1. Alan Rickman
The only British villain veteran who could possibly push Fiennes into second place is ironically the same who was effectively pushed into a secondary antagonist role in the Harry Potter franchise - though of course his role was far more complex, and required a whole other level of depth. Alan Rickman has now moved into the circle of beloved British treasures that holds the likes of Maggie Smith, Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart: they are gems adored and reviled, and the fact that Rickman has achieved it despite playing three memorable villain figures, in the shape of Snape, the Sheriff of Nottingham and Hans Gruber is an even more remarkable achievement. Rickman's power, and his enduring appeal comes in his delivery and his irresistible, unavoidable presence, that stars with his haughty stance and ends on his nasal intonation, which is the key to his brand, and to his impact as a villain in particular. Rickman, most interestingly would make a good counter-point to Capaldi - both men are capable of the same pointy presence, and it isn't a major leap to imagine the two as somewhat linked by a close dynamic. Not brothers, but tangible kin, the same way The Valeyard is a removed sibling of The Doctor. Who would you like to see play The Valeyard if and when he returns to Doctor Who? Share your own picks below.