Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 4 hrs ago
John Leeson, voice of Doctor Who’s K9, dies aged 83
Actor John Leeson, best known as K9’s voice in Doctor Who, has died aged 83.
His son, Guy Ducker, announced that Leeson died peacefully after a summer of illness.
Leeson began voicing the robot dog K9 in 1977, alongside Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor.
K9 became a popular character, and Leeson returned to the role in later Doctor Who episodes and spin-offs.
He also acted in shows including Dad’s Army and Rainbow, where he played Bungle the Bear.
Russell T Davies praised Leeson’s performance and said it was hard to imagine anyone else voicing K9.
Leeson’s death marks the loss of an actor closely associated with one of Doctor Who’s best-known characters.
His family and colleagues have shared tributes, and no further plans have been announced.
John Leeson, the actor best known for voicing K9 in Doctor Who, has died aged 83.
His son, Guy Ducker, announced his death in a Facebook post, saying it followed a summer of illness and that the end was peaceful.
Leeson first voiced K9 in the 1977 Doctor Who episode The Invisible Enemy.
He also appeared in shows including Dad’s Army, Sorry!, Crown Court and Rainbow.
Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies paid tribute, praising Leeson’s performance and dedication to the character.
- Who
- John Leeson, also known as John Ducker, died. He was 83.
- What
- The actor who voiced K9 in Doctor Who has died.
- When
- His son said he died at 3:03pm; the articles were published on November 1, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- His son said he died after a summer of illness.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Leeson first voiced K9 in the Doctor Who episode The Invisible Enemy.
Russell T Davies revived Leeson’s character after Doctor Who returned.
Leeson reunited with Tom Baker in the audio drama Sir Sherlock: The Red Letter Day.
His son announced Leeson’s death, saying it followed a summer of illness.
- Age
- 83
- Stage name
- John Leeson
- Birth name
- John Ducker
- K9 debut
- The Invisible Enemy, 1977
- Son
- Guy Ducker
3 sources
What people are saying
I regret to announce the death of my father, John Ducker, a.k.a. John Leeson, at 3:03pm today after a summer of illness. The end was peaceful.
There was no question that we'd ask John to provide the voice, it was impossible to imagine anyone else.
God he was good.