For Tom Baker to bring the Fourth Doctor out of "retirement", THE HORNETS' NEST must very special; What did it take for this to happen, and what were your expectations of the five "episodes"?

The project was Born in Escargot one lunchtime last year. I hope the fans will like it and that there will be more adventures.

We've had the DOCTOR WHO "dream team" of the Doctor/Assistant: combinations of Christopher Eccleston/Billie Piper and then David Tennant/Catherine Tate; what can we expect of BBC AUDIO's new "dream team" of Tom Baker/Richard Franklin?

I don't know. Whenever Franklin made a gesture I glanced ravenously at his palm but it was inscrutable.

Since leaving WHO, have you had a "career plan" or have opportunities simply arisen?

No. Since I was born plans have always gone awry. And now I take things one minute at a time. I don't even buy green bananas.

I interviewed you for EYE OF HORUS fan-magazine (Theatre Royal York during the tour of EDUCATING RITA) twenty-seven years ago. If Tom Baker of 2009 could tell Tom Baker of 1982 some "words of wisdom" based on the intervening years activity what would they be?

I think that was the happiest time ever in the theatre. Kate Fitzgerald was just sublime; I think of her so often and with such tender memories. I'm all memories now, no wisdom, just hope.

Thank you, Tom, for your time in replying.

You're welcome.

In addition, our thanks to BBC AUDIO for arranging the Q & A 2009.

Read the review of DOCTOR WHO - HORNETS' NEST