One former companion, Sarah Jane Smith, together with the robotic dog K-9, appeared in four and two episodes, respectively, of the revived series more than twenty years after their last appearances in the 20th anniversary story The Five Doctors (1983). The character of Sarah Jane also headed up a Doctor Who spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures, with K-9 until Sladen's death.
Sarah Jane Smith and her robotic dog K-9 appeared in four episodes and two episodes of the revived series more than twenty years after their last appearances in The Five Doctors (1983). This character also directed a Doctor Who spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures, with K-9 until Sladen's demise.