Elisabeth Sladen, known to millions of fans as Sarah Jane Smith, the longest (and arguably most popular) companion of the Doctor, died today of cancer, survived by her husband and daughter, rest in peace my dear.

Elisabeth Sladen (born 1st February 1948, Liverpool, England - 19th April 2011) played Sarah Jane Smith. She appeared as a regular on Doctor Who with both Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker, (and later with both David Tennant and Matt Smith) and also appeared in the pilot for the spin-off series, K9 and Company. Most recently, she reprised her role as Sarah Jane both on Doctor Who and in its spin-off series, The Sarah Jane Adventures.