romantic relationships, and family. John Barrowman reprised Jack in The Stolen Earth/Journey’s End (2008), The End of Time: Part Two (2010), Fugitive of the Judoon (2020), and Revolution of the Daleks (2021), solidifying his status as a recurring and beloved figure in the Whoniverse. In Revolution of the Daleks, Jack chose to remain on Earth, reconnecting with Gwen Cooper, suggesting a more grounded future for the immortal adventurer.
Mickey Smith
Noel Clarke as Mickey Smith in Doctor Who.
Noel Clarke as Mickey Smith, Rose Tyler’s boyfriend who evolved into a capable ally of the Doctor.
Who plays Mickey Smith? Noel Clarke.
First Appearance: Rose
Last Appearance: The End of Time
Mickey Smith, introduced in “Rose” (2005) as Rose Tyler’s boyfriend, initially struggled with Rose’s adventures with the Ninth Doctor. He became a recurring character, often providing comic relief and a grounded perspective.
Mickey aided the Doctor in several stories before officially joining the Tenth Doctor and Rose in the TARDIS in the 2006 series. He chose to stay in a parallel universe in Rise of the Cybermen/Age of Steel (2006) to help fight the Cybermen there, seeking a fresh start and a chance to be more than “Ricky the Idiot.”
Mickey returned in the 2006 finale and The Stolen Earth/Journey’s End (2008), ultimately returning to his home universe. The End of Time (2010) revealed Mickey married Martha Jones, and they were now fighting aliens together, showcasing his growth from a somewhat hapless boyfriend to a capable hero in his own right.
Donna Noble
Catherine Tate as Donna Noble in Doctor Who.
Catherine Tate as Donna Noble, a memorable and comedic companion to the Tenth Doctor, known for her wit and warmth.
Who plays Donna Noble? Catherine Tate.
First Appearance: Doomsday
Last Appearance: Wild Blue Yonder
Donna Noble, a loud and opinionated temp worker, was introduced in the final scene of Doomsday (2006) and became the Tenth Doctor’s companion in the Christmas special, “The Runaway Bride” (2006).
Initially declining to join the TARDIS full-time, Donna regretted her decision and sought out the Doctor, becoming his companion in the 2008 series and his best friend. Donna’s time with the Doctor was transformative, boosting her self-esteem and sense of worth.
Donna became critical in saving the universe in Journey’s End (2008), triggering a Time Lord-human “meta-crisis” by bonding with the Doctor’s regenerating hand. To save her life from Time Lord information overload, the Doctor was forced to wipe her memories of their travels, a tragic end to her TARDIS journey.
Catherine Tate reprised Donna in The End of Time (2009/2010), though without her memories. The Doctor, in a final act of kindness, ensured her family won the lottery. Tate returned as Donna for the 60th-anniversary specials, starting with The Star Beast, alongside David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor, promising a significant return for this beloved character, even with the complexities of her memory loss.
Dr. Martha Jones
Freema Agyeman as Martha Jones in Doctor Who.
Freema Agyeman as Martha Jones, a medical doctor who travelled with the Tenth Doctor and became a UNIT operative.
Who plays Dr. Martha Jones? Freema Agyeman.
First Appearance: Smith and Jones
Last Appearance: Journey’s End (regular), The End of Time (guest)
Dr. Martha Jones, a medical doctor, was introduced in Smith and Jones (2007). After helping the Doctor save a hospital transported to the moon, Martha joined him on his travels. She played a crucial role in saving her family, the Doctor, and the world from the Master in The Last of the Time Lords.
Martha’s unrequited love for the Doctor, feeling overshadowed by Rose, led to her departure at the end of the 2007 season. She returned in select 2008 episodes as a UNIT agent and also appeared in Torchwood season 2.
Freema Agyeman reprised Martha in The End of Time: Part Two (2010), revealing her marriage to Mickey Smith and their continued fight against alien threats, establishing Martha’s independent and heroic path after the TARDIS.
Astrid Peth
Kylie Minogue as Astrid Peth in Doctor Who: Voyage of the Damned.
Kylie Minogue as Astrid Peth, a waitress from the space cruise ship Titanic, who served as the companion for the 2007 Christmas special.
