Michael Herbert from Mossley is teaching lessons about the Timelord, Daleks and the Tardis in an evening course at Aquinas College in Stockport.
The son of Patrick Troughton, who was Michael’s favourite Doctor, wrote to him to say his late father would be fully behind it and Anneke Wills, who played the Doctor’s sidekick Polly in the 1960s, called him to add her support.
Patrick’s son Michael, who appeared in the show in December last year, said: “I know my dad would be very honoured if not a little amazed to be included in such a course.
“Doctor Who still survives today, stronger and just as popular as ever. In fact I was so pleased to be able to fulfil a childhood dream and appear in the Christmas special last year.
“What an emotional experience that was. Good luck with the course and here is to another 50 years of exploring time and space.”
Patrick, who played Doctor Who between 1966 and 1969, is studied as part of the 12-week course’s curriculum alongside other Doctors, sidekicks, characters and producers.
It will also look at why the show was taken off air in 1989 and then returned in 2005 to become hugely popular again.
Some classic episodes will also be viewed during lessons, which take place every Tuesday at the Nangreave Road college from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Michael said:
“It is not a totally serious course - it is a leisure course for people to take part in and enjoy.
“It is a hugely popular show watched around the world and a big part of British culture. Even if you don’t watch the show you know what a Dalek is.
“It has evolved over the years and has had an audience of millions. I usually lecture at the college about trade unions and women’s history.
“This is a bit of a departure and an antidote to the serious stuff.”
Anyone interested in the course can call Aquinas College on 483 3237
