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Derrick Sherwin 1936 – 2018

Creator of UNIT and Doctor Who producer Derrick Sherwin has died at the age of 82.
Between 1968 and 1970, Sherwin served as story editor and scriptwriter and later producer, although he was originally offered the role of script editor in 1967, with the following year’s serial The Web of Fear, the first story to air under his stewardship.
He also contributed a number of scripts for classic serials such as 1968’s The Invasion – which famously introduced the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce to Doctor Who – having adapted the original storyline supplied by Kit Pedler.
His successor as Script Editor, Terrance Dicks, also credits him with the creation of the Time Lords, who were introduced in Patrick Troughton’s final story The War Games, which was written by Dicks and Malcolm Hulke – where Sherwin also served as producer.
He was also producer on Jon Pertwee’s debut Spearhead from Space – he was not only involved in casting Pertwee as the Third Doctor, but also successfully introduced a brand new era of Doctor Who, which saw the Doctor exiled to Earth, as well as a transition from black-and-white to colour.
Sherwin, who originally worked as an actor during the 50’s and 60’s, also appeared in Spearhead from Space as a UNIT officer.
He also contributed to several documentaries for the Doctor Who DVD range, as well as providing commentaries for the two stories he produced and surviving episodes of The Web of Fear and The Wheel in Space for the Lost in Time collection.
Derrick Sherwin died on 17th October following a long illness. The DWC extends its deepest sympathies to his friends and family.

Andrew Reynolds

Derrick Sherwin 1936 – 2018

by Andrew Reynolds time to read: 1 min
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