Doctor Who debuted on November the 23rd, 1963 - the day after the assassination of American President John F. Kennedy - and a cult phenomenon was born.

This longest running sci-fi show, yes it beats out Star Trek for that honour, centres around an alien who calls himself 'the Doctor'. A Time Lord from the planet of Gallifrey, found in the constellation of Kasterborous, who travels through time and space in his TARDIS - which stands for 'Time And Relative Dimension In Space'. This machine hidden in the guise of a Police Box is much bigger inside than out.

Originally conceived as a children's' show, that combined science fiction with historical stories, Doctor Who has evolved over the decades to become a varied and much beloved show for all ages.

When the first actor to portray the Doctor decided to leave after three years the producers can up with an ingenious way to continue. It was decried that all Time Lords had thirteen lives, twelve chances of getting it right, and when the current body became too old or injured than it just regenerated into a new one. Same mind and memories just a different appearance and personality.

Every fan has their favourite Doctor and many a heated debate has arisen over which one is better! So far eight actors have played the Doctor, introducing their own personal quirks and nuances to an already complex character.

Joining the Doctor in his travels are his many companions. Mainly from Earth, and usually female, these people are officially to keep the Doctor company but are really there to represent the viewer. Although they do spend a lot of time screaming, spraining things during important moments and asking inane questions, but let's face it could we have done any better?

Apart from a brief eighteen month hiatus in 1985 Doctor Who's continuous run came to an end in 1989 when the BBC declared the falling popularity of one of their greatest money earners as reason enough to pull the plug. A decision that every fan worldwide cannot fathom to this day.

In 1996 there was a brief hope that a joint British-American film would re-ignite the fires and give birth to another television series but, alas, that wasn't to be.

Fear not, though, that the Doctor is dead! Better enemies than the BBC have tried and failed. Since 1989 the show has flourished in a variety of forms like: the Doctor Who magazine, comic strips, the Virgin and BBC novels, audio adventures courtesy of Big Finish and, of course, because of the many fans. Whether its a couple of mates dressing up and prancing about in front of a camcorder or writing their heart out in a fanfic, like you are about to read here, the Doctor lives.

Larger than life and twice as inquisitive he has never gone away and he can never die because we, the fans, won't let him!