It is with deep sadness that I write this. I knew I would have to write a tribute one day, but this is far too soon. Anthony was fit, healthy and full of mischief…

I first wrote to Mr Ainley in 1984. I had been mightily impressed by his Masterful performance in The Planet of Fire and penned a letter in the hope of receiving a signed postcard for my collection. Most other actor’s had their agents send printed replies with perhaps a signature, and I prepared myself to wait for the usual month or more. A week later I received a signed picture and a beautifully hand written letter on the back of a page of Five Doctor’s script – both delivered in an envelope that he had taken from the hotel where the crew had stayed in Lanzarote! I was over the moon! His missive was really lovely – he made me feel special and even asked me questions! So, I wrote back, not really expecting any more replies – well, he was a busy actor…wasn’t he? This turned out to be the start of a very special relationship that lasted exactly 20 years…

I have a large amount of letters from Anthony containing his thoughts on a variety of topics ranging from health tips and celebrity gossip to his cats and convention worries. Often he would enclose his batting averages of which he was extremely proud – in the last few years he complained of being a ‘spent force’ but he was still on top form, being the opening batsman for the London Theatres Cricket team, and regularly playing tennis. I also have photographs, many sent to him by fans. Someone has probably got mine! However he very kindly sent me other items – videos, T-shirts, scripts, and even photographs of his cats! (He was proud of these too, having rescued a stray female, who then produced a kitten!). I was most surprised to even receive a letter while he was at Visions 93 in Chicago, saying that I should have been there! Always he was warm and friendly and very appreciative.

He gave me his home phone number in 1984. I had to pluck up enough courage to call, and I was halfway into leaving a nervous message when he answered. He once said that he always left his answering machine on, so he could be selective in whom he spoke to. Very wise! Anyway, he soon put me at ease, and we spoke for two hours. I don’t recall any phone call lasting less than an hour. He used to say that these conversations were one-to-one conventions! Speaking to Anthony was exactly like speaking to the Master! Same velvet voice and chuckle, and very unpredictable! Everything in the world of Doctor Who was covered over the years – his thoughts, criticisms, and worries. He kept telling me not to tell anyone else what he was about to impart, and then found him telling others in the photo studio at conventions! He was a terrible gossip! I could always tell when he would call – usually after I had attended an event and he wanted to know all the news. His final call came last year. "Is Miss Green able to take a call from Gallifrey?" He asked my bemused mother, who thought it was a member of my local group – The Sutton Who’s. Well, indeed it was! I asked Ant to be honorary member of the group and he eagerly accepted! Over the years he kindly commented on our newsletter, and jumped at the chance of judging a drabble writing competition, even providing prizes for all the entrants even though I hadn’t asked him to! What a guy!

Anyway, back to the wonderful telephone conversations. They were full of gossip, news, jokes and laughter. He even asked me for comments on impressions that he planned to include in his convention cabaret routines! It was surreal! Really it was! Listening to his often hilarious voices, jokes and songs, and having to be honest about them, and yet not upset him, for he was a sensitive man, and prone to sulking.

I first met him in 1995 at AylCon in Birmingham – his first British convention for many years. He was impressive – and far exceeded my expectations. He wasn’t the normal type of guest that I had grown used to. He was very droll and had the audience in the palm of his hand. Full of corny jokes and witty ripostes, he was the highlight of the weekend. I very much regret not taking the trip to Blists Hill, which was an extra at the event, but Ant told me afterwards that it had been cold, wet, and very muddy and he wished he could have stayed in the hotel talking to his fans!

I met him at many conventions after that, and we always exchanged gifts, jokes and gossip. It seems that he came to rely on me being at these events for he often, in the middle of a panel, asked me if he had got his facts right! I had to do my homework, I can tell you! He embarrassed me many times, picking me out of the audience with mischievous glee – the swine! This was something that I found uncanny. That he could pinpoint me with such accuracy in an audience of 500 or so. To have the Master gazing at me with those penetrating grey eyes of his, or blowing kisses from the stage was quite something! He made me and, I don’t doubt it, many others feel special. He was indeed a ladies man! There was always a crowd when he was in the photo studio, but he loved every minute of it!

I was privileged to know more about him than most, but he was an intensely private man, who really was much happier playing cricket or watching his beloved football team Chelsea on the television whilst munching through a bowlful of cherries or grapes! He did love the finer things in life – good food, good company and good conversation. He adored his fans and never took them for granted, replying to every letter personally, and often including photographs or some small memento. He may have had harsh opinions about certain ‘behind the scenes’ folk in the programme, but he never had a bad word for any fan. He thoroughly enjoyed himself at conventions – and although a certain organiser did take advantage of his good nature, he was superb value for money, and was the highlight for many. He felt it his duty to please the fans, for they in turn had pleased him. I feel sorry for those who never wrote to him or saw him perform at conventions for he enriched us with his wit and style. As is usually the case, he was the complete opposite of the evil character he portrayed.

Anthony was amiable, affable, adorable and a true gentleman. He was unique. Many saw his eccentric side, but I was privileged to be called a friend, and over a 20 year period got to know a very kind, generous and thoughtful man. He once told me that if I was ever in trouble or needed help then to give him a call. No one has ever said that to me and I was truly touched – still am. I wouldn’t have called, but it was a great comfort to have him as a friend.

Indeed, it has been heartwarming to read the hundreds of tributes to Ant, and I am sure that they have helped all of us cope with his very sad and unexpected loss. We shall all miss him.

He always adorned his letters and envelopes with stickers, but his favourite says it all:

"A cosmos without the Master scarcely bears thinking about!"