Acclaimed Doctor Who and Gentlemen Jack director Amanda Brotchie dies – as Russell T Davies pays tribute

Russell T Davies has led tributes to the “wonderful” acclaimed Doctor Who and Gentleman Jack director Amanda Brotchie following her death, describing her as “bright and sharp and kind”.

Brotchie directed two episodes of the beloved BBC sci-fi drama for the 15th series, Lux and The Well, starring Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor.

Davies said in a statement following the tragic news of her passing: “So sad to hear that the wonderful Amanda Brotchie has died. We adored her on Doctor Who, every single department loved her.”

“She directed two amazing episodes, Lux and The Well – both demanded so much precision and style and imagination, unlike any other episodes, and she knocked them out of the park. Brilliantly.

He added: “And she was so much fun! Bright and sharp and kind and questioning and always determined to make things better, better, better. Ooh, she could be beady, peering at the script, niggling away at something… until we all realised she was right!

The statement continued: “God, we adored her. An award-winning Australian film-maker, she had huge success over here with Gentleman Jack, Riot Women, tons of shows, everyone wanted her. And we got lucky.”

He continued: “Knowing that she didn’t have much time left, and at peace with that, she wrote to me last week about Doctor Who, 'I’m so glad I got to work with you and the team, it was a career and personal highlight.' For us, too.”

“What a terrible loss. All the love to Adam Zwar and family & friends. Good night darling.”

The award-winning Australian screen writer, director and producer passed away after an illness, as confirmed in a statement by her husband and creative co-collaborator, actor Adam Zwar.

“I’m so sad to tell you that today we lost our beautiful Amanda. Most of you will know her feats as a director – Doctor Who, Gentleman Jack, Lowdown (which she also created), Renegade Nell and Riot Women – that she had a doctorate in linguistics, and was in the seminal 1980s band Not Drowning, Waving. But her priority was to cheer on her friends and family,” he said.

He added: “My beautiful girl, I will miss your love, your joyful laugh, your sense of adventure, and your bravery. You never met a spider or snake you didn’t like, always gently ushering them outside while I cowered in the corner.”

“You cooked like you wrote and directed – with perfect balance, effortlessness, and a lightness of touch.”

Along with directing two episodes of Doctor Who, the Australian director also directed three episodes of the acclaimed BBC One drama Riot Women.

Brotchie also worked on the BBC drama Gentleman Jack and directed several episodes of the Disney+ period fantasy adventure Renegade Nell.