Doctor Who: With Very Sad News, Our Favorite TV Series Says Goodbye to a Legend
Doctor Who and Eastenders actor Arnold Yarrow, from Herne Bay, dies aged 104
The oldest surviving Doctor Who actor, who lived in Kent, has died aged 104.
Arnold Yarrow, from Herne Bay, appeared in the 1974 series Death to the Daleks, in which he played the alien character Bellal.
Born on April 17, 1920, he was also a screenwriter and had a recurring role as Benny Bloom on Eastenders in the 90s.
In his stint on the iconic sci-fi show, Yarrow appeared alongside the Third Doctor Jon Pertwee and Elisabeth Sladen’s Sarah Jane Smith.
Bellal was a member of the Exxilon species who assisted the Time Lord in battling the Daleks.
He died in Herne Bay on Monday. At 104 years and 236 days, he is believed to be the oldest actor to have had a credited role in Doctor Who.
In a 2020 interview with Doctor Who expert Toby Hadoke, Yarrow described how uncomfortable the costume he wore during the show was.
He said: “It was made of separate bits that were all glued together – I was stuck in there for three hours at a time.
“They were very restricting. I was filled with horror the first time I put it on.
“There were two tiny pinholes for eyes to look out of and nostrils to breathe through. My vision was extremely limited.”
Since that appearance, Yarrow had various minor roles in TV, including Dial 999, Ghost Squad and Coronation Street.
He also wrote on Eastenders and BBC drama Crown Court.
