The Tenth Doctor

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Narratively, the Tenth Doctor is characterized by his outwardly charming nature and distinct Estuary English accent. David Tennant revealed that a scripted line explaining he imprinted on Rose Tyler's accent like 'a chick hatching from an egg' was cut from 'The Christmas Invasion'. He adopted two catchphrases: 'allons-y' (French for 'let's go') and 'molto bene' (Italian for 'very good'), with the former coined by Langston Mooney Ganesh. His appearance includes dark brown hair styled in a spiked-up fashion described by Wilfred Mott as a 'modern style sort of hair. All sticky-uppy', along with a light brown faux-suede duster coat he claimed was given to him by Janis Joplin. In the audiobook 'The Last Voyage', this incarnation states he is not neurotypical. Costume Designer Louise Page cited his pinstripe suit and Converse trainers as her most proud creation, noting the look was inspired by an outfit Jamie Oliver wore on Parkinson.

In Their Own Story

The Tenth Doctor first appeared for 20 seconds at the end of 'The Parting of the Ways' before his full debut in the 2005 Christmas Special, 'The Christmas Invasion', where he defeated the Sycorax and regrew a lost hand. In 2006's 'School Reunion', he reunited with Sarah Jane Smith and K9, while also taking Mickey Smith as a companion. The series saw the creation of Torchwood in 'Tooth and Claw' and tragic separation from Rose Tyler and Mickey in 'Doomsday'. Donna Noble first appeared in the closing scene of that episode, reuniting with the Doctor in 'The Runaway Bride' to save Earth from the Racnoss. In 2007's third series, he traveled with Martha Jones, encountering the Face of Boe who prophesied 'you are not alone' in 'Gridlock'. The Master returned as Prime Minister in 'Utopia', leading to a three-episode arc where the Doctor was aged and eventually defeated by infusing himself with psychic energies. By the 2008 finale, 'Journey's End', he parted ways with all companions.

Reader's Guide

Fans should note that while the Tenth Doctor often attempted to travel alone after 'Journey's End', his final adventure in 'The End of Time' featured Donna's grandfather Wilfred Mott. His tenure included guest spots in 'The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith' and appearances in animated serials like 'The Infinite Quest' and 'Dreamland'. The 2013 special 'The Day of the Doctor' marked a significant return, followed by his transformation into the Fourteenth Doctor for three 60th anniversary specials in 2023. His costume varied slightly, with Tennant changing button combinations on his jacket between episodes. He also wore dark tortoise-shell rectangular glasses, an affectation borrowed from the Fifth Doctor, which became a signature accessory despite appearing in only one story originally. The character was chosen to be 'slim and a little bit foxy' to attract attention for the revived series.

Did You Know?

• David Tennant dropped his natural Scottish accent because Russell T Davies wanted to avoid another obvious regional sound.
• The phrase 'allons-y' was coined by Langston Mooney Ganesh and paid tribute in the first episode of Torchwood.
• Tennant's costume inspiration came from an outfit Jamie Oliver wore on Parkinson just after Tennant took the role.
• The Tenth Doctor claimed his duster coat was given to him by Janis Joplin, though this is a character claim within the narrative.
• In 2023, David Tennant returned to the role, but as the fourteenth incarnation of the Doctor.