It is with deep, deep sadness that we have to report the death of Verity Lambert, the very first producer of Doctor Who, at the age of 71.
Lambert was a very young, fairly inexperienced producer when she was given the task of getting the BBC’s new SF serial to the screen in 1963, but her vision, determination and belief in the show – and her readiness to stand by her own views rather than bow to her superiors – was a major factor in the show’s success. She was also the only female producer at the BBC at the time.
She produced Doctor Who for three years, then went on to a career, which saw her become one of the most powerful figures in British TV. Other shows she produced included Adam Adamant Lives, Budgie, The Naked Civil Servant, Rock Follies, Rumpole of the Bailey, Edward and Mrs Simpson, Reilly: Ace of Spies, Minder and Jonathan Creek.
In 1985 Lambert formed the independent production company, Cinema Verity, whose credits included the film A Cry in the Dark and the sitcom May to December.
Lambert was awarded the OBE for services to film and television production in the 2002 New Years Honours list. Earlier this year the show she created paid tribute to her in the Doctor Who episode "Human Nature", in which the Doctor gave himself implanted memories to make him believe he was human. One of those memories was that his mother was called Verity.
Rest in peace, Verity Lambert. Countless million of viewers have enjoyed countless hours of top class television viewing that you created.
