Nicholas Courtney (left) with Dr Who Jon Pertwee. Picture: BBC Source: AdelaideNow
VETERAN British actor Nicholas Courtney, known for decades for his role as The Brigadier in Dr Who, has died aged 81 after a long battle with cancer.
The actor featured in more than 100 episodes as Brigadier Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart, the chief of UNIT whose job it was to protect Earth against attack.
His friend Tom Baker, one of five Time Lords to star with Courtney, led the tributes today.
'Of all the characters in Doctor Who there is no doubt he was the most loved by the fans for his wonderful portrayal of the rather pompous Brigadier,' said Baker, who played opposite him as the fourth incarnation of The Doctor.
The Brigadier, who first appeared in the Sixties, was a key figure in the adventures during Jon Pertwee's run as The Doctor, but the character appeared regularly opposite other Time Lords.
Courtney died yesterday in a north London hospice, with his wife Karen at his side.
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His last official appearance in the show was in 1989, the year the series was cancelled. It was revived to a new level of popularity in 2005.
Courtney did reprise the role briefly - this time as Sir Alistair - in the 2008 spin-off children's series The Sarah Jane Adventures. But a stroke put paid to further appearances.
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