April Walker

APRIL WALKER. English actress who appeared on television in BBC TV comedy series including ; The Two Ronnies / Fawlty Towers (as Jean Wilson, in an early episode in which a hotel proprietor, Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese, seeks to stamp out suspected extra-marital liaisons on his premises) / Yes Minister / Dad's Army (as a Second World War “land girl”) / Morecambe and Wise / Terry and June and The Les Dawson Show. In 1973, a new companion was being sought to star opposite Jon Pertwee in the long-running television series Doctor Who. After auditioning many women, producer Barry Letts selected Walker for the role of Sarah Jane Smith. Pertwee who had been playing the Doctor for some time had not been consulted and totally disagreed with the casting. He was not comfortable with playing opposite his female co-star who was tall and blonde. Already contractually protected, she was paid for the entire season but any monies earned at the BBC during the period of the contract were deducted. The role was re-cast with Elisabeth Sladen who was not as tall and had dark hair