Tigilinus was a minister and favourite of the emperor Nero.
The First Doctor, Barbara Wright, and Vicki encountered him in the year 64. When Vicki discovered that Poppaea intended to poison a slave, she switched the glasses and informed the Doctor. Just in time, the Doctor stopped Nero from drinking, informing him it was poisoned. Nero gave the glass to Tigilinus, who drank it and died. (TV: The Romans)
Behind the scenes[]
- History records his name as being Gaius Ophonius Tigellinus, also known as Sophonius Tigellinus; this story's credits spell his name Tigilinus. Alternately, the Target novelisation The Romans uses the spelling Tigillinius.
- His is the first "comedy death" in the show, according to DWM 393.
