10 Shocking Doctor Who Characters Who Refused to Become Companions!

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It might surprise you to learn that certain characters from “Doctor Who” have refused the Doctor’s invitation to travel in the TARDIS. While the most memorable companions are often characterized by their intelligence, resilience, vulnerability, and above all, compassion, there are individuals who possess these qualities but choose not to embark on journeys through time and space with the Doctor.

In “Doctor Who’s” classic period, such events were not common. This might be because the narratives during those serials were less complex than today, and characters who appeared only once were intended to stay that way. Even long-standing companions and new faces have declined the Doctor’s offer to travel with him, and each had their own motives for doing so.

10. Donna Noble

Christmas 2006 – “The Runaway Bride”

Among all the Doctor Who companions, Donna Noble stands out as one of the most eager and enthusiastic ones. It might seem strange to recall that she initially refused the Doctor’s invitation. Following the Doctor’s encounter with Donna on her disastrous wedding day in the Doctor Who Christmas special titled “The Runaway Bride,” the Time Lord extends an invitation for her to join the TARDIS. This moment catches us off guard, considering the Doctor had just lost Rose Tyler a mere few hours prior to this conversation with Donna, but it goes on to prove that they were destined to travel together.

As a film enthusiast reflecting on Donna’s character evolution over nearly two decades, it’s surprising to see her turn down the Doctor back then. But when she reappears in “Partners in Crime,” a fitting title for their partnership, it becomes evident that she regrets her initial decision. In fact, not only does Donna herself come to this realization, but even the universe seems to concur, ultimately leading to the creation of the DoctorDonna.

9. Captain Jack Harkness

Season 3, Episode 13 – “Last Of The Time Lords”

Even though Captain Jack Harkness often journeys with the Doctor, he chooses to reject the Time Lord on several occasions. After the Master’s oppressive rule as Prime Minister in “The Last of the Time Lords,” Jack recognizes what truly matters. Before their reunion, Jack assumes leadership over Torchwood Three in Cardiff. Despite the actions of Torchwood One during season 2, the ex-time agent works diligently to improve his branch, with the Doctor always in mind. In the end, Jack believes that Gwen, Tosh, Ianto, and Owen require his presence more than the Doctor does.

It’s unfortunate that Jack declined, given how well he and Martha seem to connect in season 3’s final episodes. Fortunately, she reappears in some episodes of Torchwood season 2. If this encounter hadn’t happened, we would have missed the revelation that Jack Harkness from Doctor Who is none other than the Face of Boe – a surprising fact that left both the Doctor, Martha, and the viewers equally astounded.

8. Grace Holloway

The Doctor Who 1996 TV Movie

In the final installment of the trilogy of Doctor Who films, Grace Holloway’s screen time was limited. Consequently, it was not typical for her to accept the Eighth Doctor’s offer to travel in the TARDIS with him. However, given the circumstances at the end of the film, it’s somewhat unexpected that she doesn’t join him. After all, Grace aids the Doctor in saving the world from the Tremas Master on New Year’s Eve, and the Time Lord extends an invitation to her for travel. Remarkably, Grace’s reaction to the Doctor’s proposal differs from other characters who decline his offer.

Instead of providing the Doctor with a reason for her refusal to accompany him, she instead proposes that he should join her instead. This exchange leads to their first on-screen romantic kiss, which marked a significant moment in the series “Doctor Who,” as it was the first instance of such intimacy between the Time Lord and his companion. This development played a major role in shaping the post-2005 reboot’s approach to relationships within the show.

7. Petronella Osgood

Season 9, Episode 8 – “The Zygon Inversion”

One character I deeply wished would have accepted the Doctor’s invitation was Petronella Osgood, the former scientific advisor to UNIT in the series ‘Doctor Who.’ Following the occurrences of “The Zygon Inversion,” Osgood hesitantly inquired about the meaning of TARDIS from the Twelfth Doctor. The Doctor could see her curiosity towards the blue box, and when he invited her aboard, she seemed torn for a brief moment. It’s obvious that she was tempted, but in the end, she chose to remain.

Osgood herself admits she yearns to be with him and Clara above all else, but she has a globe to protect and a couple of items to monitor. Still, she’s not by herself; Zygon Bonnie mimics her appearance and steps in for the other Osgood twin who was taken by Missy. Yet, Osgood trusts Clara will look after the Doctor, as they exchange farewells while discussing this.

6. Joan Redfern

Season 3, Episode 9 – “The Family Of Blood”

Following John Smith transforming back into the Tenth Doctor and vanquishing the Family of Blood, the quaint village where the Time Lord and Martha Jones sought refuge in 1913 was left in shambles, both emotionally and physically. Despite finding himself in a tricky predicament, the Doctor, having unwittingly allowed his human persona to fall for the school’s nurse, Joan Redfern, extends an invitation to her to travel with him on the TARDIS.

