As Doctor Who legend Tom Baker celebrates his 90th birthday, we had to mark the occasion in style – with some rare and newly released photos of the man himself.

Advertisement

Last year, Baker, who famously played the Fourth Doctor, celebrated Doctor Who's 60th anniversary with Radio Times magazine, opening up in an interview and posing for photos.

Now, we can exclusively share five more portraits from that shoot, which show Baker suited up and draped in a replica of his iconic Fourth Doctor scarf.

Tom Baker in a replica of his Fourth Doctor scarf, standing up
Yoshitaka Kono

To date, Baker remains the longest-serving Doctor, playing the Time Lord from 1974 to 1981. His incarnation is instantly recognisable, with fans still deeply invested in his Doctor and characters from his era.

Just recently, Louise Jameson starred in a short written and directed by Pete McTighe, which saw her character Leela leaving the battlefield of the Time War and returning to the TARDIS to reunite with Baker's Fourth Doctor.

Tom Baker in a replica of his Fourth Doctor scarf, holding his hands out
Tom Baker Yoshitaka Kono for Radio Times
Tom Baker sitting on a chair smiling at the camera
Tom Baker Yoshitaka Kono

Speaking to Radio Times a few months before his 90th birthday, Baker said: "Nobody failed as Doctor Who, did they?" adding: "Well, we mustn't be ungenerous to anyone. But certainly I didn't."

As for anything he thought the new Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, should know? "Knowing anything is a bit dangerous when you play Doctor Who," he said.

Tom Baker sitting on a chair in a replica of his Fourth Doctor scarf
Tom Baker Yoshitaka Kono
Tom Baker sitting on a chair in a replica of his Fourth Doctor scarf with his hands out
Tom Baker Yoshitaka Kono

"It's better to know nothing. And to be good-natured. The trick is to respond generously to other actors, which halves your task because you don't have to be driving it all the time."

However, he made it clear that a reunion with his fellow Doctors wouldn't be on the cards, saying: "I avoid them, you know. Not with any malice. A degree of contempt, perhaps. But mildly. Mildly contemptuous."

Doctor Who will return in May. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.

Advertisement

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement