JOHN Leeson – best known for voicing the beloved robodog K9 in Dr Who – has died aged 83.
The actor, born John Ducker, passed away after a “summer of illness” his family revealed earlier today.
Leeson was the iconic voice behind the metal dog K9 as well as working on TV shows including Dad’s Army, Sorry!, Crown Court and Longitude.
Earlier this year he reunited with Dr Who co-star Tom Baker to starr as Doctor Watson alongside Baker as Sherlock Holmes in the audio drama Sir Sherlock: The Red Letter Day.
Sharing news of his father’s death to Facebook, Guy Ducker said: “I regret to announce the death of my father, John Ducker, a.k.a. John Leeson, at 3:03pm today after a summer of illness. The end was peaceful.”
Guy added a William Shakespeare quote saying: “Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Tributes for the actor have poured in from co-stars, colleagues and fans.
Dr Who writer Russell T Davies said it was “impossible to imagine anyone else” in the role of K9 and praised John as “a fine, fine actor”.
Reminiscing on his performance as the beloved robodog, he added: “What a character: a posh dog, uppity, haughty, wry, but somehow innocent too, and so funny. ‘Maximum defence mode!’ God he was good.”
He ended his heartwarming tribute writing: “A true gent, and a great loss. Good night, sir. Affirmative!”
John played the role of K9 for the majority of the show’s run over six decades – starting in the 1977 episode ‘The Invisible Enemy’.
He has been remembered as “the voice, heart and soul of K9” and a “firm favourite of countless fans”.
“John was a stalwart of the Dr Who universe and is going to be much missed, particularly since literally millions of us can’t think of or hear the word ‘Affirmative’ without hearing it in K9’s voice” said one fan under Russell Davies’ post.
“Such an important part of Doctor Who. Such a sad loss”, added another.
“So soon after sir Patrick Stewart. Terrible time for sci-fi fans.”
One wrote: “Such sad news. John was a true icon. invested K9 with so much charm, character and nobility – he was absolutely integral to K9’s appeal.”
Leeson reprised the role in several Dr Who audio dramas and spin-off series, including CBBC’s The Sarah Jane Adventures, before returning to the original programme after its revival.
His other credits include The Bill, Vanity Fair, Doctors and Blake’s 7, and he was also regularly heard as a continuity announcer on Channel 4.
He also portrayed the original Bungle the Bear in the children’s TV series Rainbow.