Who plays Astrid Peth? Kylie Minogue.
First Appearance: Voyage of the Damned
Last Appearance: Voyage of the Damned
Astrid Peth, portrayed by pop star Kylie Minogue, was the companion for the 2007 Christmas special, Voyage of the Damned. A waitress on a Titanic-inspired space cruise ship, Astrid was a dreamer who hoped to travel with the Doctor.
Astrid sacrificed herself to save countless lives during the adventure. The Doctor, at the episode’s conclusion, preserved her as stardust, allowing her essence to travel the universe forever, a poignant and bittersweet farewell to a one-off companion.
Jackson Lane
David Morrissey as Jackson Lane in Doctor Who: The Next Doctor.
David Morrissey as Jackson Lane, initially mistaken for the Doctor, but revealed to be a Victorian man with implanted Cybermen memories.
Who plays Jackson Lane? David Morrissey.
First Appearance: The Next Doctor
Last Appearance: The Next Doctor
Jackson Lane, initially introduced as “The Doctor,” appeared in the 2008 Christmas special, The Next Doctor. Played by David Morrissey, Lane initially seemed to be another incarnation of the Time Lord.
However, Lane was revealed to be a Victorian human implanted with false Doctor memories by the Cybermen. He aided the Tenth Doctor in defeating the Cybermen, had his memories restored, and reunited with his son. The Doctor and Jackson shared Christmas dinner, a heartwarming conclusion to their unusual partnership.
Rosita Farisi
Velile Tshabalala as Rosita Farisi in Doctor Who: The Next Doctor.
Velile Tshabalala as Rosita Farisi, Jackson Lane’s courageous companion in the 2008 Christmas special.
Who plays Rosita Farisi? Velile Tshabalala.
First Appearance: The Next Doctor
Last Appearance: The Next Doctor
Rosita Farisi, introduced in The Next Doctor (2008), was Jackson Lane’s feisty and courageous cockney companion. She aided Jackson and the Tenth Doctor in battling the Cybermen.
After the Cybermen were defeated, Rosita joined Jackson and his son, finding a new family and life with them, a happy ending to her brief but action-packed adventure.
Lady Christina de Souza
Michelle Ryan as Lady Christina de Souza in Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead.
Michelle Ryan as Lady Christina de Souza, a gentlewoman cat burglar and companion for the 2009 special.
Who plays Lady Christina de Souza? Michelle Ryan.
First Appearance: Planet of the Dead
Last Appearance: Planet of the Dead
Lady Christina de Souza, a gentlewoman cat burglar, was the companion for the 2009 special, Planet of the Dead. Played by Michelle Ryan, Christina joined the Tenth Doctor and others when a bus they were on was transported to the desert planet San Helios.
Christina, using a stolen chalice, aided the Doctor in battling an alien threat. At the story’s conclusion, the Doctor, despite his disapproval of her thievery, allowed Christina to escape arrest on the now-flyable bus, a fittingly adventurous exit for this unconventional companion.
Captain Adelaide Brooke
Lindsay Duncan as Captain Adelaide Brooke in Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars.
Lindsay Duncan as Captain Adelaide Brooke, a pivotal figure in human history and the companion for the 2009 special.
Who plays Adelaide Brooke? Lindsay Duncan.
First Appearance: The Waters of Mars
Last Appearance: The Waters of Mars
Captain Adelaide Brooke, met by the Tenth Doctor on Bowie Base One on Mars in 2059, was the companion for the 2009 special, The Waters of Mars. Played by Lindsay Duncan, Adelaide was a stern and disciplined leader.
Adelaide was revealed to be a fixed point in history – her death on Bowie Base One inspired her granddaughter to explore space, advancing human civilization. Initially, the Doctor accepted this fixed point.
However, the Doctor, tempted by his Time Lord power, intervened, saving Adelaide and her crew, declaring himself “Time Lord Victorious.” Adelaide, aware of the historical importance of her death, tragically took her own life upon returning to Earth, horrifying the Doctor and forcing him to confront the dangers of his unchecked power.
Wilfred Mott
Bernard Cribbins as Wilfred Mott in Doctor Who.
