30 greatest Doctor Who companions of all time
By Callum Gunn
28. John Benton
John Benton, was a member of UNIT during, before, and after the third Doctor’s exile on Earth. Rising through the ranks to Warrant Officer Class 1, he held the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major, although there is an argument to suggest that he achieved the rank of Lieutenant later.
Widely forgotten among many Whovians, especially modern-era Whovians, Benton was a very down to earth guy for a military man. Reliable, and with a good head on his shoulders, Benton was uncomplicated.
Benton was one of the most loyal companions The Doctor ever had. He once allowed himself to be knocked unconscious in order to allow The Doctor to escape when he was framed.
A really iconic moment was the famous introduction to the TARDIS scene, a moment that is almost the unofficial anointment of every Doctor Who companion. That moment they enter the TARDIS and exclaim how different in size it is on the inside compared to the outside.
You know what I am talking about.
Benton, however, had a completely different experience. Upon entering, the third Doctor asked him if he would comment on the fact its bigger on the inside than the outside. At which point Benton replied: “Well, it’s pretty obvious, isn’t it?”