10 Doctor Who Controversies That Divide Fans

"No hanky-panky in the TARDIS" was an unwritten rule in Doctor Who throughout the classic series. According to some accounts, it was actually a firm rule, but regardless of which version of events is true, it's clear that efforts were made to not have the Doctor be romantically involved with... well, anyone.

At times, he didn't even seem aware of basic human concepts like attraction and good looks: "You're a beautiful woman... probably", said the Fourth Doctor, addressing the human Countess Scarlioni in City of Death.

But that all changed with the 1996 TV movie, where all of a sudden, Paul McGann's Eighth Doctor was snogging companion Grace Holloway. Granted, this was more of an American take on the character, portraying him as a dashing Hollywood hero rather than the awkward, weird uncle of the main series. But even when the show returned to British waters with the 2005 revival, that romantic angle didn't go away.

In fact, it actually became more prevalent, with the Ninth Doctor and Rose growing closer and closer throughout their time together, before capping off Series 1 with a kiss. Things kicked up a gear when the snog-a-holic Tenth Doctor entered the scene, with he and Rose pretty much becoming an item by the end of Series 2, and even declaring their love for each other (well, almost, in the Doctor's case) on the beach at Bad Wolf Bay.

The modern show's decision to make the Doctor a romantic character has been criticised and appreciated in equal measure. To some, the Doctor is an asexual being, which is more or less what we got throughout the entire classic series. To others, giving the Doctor a love interest makes them more relatable, and adds an interesting dynamic to their relationship with their companions.

Either approach can work, as the show has demonstrated over the decades - it just depends on what each showrunner wants to do with their version of the Doctor.