GOODBYE, MARY TAMM...

The lovely actress/model Mary Tamm as Romana in DOCTOR WHO. Images: BBC. 

On the eve of the shows landmark 50th next year, further tragedy has hit the world of DOCTOR WHO today with the very sad and very unfair news of the passing from cancer of classy actress Mary Tamm, who played the sophisticated, intelligent and thorough sexy Time Lady companion to our series hero (then played by the whirlwind charisma that is Tom Baker), Romana, in one classic overall story arc season- the search for the all-powerful, universe changing Key to Time - during 1978/79.

With friend and acting colleague Tom Baker on the TARDIS set.

And working with the loveable robot pooch K-9.

Well know before WHO for her film role in THE ODESSA FILE opposite Jon Voight, and varied work in drama and comedy like WARSHIP and THE LIKELY LADS, Tamm's stint on WHO was a fun but characterisation limited period for the model/actress, who, wanting to avoid typecasting and do more varied work, went on to all sorts of TV, commercials and radio work afterwards, including a two year stint on the soap BROOKSIDE, shows like RETURN OF THE SAINT, CRIME TRAVELLER, CASUALTY and CI5; THE NEW PROFESSIONALS,  and classic series like POIROT and JONATHAN CREEK.
 
A 2007 interview with Miss Tamm with BBC WILTSHIRE: BBC - Wiltshire - About Wiltshire - Interview with Mary Tamm

Miss Tamm recently returned to WHO to once more play Romana for a new series of officially licensed audio adventures for the BIG FINISH company, to be released next year, alongside her time-traversing Fourth Doctor compatriot Baker, where lots of fun and camaraderie was had by all.

On location for the WHO story The Stones of Blood.

She is survived by her husband, Marcus Ringrose, and daughter, Lauren, of whom KOOL TV sends its deepest of condolences.

Mary Tamm. 1950 - 2012