Doctor Who actor Richard Franklin passes away

Veteran actor Richard Franklin, best known for portraying Captain Mike Yates of UNIT in Doctor Who, passed away at the age of 87. The news of his demise was shared by his longtime friend Liam Rudden on social media.

“It is with great sadness, that the family of Richard Franklin have asked me to share news of his passing, early this morning. Richard passed away peacefully in his sleep. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared here when announced. Sleep well Richard,” Rudden wrote.

Franklin died “in his sleep” on Christmas morning after a long-term illness, a spokesperson for his family said.

The spokesperson added: “We are deeply saddened by his loss, we will fondly remember him for his generosity, creative spirit and fantastic storytelling.

“He is also well remembered outside the family for his long-running career in TV and theatre where he delighted audiences of all ages. This gave him great joy and we know his legacy will last.”

Franklin is best known by Doctor Who fans for playing the recurring character of Captain Yates, a companion of the Doctor who helped to repel alien invasions of Earth during classic episodes in the 1970s.

Franklins' breakout TV role was in the British soap Crossroads in the role of Joe Townsend debuting in 1969. He followed that up with his Doctor Who debut two years later as UNIT Captain Mike Yates in Terror of the Autons while Jon Pertwee starred as the Third Doctor. Following his time in Planet of the Spiders, Franklin continued to play Mike Yates in specials, spinoffs, audio plays and in the novel he wrote, The Killing Stone, with his character serving as the lead of the tale.

He also featured in Little Women, The Pathfinders, The Borgias and Heartbeat. Franklin was also a writer, journalist and political activist.