The world's longest running science-fiction series first aired on British television screens in 1963, running an amazing 26 seasons until its end in 1989. Battling his greatest foes the Daleks, the Cybermen and the Master and plenty more besides, the Time Lord picked up numerous companions along the way - all of whom left in time - and influenced an entire generation of children with its influencial 'peace-not-war' message. / During its long run, the Doctor was played by seven different actors, each time regenerating after death into a different body with a different personality but with all his memories and knowledge intact.