Just what the Doctor ordered (1983)
- Publication: The News (Adelaide)
- Date: 1983-04-05
- Author:
- Page: 31
- Language: English
Daleks, Time Lords, the Tardis they're words which fire the imaginations of the kids the world over. But mention the name Tegan and millions of men's eyes light up like rocket fuel.
Janet Fielding may have been breaking time and space barriers since she first appeared as Dr Who's assistant two years ago but her temperature-raising costumes have made sure the BBC children's series is breaking the age barrier too.
In the 20 years since Dr Who first materialised on our TV screens there have been a great many changes as the five earthly faces of the good doctor have tried to save the world from a variety of imminent disasters. Not least has been the length and style of the costumes worn by his 17 female assistants to date.
Janet, the first Australian in the long line of Dr Who's helpers, plays Tegan.
The little Brisbane-born go-getter has at least another year to go in the role, much to the delight of the dads, who avidly watch the series. And with Janet's mixture of spirit and sex appeal, who can blame them?
"You know what men like," says 25-year-old Janet.
"There have been letters from viewers wanting to know why we can't show a bit more leg. Well, we've gone from trousers to short skirts, and now it's shorts with low-cut tops, corsets and bodices.
"And I don't mind telling you they are not the easiest things to run in. I've popped out a couple of times though you won't see that on the screen."
Up until now Dr Who has been basically a family show, but figures show only about 35 per cent of the viewers are youngsters.
"We are moving the image a little more into the adult world," says Janet.
"In the last episode of the current series I'm wearing the smallest mini you can imagine. Dr Who is really into minis. After that, who knows?"
Dr Who will come of age next year in the 37 countries which take the science fiction series.
And Janet, who took over the role from Lalla Ward and was partnered with Tom Baker, just before Peter Davison took over, now admits she told a lie to get the role, which has made her known to 100 million viewers.
"The producer looked me up and down and asked how tall I was. Quick as a flash, I repled in my best Dame Edna voice: 'I'm five feet two, the minimum height for an airline hostess in Australia. I thought about being one once so I had already checked it out.'
"I knew they were looking for an Australian air hostess in the series, and of course I was lying through my teeth- Australian air hostesses had to be much taller. I don't think he believed me, but I got the job."
Caption: Janet Fielding as the stunning Tegan.
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- APA 6th ed.: (1983-04-05). Just what the Doctor ordered (1983). The News (Adelaide) p. 31.
- MLA 7th ed.: "Just what the Doctor ordered (1983)." The News (Adelaide) [add city] 1983-04-05, 31. Print.
- Chicago 15th ed.: "Just what the Doctor ordered (1983)." The News (Adelaide), edition, sec., 1983-04-05
- Turabian: "Just what the Doctor ordered (1983)." The News (Adelaide), 1983-04-05, section, 31 edition.
- Wikipedia (this article): <ref>{{cite news| title=Just what the Doctor ordered (1983) | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Just_what_the_Doctor_ordered_(1983) | work=The News (Adelaide) | pages=31 | date=1983-04-05 | via=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=5 December 2025 }}</ref>
- Wikipedia (this page): <ref>{{cite web | title=Just what the Doctor ordered (1983) | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Just_what_the_Doctor_ordered_(1983) | work=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=5 December 2025}}</ref>
