Tributes to Dr Who actress Elisabeth Sladen

Tributes have been paid to Doctor Who actress Elisabeth Sladen, who has died of cancer aged 63.

She joined the programme in 1973 and became one of the most popular companions in her role as Sarah Jane Smith. In 2007 she was given her own spin-off series, the Sarah Jane Adventures, which introduced her to a new generation of fans.

Tributes have been pouring in for the Liverpool-born actress, known to her friends and family as Lis.

Russell T Davies, creator of The Sarah Jane Adventures, which won this year's RTS Award for best children's drama, said all those involved in the series had been left "reeling" at news of her death.

He said: "I absolutely loved Lis. She was funny and cheeky and clever and just simply wonderful. The universe was lucky to have Sarah Jane Smith; the world was lucky to have Lis."

Shrewsbury Dr Who fan David Tudor said he was stunned at the news.

He said: "I met Lis at a signing in 2003, and despite her iconic status in the programme, and her place in my childhood memories and affections, I was struck by her friendliness and dignity, this despite a long day of autographs, photos and smiles.

"Little did anybody know that within a few years she would return to Doctor Who in such a memorable fashion, as well as starring in her own series, thus being introduced to a whole new generation of fans.

"Like The Brigadier and The Doctor himself, her character Sarah Jane Smith was a vital, integral part of the programme, and the fact that Lis's performance as Sarah was still enrapturing fans, both old and young, almost forty years after her first appearance, is testament to her enduring strength, beauty, humour and bravery."

Ms Sladen starred in Doctor Who alongside Jon Pertwee and his successor Tom Baker and returned to the series on a number of occasions before her own show was created.

She is survived by her husband Brian Miller and daughter Sadie.