Sylvester McCoy portrayed the character of the Seventh Doctor from 1987 onwards.

The scene in Remembrance of the Daleks that impacted me the most was when my Doctor was contemplating a difficult decision while sitting in a cafe. He confides in the cafe employee, portrayed by Joseph Marcell, and their conversation, brilliantly written by Ben Aaronovitch, delves into themes of slavery and the consequences of a seemingly insignificant cube of sugar. This moment reminded me of the amazing experiences I’ve had on the Tardis.

Annette Badland portrayed the character Margaret Blaine, also known as Blon Fel-Fotch Passameer-Day Slitheen, in 2005.

Russell T Davies, my “Master” who affectionately refers to me as “Dame Bad,” penned Boom Town for me following a powerful scene between Chris Eccleston and myself in World War Three. As Margaret Blaine, I was the first character to challenge the Doctor’s moral actions. Towards the end of the episode, I peer into the heart of the Tardis and am transformed into an egg (with a stylish hairdo) before expressing gratitude towards the Doctor. This moment highlighted the potential for regeneration, reincarnation, and redemption, something that humans often yearn for. Recounting this experience brings about both excitement and emotion for me.

Sacha Dhawan portrayed Waris Hussein in the TV movie “An Adventure in Space and Time” and later played the character of the Master from 2020 to 2022.

On the final day of shooting, I stored away my outfit, bid farewell to my colleagues, and as I was preparing to depart, I was struck with a strong desire to return to the set. In silence, I entered the Tardis. Its presence always leaves one in awe. The stillness was almost unsettling. It dawned on me that I was no longer recreating the past like I did as Waris, but rather, I was now a part of it.

Murray Gold has been the composer since 2005.

At Portchester Northern County Junior School, I became great friends with Gavin Fuller. Our conversations revolved around Doctor Who. Gavin’s knowledge of the show led him to win Mastermind and he even wrote about it for The Telegraph. As for me, I became a composer for multiple episodes. My music was performed at famous venues such as the Albert Hall, Wembley, and the Sydney Opera House, all influenced by my fascination with this extraordinary time-traveling character. If I could choose one show to always be associated with, it would be Doctor Who. Happy birthday to this ever-young, raggedy old thing.

Katy Manning portrayed the character of Jo Grant, the companion to the Third Doctor, from 1971 onwards.

Once, I was invited to meet the amazing duo, Barry Letts and Terrance Dicks, who were known for their groundbreaking work. I got lost in the complex network of hallways at the BBC and arrived late, squinting through my thick glasses. They asked if I would be interested in playing the role of Jo Grant. Without hesitation, I eagerly accepted. That single phone call transformed my life, filling it with thrilling experiences and forever changing it. Jon Pertwee and I quickly formed a strong bond and became close friends. He was a fantastic mentor, teaching me valuable lessons about the industry.

Jacqueline King (played Sylvia Noble, 2006-2023)

The delight of being cast in The Runaway Bride was immense, quickly followed by the surprise and joy of Catherine Tate wanting to do a whole series. And I got to go with her! Then the news that we were back together for the specials. The Noble family reunited, after 12 years! That was moving, I can tell you.

Ingrid Oliver portrayed the character of Osgood, a Unit scientist, from 2013 to 2015.

Can I use the term “fans” or “Whovians,” the official name for fans of the show? Being a part of the show, what has impacted me the most are the fans. Playing Osgood has given me the opportunity to travel and meet people at conventions who consider the show to be a significant part of their lives. It is truly remarkable to see people of all ages and backgrounds, both men and women, dressed up as my character. And of course, I cannot forget the memorable experience of exchanging wine recommendations with John Hurt on the 50th anniversary episode.

Michael Troughton is the son of Patrick Troughton and also serves as his biographer.

I was amazed when I saw my dad, Patrick Troughton, transformed into the lead character on the flickering Cossor television set. Despite his tired appearance, his skill as a talented actor and his dedication to the role saved the series from potential failure. I am filled with a mix of pride, excitement, and nervousness at the thought of this incredible journey that began with my dad’s transformation from Hartnell’s Who. I am grateful that the series has continued and hope for its ongoing success.

Phil Collinson served as a producer for the years 2005 to 2008, and will resume his role in 2023.

Elisabeth Sladen’s debut as Sarah Jane Smith in the Jon Pertwee episode “The Time Warrior” was a defining moment. Lis brought a one-of-a-kind presence to the show. As a child watching at the time, she had a way of connecting with viewers and guiding them through the thrilling journeys. Her character was both fearless and relatable, providing a human counterbalance to the Doctor’s intense nature. She set the precedent for the amazing companions who came after her.

Ben Aaronovitch was the author of the episodes featuring the Seventh Doctor during the years 1988 to 1989.

The earliest story that I can recall in its entirety is The Green Death, and the most memorable moment for me was when a giant slug surprised Jo Grant. I vividly remember watching this scene while hiding behind the sofa. During my time working on the show, I recall that in Remembrance of the Daleks, the anti-terrorist team was dispatched to Waterloo station due to the explosion that left a massive hole. I used to have a picture of a group of Daleks with fire trucks approaching and pausing to observe the road being blocked by the Daleks. I can only imagine what was going through their minds!

Greg Austin portrayed the character of Charlie Smith in the 2016 series Class.

One of the moments that kindled my desire to act came from Vincent and the Doctor. I knew very little of the show at that point, and I remember my Whovian friend queueing it up to introduce me to the universe. The emotional culmination of that episode moved me in a way that resonates deeply within me still to this day, when the Doctor shows Vincent van Gogh the impact he’s had, that he is admired and adored beyond his time. The simplicity of that scene made me know I wanted to be an actor. For that I’ll be forever grateful.

Julie Gardner, producer since 2005.

One of the most memorable moments in my life was meeting my husband, Billie Piper, and Kylie Minogue. Another memorable moment was during the filming of the 2004 episode of Torchwood titled “Day One”, where I got to work with a man in a prosthetic costume pretending to be a space pig. Other highlights include attending the Proms and winning the Bafta for best series. Throughout this journey, there have been plenty of joyful moments, as well as hard work and love. There have also been challenging times, such as a particularly gloomy curry dinner in the BBC Llandaff canteen when everything seemed hopeless. However, what stands out the most in my memory are the car rides I shared with Russell T Davies. We would squeeze into my Mini Cooper, with his head almost touching the ceiling, and have intense and honest conversations. Some of those conversations have had a profound impact on my life.

Source: theguardian.com