10 'What Ifs' That Could Have Changed The Course Of Doctor Who

3. Michael Grade Didn't Abuse His Power

Mention Michael Grade to a classic Whovian, and their response won't be all that peachy. Grade was the controller of BBC 1 during the late eighties, and basically did everything he could to run Doctor Who into the ground. He kicked the show four times before it was killed off. Firstly, he put the show on hiatus for 18 months in 1985. Second, he halved the episode count after the show returned from hiatus. Third, he sacked Colin Baker from the role of The Doctor, simply because he didn't like him. Finally, he slashed the show's budget and scheduled it up against Coronation Street, just to harm the ratings further. Then in 1987, he left the BBC, leaving the show in tatters.

As the years rolled on, Grade remained outspoken for his hatred of the show, and his dislike of Science Fiction overall. After appearing on Room 101 in 2002, he still stood by his comments, even when being rightfully jeered by the crowd. If he hadn't of meddled so much, the show might have continued into the nineties. However, once he watched the 2005 revival, he wrote a letter to the BBC congratulating them on a revival he actually enjoyed. Don't think you've redeemed yourself, Michael.