FIFTY years ago this weekend the first episode of Doctor Who was broadcast. You may have noticed that there has been a certain amount of broadcast time and column inches devoted to that over the last few weeks.

Clearly this was an event that has had an impact on my life and I little thought when I was watching that very first episode in the flat I shared with several other law students in London back then (I was destined for a different career) that William Hartnell’s crotchety, impatient character, petulantly grasping his lapels, would be one that I was destined to assume two decades later.

It was my intention at that time to right wrongs in a less dramatic way.

Objective hindsight gives a different view of those years than I had at the time. For me 1983 to 1986 was perhaps the best, most enjoyable time of my career.

I was part of something that, even in those more turbulent days in the history of the programme, was held in great affection by the majority of the viewing public.

Without a screen test or audition, I had been offered the role by the producer and felt enormously empowered by that. Immersed in the day to day business of making the programme, I was at the time unaware that behind the scenes there were problems and that the BBC management of the day were by no means as inordinately proud of the show as they demonstrably are now. Indeed they seemed intent on killing it off.

Timing is everything as everyone knows. I got the best job on television at perhaps the worst time.

The end result is that my era is sadly viewed with less favour than others and, of course, that hurts. As Shylock memorably said ‘If you prick us, do we not bleed?’ And the current interest in the programme invites commentators to draw up lists, around the bottom of which the poor old Sixth Doctor languishes unloved, it seems.

All I can say is that I did my best with the hand that I was dealt and wish that we had had the support, budgets and pride that is lavished on the programme now.

I am consoled by one thing though. I look at all the other actors who have played the part and am proud that I was considered to be good enough to join that illustrious group.