Doctor Who: 10 Cheapest NuWho Enemies

5. House

Doctor Who Billie Piper Squiggle Monster Fear Her
BBC Studios

Bringing fantasy legend Neil Gaiman into Doctor Who meant the stakes were raised. And while the show whipped up a striking addition to the canon with The Doctor's Wife, the stops couldn't well and truly be pulled out. For starters, an Ood was taken out of mothballs for the first time since David Tennant whinged his way into a regeneration. But another part of the acclaimed author's unique episode takes fifth position on this carefully-budgeted countdown.

Complementing the brand new TARDIS corridor set was guest star Michael Sheen, who played sinister superbeing House. Taunting and torturing Amy and Rory inside the Time Lord's ship, he made a terrifying enemy, yet one who remained heard rather than seen.

Whether Sheen's fee determined the nature of his "appearance", or if it was Gaiman's idea all along, is a question for the ages. Regardless, this particular villain of the week was created with a simple trip to a recording studio and a few cups of (in fairness probably quite expensive) coffee.

Contributor
Contributor

I am a journalist and comedian who enjoys American movies of the 70s, Amicus horror compendiums, Doctor Who, Twin Peaks, Naomi Watts and sitting down. My short fiction has been published as part of the Iris Wildthyme range from Obverse Books.