Doctor Who’s farewell to Brigadier

Doctor Who bosses pay tribute to the late actor Nicholas Courtney tonight as the death of his long-serving character, The Brigadier, is acknowledged in the show.

In the finale of the series, The Doctor, played by Matt Smith, learns that his old sidekick has died in a nursing home.

Courtney died in February at the age of 81 after making regular appearances in the programme for more than 20 years as Brigadier Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart.

He even reprised the character in CBBC spin-off series The Sarah Jane Adventures in 2008.

The Doctor hears of the death in a phone call from the home during this evening’s show. A nurse tells him: “I’m afraid Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart passed away a few months ago.

“It was very peaceful. Talked a lot about you, if that’s any comfort. Always made us pour an extra brandy in case you came round one of these days.”

Doctor Who’s executive producer, Steven Moffatt, said: “In a story about the Doctor going to his death, it seemed right and proper to acknowledge one of the greatest losses Doctor Who has endured.”