IS THE DOCTOR IN?

Cover painting by Walter Howarth

Forget all the pretenders who have impersonated him since, 'cos there's only ever been one DOCTOR WHO in my book - and that's the REAL one - WILLIAM HARTNELL. Which is not to say that some of the other actors who assumed the role down through the years didn't do a creditable job, but - for my money - the definitive version of the Doctor was portrayed by dear old Bill.

Was his Doctor a goodie or a baddie? In the early episodes it wasn't quite clear which side he was on - apart from his own, of course - and this only added to the mystery and intrigue of the character.

The Doc made his debut on Saturday, 23rd November, 1963 - just over 47 years ago. So, as a special treat, here's the cover of the very first DOCTOR WHO ANNUAL from 1965 (for 1966). The artist was obviously supplied with a photo of William Hartnell for reference because the likeness is spot-on. It's just a shame that he wasn't given a photo of a police box as well - that has to be the worst looking TARDIS I've ever seen in my life. You could ski off that roof - and where's the flashing light? And there should definitely have been a DALEK on that cover!

Oh well, never mind - can't have everything I suppose.