Tweets Of The Week

An outpouring of twitter tributes to Elisabeth Sladen, Skynet goes operational and why The Hobbit is setting a dangerous precedent in this week’s tweets

It says a lot about the changing forms of information dissemination that the first many will have heard about the desperately sad passing of Elisabeth Sladen yesterday evening won’t have been via the BBC or even Facebook, but Twitter. The odd hoax aside, seeing a person’s name on the list of ever-changing trending topics is usually a worrying sign. Bad news, it seems, is quickly becoming the only news anyone wants to talk about.

The outpouring of affection for Sladen, undoubtedly Doctor Who ’s most popular companion, on Twitter was unlike anything we’ve seen in quite some time, a testament to her popularity with multiple generations of fans. In many cases celebs and creatives associated with Sladen’s shows used Twitter to express their own tributes to Sladen, which you can see below. She will be sorely missed.

@ OldRoberts953 Can't really find the words. Goodbye, our wonderful wonderful Lis.

@ murraygold Elisabeth Sladen enchanted three generations, never seeming to age, tire or cloud. RIP ( @ SodCancer )

@ jamesmoran Without Elisabeth Sladen, the world is a less magical place. Can't believe she's gone. You'll be missed, Sarah Jane. So much.

@ NoelClarke Not the best news to come home to, But I hope that Elisabeth will RIP. As someone who knew her. I always found her lovely. she'll be missed.

@ philfordesq Sarah Jane was my Companion as a kid. To later know Lis and write for her and share a laugh with her was a privilege.

@ neilhimself It looks like the Lis Sladen news is official. Big sadness. Rest in Peace. x

@ Markgatiss 'A tear, Sarah Jane?' Farewell to the wonderful, irreplaceable Lis Sladen. The best.x x

@ Paul_Cornell Very sorry to hear about Elisabeth Sladen, a great actor, special to everyone of my generation and a whole new one.

@ dhewlett Elizabeth Sladen played Sarah Jane to my favourite Doctor's Tom Baker and Jon Pertwee and never really left. She has died far too soon. :-(

@ bergopolis So sad to hear about Elisabeth Sladen's passing. May need to slip in a Sarah Jane reference somewhere to honor her like I did on Leverage.

@ JaneEspenson Terribly sad news about Elisabeth Sladen, part of the Doctor Who family. x

@ stephenfry What terribly sad news about Elisabeth Sladen - her Sarah Jane was part of my childhood. Deepest sympathy to her family.

@ edgarwright I cannot believe Elisabeth Sladen is no longer with us. She was the definitive companion for all time and space. Rest in peace Sarah Jane x

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The SFX Twitter Stream

@ rainnwilson As an Italian American, I'm furious at the depiction of my people in Super Mario Bros. x

@ RealReeceShears Remember the scene in "The Crazies" with the knitting needles?I just dreamed it, but I was at Legoland Windsor,on the water chute. #goingmad

@ stevendeknight Just ordered a 13 inch remote controlled Dalek that yells EXTERMINATE! Oh yes, my Spartacus writers are in for it.

@ Jon_Favreau Harry Gregson Williams almost finished writing score for Cowboys %26 Aliens. He wrote a fantastic theme. Can't wait to hear the orchestra.

@ JimCameron Skynet was supposed to go operational tonight. Instead of machines taking over, we have the very real threat of global warming.

@ theThomasDekker the Connors may have not defeated FOX but WE have defeated SKYNET. Live Long and Prosper past today: JUDGEMENT DAY

@ BrianJacobSmith Well now that the cat is out of the bag, it pains me to tell you guys that unfortunately we will not be shooting an #SGU movie.

@ JoshuaEGomez In hindsight..... yfrog.com/h3ntuifj

Jordan Farley
Deputy Editor, Total Film

I'm the Deputy Editor at Total Film magazine, overseeing the features section of every issue where you can read exclusive, in-depth interviews and see first-look images from the biggest films. I was previously the News Editor at sci-fi, fantasy and horror movie bible SFX. You'll find my name on news, reviews, and features covering every type of movie, from the latest French arthouse release to the biggest Hollywood blockbuster. My work has also featured in Official PlayStation Magazine and Edge.