Doctor Who: The Doctor's Regeneration Episodes Ranked Worst To Best

What a wonderfully unexpected treat. And how wonderful that it managed to stay just that: unexpected. So kudos to Steven Moffat for his quickfire proaction in releasing it before those pathetic enough were about to spoil this gem for the rest of us.

Just 25 seconds in and it's like Paul McGann never went away, as he swaggers aboard Cass's hurtling spaceship.

Although the Doctor states "four minutes? That's ages...", it's clearly not enough time for us to get reacquainted. In fact, such was the critical acclaim and positive fan reaction towards McGann's surprise, albeit too brief reprise, an online petition for more live action Eighth Doctor adventures garnered over 20,000 signatures - even McGann himself signed it.

It's therefore hard to rank because had a full-length episode been made, it would doubtless be higher on this list. Moreover, Russell T Davies' own take on Eight's regeneration teases a visually epic sendoff.

Even with the numerous and excellent Eighth Doctor audio dramas, McGann's popular incarnation will always have an asterisk next to it, with the additional comment being: What if? Such musings are instantly stirred even when he's starring in a trailer for a different TV show. Spot the TARDIS reference in that one.

Goodbye Doctor, for now. Hello the Doctor's greatest secret: John Hurt is the War Doctor. Enough said really.