Doctor Who actress Mary Tamm dies aged 62

Best known for her role as Romana in TV’s Doctor Who, Tamm had been suffering from cancer for 18 months.

Praise for the Dewsbury-born star was led by her husband, Marcus Ringrose. He said: “Mary was truly beautiful in every way.

“She was a very spiritual lady who loved nature and adored all animals.

“On set and offstage, her earthy northern humour and self-deprecating wit brightened every occasion. She was a consummate actress and immensely popular in the profession.

“We will miss her every day.”

The daughter of Estonian refugees, Tamm and her family moved from Dewsbury to Bradford when she was still young.

She attended Bradford Girls’ High School and began acting at the age of 11, joining Bradford Civic Playhouse.

Her first professional job was at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, where she worked alongside Derek Jacobi, Joan Sims and Ronnie Barker.

Tamm landed the high-profile role of Time Lady and companion Romana in Doctor Who in 1978, when the title character in the sci-fi series was being played by Tom Baker.

Paying tribute to her yesterday, Baker said: “She was a darling companion and wonderfully witty and kind. I’m so sorry to hear of her death.”