The departure of Lis Sladen in 1976 saw the first ‘Who foray into the notion of a ‘themed’ companion, which would prove to be a popular move by the production team and influenced the show until it went off-air in 1989. Leela (1977-78) was a warrior woman, human but from another planet where society had devolved into tribal rule. Yeah yeah. Mainly just an excuse for a sexy woman, Louise Jameson, to run around wearing a scanty leather bikini. However, we will forgive this rather sexist development because, quite frankly dear reader, Leela kicked serious ass.

She was also not the most conventional looking of women, and you can just visualise a modern version of Leela would involve silicone breasts, big capped teeth (*cough* Billie Piper *cough*) and perfectly coiffed hair and make-up. Leela was authentically a bit grubby, skinny and tribal in her movement and expressions. The outfits as well, are sexy in a mid-70s porn kind of way. Revealing, but not particularly enhancing and I spend most of my time watching her wondering if she’s feeling a bit chilly. I mean, Sarah Jane goes scampering back to the Tardis in her bikini in Death to the Daleks (The Doctor promised her a beach holiday, the swine!) but Leela just ploughs on through every situation in her teeny tiny leathers. Atta girl! Occasionally she relented, usually only on Earth though, and picked up some more appropriate clothes for the adventure.

Sadly by the end of her story, the writers dumped on her character from a great height. Her departure involved rapidly falling in love with some guy she’s only just met on the Doctor’s home planet of Gallifrey, shacking up with him and K9 the dog. What? Leela, Warrior Princess does housewife duties? Where did that come from? Thankfully Gallifrey gets destroyed in the Time War just pre the new series, so hopefully Leela went into battle all leathers blazing and redeemed the character we all knew and loved.

Once more, The Doctor was companion-less. But this time, for the first time ever, he would not choose his travelling partner. It would be chosen for him by his own people. Yes, finally the Doctor travels with another Timelord. Well, a lady. Romana (short for Romanadvoratrelundar – cos you would wouldn’t you?) was more of an equal intellectually but, rather like those fresh out of university 1st class honours type people who think they know everything there is to know about the world, was very green when it came to anything out of her comfort zone of education. So we still saw the Universe from the perspective of one like ourselves, which is clearly an important aspect of the show’s success.

Romana (Mark I, 1978-79) was aloof, frosty but a perfect foil for the exuberant, worn-around-the-edges Tom Baker Doctor and remains possibly the most glamorous companion the Doctor ever had. She initially appears in a breathtakingly beautiful white goddess dress and also dons a luxurious feather coat, which I’m almost 100% sure is one of Servalan’s old cast-offs from Series 1 of Blakes 7. That’s a fan fiction I’d like to read.

Frankly her entire season is a masterclass in late Seventies glamour, from the stunning white dress and boots in The Armageddon Factor to the purple velvet ensemble (with covetable jaunty hat) in The Androids of Tara. Not necessarily to everyone’s taste but Mary Tamm looks incredible in everything. Then, she’d look amazing in a used bin liner quite frankly.

When Tamm regenerated into Lalla Ward as Romana (Mark II, 1979-81), she also lost the assured glamour of her predecessor, as well as her haughty demeanour and frosty relationship with The Doctor. Her first costume is a pink version of The Doctor’s. Which is either a stroke of genius or the most unthinkably twee and patronising thing to ever happen to a companion. I still can’t decide which.

Poor Lalla seemed to get the bum end of the deal when it came to her wardrobe throughout her entire tenure in the show. From maternity smocks to Victorian bathing costume to pseudo-riding gear, even a school uniform.

So Doctor, what first attracted you to Romana?

Ah yes. The school uniform. If ever you need an explanation for why Romana Mark II is such a popular companion in the face of her being….how you say…a bit crap, then the heady combination of school uniform and formative male minds and hormones should give you a bit of a clue. By way of explanation of my previous comment about her crapness, I find Lalla Ward’s acting to be atrocious. Dodo was positively Shakespearean compared to her. I’m sure she’s a lovely person, and she was terribly engaging with Tom Baker (mainly because they were bonking by this point) but I just can’t warm to her. And I like all companions. But then, her target audience really was the male of the species. All flicky fine blonde hair, big teeth and kinky outfits – but nothing substantial enough to capture my attention.

Her one saving sartorial grace is the stunningly beautiful dress she wears in Creature from the Pit. But rumour has it the dress was intended for Mary Tamm before pregnancy meant she had to leave, which is why it doesn’t really suit her shape very well. But it is a lovely dress, so she gets one single gold star for that.

And that, dear readers, brings us to the end of the Seventies companions. Lalla borders into the Eighties, but I really don’t want to have to touch on her again, so I will return with: a noble native of Traken, the Mouth on Legs, a fake American, the most unbelievable teenager portrayal in the known universe and……Bonnie Langford.

Oh yes. You have been warned. We’ve already kinda hit the peak. It’s just downhill from now on. But I’ve started now, so I have to finish. Dear god, do I? Really? Yes…..my OCD tells me I must…..*sigh*