LONDON (Reuters) - The regenerations of Time Lord Doctor Who were modelled on the "horrifying" side effects of drug-induced trips, according to archived documents published by the BBC.
Doctor Who, an eccentric TV hero who has fearlessly fought Daleks and Cybermen with the help of his Tardis time machine in the shape of a 1950s London police box, has become a classic figure since the show first aired in the 1960s.
The regenerations started in 1966 to allow writers to replace the lead actor. The series recently saw an 11th actor, Matt Smith, take on the role.
A BBC memo outlining the character describes his metaphysical change over the years as a "horrifying experience."
"It as if he has had the L.S.D. drug and instead of experiencing the kicks, he has the hell and dank horror which can be its effect," it says.
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(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; Editing by Steve Addison)
