Barry Letts

Showrunners

The early days of Doctor Who Magazine gave

Verity Lambert

OLIVER WAKE describes the challenges facing Doctor Who’s first producer, and the achievements that helped to launch a remarkable career.

John Wiles

OLIVER WAKE argues that John Wiles’ brief, and largely unhappy, tenure as Doctor Who’s second producer may have achieved more than even Wiles himself realised.

“At heart, John was a story man”

Donald Tosh

Innes Lloyd

Drawing upon his experience with BBC Outside Broadcasts, Doctor Who’s third producer made location shooting more important than ever. But he innovated with studio recording too, as EDDIE ROBSON explains.

Peter Bryant

Although Peter Bryant produced such classics as The Tomb of the Cybermen and The Web of Fear, his tenure is often defined by its behind-the-scenes turmoil. EDDIE ROBSON wonders if history has judged him fairly.

Derrick Sherwin

Derrick Sherwin’s influence on the series went way beyond the handful of episodes that bear his producer credit. CHRIS BENTLEY traces his brief but eventful Doctor Who career.

“A very hard man and a driving force”

Derrick Sherwin

Philip Hinchcliffe

The series enjoyed immense popularity under the guiding hand of producer Philip Hinchcliffe. However, as CHRIS BENTLEY explains, his uncompromising approach also proved controversial.

Graham Williams

Graham Williams inherited a programme that was attracting unwanted scrutiny – and then faced a multitude of problems that he couldn’t have predicted. ALISTAIR McGOWN argues that he should be remembered for the episodes that overcame those challenges.

John Nathan-Turner

When John Nathan-Turner became producer, his declared mission was to “take Doctor Who into the 80s”. As JONATHAN HELM explains, JNT ultimately influenced the way the programme would be made in the 21st century.

Philip Segal

Reviving Doctor Who was a long-held ambition for Philip Segal, who produced the 1996 TV movie. Unfortunately,tely, as PAUL HAYES explains, the stars weren’t quite in alignment

Russell T Davies

Would Doctor Who still be here without the profound influence of former, and current, showrunner Russell T Davies? EDDIE ROBSON analyses the approach that revitalised the programme for the 21st century.

Steven Moffat

It must have been daunting to assume control of such a long-running show during a peak in its popularity. However, as EDDIE ROBSON illustrates, Steven Moffat proved that there were still plenty of ways for Doctor Who to evolve.

Chris Chibnall

EDDIE ROBSON describes how the third showrunner of Doctor Who’s ‘modern era’ revolutionised the programme – and kept it going during a global pandemic.

Nine Wonders

The last time Doctor Who Magazine themed an issue around the show’s producers, it was possible to interview all nine of them. JEREMY BENTHAM reflects on a memorable assignment.

“We were expected to fail”

Waris Hussein

“He was something of a father figure”

Frazer Hines

“He did the programme a big favour”

Shirley Cooklin

“He’s left a huge footprint in my life”

Katy Manning

“He was indomitable in his approach”

Louise Jameson

“Graham’s strength was in keeping the peace”

John Leeson

“John chose to fight the fight in a different way”

Janet Fielding

“He was the number one fan in America!”

Screenwriter MATTHEW JACOBS offers PAUL HAYES a unique insight into the making of the Doctor Who TV movie – and working alongside Philip Segal.

“We run to keep up”

Julie Gardner

“I think Steven’s a romantic”

Marcus Wilson

“He really believes in the ideals the Doctor stands for”

Sheena Bucktowonsing