Doctor Who writer Terrance Dicks dies at 84

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Screenwriter and novelist Terrance Dicks died on August 28 at the age of 84, as announced by his agency on September 5.

Dicks was best known as a writer for Doctor Who and as the programme’s script editor from 1968 to 1974. He also adapted many Doctor Who televised stories into novelisations for Target Books.

Many tributes to the writer have appeared since the news of his death.

From current Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall:

“The lights of Doctor Who are dimmer tonight, with the passing of Terrance Dicks. He was one of the greatest contributors to Doctor Who’s history, on screen and off. As writer and script editor, he was responsible for some of the show’s greatest moments and iconic creations. As the most prolific and brilliant adaptor of Doctor Who stories into Target novels, he was responsible for a range of books that taught a generation of children, myself included, how pleasurable and accessible and thrilling reading could be. Doctor Who was lucky to have his talents. He will always be a legend of the show. Everyone working on Doctor Who sends his family and friends our love and condolences at this difficult time.”

From former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat:


From former Doctor Who showrunner Russel T Davies:

Born in east London in 1935, Terrance Dicks is held in very high regard by Doctor Who fans and his writing has been an inspiration to many. He will be greatly missed.

His final short story Save Yourself will be published next month in BBC Books’ Doctor Who: The Target Storybook.