Bernard Cribbins as Wilfred Mott, Donna Noble’s grandfather and a beloved recurring character who became the Tenth Doctor’s final companion.
Who plays Wilfred Mott? Bernard Cribbins.
First Appearance: Voyage of the Damned
Last Appearance: Wild Blue Yonder
Wilfred Mott, played by Bernard Cribbins, initially appeared in Voyage of the Damned (2007) before becoming a recurring character as Donna Noble’s grandfather in the 2008 series.
Wilfred, a kind and inquisitive man, was heartbroken by Donna’s memory wipe in Journey’s End. In The End of Time (2009/2010), Wilfred became the Tenth Doctor’s central companion, joining him in the fight against the Master and the Time Lords.
The Tenth Doctor sacrificed his life to save Wilfred, leading to his regeneration. Before his death, the Doctor ensured Wilfred’s family won the lottery, a final gift to Donna’s family.
Bernard Cribbins reprised Wilfred for the 60th-anniversary specials, including Wild Blue Yonder, alongside Catherine Tate and David Tennant. These scenes were filmed before Cribbins’ death in 2022, making his return even more poignant. Wild Blue Yonder included a dedication to the beloved actor, celebrating his final contribution to Doctor Who.
Amelia “Amy” Pond
Karen Gillan as Amy Pond in Doctor Who.
Karen Gillan as Amy Pond, the “girl who waited” and a key companion of the Eleventh Doctor.
Who plays Amy Pond? Karen Gillan.
First Appearance: The Eleventh Hour
Last Appearance: The Angels Take Manhattan (regular), The Time of the Doctor (guest)
Amelia “Amy” Pond, played by Karen Gillan, was introduced in The Eleventh Hour (2010). As a young orphan, Amy was the first person the Eleventh Doctor met. He promised to return, but young Amelia waited years, becoming a grown woman when he finally reappeared.
Amy traveled with the Doctor, later joined by her boyfriend-turned-husband Rory Williams. They discovered Amy’s daughter, Melody Pond, was River Song.
Amy and Rory’s final departure occurred in The Angels Take Manhattan (2012). Rory was sent back in time by a Weeping Angel, and Amy chose to join him, knowing they would be trapped in the past, a deeply emotional farewell.
Karen Gillan reprised Amy as a hallucination in The Time of the Doctor (2013), Matt Smith’s final episode, offering a final goodbye before the Eleventh Doctor’s regeneration.
Rory Williams
Arthur Darvill as Rory Williams in Doctor Who.
Arthur Darvill as Rory Williams, Amy Pond’s boyfriend and husband, who evolved from a hesitant companion to a heroic figure.
Who plays Rory Williams? Arthur Darvill.
First Appearance: The Eleventh Hour
Last Appearance: The Angels Take Manhattan
Rory Williams, played by Arthur Darvill, was introduced in 2010 as Amy Pond’s boyfriend. Initially hesitant, Rory became a full TARDIS companion. He tragically “died” in Cold Blood (2010) but was brought back in a complex storyline involving time paradoxes and Roman Centurion armor.
Rory waited centuries as the Lone Centurion to protect Amy. They married in The Big Bang (2010) and had a daughter, River Song, in the following season.
Rory and Amy’s final journey concluded in The Angels Take Manhattan (2012). Rory was involuntarily sent back in time by a Weeping Angel, and Amy made the heartbreaking choice to join him, accepting their fate to live out their lives together in the past. Arthur Darvill described their ending as “perfect,” though Karen Gillan reportedly found it deeply emotional and difficult to read initially.
Professor River Song (Melody Pond)
Alex Kingston as River Song in Doctor Who.
Alex Kingston as River Song, a time-traveling archaeologist and the Doctor’s wife, whose timeline is famously complex.
Who plays River Song? Alex Kingston.
First Appearance: Silence in the Library
Last Appearance: The Husbands of River Song
Professor River Song, played by Alex Kingston, was introduced in Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead (2008). Her timeline is famously non-linear, with her first encounter with the Tenth Doctor being her last with him. She revealed she was significant in his future, creating a compelling mystery. River died in Forest of the Dead, her consciousness saved in a virtual reality.
