Why the Sixth Doctor wore a coat described as an explosion in a rainbow factory

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Portrayed by Colin Baker, the Sixth Doctor was a radical departure from his predecessors. Intentionally written as abrasive and arrogant, he sported a deliberately tasteless, mismatched costume that defied traditional hero aesthetics. His tenure was defined by internal production conflicts, a controversial trial narrative, and an abrupt, forced departure.

When Colin Baker assumed the role in 1984, producer John Nathan-Turner sought to distinguish this incarnation from the Fifth Doctor. While the previous Doctor was portrayed as vulnerable, the Sixth was designed to be moody, brash, and enigmatic. Baker, who drew inspiration from the character Mr. Darcy, aimed to play a figure who was initially difficult to like but possessed hidden depths. This personality was reflected in his wardrobe; while Baker preferred black velvet, Nathan-Turner insisted on a garish, clashing ensemble that the actor later likened to a disaster at a rainbow manufacturing facility.

The character's introduction was marked by post-regeneration trauma, leading to erratic behavior and a strained relationship with his companion, Peri Brown. This darker tone, coupled with perceived violence, drew frequent criticism. The narrative reached a peak with the 1986 storyline The Trial of a Time Lord, a metafictional arc where the Doctor faced judgment from the High Council. This season was intended to mirror the show's own precarious position at the BBC, as executives like Michael Grade openly disliked the series and sought to cancel it to reallocate funds.

Behind the scenes, the production was fraught with tension. Following the transmission of the trial storyline, Grade demanded Baker be terminated, citing unpopularity. Baker, who had signed a four-year contract, was deeply dissatisfied with his treatment. After refusing to return solely to film a brief regeneration scene, he proposed a final season to conclude his character's arc properly, but the BBC never responded. Despite this, a 1988 internal survey later revealed that audiences viewed his performance as moderately popular, and Baker eventually returned to the role decades later in audio dramas and a 2022 television cameo.

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