The Doctor lost his best friend today.

Doctor Who actress Elisabeth Sladen has died, sources said.Liverpool-born Sladen joined the BBC television series in 1973 as Doctor Who’s assistant Sarah Jane Smith.She made her debut in The Time Warrior, and appeared alongside Jon Pertwee (The 3rd Doctor) throughout his final season in the role.

She then became the assistant for Tom Baker (the 4th doctor).Then when  the show relaunched, she appeared alongside modern-day Doctor Who David Tennant. She went on to star in  The Sarah Jane Adventures which have been broadcast on children’s channel CBBC.  Sladen had been suffering from cancer, BBC entertainment reporter Lizo Mzimba said.

Sladen is survived by her husband, Brian Miller, and her daughter Sadie. She will be missed.

Simon Daoudi
Simon@ComicImpact.com