Goodbye, Elisabeth Sladen

Elisabeth Sladen and Colin Baker were the main guests at that same convention. Lis called Cait “sweetiepop,” held her hand for the photo, and commented that she must be at least nine, since she looked such a lady. Caitlin grinned, and preened, and generally was really excited to meet Lis (she’s also a big fan of The Sarah Jane Adventures). When we got Lis’s autograph, I happily paid for a glossy, but she insisted that Caitlin pick out a second one, gratis, from Father Christmas, and signed both photos extra with kisses on them just for her. Lis also went out of her way to say goodbye to Caitlin as she was checking out of the hotel while we were in the lobby.

Lynne M. Thomas, “Marrying Into the TARDIS Tribe,” Chicks Dig Time Lords

We're gutted. We haven't felt this sad about the passing of a celebrity since the world lost Jim Henson. Lynne and I both cried many times yesterday. Lis played the most iconic Doctor Who companion. She was my first. She was also Caitlin's favorite. Lis's performance as the plucky adventuress reporter Sarah Jane Smith transcended the show. She was a role model to my wife and daughter. Numerous essays in our book are love letters to Lis and her most famous character.

She will be missed. Our thoughts go out to her friends and family.