Doctor Who's big guest stars: Famous faces in the TARDIS

Over the years, Doctor Who has attracted some remarkable guest stars. But does casting a famous face necessarily make an episode better? This week, Christian Cawley and Brian A. Terranova explore the programme's history of celebrity casting, from established stars making special appearances to relatively unknown actors who went on to become household names. What separates a genuine celebrity guest appearance from an actor who simply became famous later? And how much difference does a recognisable name make to the success of a story? The conversation takes in some of the biggest names to appear in modern Doctor Who , including John Hurt, Kylie Minogue and Anthony Head, alongside performers such as Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Tom Ellis, whose careers developed considerably after their appearances. There's also the question of whether a guest star should disappear into their character or whether their celebrity status is part of the attraction... As ever, Christian and Brian bring their own perspectives, memories and occasional disagreements to a discussion about Doctor Who , television and the actors who make it memorable. Who is your favourite Doctor Who guest star? And which famous appearance didn't quite work for you? Let us know what you think! Support Kasterborous Enjoyed the conversation? Support Kasterborous on Patreon for extended video editions, additional discussions and exclusive content. Support Kasterborous on Patreon Kasterborous is presented by Christian Cawley and Brian A. Terranova, bringing you conversations about Doctor Who , science fiction, classic television and popular culture.