Verity Lambert, RIP

It is with deep, deep sadness that we have to report the death of Verity Lambert, the very first producer of Doctor Who, at the age of 71.

She produced Doctor Who for three years, then went on to a career, which saw her become one of the most powerful figures in British TV. Other shows she produced included Adam Adamant Lives, Budgie, The Naked Civil Servant, Rock Follies, Rumpole of the Bailey, Edward and Mrs Simpson, Reilly: Ace of Spies, Minder and Jonathan Creek.

In 1985 Lambert formed the independent production company, Cinema Verity, whose credits included the film A Cry in the Dark and the sitcom May to December.

Lambert was awarded the OBE for services to film and television production in the 2002 New Years Honours list. Earlier this year the show she created paid tribute to her in the Doctor Who episode "Human Nature", in which the Doctor gave himself implanted memories to make him believe he was human. One of those memories was that his mother was called Verity.

Rest in peace, Verity Lambert. Countless million of viewers have enjoyed countless hours of top class television viewing that you created.

SFX Magazine is the world's number one sci-fi, fantasy, and horror magazine published by Future PLC. Established in 1995, SFX Magazine prides itself on writing for its fans, welcoming geeks, collectors, and aficionados into its readership for over 25 years. Covering films, TV shows, books, comics, games, merch, and more, SFX Magazine is published every month. If you love it, chances are we do too and you'll find it in SFX.