A personal statement.

Russell T Davies is probably right when he said that this morning thousands of children would be in need of a hug over their Rice Crispies this morning. Their, and our, Elisabeth Sladen has died. However, Sarah Jane Smith will always be us.

Last night, I was updating eyeofhorus.org.uk with a DVD preview of FRONTIOS and Tweeted the update only to read that Elisabeth Sladen had died earlier in the day.

Time stopped for a fleeting moment at the news. Unbelievable and I didn't want it to believe it. Shocked and heartbroken and terrible sad.

Sarah Jane Smith confidently strode in my childhood at the age of eight, and I instantly adored her tenacity, her inquisitiveness, and her kindness. Becoming my “big sister” for the following three years, Elisabeth Sladen’s character took me on a journey as a “virtual” companion of the Doctor asking the questions that I shouted out toward the television.

For the last four years, Lis Sladen has become the “Nation’s Aunt” in THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES garnering millions of new fans, and with her appearances in the NEW SERIES (SCHOOL REUNION, THE STOLEN EARTH, JOURNEY’S END and a brief appearance in THE END OF TIME part 2) her legendary character will ensure.

Like fans across the world, I will remember those brief moments that I had with Lis at a book signing, coming away from it saying, “She hasn’t change in 30 years. That’s Lis Sladen. Sarah Jane Smith. I met Sarah Jane ”. I must have looked like a idiot smiling like the Cheshire Cat as I cycled home that Saturday afternoon.

With the recent passing of Nicholas Courtney and, in 2009, Barry Letts, it seems that my past is catching up with me as those I grew-up with are moving onwards. It defines us all and links us all. At 63, Lis's life was all but too short.

My condolences to her family, Brian and Sadie, her friends and colleagues.

Yesterday, my “big sister” died, and I will always remember her, as will we all.

Matthew Walter - Online Editor
eyeofhorus.org.uk has been commenting on DOCTOR WHO since 1983.