JOHN LEESON DIES AT 83: DOCTOR WHO'S K9 VOICE — CAUSE OF DEATH, CAREER & TRIBUTES

John Leeson, best known as the voice of K9, the Doctor's robot dog in Doctor Who, died on November 1, 2026, aged 83. His death was announced by his son, film editor Guy Ducker, in a Facebook post.

What Happened

According to his son's announcement on November 1, John Leeson died at 3:03pm "after a summer of illness," and "the end was peaceful." The news was shared on Facebook by film editor Guy Ducker, Leeson's son.

Career

A RADA-trained actor, John Leeson became a household name as the voice of K9, the Doctor's robot dog in Doctor Who. He first voiced the character in 1977's "The Invisible Enemy," opposite Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor, and continued through the classic run, the 1983 special The Five Doctors, and the 2006 revival, also lending his voice to K9 in Big Finish audio dramas. Leeson also played Bungle the bear in the children's series "Rainbow." His other screen credits include Dad's Army, 'Allo 'Allo!, Blake's 7, Crown Court, The Bill and Doctors, and he worked as a Channel 4 continuity announcer.

Tributes

Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies led the tributes, saying: "There was no question that we'd ask John to provide the voice" when K9 returned to the series in 2006. John Leeson is survived by his wife, Judy Griffiths, and his son, Guy Ducker.

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FAQs

Who was John Leeson?
John Leeson (born John Francis Christopher Ducker, 16 March 1943, in Leicester, England) was a British actor best known as the voice of K9, Doctor Who's robot dog, from 1977 through the 2006 revival, and as Bungle the bear in the children's series Rainbow.

How did he die?
According to his son's announcement, he died on November 1, 2026, aged 83, at 3:03pm "after a summer of illness." The family said "the end was peaceful." No further cause of death details were given.

When did he voice K9?
He first voiced K9 in the 1977 serial "The Invisible Enemy" opposite Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor, continued through the classic series, voiced the character in the 1983 special The Five Doctors, returned for the 2006 revival, and performed in Big Finish audio dramas.

Who announced his death?
His death was announced by his son, film editor Guy Ducker, on Facebook on November 1, 2026.

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