Doctor Who's Elisabeth Sladen dies aged 63

Elisabeth Sladen

I've just seen this news pop up on the BBC tonight. Elisabeth Sladen, who was the star in the Doctor Who spin-off series The Sarah Jane Adventures, has died aged 63. She originally appeared as Doctor Who assistant Sarah Jane Smith in the BBC television sci-fi series between 1973 and 1976, opposite Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker. That part I remember. I haven't watch the Sarah Jane Adventures, but my children do. They will be shocked to hear the news.

Elisabeth Sladen, as Sarah Jane, had quite a following I understand. Her return to the role was well received by fans. She died of cancer. As one person comments on the BBC website "I worked with Elisabeth about 10 months ago on Sarah Jane. She must have been ill at the time, but worked like a pure professional." Cancer is well named. It strikes like a crab and moves seemingly indirectly. Sufferers may appear well but then have a rather quick decline on many occasions. I've witnessed that with relatives and am seeing such in a friend currently. That's why it is often a shock to hear of such deaths if one is not aware of the causes. Elisabeth Sladen leaves a portfolio of work which will no doubt provide entertainment for many years to come.