Actress Elisabeth Sladen has died of cancer at the age of 63.
She joined the programme in 1973 and became one of the most popular companions in her role as Sarah Jane Smith.
In 2007 she was given her own spin-off series, the Sarah Jane Adventures, which introduced her to a new generation of fans.
Doctor Who actress Elisabeth Slade starred alongside Tom Baker
It was not generally known Ms Sladen had been suffering from ill health. She leaves behind her husband, the actor Brian Miller, and daughter Sadie.
Warm tributes have been paid to the Liverpool-born actress, known to her friends and family as Lis.
Russell T Davies, creator of The Sarah Jane Adventures, which won this year's RTS Award for best children's drama, said all those involved in the series had been left "reeling" at news of her death.
He said: "I absolutely loved Lis. She was funny and cheeky and clever and just simply wonderful
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