Ian was one of the First Doctor's companions. Like Barbara Wright, Ian Chesterton was a teacher at Coal Hill School, teaching History.  His curiosity about Susan Foreman's extraordinary knowledge led him and colleague Barbara Wright to investigate the girl.

Along with his colleague, Barbara Wright, Ian followed Susan home in an attempt to find out more about her, and found himself in the Tardis (A).

Amongst his journeys, he showed Za how to make fire, and met the Daleks and Marco Polo.  He was accused of murder on Marinus, he then went on to meet the Aztecs, and the Sensorites.  He became temporarily miniaturized to ant size, then helped to rescue Vicki, and was captured by Roman slave traders.

Ian proved a brave and intelligent adventurer, whether he was fighting for his life against an Aztec warrior or dealing with the Zarbi on Vortis

He was even knighted by Richard the Lionheart during the twelfth century (P).

He was both brave and thoughtful, but, when roused, could be very headstrong. His relationship with the Doctor could probably best be described as suspicious respect - he didn't trust the Doctor, but knew that the Doctor's scientific abilities were far beyond his own.

Ian and The Doctor were frequently at odds, especially during their early adventures, but developed a mutual respect and affection, though The Doctor often masked this by pretending that he couldn't remember Ian's name, frequently calling him "Chatterton".

When he and Barbara Wright found they could return to contemporary Earth via a Dalek time capsule, they left the Doctor and Vicki, heading back to a normal life at home (R).

Russell William Enoch - who also works under the name William Russell - was born on 19 November 1924 and became interested in acting at the age 8, after playing the Mock Turtle in a school production of "Alice in Wonderland" .

He was involved in organising entertainments during his national service in the Royal Air Force and then, after university, went into repertory theatre. He appeared in "Hamlet" in London's West End and won a number of film roles, usually as a dashing hero. Notable TV work followed in "The Adventures of Sir Lancelot" for ITV and "Nicholas Nickleby" and "David Copperfield" for the BBC, shortly after which he was cast as Ian Chesterton in "Doctor Who".

He was first billed under the stage name William Russell in the Norman Wisdom vehicle "One Good Turn".

After Doctor Who, he returned to theatre, and to TV. He later continued a successful acting career, particularly in the theatre, and for a time held a senior post in the actor's union, Equity. Ian appeared in the late 80's as a regular character in ITV Series "Coronation St. ".In recent years he has been a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
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