David Bradley and Tom Baker

Other notable examples include David Bradley, who played Solomon in Dinosaurs on a Spaceship and the Shansheeth in Death of the Doctor, before taking on the role of the First Doctor in The Doctor Falls. Similarly, Tom Baker, the fourth Doctor, played the Curator in The Day of the Doctor and later in some Big Finish audio plays, demonstrating a deep connection to the role and its factions.

Jo Martin and Others

Jo Martin played Ruth Clayton before becoming the Fugitive Doctor, although her role as the Doctor in disguise does not count within the canonical continuity. This adds another layer of complexity and subterfuge within the series. Other actors like David Anthony, who played Clyde Langer on The Sarah Jane Adventures and later the Eleventh Doctor in Clyde's form, also bring an interesting perspective to the narrative.

The Expansion Beyond Television

When examining the expanded universe of Doctor Who, the list of actors who played in producer outruns is vast. For instance, David Tennant played numerous parts in Big Finish Doctor Who audio plays before becoming the Tenth Doctor. Similarly, David Banks played the Cyber-Leader in multiple TV stories before becoming the Third Doctor. Other names such as Richard E. Grant, who played the Ninth Doctor in the BBCi animated story Scream of the Shalka and a different Doctor in the TV anniversary special parody episode The Curse of Fatal Death, further illustrate the intricate web of alternate continuities and timelines.

Other actors in the Big Finish universe, including David Warner, who played Grisenko in Cold War and a different Third Doctor in Big Finish's Doctor Who Unbound audio plays, add to the rich tapestry of Doctor Who's history. Names like Nick Briggs and Jon Culshaw also expand the narrative, albeit in more niche formats.

The Doctor Who series is a vast and intricate universe, with each actor's journey weaving together to form a compelling narrative. The roles played before and after becoming the Doctor reflect the deep continuity and complex storylines that make the series so rich and beloved.

Conclusion

While Peter Capaldi is a prominent example, he is not the only actor to have played in Doctor Who and then become the Doctor. The series has a long history of actors making the transition, each bringing unique experiences and connections to the role. These explorations of pre-Doctor roles and timelines offer a fascinating look into the Doctor Who universe and its complex continuity.