January 06, 2026
Doctor Who Magazine travels back to November, as the legendary actor is honoured for his services to television...
After hanging up his scarf in 1981, Tom Baker has since reprised his role of the Fourth Doctor in decades of audio dramas, charity specials, advertisements, and even some unique real-life appearances. Most recently, Tom was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire in November for his services to television; marking the day with his character's iconic costume, and his very own TARDIS.
As Tom Baker celebrates his 92nd birthday in January, Doctor Who Magazine share their perspective of the event in the latest issue — scroll on for an exclusive preview.
Doctor Who Magazine issue 624 is on sale from Thursday 8th January. You can order it here.
This month Tom Baker celebrates his 92nd birthday. In November, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire…
The presentation starts with Tom emerging from the TARDIS, which he is so much associated with. Tom is ushered into the back of the TARDIS. He addresses the gathered crowd, “I’ll be back”. As he enters the TARDIS, it sways a little; things really haven’t changed all these years later.
With Tom in position the Lord-Lieutenant enters and knocks on the door. Never one to miss a laugh, Tom opens the door, looks at the Lord-Lieutenant and closes it as though visitors weren’t welcome, which is met with a roar of laughter from the room. As the Lord-Lieutenant knocks again, Tom emerges magnificently, something he has naturally done countless times over the years. Edward Barham, the owner of Hole Park where the investiture is taking place, shares some of Tom’s achievements, talking about his life and why he is being celebrated. With the speech at an end, Tom is officially presented with his MBE and is given the floor once again. Rather than talking about himself, Tom plays to the crowd.
“Thanks for popping in!” he says, “I’ve enjoyed the route here, not that I have much of a sense of direction.”
Ever the jobbing actor he jokes that he has been offered two roles already that day since receiving his honour. It becomes apparent that even those in high office are fans of Tom…
Read the full feature in the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine.
In this issue:
- This month TOM BAKER will celebrate his 92nd birthday. Join his family, friends and dignitaries on the day he was awarded an MBE for his services to television.
- An interview with The War Between the Land and the Sea star RUSSELL TOVEY. Now the series has aired he talks further about playing Barclay – ambassador for the whole of humanity!
- PETE McTIGHE, writer and executive producer of The War Between, shares his production diary…
- PLUS – an access-all-areas look at the production of this spectacular spin-off series.
- Destination: Daleks! Join Fifth Doctor PETER DAVISON and JANET FIELDING (Tegan) as they film a new mini-adventure for the forthcoming Season 21 – The Collection Blu-ray…
- Who Year’s Resolutions! Plans for Doctor Who fans in 2026!
- Back to 2009 – How did fandom react to the casting of Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith?
- We consider the tragedy of Time Lord renegade MORBIUS…
- The second part of our deep dive into the fact and fiction of the epic Third Doctor adventure Doctor Who and the Silurians.
- A brand-new, not-to-be-missed comic strip adventure with the Fifteenth Doctor and Melanie Bush…
Regular features
- GALLIFREY GUARDIAN: News including the latest on the animated CBeebies Doctor Who series.
- Reviews – featuring new audio releases including the Original Television Soundtracks of Series 10 and The War Between the Land and the Sea.
- Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe.
- Prizes to be won – including audio dramas featuring the Daleks and Cybermen!
Doctor Who Magazine issue 624 is on sale from Thursday 8th January. You can order it here.
