As Ncuti Gatwa made his debut as the Fifteenth Doctor in the latest season of Doctor Who, a new survey has revealed the most cherished actors who have previously portrayed the iconic character.
The research, conducted by QR Code Generator and compiled from public votes on Ranker, highlights the top actors to have played the Doctor over the shows near 60-year history. David Tennant, who played the Tenth Doctor, has emerged as the most beloved actor, according to the study.
David Tennant Leads the Pack
David Tennant, renowned for his tenure from 2005 to 2010, secured the top spot with 9,066 votes. Tennant’s portrayal, marked by his charismatic and emotional depth, has left a lasting impression on fans. The Scottish actor, who initially joined the show inspired by his love for it, experienced a significant boost in his career, meeting his future wife, actress Georgia Tennant, on set. Tennant’s popularity continues to resonate with audiences long after his departure from the role.
Matt Smith and Christopher Eccleston Follow
In second place is Matt Smith, who garnered 7,996 votes. Smith, the Eleventh Doctor, appeared from 2010 to 2013 and remains notable for being the youngest actor to have taken on the role. His portrayal was widely acclaimed, and upon his exit, he was honoured with a Sonic Screwdriver prop by his castmates.
Christopher Eccleston, who revived the series in 2005 as the Ninth Doctor, ranks third with 6,420 votes. His single series brought Doctor Who back to life after its hiatus, and his performance alongside Billie Piper as Rose Tyler was instrumental in the show’s successful revival.
Tom Baker and Peter Capaldi Round Out the Top Five
Tom Baker, who played the Fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1981, follows closely in fourth place with 6,320 votes. Known for his distinctive scarf and fondness for jelly babies, Baker’s era remains one of the most memorable, drawing high viewership figures during his time.
Peter Capaldi, the Twelfth Doctor, is fifth with 5,819 votes. Capaldi, who previously appeared in a 2008 episode before his official casting, brought a grittier edge to the Doctor from 2013 to 2017. His dual roles in the series have cemented his place among fans.
The Less Favoured Doctors
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Paul McGann, who portrayed the Eighth Doctor in the 1996 TV movie, is the least popular with 3,210 votes. McGann’s brief stint was aimed at reviving the series in America, but it did not achieve the expected success. Nonetheless, his Doctor has since found a dedicated audience through Big Finish audio dramas.
Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to play the Doctor, ranks eleventh with 3,309 votes. Whittaker’s tenure, which ended in 2022, has been a topic of considerable discussion, with fans keen to see how her successor, Ncuti Gatwa, will influence the show’s future.
The Full Ranking
The full ranking is as follows:
- David Tennant – 9,066 votes
- Matt Smith – 7,996 votes
- Christopher Eccleston – 6,420 votes
- Tom Baker – 6,320 votes
- Peter Capaldi – 5,819 votes
- Jon Pertwee – 3,939 votes
- Peter Davison – 3,601 votes
- William Hartnell – 3,597 votes
- Patrick Troughton – 3,544 votes
- Sylvester McCoy – 3,373 votes
- Jodie Whittaker – 3,309 votes
- Colin Baker – 3,287 votes
- Paul McGann – 3,210 votes
Looking Ahead
Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, commented on the findings, highlighting the show’s ability to reinvent itself and maintain fan interest. He noted that while recent seasons have struggled with viewership, the Christmas special’s strong performance and the return of Russell T. Davies as showrunner offer hope for renewed success.
Porcar emphasised that the continual evolution of the Doctor and their companions is key to the show’s lasting appeal. With the arrival of Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor, fans are eagerly anticipating how this new chapter will unfold and whether it will capture the same affection as those who have come before him.