F is for... Frobisher

John Frobisher was the Permanent Secretary to the Home Office, who was called upon to deal with the 456 crisis. These were a race of alien creatures who had visited the UK in the 1950's, when they had forced the government of the day to hand over a number of children to them. Captain Jack Harkness had been involved in this operation. In 2009, the 456 made contact once again, by which time Frobisher was the government liaison with Torchwood 3. He was ordered to cover up the government's previous involvement with the aliens, by any means necessary. This meant that those who were still alive were hunted down by a special forces assassination team. Captain Jack had an explosive planted inside his body, which destroyed the Cardiff Hub when it detonated. Frobisher was then made ambassador to the 456, instructed to prepare for their arrival. He was given instructions on building a huge atmosphere chamber for their delegate, who was beamed down from space. This time the 456 wanted millions of children, as they had become addicted to chemicals produced by human youngsters. Frobisher realised that he would be made a scapegoat by the government for this, and when he found out that his own daughters were not exempt from the selection process he elected to kill them, and then himself. Had he waited just a little longer his children would have been safe, as Jack was able to expel the creatures, though at the cost of his own grandson.

Played by: Peter Capaldi. Appearances: Torchwood: Children of Earth (2009).

• Life-long fan Capaldi had guest starred the year before in Doctor Who as Caecilius in The Fires of Pompeii. He then went on to play the 12th Doctor, like you didn't know already.