The Fourth Doctor

In 1974, Tom Baker took over the lead role in Doctor Who from Jon Pertwee.  Producer Barry Letts was convinced he was right for the part after seeing his performance in "The Golden Voyage of Sinbad". However, he was actually working on a construction site, as acting jobs were scarce at the time!

Tom starred as the Time Lord in 172 episodes over a seven-year period, from 1974 to 1981. This makes him currently the longest running on-screen 'Doctor'.Although Tom came up with many aspects of his Doctor's personality and speech, his trademark scarf for his character was created by accident. Costume designer James Acheson supplied much more wool than necessary to the knitter, Begonia Pope - she simply knitted all the wool she was given. Tom's eccentric style of dress - and his fondness for jelly babies - quickly caught the viewing public's imagination. It is Tom's version of the Doctor that is best remembered in the United States.

He was succeeded at the TARDIS helm by Peter Davison. More to follow...