Mary Tamm, the first actress to play the companion Romana opposite Tom Baker in Doctor Who, is dead at 62 after an 18-month fight with cancer. Romanadvoratrelundar (her full name) was the second “Time Lady” to act as companion, and perhaps the only companion who could really be considered the Doctor’s equal in abilities. Tamm is the third companion to pass recently.

In June, Caroline John, who portrayed companion Liz Shaw, passed away, while last year saw the passing of Elisabeth Sladon, famous as Sarah Jane Smith.