The actress Jean Marsh has died at the age of 90.

Jean Marsh appeared in three different roles in Doctor Who, including as short-time companion to the first Doctor, Sara Kingdom.

She is best known for co-creating and starring in the London Weekend Television series Upstairs Downstairs. 

She was the first wife of Third Doctor Jon Pertwee.  

Marsh was born in Stoke Newington, London, England. As a child, she studied acting and mime, later working as a cabaret singer and photo model.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Marsh made many appearances on British and American television including an episode of The Twilight Zone called "The Lonely" (1959), in which she played Alicia, a very lifelike and attractive female robot; The Wonderful World of Disney (1961); Gideon's Way (1965); I Spy (1967); The Saint (4 episodes between 1964 and 1968); and UFO.

In 1965, she appeared in Doctor Who alongside William Hartnell in The Crusade, playing Joanna, the sister of King Richard the Lionheart. She returned later that year as companion Sara Kingdom in nine episodes of the 12-part serial The Daleks' Master Plan. He third appearance in the series came in 1989 when she played Morgaine: in the seventh Doctor story Battlefield. 

In 1970, along with actress Eileen Atkins, she created the British period drama Upstairs, Downstairs. The series detailed the lives of the wealthy Bellamy family and their servants living at 165 Eaton Place, London. The series was incredibly popular on both sides of the Atlantic. Marsh played the role of the house parlourmaid Rose Buck for the duration of the series, winning the 1975 Emmy award for outstanding actress in a drama series. She reprised the role when the series was resurrected by the BBC at the end of 2010.

Her success in Upstairs Downstairs led to a period working in Hollywood in the 1970's appearing in popular TV shows such as The Waltons, Hawaii Five-O, The Love Boat and Trapper John, M.D.

In film, she had a featured role in Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy (1972) and played Mrs Grey in The Eagle Has Landed (1976), as well as the villain in the fantasy films Return to Oz (1985) and Willow (1988). Other film work included Cleopatra and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

Marsh and Atkins created a second television series The House of Eliott, which was produced during 1991 and 1992. This time, Marsh did not act in the series, but she did write some of the episodes. In 1994, she starred as a villain in the Nickelodeon remake of The Tomorrow People, and appeared in the television productions of Fatherland and The Pale Horse.

From 2000 until 2002, Marsh appeared in The Ghost Hunter, and in 2007 she played in the West End stage revival of Boeing Boeing at the Comedy Theatre. She also made an appearance in the 2007 BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. Marsh appeared as Lizzie in Baby Cow Productions' Sensitive Skin in 2005 and 2007 alongside Joanna Lumley. She also appeared in an episode of BBC Four's Crooked House in December 2008.

Marsh was married to Jon Pertwee from 1955 until their divorce in 1960. They had no children and Marsh did not remarry. 

She was awarded an OBE for services to drama in the 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Jean Marsh died from complications of dementia at her London home on 13 April 2025.

Doctor Who returns to screens worldwide tomorrow with The Robot Revolution.

The story launches the 41st series of the programme which began in November 1963.

It stars Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor and Varanda Sethu as Belinda Chandra

The episode is written by Russell T Davies and directed by Peter Hoar.

Doctor Who can be viewed from 0800 British Summer Time (0700 GMT) on Saturday 12th April. The show will be available on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Disney+ outside the UK. 

Viewers of BBC One can watch the show at 6.50 pm on Saturday. 

Doctor Who Magazine celebrates 20 years of the Ninth Doctor, and 20 years since the show’s triumphant return to television.

The latest Special Edition is packed full of all-new content, which has been compiled in co-operation with some of the biggest names from the 2005 series. 

“This is an in-depth look of one of the most remarkable comebacks in television history,” says editor Marcus Hearn. “We’ve got some fantastic exclusives, including interviews with executive producer Mal Young and director Joe Ahearne. And there’s a very special contribution from Russell T Davies, who has written a new story relating to one of the Ninth Doctor’s adventures. The illustrations are by Martin Geraghty, and you can see some of his artwork on the front cover. It might give you a clue about the old foe Russell has revisited!”

Highlights of the new issue include:

• In his first interview for DWM, executive producer Mal Young describes how Doctor Who was finally brought back to the screen.

• In another first for the magazine, Joe Ahearne – who directed more Ninth Doctor episodes than anyone else – takes readers behind the scenes on the 2005 series.

• Christopher Eccleston explains what drew him to the role of the Doctor – and why he’s still coming back to it, 20 years on.

