and Poldark actor Christopher Benjamin has died at the age of 90. The tragic news was announced by Lisa Bowerman on social media on behalf of his family.

Taking to X, she said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Christopher Benjamin, at the age of 90, on the 10th January.

"One of the few remaining 'old school' actors, he had a huge and extensive career spanning seventy years, encompassing theatre, radio, TV and film."

Best known for his role as Henry Gordon Jago in Doctor Who, Christopher was also credited for landing roles in a number of 1960s TV shows such as Z Cars, The Avengers, The Saint and The Forsyte Saga.

He last appeared in Doctor Who in 2008 opposite David Tennant in The Unicorn and Wasp, where he played Colonel Hugh.

One of his last stage performances was in 2010 at Shakespeare's Globe as Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Louise Jameson, who starred opposite Christopher in The Talons of Weng-Chiang, has led tributes online honouring his memory.

She penned: "Laughter. That's what I remember most. In 1976 on The Talons of Weng-Chiang, there was a scene with Chris and Trevor Baxter and they literally couldn't get through it for giggling. Later at The Bristol Old Vic in rep, laughing in the rehearsal rooms, then later corpsing on stage.

"And later still when Big Finish reunited Chris and Trevor. Like naughty schoolboys misbehaving and keeping us all in stitches. Oh my goodness, I LOVED working with him. I'm so sad I won't be teased by him again.

"Perfectly cast as Jago. You were one of a kind. With much love and respect, RIP Mr Benjamin."

One fan said on X: "RIP Christopher Benjamin. His poignant turn in Upstairs Downstairs has always stayed with me."

A second person also chimed in: "RIP Christopher Benjamin - wonderful in lots of things but Pride & Prejudice and Doctor Who The Talons of Weng Chiang spring instantly to mind. Real tour de force in the latter."

A third also commented: "Raising a glass to Christopher Benjamin who, like a number of character actors of his generation, had the wonderful gift for being A) brilliant and B) in everything that was good. Playing arguably the best guest character in Who is really a bonus in a long, fantastic career."