'Recently, on TV, we saw how the Paul McGann Doctor died - now it's time to find out how he lived.' Steven Moffat

The Eighth Doctor (Paul McGann) is an enthusiastic figure who explores the universe for the sheer love of it: though always ready to tackle problems when they arise, he relies on brilliant improvisation rather than elaborate plans.

He is passionate, direct, sympathetic and emotionally accessible, yet this is balanced by occasional feelings of self-doubt and weariness of his endless battles against evil.

In this series of full-cast audiobooks, many broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra, he is accompanied on his travels by the feisty and fabulous Lucie Miller, played by Sheridan Smith, Tamsin Drew (Niky Wardley) and, most recently, Molly O'Sullivan, played by Ruth Bradley.