Tom Chadbon, Blake's 7 and Doctor Who actor, dies age 80
From sci-fi to comedy, Chadbon was an icon of the screen.
BBC
- Louise Griffin
Published: Wednesday, 29 July 2026 at 9:13 am
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Doctor Who and Blake's 7 actor Tom Chadbon has reportedly died at the age of 80.
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The actor was known for various roles across British TV, most notably Duggan in the Doctor Who serial City of Death and Merdeen in the 1986 serial The Trial of a Time Lord.
He's also appeared in Big Finish audio adventures, including playing Will in the second season of the Sarah Jane Smith audio adventures.
Fantom Films announced the news on social media, writing: "We are sorry to hear the news that Tom Chadbon passed away last weekend. Tom was a familiar face to many from his numerous television and film credits. He was always a warm and friendly man to work with and we send our condolences to his family at this sad time."
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Chadbon's first on screen role came in 1968 in The Jazz Age. He went on to star in Crown Prosecutor in 1995, playing Lenny Monk, played Del Grant in Blake's 7, Maxx Zeller in Space Precinct, Crawley in the 1997 adaptation of Rebecca, and a stockbroker in 2006's Casino Royale, Daniel Craig's very first outing as James Bond.
Arthur of the Britons, Paradise Postponed, Jackanory, Midsomer Murders, Silent Witness, The Bill, Heartbeat, and Casualty are also among his many credits, while Peep Show fans will remember him for playing military man Martin in the season 5 episode 'Jeremy's Mummy'.
Chadbon's final credited role was as as High Septon Maynard in the 2017 Game of Thrones episode The Dragon and the Wolf.
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Tributes have poured in for the actor, with one Doctor Who fan writing on X (formerly Twitter): "I get classic who isnt for everyone but Duggan is probably the best one-off character the shows ever had, mainly because Chadbon has enough charm to go toe-to-toe with Tom Baker in his prime. a fantastic performance."
Another added: "Sad to hear that Tom Chadbon has passed away. He was superb as Del Grant in Countdown, and it was a real treat to hear him reprise the role for Big Finish years later. As Del Grant was originally developed as a potential replacement for Blake, it was only fitting that he finally joined the Liberator crew. Tom also enjoyed a long and distinguished career, with memorable roles in Out of the Unknown, Doctor Who, The Stone Tape and Game of Thrones, among many others."
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One more said: "Very sad to hear that Tom Chadbon has passed away. His iconic performance as Duggan in City of Death will never be forgotten, and he was equally as great playing Merdeen in The Mysterious Planet too."
Authors
Louise GriffinSci-Fi and Fantasy Editor
Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.
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