is it just us, or is this list suddenly raining cats and dogs? Does one really ever need an excuse to talk about K-9, though? He's the Doctor's faithful companion who proved that dogs really are a man's best friend when he was introduced in The Invisible Enemy and it's safe to say that he subsequently wasted no time in establishing himself as a formidable force to be reckoned with (much to the delight of Fourth Doctor Tom Baker, both on and off screen, but he warmed to him eventually!). You might doubt his competence at first but don't be expecting any puppy eyes from this metallic mutt. He'd sooner shoot you with his nasal laser beam than entertain you with any tricks and, as robots come, he's pretty much as resourceful, brave and intelligent as they come. Perhaps more importantly, though, he's totally devoted to his respective master/mistress and it's this unequivocal commitment that has established him as one of the most beloved and iconic characters in Doctor Who history. Well, that and the aforementioned nasal laser beam. He's a total badass. And guess what? For all you know, you're passing him in the high street everyday. Not literally, of course (something tells us you'd notice if K-9 were to roll up to you in HMV and besides, he's not real - sorry!), but the man who has been lighting up our screens - and subsequently our hearts - with his soft accedes of "Affirmative!" since K-9's inception back in 1977 (yes, technically that's not true - he was temporarily voiced by David Brierly in 1979/80, before you get all uppity in the comments!). John Leeson is his name and, while you certainly recognise his voice, would you be able to point out his face in a crowd? Well, let's hope so. After all, he's given us all so much joy over the years so the very least you could do is shake his hand and say thanks.