As Doctor Who’s elder statesman, a cultural icon, an acting legend, the TV show’s incumbent Time Lord when Doctor Who Weekly launched back in 1979, and a loyal friend to the magazine in the intervening years, it would be unthinkable to celebrate our landmark 500th issue without chatting to the amazing, towering presence that is Mr Tom Baker. So we sent him an email, to tell him as much.
Shortly afterwards, the great man messaged back: ‘500 is a big milestone, and I’m sure you’re right to want to mark it BIG. Your magazine has been extremely good to me, and has helped to create a warm and faithful fanbase for the programme. I am still signing first editions. After all these years! I have always been inspired by the enthusiasm of the fabulous fans, who are still sending me messages of affection and – can you believe it? – gratitude. You can be certain that I’m ready to do one more, to mark the big 500. After all, there will not be another or better occasion for the final interview.