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Doctor Who

John as Captain Jack Harkness

BBC1
2005-2010, 2020, 2021

When Russell T Davies brought the much-beloved British sci-fi series Doctor Who roaring back to life (and huge ratings) in 2005, he also created a swash-buckling, matinee-idol type character - Captain Jack Harkness. Russell and producer Phil Collinson knew only one man in the UK who would fit that bill! As a huge fan of the show since his childhood, John was thrilled to be offered the chance to be part of this iconic show.

First appearing in the two-parter, "The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances" (Episodes 9 and 10 of the new series), Captain Jack made an immediate impact on viewers, who enjoyed the charm of the flirtatious, omnisexual, Time Agent.

John reprised the role of Captain Jack in the final episodes of the third series and again in David Tennant's final episode as the Tenth Doctor, "Journey's End", in series 4. He made a further appearance in the episode The End of Time in 2010.

After many calls for the character's return, Captain Jack surprised delighted fans by appearing in the episode "Fugitive of the Judoon", which aired in the UK on 26 January 2020. John spoke to Radio Times about the massive secrecy surrounding Jack's return:

A year later, with The Doctor in peril and the Daleks threatening Earth, there was once again the need for Captain Jack to save the day! New Year's Day 2021 brought fans the return of the much-loved character and the chance for him finally to meet the Thirteenth Doctor.

Audience reaction to Captain Jack Harkness had been so positive from the start that, when Russell T Davies developed a spin-off series from Doctor Who, it was with the Captain in mind as the head of Torchwood. The two series, along with a second spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures, aimed at a younger audience, ran alongside and complemented one other.

John with the Tenth Doctor and the rest of the Series 4 cast

David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor with Captain Jack and the other companions


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