Some time has passed since Clara flew off in search of her own adventures, leaving the Doctor to return to the TARDIS alone. But if there is one thing we know - it’s that the Doctor shouldn’t travel alone! But who has the skills to step into the shoes of Clara Oswald? We’ve crossed the fandom universe to find some characters who might be fit for the job…

Spock

"I'm sorry, Doctor, I have no time to explain this logically."

We think Spock, the half-human, half-Vulcan First Officer of the Starship Enterprise, would be an interesting foil for the Doctor. Both are alien, both have trouble understanding human emotions, and both are extremely intelligent. Spock is used to boldly going where no man has gone before, so a life of adventure aboard the TARDIS should suit him… but could the passionately driven Doctor cope with Spock’s logical approach?

Hermione Granger

Ron, you clever boy…

One of the brightest witches of her age, we think Hermione Granger may just be the perfect companion for the Doctor. She’s more than capable of handling the effects of time travel, having spent a few terms at school using a Time-Turner in order to study as many subjects as she could. She’s a voracious reader, and has a natural curiosity to learn about anything and everything – we reckon her intelligence would give the Doctor a run for his money. While the Doctor may not be the biggest fan of magic, he won’t have any arguments against Hermione’s bravery, determination and resourcefulness, and we don’t think it would take her long to start campaigning for Ood’s rights as well as House Elves’.

Chewbacca

"RWGWGWARAHHHHWWRGGWRWRW!"

As well as his great strength and stature, Chewie is known for his immense loyalty, having been a faithful companion of Han Solo since the smuggler freed him from slavery. He’s certainly not one to shy away from adventure and could prove helpful around the TARDIS with his skills for piloting and mechanical repairs. And with the TARDIS’ telepathic translation field we might finally know what Chewie is saying!

Doc Brown

"Maybe we'll bump into each other some time again in the future… Or in the past."

Doctor Emmett Brown is no stranger to time travel, which let’s face it, stands you in good stead for life in the TARDIS - although when it comes to time machines, Doc usually goes for something a little sportier. Doc’s grasp of the theories, paradoxes and possibilities of time travel would definitely be a bonus for a companion of the Doctor and we know he’s happy to take a risk every now and then (remember when he cheated Libyan terrorists out of stolen plutonium?). But is the TARDIS big enough for two eccentric doctors?

Willow Rosenberg

Now that you mention it, that is witchcraft. Yes, yes, yes. Witchy witchcraft.

Willow is classic companion material - an ordinary girl thrown into extraordinary circumstances. She’s intelligent, reliable and has excellent computer skills, all good news for the Doctor. During her time in Sunnydale she’s proved herself to be brave and able to cope with all sorts of unexpected events. Okay, so one time she got addicted to magic and went evil… but that could happen to anyone, right?

Dr John Watson

"Oh, hi, we just thought we'd come in and wander around your top secret weapons base."