Late Doctor Who star's husband dies hours after her funeral

Tamm in 'Doctor Who'; she also translated Estonian plays into English (Getty Images)

The husband of Doctor Who actress Mary Tamm died just hours after giving a eulogy at her funeral, her agent said.

Marcus Ringrose is believed to have had a heart attack at home in Battersea, south London, after Tuesday's funeral.

Barry Langford said Mr Ringrose had been at his computer replying to well-wishers who wrote to him after his wife's death when he collapsed.

Tamm, 62, who was best known for playing the first incarnation of the Doctor's companion Romana alongside Tom Baker, had been suffering from cancer for 18 months when she died last month.

She had a long career on stage and screen, with roles in films including The Odessa File and The Likely Lads, and a recurring role in soap Brookside as Penny Crosbie.

The couple leave a daughter Lauren and seven-year-old grandson Max.

Bradford-born Tamm's parents were Estonian and she did not learn English until she went to primary school. Her first professional job was at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre where she worked alongside Sir Derek Jacobi, Joan Sims and Ronnie Barker. From there she moved on to television work and film, her first feature film being Tales That Witness Madness with Kim Novak.

Tamm recently starred in television series Wire In The Blood, Paradise Heights and Jonathan Creek, with stage work including Amanda in Private Lives and Beverley in Abigail's Party.

Her last role was in EastEnders, in which she played Orlenda in 2009. Her autobiography was published the same year.

PA