River returned in the 2010 season as a recurring ally. Her identity was revealed in 2011 – she was Melody Pond, Amy and Rory’s time-traveling daughter, capable of regeneration. River and the Doctor married in The Wedding of River Song (2011).
River’s final chronological encounter with the Doctor occurred in The Name of the Doctor (2013), her virtual avatar interacting with the Eleventh Doctor. However, River returned as the central companion to the Twelfth Doctor in The Husbands of River Song (2015), set before her death in her own timeline. The Tenth series featured a framed photo of River in the Doctor’s office, alongside Susan, showcasing her enduring importance to the Doctor.
Craig Owens
James Corden as Craig Owens in Doctor Who.
James Corden as Craig Owens, the Eleventh Doctor’s temporary housemate and an ordinary man who became a hero.
Who plays Craig Owens? James Corden.
First Appearance: The Lodger
Last Appearance: Closing Time
Craig Owens, played by James Corden, became the Eleventh Doctor’s housemate in The Lodger (2010). An ordinary office worker, Craig became entangled in the Doctor’s investigations into a mysterious upstairs flat.
The Doctor encouraged the nervous Craig to pursue his dreams and his platonic relationship with coworker Sophie. Craig’s love for Sophie ultimately helped the Doctor avert disaster. Craig and Sophie became a couple, and Craig became an unlikely hero.
The Eleventh Doctor reunited with Craig and Sophie in Closing Time (2011). Craig, now a father to baby Alfie, again acted as the Doctor’s companion, helping defeat a Cybermen threat, proving that ordinary people can be extraordinary when called upon.
Clara Oswald
Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald in Doctor Who.
Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald, the “Impossible Girl,” who had multiple iterations and a complex relationship with the Doctor.
Who plays Clara Oswald? Jenna Coleman.
First Appearance: Asylum of the Daleks (as Oswin Oswald), The Snowmen (as Clara Oswin Oswald), Deep Breath (as Clara Oswald)
Last Appearance: Hell Bent (regular), Twice Upon a Time (guest)
Clara Oswald, played by Jenna Coleman, was introduced in a unique, multi-layered fashion. In Asylum of the Daleks (2012), she appeared as Oswin Oswald, a Dalek-converted human who sacrificed herself. In The Snowmen (2012), she reappeared as Victorian governess Clara Oswin Oswald, also dying.
The Doctor finally met Clara Oswald, a schoolteacher, in The Bells of St. John (2013). Intrigued by the “Impossible Girl” mystery, the Doctor invited her to travel with him. Clara’s mystery deepened as it was revealed she had fragmented herself throughout the Doctor’s timestream to save him, creating multiple Clara iterations. The Doctor eventually saved and restored her.
Clara developed a close, complex relationship with the Doctor, evolving into a romantic chemistry. She was with him when he regenerated into the Twelfth Doctor, whom she initially mistrusted. Despite challenges, including the death of her boyfriend Danny Pink, Clara remained by the Doctor’s side until her death in Face the Raven (2015).
Hell Bent (2015) saw the Doctor defy fate to save Clara, extracting her from her death moment. However, Ashildr convinced the Doctor that he and Clara were a dangerous “Hybrid.” Attempting to wipe Clara’s memories of him, the Doctor inadvertently wiped his own memories of her instead. Clara, now effectively immortal and with her memories intact, chose to travel time and space in a stolen TARDIS with Ashildr.
Jenna Coleman reprised Clara in Twice Upon a Time (2017), the Twelfth Doctor’s final episode. The Doctor’s memories of Clara were restored, and a manifestation of her urged him not to forget her again, a poignant closing chapter for their intertwined story.
Nardole
Matt Lucas as Nardole in Doctor Who.
Matt Lucas as Nardole, a humanoid cyborg companion to the Twelfth Doctor, known for his quirky humor and surprising competence.
Who plays Nardole? Matt Lucas.
First Appearance: The Return of Doctor Mysterio
Last Appearance: The Doctor Falls (regular), Twice Upon a Time (guest)
Nardole, a humanoid alien-cyborg played by Matt Lucas, was introduced in The Husbands of River Song (2015) before becoming the Twelfth Doctor’s companion in The Return of Doctor Mysterio (2016).
