It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Doctor Who Actor, John Leeson, aged 83.

John [born John Ducker] was best known to Doctor Who fans for providing the voice of K9 - the Doctor's robotic dog. K9 was first introduced in the 4th Doctor story, The Invisible Enemy [1977], with his final Classic Series appearance in The Five Doctors [1983].

Leeson's K9 also appeared in a one-off adventure alongside Elisabeth Sladen, titled K-9 And Company [1981], before retuning in the New Series stories; School Reunion [2006] & Journey's End [2008]. Other appearances include The Sarah Jane Adventures [2007-2011], K-9 Adventures [2010], as well as multiple Big Finish audio adventures.

Leeson provided the voice for K9 for almost every single appearance, except Season 17 of the Classic Series, where K9 was voiced by Roy Skelton in Destiny of the Daleks [1979], and David Brierley in The Creature from the Pit [1979], Nightmare of Eden [1979], The Horns of Nimon [1979-1980] & Shada [Filmed in 1980 but untelevised].

As well as his numerous credits in Doctor Who, Leeson wrote questions for the BBC quiz show, Mastermind, between the years 1972-1977. Other screen credits include: Dad's Army [1969],Too Long a Winter [1973], Blake's 7 [1979], Rainbow [1983] & 'Allo 'Allo [1989], to name a few.

John's son, Guy Decker, announced the news via Facebook:

     “I regret to announce the death of my father … after a summer of illness. The end was peaceful.”

DWO would like to extend its sympathies to John's friends and family.

[Source: Guy Ducker]