Elizabeth Sladen, perhaps best known for her portrayal of longtime Doctor Who companion Sarah Jane Smith, has passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was 63.

See http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2011/04/20/People-in-the-news/UPI-74071303286400/ and other news sources for more.

She was my favorite of the various Doctor Who companions and we were delighted whenever she made an appearance on the new series.

The premiere of the new Doctor Who series will include a memorium of Sladen (http://www.ugo.com/tv/doctor-who-elizabeth-sladen).

All the best,
Brian