That successful science fiction series "Dr. Who" - returns to BBC1 early in January in colour for the first time - and with a new doctor for the third time.
The first was William Hartnell, the second Patrick Troughton. Now the third tenant of the police kiosk which was a galaxy of worlds and time is to be Jon Pertwee, well known as a comedian.
I asked him if he was going to give Dr. Who a comedy twist.
"Certainly not!" he replied. "I don't automatically play like comedy these days. I played every kind of character."
It is he, then, bashing his portrayal of the doctor on that of either of his predecessors?
"No. I approached the role with a completely new concept. My doctor is still a bit of a kookie at times, but he is at heart a humanist - he doesn't take sides.
For instance, in one episode, a group whose origins go back before human existence claim the earth. They have eventually to be wiped out and the doctor is very, very upset in spite of the inevitable necessity.
A slightly less publicized side of john's TV career is that he provides the voice of that canine conqueror William the Dalmatian in the well-known Pal dog food commercials.
Caption: This is how you will see Jon Pertwee as Dr. Who and the new BBC TV series.
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