10 Most Hated Doctor Who Characters

Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor faced several issues that ensured he was generally ranked lowest in the Timelord's hierarchy. His first story sees him come across as arrogant and rude, choking out Peri and generally struggling with his regeneration. Though he would begin to soften as time went on, he was hampered by problems behind the scenes.

While his inclusion on this list may seem unfair, it is in fact important to explain why he was a hated character. After the disaster that was The Twin Dilemma, his tenure was interrupted with an 18-month hiatus. He would return in the 14-part serial The Trial of a Time Lord, which was better received. Michael Grade, the Controller of BB1 at the time, was not a fan of the show at all.

He agreed to renew the series again on the condition that Baker be replaced, offering the actor a four-part story that would conclude with his regeneration. Baker refused, making a counter-offer of returning for a full additional season and then handing back the keys to the TARDIS. Grade refused, leading to Baker refusing to film his own regeneration scene.

In the years that followed, he expressed deep regret for this. He admitted that he was acting out of selfishness and that he hadn't thought of the fans at all. Fifth Doctor Peter Davidson expressed support for him, stating that the environment at the BBC was simply toxic at the time and that the removal of the man was nothing to do with the actor himself. It was, according to Davidson, all a plot to oust John Nathan-Turner.