Courtney was best known for his role as Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart in Doctor Who, most recently playing the character in a two-part story of The Sarah Jane Adventures in December 2008.

Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss wrote: “Desperately sad to hear that Nicholas Courtney has passed away. A childhood hero and the sweetest of gentlemen. Splendid chap. All of him. x”

The Sarah Jane Adventures writer Joe Lidster wrote: “Very sad news about Nicholas Courtney. Lovely guy who knew how to live life. RIP.”

The Sarah Jane Adventures producer Phil Ford wrote: “News reached Gary Russell and I of Nick Courtney’s passing. A terribly sad end to our #Gally week. Best wishes to his family. A true gent.”

Impressionist Jon Culshaw wrote: “Nicholas Courtney will be very much missed. A brilliant actor and warm, charming man. God rest him.”

Spaced director Edgar Wright wrote: “Sad to hear that Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier in many classic Doctor Who episodes passed away. Worked with him once, he was a true gent.”

Tom Baker wrote on his official website: “Nick’s close friends simply adored him. There was a certain innocence in his personality that was utterly endearing. He was a wonderful companion and his friends would call each other or e-mail to relate the latest little stories of a night out with the Brig. We shall miss him terribly.”