Doctor Who: 10 Best Companion Performances In NuWho

This story is home to a scene regularly cited as one of the best (reads: most heartbreaking) scenes in a science fiction show. Like, ever. 

It's the scene on Bad Wolf Bay, as the Tenth Doctor and Rose say goodbye. What makes the scene so good is how the two actors play off each other as the heightened emotions of the story take hold. David Tennant is one half of that, but the other is Billie Piper.

The bittersweet ending comes a lot from Piper's expressions and delivery in that last scene. Her face shows how heartbroken she is that she'll never get to see the Doctor again, but she's happy that she got to say goodbye. Likewise, her delivery shows a determination to make the most of these last moments, but the shattering angst she's having to fight through to speak. It's some really effective acting.

That scene isn't the only thing that Billie Piper does well in these episodes, though. Whovians got to see the darker side of the Doctor and Rose's relationship. Her stubbornness in choosing to travel with the Doctor above all else, and to keep doing that, is portrayed really well, and three-dimensionalises the character whilst not putting off fans.