Doctor Who actress Jill Curzon has passed away at the age of 87. The beloved star was best known for her portrayal of Louise in the film Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 AD, which starred Peter Cushing. She also starred with Cliff Robertson in The Sunshine Patriot and Robert Wagner in It Takes A Thief, in addition to roles in Dr Syn, Alias The Scarecrow and the Morecambe and Wise film The Intelligence Men.

Her close friend Pete Sims informed the Press Association that Curzon passed away peacefully last month at her home in Spain. Sims, who assisted Curzon in writing her memoir Jill Curzon 2023 AD – My Eventful Life, said: "She was a kind, generous person who loved life; she had a zest for life.

"She was just a joy to be around and she loved recounting old stories about what happened in the 60s and 70s and the people she used to mix with, people like Robert Wagner and all these big stars when she lived in America.

"It was great just to hear her stories. That's why the book that she wrote was a labour of love.

"I think it took her about 12 years to write that book, because she wanted to make sure it was spot on and it was right."

He further added: "She had a long, varied career and enjoyed every minute. The one thing I will always remember about Jill was she had a real zest for life, and she just embraced everything that came her way."

Curzon's additional television credits included The Saint, The Champions, Adam Adamant Lives!, Hugh And I, Not Only But Also and The Dick Emery Show. She is survived by her daughter Michelle King and grandson Taj.

Fans are also paying their respects online, with one writing on X: "RIP Jill Curzon, who played Louise in the Peter Cushing Dalek Invasion Of Earth Movie. So pleased I got to meet you. The Tardis has lost one more passenger today."

Another said: "We are very sad to announce that our dear friend and client Jill Curzon has passed away at her home in Spain, aged 87."

A third penned: "That’s sad news to hear that Jill Curzon has passed away. She was lovely when I met her, and genuinely baffled about how much we all loved her Dalek film. Which we do."