Graeme MacDonald - then BBC Head of Drama Series - thought casting Peter Davison as Doctor Who was “genius” and something no one other than JNT would have thought of; It’s a brilliantly counterintuitive but clearly *exactly right* & ultimately hugely influential piece of casting.

It changed the sort of actor people could imagine in the part as much as the casting of Eccleston did, almost as much as Whittaker has. It broadened what the show could do, who its lead could be. And Davison is always brilliant. Even in scenes & stories where he feels he wasn’t.

Because he’s too good a leading actor not to. Watch the opening of The Visitation some time. See how much character and texture he brings to what on the page is a one note ‘TARDIS bitching’ scene. Or his silent solo exploration of the ship in Four to Doomsday. He’s wonderful.

Casting Peter Davison is one the most important moments in the history, and yes the *future* history of Doctor Who. We wouldn’t be where we are without him. We were lucky to have him. So happy birthday to my Doctor. And thanks for what you did for us kids.