Doctor Who: 8 Greatest Things Russell T Davies Contributed To The Whoniverse

2. Rose Tyler

In Doctor Who, the Doctor's companion is an audience surrogate, the vehicle through which the viewer enters the Doctor's world. As such, NuWho's first companion had a very important role to play.

Many questioned Davies choice to cast Billie Piper, at that time mostly known as a pop star, in the role of companion Rose Tyler. However, Piper soon proved her acting chops, quickly making Rose a fan favourite.

Rose was a perfect update of the companion's role between Classic and NuWho. A hero in her own right, Rose became the Doctor's equal, rather than simply an assistant. Her departure at the end of series two is remembered as one of NuWho's saddest moments, and her return in series four as one of it's happiest.

Rose's popularity has endured over the years, enough that Piper was asked to return as the Moment, a sentient weapon using Rose's face as an avatar, in 50th Anniversary Special 'Day of the Doctor'. The actress has also reprised the role in a number of Big Finish audio dramas.