What do you do when you want to celebrate 20 years of the show but one of your past leads has died? John Nathan-Turner made the brave choice to recast William Hartnell in The Five Doctors, giving the role of the First Doctor to Richard Hurndall. At the time, many fans were outraged but they're now getting more used to it, especially as David Troughton, Frazer Hines, Peter Purves and Tim Trelor have been playing deceased Doctors on audio. Though looking and sounding not a bit like Hartnell, even in wig and costume, Hurndall gives a charming and dignified alternative version of the First Doctor that honours Hartnell and his contribution to the legacy. As such, Hurndall earns his spot in this countdown.
Writer of The Blog of Delights, a review site covering film, TV, cult TV, books and audio. Fan of Dr Who, Bond, X-Men and Marvel. Also the writer of e-book 'Fictional Legends: Doctor Who - the TV Adventures' for Collca.
