Howard Carter (1874-1939)

We have seen Egyptian artefacts in The Pyramids of Mars, but how about a proper take on the Curse of the Pharaohs?

Beginning work in Egypt in the 1890s, aged only 17, Howard Carter was the English archaeologist and Egyptologist famously responsible for the greatest find of them all; the tomb of Tutankhamun. It was Carter who broke through to that inner chamber in 1922 and instantly became a household name because of its contents.

Despite the fact that only eight people actually died within a dozen years of the discovery, there is plenty of opportunity here for some 1920s shenanigans and a few grisly unexplained deaths. Surely there was something alien at work?

For Carter, you would need someone able to convince as a certain sort of Brit abroad. Step forward Rupert Penry Jones (Spooks, Silk).

Florence Nightingale (1820-1910)

The woman who effectively founded the principles of modern nursing became famous during the Crimean War for doing her rounds at night. Florence Nightingale made a massive contribution to the way hospitals are run and kept clean today, battling against typhus, cholera and dysentery.

Could the ‘Lady with the Lamp’ have been on the look out for non-human symptoms too?

Fascinatingly, Nightingale had an objection to having portraits painted or her picture taken. Add in a history of illness in latter half of her life and perhaps it adds up to something more. Either in the Crimea or back home in Blighty, primitive hospitals offer the potential for incubating an alien plague. Might she have had to call for a Doctor to deal with it?

To bring Florence to life, how about casting Gina Bellman (Coupling, Leverage) for a lighter, comic take, or for a more serious version perhaps former Lip Service star Laura Fraser? (She would have to keep away from busy roads though.)

Julius Caesar (100 BC-44 BC)

Though the Doctor has enjoyed a couple of dalliances with the Romans on screen, he has not visited the heart of the Empire since his first incarnation.

Gaius Julius Caesar would surely be a good candidate for an encounter, offering the potential for intrigue and a look at absolute power close up.

With the Emperor apparently plagued with migraines and possibly epilepsy, might he need a house call from a certain Doctor. Described as “tall of stature with a fair complexion, shapely limbs, a somewhat full face, and keen black eyes” could this be a call for Mr Moffat’s old pal James Nesbitt (Cold Feet, Jekyll)?

Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962)

Possibly the greatest film star of all time, we were cheated of a proper Marilyn appearance in the 2010 Christmas Special as the Doctor got involved and with and married the famous movie star off-screen.

Shouldn’t we indulge in a full on adventure with the infamous blonde bombshell, perhaps throwing in JFK for good measure? Alternatively, perhaps one of her husbands such as baseball star Joe DiMaggio or playwright Arthur Miller.

Expect a song and dance number, emotional drama and with some mystery around her death, perhaps the Doctor might be able to provide a happy ending?

If Michelle Williams is out of budget, there is always Susan Griffith who has taken on the role numerous times in shows as diverse as Quantum Leap and Nip/Tuck. Or how about Megan Hilty, star of Sky Atlantic’s musical drama Smash?

Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519)

Despite mentions over the years, and even a visit to his studio in City of Death, we have never seen the Doctor meet this renaissance polymath in person, although his most famous work ‘The Mona Lisa’ has put in an appearance or two.

With Da Vinci’s interests ranging through the arts to all the sciences, there is plenty for a Time Lord get excited over; from studies in human anatomy to enigmatic portraiture and even early designs for both the helicopter and the tank. The artist had the ear of kings and popes too, so as well as his creative skills there is potential for political skulduggery and perhaps the Doctor could put this secret code nonsense to bed too as well.

As an older man, a high profile guest actor such as Patrick Stewart would be great for a sensitive portrayal, or for a younger take maybe the intensity of Ben Chaplin (Mad Dogs).

Which historical figures would you like to see in Doctor Who? Let us know below…

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