Murray Gold

The composer who orchestrated the emotional landscape of modern Doctor Who and beyond.

Murray Jonathan Gold is an English composer and dramatist best known for his work as the musical director and composer of Doctor Who from 2005 to 2017, returning for the series in 2023. Born on 28 February 1969 in Portsmouth, Hampshire, he initially pursued drama before switching focus to music after becoming musical director for the University of Cambridge's Footlights society. A five-time BAFTA nominee, Gold has also scored acclaimed television series such as Queer as Folk, Last Tango in Halifax, and Gentleman Jack, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in British screen music.

Quick Facts

Birth name: Murray Jonathan Gold
Born: 28 February 1969
Birthplace: Portsmouth, Hampshire, England
Occupation: Composer
Years active: 1994–present
Label: Silva Screen

Lore & Background

Gold created a new arrangement of the Doctor Who theme, originally composed by Ron Grainer and Delia Derbyshire. His initial version omitted the "middle eight" portion but reinstated it for the 2005 Christmas episode, which carried into the 2006 series. He composed distinct themes for characters including Rose Tyler, Martha Jones, Donna Noble, the Master, Astrid Peth, and the Daleks, as well as two specific themes for the Doctor: "The Doctor's Theme" and "The Doctor Forever." For the Eleventh Doctor in Series 5 (2010), he introduced new identities like "I Am The Doctor" and "A Madman With A Box," replacing earlier motifs. Gold also composed music for spin-offs, creating theme tunes for The Sarah Jane Adventures and Torchwood (alongside Ben Foster), as well as variations for Totally Doctor Who and Doctor Who Confidential.

Reader's Guide

Gold stepped down as composer in February 2018 after serving since 2005, with Segun Akinola taking over for the eleventh series under executive producer Chris Chibnall. In April 2023, Gold was announced to return as composer for the show's revival through 2025. His return included composing "The Goblin Song" for the 2023 Christmas special "The Church on Ruby Road," which reached Number 1 on the UK iTunes Top Songs chart and peaked at number 12 in the UK Official Singles Chart, with proceeds donated to Children in Need. His work has been celebrated in live concerts, including the Doctor Who Prom at the Royal Albert Hall in 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2024, and "Doctor Who @60: A Musical Celebration" in 2023.

Did You Know?

Gold was nominated for five BAFTAs for Best Original Television Music for Vanity Fair, Queer as Folk, Casanova, and twice for Doctor Who.
He made a cameo appearance wearing a false moustache in the 2007 Christmas special "Voyage of the Damned".
His track "The Goblin Song" reached Number 1 on the UK iTunes Top Songs chart upon release in December 2023.
Gold wrote the radio play Kafka the Musical, which won the 2013 Tinniswood Award for Best Original Radio Drama and starred David Tennant.
He composed the theme tune for the Channel 4 series Shameless.