Radio Times has a feature interview with Katy Manning, in which she fondly reflects on the impact Doctor Who had – and continues to have – on her life.

The actress appeared as companion Jo Grant in the series between 1971-1973, and comments: “It was a real high for me. Three of the most inspiring, creative and loving years of my life. Jon and I were so close.” She goes on to describe her charater as “endearing”. “She was fiercely loyal,” she added. “She offered her life for the Doctor’s.”

In 2010 she reprised the role in The Sarah Jane Adventures. She guest starred in Death of the Doctor, in which she appeared on screen with Elisabeth Sladen and Matt Smith…

“It was the first time I’d actually worked with Lis, although we had already become close friends,” she said. “We had a lot of past with Jon that bonded us. And Matt’s a joy to work with. It’s an education to watch his beautifully realised physicality as the Doctor. I said to him once, ‘Jon Pertwee would be proud of what you’ve done with the character’.”.

Above – Jon Pertwee and Katy Manning as the Third Doctor and Jo Grant.