Nardole served as a secondary companion in the 2017 season, providing comic relief and surprising competence. He departed in The Doctor Falls (2017) to protect humans from the Cybermen.
Nardole reappeared as a manifestation of the Doctor’s memories in Twice Upon a Time (2017), bidding farewell to the Twelfth Doctor before his regeneration. Nardole’s quirky humor and unexpected bravery made him a memorable addition to the TARDIS crew.
Bill Potts
Pearl Mackie as Bill Potts in Doctor Who.
Pearl Mackie as Bill Potts, a student companion to the Twelfth Doctor, known for her curiosity and down-to-earth nature.
Who plays Bill Potts? Pearl Mackie.
First Appearance: The Pilot
Last Appearance: Twice Upon a Time
Bill Potts, played by Pearl Mackie, an orphaned student, was introduced in The Pilot (2017). She became the Twelfth Doctor’s companion after her love interest, Heather, transformed into an alien puddle.
Bill traveled with the Doctor throughout the 2017 season. In World Enough and Time/The Doctor Falls (2017), she was tragically converted into a Cyberman.
Saved from despair by Heather, Bill transformed into a similar being and left to travel time and space with Heather, returning the Doctor’s body to Earth.
Pearl Mackie reprised Bill as a sentient avatar of her memories in Twice Upon a Time (2017). This memory-Bill helped the Twelfth Doctor accept his regeneration, offering a hopeful and poignant resolution to Bill’s journey.
Graham O’Brien
Bradley Walsh as Graham O'Brien in Doctor Who.
Bradley Walsh as Graham O’Brien, a retired bus driver and companion to the Thirteenth Doctor, bringing warmth and humor to the TARDIS.
Who plays Graham O’Brien? Bradley Walsh.
First Appearance: The Woman Who Fell To Earth
Last Appearance: Revolution of the Daleks (regular), The Power of the Doctor (guest)
Graham O’Brien, played by Bradley Walsh, a retired bus driver from Essex, was introduced in The Woman Who Fell To Earth (2018). Graham, a cancer survivor, had found love with chemo nurse Grace.
Graham, Grace’s grandson Ryan Sinclair, and Ryan’s friend Yaz Khan helped the newly regenerated Thirteenth Doctor in Sheffield. Tragically, Grace died during this adventure. Graham joined Ryan and Yaz traveling with the Doctor, forging a closer bond with Ryan in Grace’s memory.
Graham and Ryan departed the TARDIS in Revolution of the Daleks (2021). The Doctor gave them psychic paper to investigate Earth-based alien events. Their final scene saw Graham helping Ryan learn to ride a bike, with a vision of Grace smiling upon them, a touching and hopeful conclusion to their TARDIS journey. Bradley Walsh reprised Graham in The Power of the Doctor (2022), showing his continued connection to the Doctor’s world.
Ryan Sinclair
Tosin Cole as Ryan Sinclair in Doctor Who.
Tosin Cole as Ryan Sinclair, a warehouse worker and companion to the Thirteenth Doctor, whose journey included personal growth and facing societal challenges.
Who plays Ryan Sinclair? Tosin Cole.
First Appearance: The Woman Who Fell To Earth
Last Appearance: Revolution of the Daleks
Ryan Sinclair, played by Tosin Cole, a warehouse worker, was introduced in The Woman Who Fell To Earth (2018). He joined his step-grandfather Graham and friend Yaz in aiding the Thirteenth Doctor.
Ryan tragically lost his grandmother, Grace, in this story. The series explored Ryan’s experiences with racism, his difficult relationship with his father, and his growing bond with Graham.
Ryan chose to leave the TARDIS in Revolution of the Daleks (2021), with Graham joining him. The Doctor provided psychic paper for their continued alien investigations. Ryan learning to ride a bike with Graham in their final scene symbolized his personal growth throughout his TARDIS adventures.
Yasmin “Yaz” Khan
Mandip Gill as Yaz Khan in Doctor Who.
Mandip Gill as Yaz Khan, a police officer and companion to the Thirteenth Doctor, whose journey included exploring her identity and feelings for the Doctor.
