Fiona Cumming died on New Year's Day. She was 77.
Most known to Who fans as the director of a number of Peter Davison stories including his debut in Castrovalva, although her involvement with the show stretched right back to being an AFM on The Massacre in 1966.

As soon as I saw the thread title it was oh no.

Castrovalva turned me into a fan when I was 12, really rate Snakedance and if ever I'm asked what my favourite Who story is Enlightenment is the one I pick. Very talented woman.

RIP and thanks, Fiona.

Love Castrovalva, Snakedance and Planet of Fire. Enlightenment is one of the greats of 80s DW. Enlightenment feels so different from so much other DW: maybe being the only story written and directed by a woman has a definite impact?

Fiona Cumming was very close to John Nathan-Turner and is quoted extensively in the outrageously juicy biography published a couple of years back.

I always liked her on DVD commentaries and interviews, etc. Plainspeaking and confident, she seemed to be someone I would happily chat to for ages.

More info here: http://doctorwhoworldwide.com/2015/0...ing-1937-2015/

Love her work - I am very grateful for her contribution to Doctor Who. RIP

Agree with your comments about Enlightenment Chuff and I too love those stories you mentioned. This is my era and very sad to see this thread.

An obit in the BBC's "deaths you might have missed" column, alas riddled with spelling mistakes and factual errors.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31055679