• Interviews with Lloyd Elis (first assistant director), Lee Sheward (stunt co-ordinator) and Lowri Thomas (location manager).

• The cast and crew of the 2005 series chose their favourite moments.

• The making of the renowned Trip of a Lifetime trailer.

• Concept artist Dan Walker reveals his original designs for the Ninth Doctor’s sonic screwdriver.

• Fans share their eyewitness accounts – and photographs – of the 2004 location filming.

• Action figures, radio-controlled Daleks and other merchandise that was available in Toys R Us, Woolworths and elsewhere.

• A guide to the Ninth Doctor’s adventures in the expanded universe.

PLUS

    A new and exclusive short story by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies!

20 Years of the Ninth Doctor is on sale now, RRP £9.99 from panini.co.uk and selected branches of WH Smith while stocks last. 

It’s also available digitally from pocketmags.com priced £8.99.

Issue 615 of Doctor Who magazine is out today.

Included with this issue:

• 2 EXCLUSIVE ART CARDS

• A 32-PAGE SUPPLEMENT COLLECTING RUSSELL T DAVIES’

PRODUCTION NOTES ON THE 2005 SERIES

In the magazine:

• PREVIEWS OF THE FIRST THREE EPISODES OF THE NEW SEASON!Including contributions from writers RUSSELL T DAVIES & SHARMA ANGEL-WALFALL, director PETER HOAR and executive producer PHIL COLLINSON – plus the adventures of MR RING-A-DING!

• ROSE AYLING-ELLIS on her role in the new series

• Slow Horses star CHRISTOPHER CHUNG on playing Cassio Palin-Paleen.

• The second part of our special feature looking back at the return of Doctor Who in 2005…Russell T Davies, Julie Garner, Jane Tranter talk Daleks, BAFTAs and babies…Plus – STEVEN MOFFAT & MARK GATISS on their debut stories…

• Behind the scenes on the new animated release of First Doctor story The Savages.

• With Varada Sethu stepping aboard the TARDIS, we take a look at the essential qualities needed to be a Doctor Who companion.

• Elisabeth Sladen’s daughter SADIE MILLER joins us for a very special tribute to the companion they have both played – the much-loved Sarah Jane Smith.  

• We consider the alternative path taken in Doctor Who In An Exciting Adventures With the Daleks.

• Gary Gillatt takes us on a very special trip to the pictures…

• Back to 2000… We take a look at Tom Baker’s role in the resurrected Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased).

• We examine the decisions that lie behind AMY’S CHOICE.

• Join the Fifteenth Doctor on his further travels in the comic strip!

Regular features

• Gallifrey Guardian – our news round-up including the latest casting for this year’s episodes.

• Shelf Life – featuring reviews of the latest audio releases.

• Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe.

• Prizes to be won including The Savages Blu-ray Steelbook! 

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 615 is on sale Thursday 27 March 2025  from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £10.99 (UK). 

Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £9.99.

Star of stage and screen Charlie Condou is set to join the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) for an adventure in time and space in the upcoming second season of Doctor Who, launching on 12th April.

Condou has starred in multiple prominent dramas, including Holby City, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Unforgotten, Midsomer Murders, and Coronation Street, and has lit up stages across the country in the UK tours of The Rocky Horror Show and Arthur Miller's The Crucible.

Condou is no stranger to the Whoniverse, having voiced characters in multiple Doctor Who Big Finish audio dramas. This time he will come face to face with Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor in an exciting new escapade.

Charlie Condou, said:

Russell T Davies, Showrunner said:

Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television and will air on 12th April exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Disney+ outside of the UK (where available).

The BBC has revealed the titles for the episodes in the upcoming series of Doctor Who, the Forty-First since the series launch in 1963

On 12th April 2025 the simultaneous global launch will kick start with The Robot Revolution at 8am exclusively on BBC iPlayer and later that day on BBC One in the UK. Those outside of the UK can watch exclusively on Disney+ (where available).

New episodes will then debut weekly with an array of guest cast including Emmy Award winner Alan Cumming as cartoon foe Mr Ring-a-Ding, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Anita Dobson, Bonnie Langford, Jemma Redgrave, Ruth Madeley, Susan Twist, Caoilfhionn Dunne, Christopher Chung, Evelyn Miller, Ariyon Bakare, Julie Dray, Michelle Greenidge, Angela Wynter, Alexander Devrient, Rylan, Freddie Fox, Jonah Hauer-King, Kadiff Kirwan and many more.

