The role of Harriet Jones was specifically written for Wilton by Doctor Who writer and executive producer Russell T Davies, with whom she had previously worked on Bob and Rose (ITV, 2001). Jones is introduced in the 2005 episode "Aliens of London", as a modest and unassuming backbench MP for the fictional constituency of Flydale North.  After Christopher Eccleston's departure from the series' lead role, Davies was eager to include elements of the 2005 season in that year's Christmas special, Tenth Doctor David Tennant's first full episode, to reassure viewers discomfited by the sudden change of lead actor. To this end, he and producer Phil Collinson secured the return of Wilton's character, now promoted to the role of Prime Minister. A running gag associated with the character is that Jones always introduces herself by flashing an identity card and stating her name and position, since her original constituency is a "tiny little place" no one has heard of. Despite becoming Prime Minister (and still afterwards as well) she continues to do this, to which the series' characters and even alien races such as the Daleks and Sycorax are always forced to respond: "Yes, [I/we] know who you are." As is common with the portrayal of fictional politicians on British television, Harriet Jones's political party is not stated, although she does say that she is not one of the "babes", "just a faithful back-bencher." The only indication given of her political views is that she voted against the Iraq War.

Harriet sadly died at beginning of Journeys End.

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