The entertainment world is in mourning following the death of actor Marcus Gilbert at the age of 67. The star, celebrated for his roles in the BBC's Doctor Who and the iconic TV adaptation of Riders, passed away on Sunday, 11th January 2026, after a battle with cancer.
A Career Remembered: From Riders to the TARDIS
Marcus Gilbert was best known for his portrayal of the charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black in the 1993 television adaptation of Jilly Cooper's bestselling novel, Riders. This role cemented his status as a household name and a quintessential romantic lead. His career also included a memorable foray into the world of science fiction when he appeared in the 1989 Doctor Who serial titled Battlefield, starring opposite the Seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy.
The news of his passing was shared via a heartfelt Facebook post, which stated: "Today we have heard the very sad news that Marcus lost his battle against cancer on Sunday, 11th January 2026... We, along with his many fans worldwide, will mourn his loss, and remember the joy he gave us on screen, and in person."
Emotional Tributes from Friends and Colleagues
The announcement prompted an outpouring of grief and fond remembrance from across the industry. Russell T Davies, the acclaimed writer and showrunner who revived Doctor Who, responded simply but poignantly: "Oh, that’s sad news."
Actor and writer Toby Hadoke shared a more detailed tribute, recalling Gilbert as "dashing, charming, and a strong actor with a bit of a twinkle." Hadoke reminisced about meeting him in Liverpool a decade ago, praising his performances not only in Doctor Who but also in the cult film Army of Darkness. He also humorously noted Gilbert's anecdote about the "eye-watering" earnings from the famous Gold Blend coffee commercials, concluding, "Lovely chap: wore his attributes lightly."
A Late-Life Romance with a Co-Star
In a touching footnote to his personal life, Marcus Gilbert found love with his Riders co-star Lysette Anthony, 33 years after they first shared an on-screen kiss. Reports in 2023 confirmed the pair were in a "serious romance," with a friend of the actress describing them as an "adorable couple" and noting that "Lysette is head over heels with him." This real-life reunion captured the hearts of fans who had followed their careers since the 1990s.
Marcus Gilbert's passing marks the loss of a talented and beloved figure in British television and film. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances, which brought joy to audiences for decades, and in the warm memories shared by those who knew him.