Who plays Yaz Khan? Mandip Gill.
First Appearance: The Woman Who Fell To Earth
Last Appearance: The Power of the Doctor
Yasmin “Yaz” Khan, played by Mandip Gill, a police officer, was introduced in The Woman Who Fell To Earth (2018). She joined Ryan and Graham in aiding the Thirteenth Doctor.
Yaz traveled with the Doctor throughout her era. Her storylines explored her family history, mental health struggles, and developing romantic feelings for the Doctor.
Yaz remained with the Thirteenth Doctor until The Power of the Doctor (2022), departing the TARDIS and returning to Earth, reuniting with Graham and Dan Lewis, signaling a new chapter in her life.
Dan Lewis
John Bishop as Dan Lewis in Doctor Who.
John Bishop as Dan Lewis, a Liverpudlian food bank volunteer and companion to the Thirteenth Doctor during the Flux era.
Who plays Dan Lewis? John Bishop.
First Appearance: Flux: The Halloween Apocalypse
Last Appearance: The Power of the Doctor
Dan Lewis, played by John Bishop, a Liverpudlian food bank volunteer, joined the Thirteenth Doctor in the 2021 “Flux” season.
Dan aided the Doctor and Yaz throughout the Flux storyline and accepted an invitation to join the TARDIS. He appeared in specials Eve of the Daleks and Legend of the Sea Devils before leaving in The Power of the Doctor (2022), choosing to return to his life in Liverpool.
Dan reappeared at the end of The Power of the Doctor, reuniting with Yaz and meeting Graham before attending a support group for former Doctor companions, a humorous and heartwarming nod to the shared experiences of those who travel with the Doctor.
Ruby Sunday
Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday in Doctor Who.
Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday, the newest Doctor Who companion, debuting with the Fifteenth Doctor.
Who plays Ruby Sunday? Millie Gibson.
First Appearance: The Church on Ruby Road
Last Appearance: Empire of Death
Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, a former Coronation Street star, debuted as the newest companion in The Church on Ruby Road (2023), the first official companion of the Fifteenth Doctor.
Named after Ruby Road, where she was found as a foundling, Ruby was raised by her adopted mother Carla and grandmother Cherry. Ruby’s family and upbringing are central to her character, shaping her positive and energetic personality.
While Ruby exited the TARDIS in Empire of Death, after finding her biological mother, Millie Gibson is confirmed to return for the next season, promising a continued and significant story arc for this new companion.
Joy
Nicola Coughlan as Joy in Doctor Who Christmas Special.
Nicola Coughlan as Joy, a Christmas Special companion who embraced a celestial fate.
Who plays Joy? Nicola Coughlan.
First Appearance: Joy to the World
Last Appearance: Joy to the World
Joy, played by Nicola Coughlan, known for Derry Girls and Bridgerton, starred in the Christmas special, Joy to the World. Written by Steven Moffat, Joy served as a one-off companion for this festive adventure.
After battling the villainous Villengard with the Doctor, Joy embraced her destiny, transforming into a star at the episode’s end, a unique and fantastical conclusion to her brief but bright journey.
Belinda Chandra
Varada Sethu, Ncuti Gatwa, and Millie Gibson, the new TARDIS trio for Doctor Who.
Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra, the newest confirmed Doctor Who companion, joining the TARDIS team in upcoming seasons.
Who plays Belinda Chandra? Varada Sethu.
First Appearance: Upcoming
Varada Sethu’s casting as a new companion, Belinda Chandra, was announced in April 2024. She joins Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson, forming a new TARDIS trio for future seasons.
Varada Sethu expressed her excitement, stating, “I feel like the luckiest person in the world. It is such an honour to be a part of the Whoniverse.” Showrunner Russell T Davies welcomed her, highlighting the increased stakes and the need for a trio of companions in upcoming adventures.
Varada Sethu has already appeared in Doctor Who as a different character, Mundy Flynn, in the season 14 episode “Boom,” showcasing her versatility within the Whoniverse. Belinda Chandra promises to be a significant addition to the ever-expanding family of Doctor Who companions.
Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney Plus internationally.
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