Doctor Who icon Tom Baker was "astonished" to receive huge honour at the age of 90
Baker was made an MBE in the 2025 New Year Honours.
Fourth Doctor star and all-round Doctor Who icon Tom Baker was made an MBE at the age of 90 in the 2025 New Year Honours list, receiving the honour at an investiture in November.
Many fans were surprised to learn Baker hadn't already been honoured, and felt it was long overdue. However, in an interview from the day, the star himself revealed he was astonished to receive it.
Speaking with Doctor Who Magazine for this month's latest issue, Baker said "you bet I was" when asked whether he was surprised to receive the MBE.
"I was astonished," he continued. "I think it is good to be astonished, particularly at my age. It amused me greatly."
Baker had the MBE pinned to his lapel on the day of the interview, and when asked whether he ever plans to take it off, he laughed and said: "Not a chance."
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As he received the MBE, Baker donned his iconic Fourth Doctor costume, complete with the signature striped scarf.
The star, now 91, also shared a message with RadioTimes.com shortly after the investiture, saying: "It was a real honour to receive the MBE from Lady Colgrain, representing His Majesty, in the same way as it was a real honour for me to play Doctor Who for all those years.
"It never ceases to amaze me how fondly people remember me 34 years after my last adventure in the TARDIS and I found it hard to believe it was so long ago when I found myself back in the TARDIS last week, with my beloved scarf around my neck!"
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Baker's run as the Doctor lasted between 1974 and 1981, while he returned for Children in Need special Dimensions in Time in 1993.
In 2023, Baker spoke with Radio Times in conjunction with the show's 60th anniversary, where he said that he avoids the other actors who have played the Doctor.
"Not with any malice," he added. "A degree of contempt, perhaps. But mildly. Mildly contemptuous."
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
