BBC Doctor Who: Step Back in Time: Introducing K-9!

BBC Doctor Who

As we look forward to the return of K-9 in The Sarah Jane Adventures, it seems appropriate to celebrate the anniversary of his very first story.

On Saturday, 1 Oct, 1976, an adventure called The Invisible Enemy began. It's chiefly remembered for the introduction of K-9 who first appeared in episode two. The character was a metal dog, made by Professor Marius to replace his 'flesh and blood' canine companion on Earth. But K-9 was also built to assist with his projects on the far flung asteroid where he worked. Therefore, this machine was a talking, multi-purpose mobile computer, armed to the teeth, or more accurately, the nose, and more importantly, complete with a slightly tetchy but charismatic personality.

K-9 proved a huge hit with viewers and when the Doctor bid farewell to Marius in episode 4, the Professor gave him K-9. This first version travelled in the TARDIS until episode 6 of The Invasion of Time. When the Doctor's companion, Leela, remained on Gallifrey, K-9 stayed on the Doctor's home planet with her. However, K-9 mark II was quickly introduced and stayed by the Doctor's side until Warrior's Gate. Mark III was a gift to Sarah Jane Smith from the Doctor and the latest version first appeared in the Tenth Doctor adventure, School Reunion.

Fans of K-9 can see him back in the new series of The Sarah Jane Adventures (starting Monday, 11 October) but in the meantime, here's his very first appearance...