In this instant, I’m slightly irritated, particularly because it appears as though the Doctor hasn’t considered Joan’s feelings towards Martha in his actions. However, it seems plausible that the Doctor is moved by the sorrow Joan has endured, even if he might not realize that inviting her along could potentially cause more pain than good. Interestingly, despite this, Joan declines the invitation herself. Given the peril associated with the TARDIS, it’s likely for the best that she did so. Fortunately, the Doctor eventually learns through Joan’s great-granddaughter that she led a contented life.

5. Perkins

Season 8, Episode 8 – “Mummy On The Orient Express”

Character Perkins from the episode “Mummy on the Orient Express” (season 8) is a humorous figure with great potential as a companion, due to his sarcastic nature, ability to highlight the obvious, quick-wit, and uncanny knack for predicting logical outcomes without being asked. In fact, he catches the Twelfth Doctor off guard when delivering essential information in lightning fast speed. Furthermore, Perkins demonstrates his competence within the TARDIS, identifying technical issues with the Doctor’s spacecraft.

When the Doctor hints to Perkins that he could fix the problem, effectively inviting him, Perkins declines. Instead, Perkins says, “A task like that could alter a person,” which the Doctor understandingly agrees with. In the end, they go their separate ways. It’s unfortunate that the Doctor doesn’t press the issue further, but given his understanding of the perils of his lifestyle and how not everyone who travels with him in the TARDIS returns home safely, it’s no surprise he lets Perkins be.

4. Mickey Smith

Season 1, Episode 5 – “World War Three”

Initially, Mickey, who was Rose’s intermittent boyfriend, declined the Ninth Doctor’s offer to join the TARDIS crew. Following the events of “World War Three,” Mickey became increasingly wary of the Doctor due to his perceived danger. For an entire year, he had to defend himself against accusations and try to convince the police that he hadn’t harmed Rose. Despite being glad she was alive, the incidents following her return only reinforced Mickey’s doubts about the Time Lord.

The strangeness of Mickey’s refusal becomes even more puzzling, given their complicated dynamic in “Doctor Who.” Although their relationship has its flaws, one might expect Mickey to prioritize Rose’s safety if he truly cares about her, as the Doctor does. Interestingly, Mickey himself requests the Doctor to conceal his reservations about the TARDIS lifestyle from Rose. It’s worth noting that not everyone is cut out for traveling with the Doctor, and by season 2, when Mickey joins the Tenth Doctor and Rose in the TARDIS, he seems better equipped for the challenges ahead.

3. River Song

Season 7, Episode 5 – “The Angels Take Manhattan”

A particularly poignant instance of the Doctor being rejected occurs in ‘The Angels Take Manhattan.’ Although River Song is recognized as a suitable companion, Doctor Who’s River Song doesn’t usually travel with the Doctor regularly. However, when the Eleventh Doctor asks River to permanently join him following Amy and Rory’s departure in ‘The Angels Take Manchester,’ she declines. The Doctor requests this after River emphasizes that he shouldn’t travel alone, but she feels it shouldn’t be her.

River is deeply anguished because she can’t be with her parents again, but she’s also accustomed to the bittersweet realities that come with traveling in the TARDIS. She just has to persevere. Fortunately, the Doctor doesn’t stay alone for long. After spending time with the Paternoster Gang, he meets Clara Oswald.

2. Martha Jones

Season 4, Episode 6 – “The Doctor’s Daughter”

Martha Jones serves as another companion to the Doctor on his travels, but eventually chooses not to rejoin him inside the TARDIS. At the conclusion of season 3, she departs the TARDIS due to a tragic family situation; during the Year That Never Was, the Master had cruelly tormented her loved ones. Nevertheless, the events of Doctor Who’s fourth season and Torchwood’s second season demonstrate that Martha’s life thrives following her departure from the Doctor.

Despite having a greater opportunity to join the Doctor following “The Doctor’s Daughter,” Martha’s time with him helps her understand the importance of prioritizing. Though his offer is enticing, as it would be for anyone, Martha recognizes that she has a family and fiancé who still rely on her. Consequently, Martha decides she doesn’t have to rejoin the TARDIS again to prove herself; being treated as second best is no longer a concern, especially with Donna around.

1. Sarah Jane Smith

Season 2, Episode 3 – “School Reunion”

If it weren’t for Sarah Jane turning down the Doctor in “School Reunion,” we wouldn’t have had the TV spinoff series The Sarah Jane Adventures. In this episode, the Tenth Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith reconnect after many years apart. At first, tensions are high due to Rose’s jealousy and disagreements between the two women. However, they eventually bond over the Doctor’s peculiarities and the intricacies of navigating time and space within the TARDIS.

In a touching moment during an episode of Doctor Who, Sarah Jane mentions she’s ready for a bigger journey ahead. She feels it’s time to move on, break free from waiting for the Doctor and start her own life. Remarkably, their conversation revolves around grandchildren, which seems to hint at her future role as Luke and Sky’s mother in The Sarah Jane Adventures.

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2025-05-02 12:39