Doctor Who – Season Two | Episode Titles:

1. The Robot Revolution: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Peter Hoar
2. Lux: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Amanda Brotchie
3. The Well: Written by Russell T Davies & Sharma Angel Walfall, directed by Amanda Brotchie
4. Lucky Day: Written by Pete McTighe, directed by Peter Hoar
5. The Story & the Engine: Written by Inua Ellams, directed by Makalla McPherson
6. The Interstellar Song Contest: Written by Juno Dawson, directed by Ben A. Williams
7. Wish World: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Alex Sanjiv Pillai
8. The Reality War: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Alex Sanjiv Pillai

Russell T Davies, Showrunner said:

The BBC has announced that the actor Kadiff Kirwan will appear in the new series of Doctor Who.

Since shooting to stardom playing Aaron in hit comedy Chewing Gum, Kadiff Kirwan has gone on to star in hit series after hit series including Black Mirror, Fleabag, I May Destroy You, This Is Going to Hurt, and most recently Slow Horses.

Kirwan can also be spotted on the big screen, with film roles ranging from 2018’s Mary Queen of Scots to 2022’s My Policeman, and on the stage in the Pulitzer Prize winning play The Hot Wing King.

Now, Kirwan is set to blast off into the Whoniverse as he joins the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) for an intergalactic escapade in the upcoming second season of Doctor Who, launching on 12th April.

Kadiff Kirwan, said:

Russell T Davies, Showrunner said:

Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television and will air on 12th April exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Disney+ outside of the UK

A new biography of the television scriptwriter Malcolm Hulke, has been published on Lulu. 

Things are not Always What They Seem is the first biography of Malcolm Hulke to be published and draws upon interviews with his friends, family, and work colleagues;  his scripts, novels, and other works;  his letters to friends and family;  and his  MI5 file. It is written by Michael Herbert.

Malcolm ‘Mac’ Hulke (1924 – 1979) was a successful writer for television, film, theatre, and radio from the 1950s to the 1970s. He wrote eight stories for Doctor Who in the 1960s and 1970s creating the Silurians and the Sea Devils for the series. 

Other work included episodes for classic television series such as Pathfinders in Space, The Avengers, Crossroads,  Danger Man, and Sergeant Cork

He also wrote seven Doctor Who novels and four Crossroads novels. His non-fiction work included  The Writers’  Guide 1970;  The Making of Doctor Who co-written with his friend  Terrance Dicks; and the influential handbook  Writing for Television in the 1970s  which brought together all his experience and expertise in his craft.

Malcolm was a founder member of the Writers’  Guild, which campaigned for better pay for writers.

For a time he was a member of the Communist Party, feeding his political views into his work. He wrote to his friend Jean Tate:

The book  may be purchased  from Lulu using this link

The actor Simon Fisher-Becker has died at the age of 63.

Simon Fisher-Becker is best known for his portrayal of the blue-skinned Dorium Maldovar in three episodes of Doctor Who starring Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor, The Pandorica Opens, A Good Man Goes to War and The Wedding of River Song. 

Away from Doctor Who his best-known role was as Tony Fazackerley in Puppy Love, a British comedy television series broadcast on BBC Four. Other TV appearances include Getting On, Afterlife, Love Soup, One Foot in the Grave, Doctors, Sedgfield Park, 99-1, Hale & Pace, The Good Guys, The Bill, Crimewatch Factfile and London’s Burning.  

Films included a role as The Fat Friar in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and appearances in The Great Director (playing the Ghost of Alfred Hitchcock), Pundemic and Les Misérables.

He published three volumes of memoirs, My Dalek Has a Puncture, My Dalek Has Another Puncture, and Let Zygons Be Zygons

Simon Fisher-Becker died in London on 9th March 2025. He is survived by his husband Tony Dugdale. 

Actor Freddie Fox will be jumping aboard the TARDIS with the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) for an adventure in time and space in the upcoming second season of Doctor Who.

Since his on-screen debut in 2009, Fox has appeared in many TV hits including The Gentlemen, The Crown, The Great, Slow Horses, and most recently as Ser Gwayne Hightower in House of the Dragon.

In 2015, Fox appeared as Freddie Baxter in Russell T Davies’ Channel 4 dramas Cucumber and Banana. In addition to his TV roles, he has also made a big impact on stage, earning a Laurence Oliver nomination for his role as Tristan Tzara in the revival of Travesties at the Apollo Theatre.

Fox is now heading to the Whoniverse, to play a fearsome villain from another planet in an upcoming episode.

Russell T Davies, Showrunner said:

Freddie Fox, said:

Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television and will air on 12th April exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Disney+ outside of the UK (where available)