Elisabeth Sladen: The Autobiography

saying, ‘If you think you can do better,’ but you just grin and get on with it.

As far as working and rehearsing and workshopping the script, Jon and I had never been better. For the first time it felt like we were totally in tune with each other, bouncing things back and forth so naturally. After a bit of a slow start it was really an honour to work with him so closely.

One of the things Who has always been famous for is its running – exactly the same under Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat as it ever was. As Peladon was a mining planet, a lot of our scenes seemed to involve haring up and down narrow corridors at full pelt. I remember one early scene, setting off after Jon, and he looked round at me. It was a really patrician, caring look and I’m sure anyone watching would have thought he was checking to see if Sarah Jane was OK, that she hadn’t fallen over. What they didn’t notice was him hissing, ‘For God’s sake, Lissie, slow down!’

That was hysterical. Of course, I know exactly how he feels now, having to keep up with the kids on The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Jon wasn’t the only person who struggled to keep pace with me on Peladon. It was getting near curfew time and we weren’t anywhere near ready to wrap so the pressure was on. I had to be chased down a mine by an Ice Warrior. I won’t mention his name but the actor inside was a great guy. He enjoyed being on Who and was always happy to go the extra mile. This time he nearly went too far.

Lennie gave the word – ‘Time’s short, people, let’s get this right first time’ – and off we charged, me in my heeled boots and him in a heavy monster suit with an oxygen unit on the back, like a scuba tank. We hadn’t gone far when I realised I could hear loud wheezing. He sounds like he’s in trouble. Why doesn’t he stop? I wondered.

Then I realised: he didn’t want to be the one to push us over time. The show must go on, and all that.

Right, I thought, and threw myself to the ground.

‘Sorry, everyone!’ I called, ‘I just tripped. Sorry, my fault.’

I looked behind me and the Ice Warrior was slumped over, struggling to get his helmet off. When they checked, we’d been in such a rush to get going that they’d forgotten to plumb his breathing apparatus in. He was gasping in that airtight helmet and he hadn’t said a word. That’s what Who means to people.

Although there were no outside scenes for The Monster of Peladon we still had a week’s location shoot. The only difference was that the shoot took place in another studio. And I couldn’t have been happier.

As a film buff I can tell you there are a few studios in the world that really have a history. Ealing Studios is one of those few. The Cruel Sea, The Lavender Hill Mob, so many classics were filmed there. They’ve got the big sea tank used on all those war films. The magic that has been created there! It’s one of those places where you can feel the past as you walk around. It also made a change not to be in a chalk pit or a quarry or even a dust bowl in freezing January. And, of course, it was so close to my home!

I really think Lennie achieved wonders with the mood on set. Everyone was willing to go that extra mile for him – just look at that Ice Warrior. The new rapport between Jon and me probably helped as well. We certainly tried to lead from the front. Jon was suffering quite bad back pain at the time and had to wear a corset to keep everything in place. Although Terry Walsh was always on hand to step in (although you probably shouldn’t see as much of his face and Pertwee perm-wig as you do during one fight scene), Jon still insisted on doing as many of his own stunts as possible – afterwards he’d literally have to be stretched on a human rack. A couple of chaps would grab Jon under the arms, hoist him up and wait for his spine to click back into place.

I had my moments of sacrifice, too. There was a scene where Jon and I had to leap into the pit with Aggedor, the so-called ‘monster’ of Peladon. I agreed to do the stunt myself and Terry talked me through it.

‘Now, Lis, we’ve got cushions at the bottom, perfectly safe. We can get someone else to do it, if you like, but I think you can do it easily.’

I looked down at the hole. It was only about six feet but in the darkness it seemed to go on for miles.

‘I’m not sure about this, Terry.’

‘You’ll kick yourself if you don’t.’

So like an idiot I agreed. Lennie gave the cue and off I jumped.

Terry came rushing up to me afterwards.

‘Well, did you enjoy that?’

‘No, I bloody didn’t!’

But he was right – I was glad I’d done it. Unfortunately, I’d forgotten that I’d have to do it again – and again – until Lennie was happy.

By coincidence Todd Joseph was on set that day. Agents never miss a trick, do they, and I saw him talking to Barry.

‘Half past nine and look at the energy she’s got!’ Always trying to squeeze some negotiating power out of a situation.

Afterwards I knew how Jon felt with his back because my ankles were killing me and I’m sure my hip was out of joint. Max Faulkner, who played one of the miners, said, ‘You’re walking oddly. Lie down on that table.’

I was desperate for a rest so I climbed on while he had a look.

‘Thought so,’ he said. ‘One leg is longer than the other. You’d better go and see someone.’

I didn’t do any jumps after that and I’ve had weak ankles to this day, but at the time I was just pleased to have managed the stunt. At least we got our shot. It should look pretty spectacular on- screen.

Anyone who has seen the episode knows it didn’t. It looked about as dangerous as hopping into a bath. What a waste of time – all that pain for nothing. Wait till I see that bloody Terry …

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