Doctor Who: The 5 Best Ninth Doctor Episodes

It's a day many Whovians believed would never come. Fifteen years after departing the role, Christopher Eccleston, The Ninth Doctor, is returning to the world of Doctor Who. Following in the footsteps of many other past Doctors, the actor is gearing up to reprise his role as The Ninth Doctor in a series of twelve audio dramas for Big Finish Productions.

Although Eccleston starred in just thirteen episodes of Doctor Who, he forever claimed his place in Who history by bringing the character back to life after a sixteen-year hiatus, as the first actor to play The Doctor in the 2005 revival. His relationship with the franchise since his departure has been complicated. While he enjoys meeting fans at conventions, Eccleston has shown no interest in returning to the role- until now, of course.

In honour of Eccleston's return to Doctor Who, and the fifteenth anniversary of the series revival, it seems a good time to look back on his past with the series. So, we've compiled a list of the five best Ninth Doctor episodes.

In 'Father's Day', Rose convinces The Doctor to take her to the day her Father, Pete Tyler, was killed in a hit-and-run accident, albeit only after securing a promise that Rose will not intervene with events as they are supposed to unfold. Unfortunately, Rose is unable to resist the urge to save her Father, but her actions cause a paradox that summons the monstrous Reapers, threatening the lives of the guests at a wedding Pete and Jackie are attending, including baby Rose. Realising that the paradox can only be ended with his death, Pete willingly gives up his life, although Rose remains by his side to make sure he does not die alone.

'Father's Day' is memorable for being one of the first episodes to include the concept of fixed time, and teaching Rose the heart-breaking lesson that the past cannot always be changed. Some horrible events are simply meant to be. It is a lesson Rose eventually passes on to an alternate timeline Donna Noble in 'Turn Left', and in a touching throwback, she doesn't let Donna die alone either.