GNR has just heard that Deborah Watling has died following a short battle with cancer, aged 69.

The actress was best known for her role as Victoria Waterfield – the companion of 2nd Doctor Patrick Troughton in the BBC’s sci-fi series Doctor Who.

She was diagnosed with lung cancer just six weeks ago.

Deborah was the daughter of 1940s film star Jack Watling and actress Patricia Hicks, and started acting at a young age.

At just nine, she was a child actress in The Invisible Man and made her first televised appearance in an episode of William Tell.

But she got her big break in 1967 when she got the part of Victoria Waterfield in Doctor Who.

Many of Deborah’s episodes were lost by the BBC.

Tomb Of The Cybermen was discovered in Hong Kong in 1992 – it was later released on DVD.

Then in 2013, nine missing Doctor Who episodes from the 1960s featuring Patrick Troughton were recovered in Nigeria and made available for fans to watch.

Eleven episodes were discovered in total by Phillip Morris, director of Television International Enterprises Archive, from the tracking records of overseas shipments made by the BBC containing tapes for transmission, namely “The Enemy of the World” and “The Web of Fear”.

Unfortunately, episode three of “Web” is still missing however “The Doctor Who Restoration Team” reconstructed this part of the story using a selection of the 37 images that were available from the episode along with the original audio which has been restored.

Alongside Patrick Troughton who played both the Time Lord and his antagonist (Ramon Salamander) were his companions Frazer Hines (Jamie) and Deborah Watling (Victoria).

After her role as a prim Victorian lady, Deborah opened her own boutique.

But later she returned to acting and starred in hit movies with David Essex and Cliff Richard.

At the time of her death, Deborah lived in Thorpe-le-Soken with her husband Steve Turner.

The Doctor Who family responded on Twitter today:

I've just found out about dear Deb's. Loved her so much RIP

— Frazer Hines (@WhoFrazer) July 21, 2017

So sad to have been told that Debbie Watling has died. I've known her since 1962 when our junior school filmed Worzel Gummage at her home.

— Louise Jameson (@Lou_Jameson) July 21, 2017

I am so sad to hear of the passing of the lovely Deborah Watling.We had so many laughs & heart to hearts. #somissed 💛https://t.co/8HjtQDtJoL

— Nicola Bryant 🇺🇦 🌻 (@thenicolabryant) July 21, 2017

We're saddened to report the death of the much-loved Deborah Watling, who played the Second Doctor's companion Victoria Waterfield. RIP

— Doctor Who Magazine (@DWMtweets) July 21, 2017

Deborah Watling, in her dressing room at The Grand Theatre Leeds, 1980. She was starring in "Same Time Next Year" with Norman Eshley. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/Du4BFH9WRK

— Peter Crocker (@CrocmanSnappy) July 21, 2017

So deeply saddened to hear that the wonderful funny talented #DeborahWatling has gone on her awfully big adventure ,oneofthe absolute best

— KatyManning Official welcomes you (@ManningOfficial) July 21, 2017

#DeborahWatling was one of the first Doctor Who actors I interviewed. She was kind & patient, trotting out the anecdotes in apparent delight

— richardmarson (@richardmarson2) July 21, 2017