10 Behind The Scenes Reasons For Doctor Who Characters' Quirks

Similar to Nicola Bryant, Sylvester McCoy got his role through some audition trickery. Namely he came as a package deal with his hat, which producer John Nathan-Turner liked and wished to apply to the new Doctor. So that's one of the many reasons why McCoy got the part, and how his symbolic costume got forged.

Then there's the spoons. Established as early as his first serial, Time and the Rani, the Seventh Doctor showcased a fondness for playing the spoons. Yes, that is an actual thing. You'd imagine that this was a crazy executive decision to grant this new incarnation some form of identity to stand out against their predecessors. Nope. Sylvester McCoy actually liked playing the spoons and wished to inject himself into the role. Sure, it's not one of Seven's most memorable quirks, or mannerisms, but it's a neat little addition that comes from the heart of the actor playing him.

Another element that comes directly from McCoy is his ability to perform tricks. Many may not know this but McCoy's earliest work revolved around performing stunts in an experimental theatre troupe called the Ken Campbell Roadshow. This involved him sticking forks and nails up his nose, shoving ferrets down his trousers, and even lighting his head on fire. Strangely enough, this is how he adopted his acting title, originally Sylveste McCoy, before it was later altered at McCoy's discretion due to his superstition of having a thirteen letter stage name.