Nabil Shaban dead: Doctor Who legend and Children of Men star dies as tributes flood in

Much-loved Doctor Who star Nabil Shaban has died at the age of 72. Best known for starring as Sil in six episodes of the original series, he reprised the role in podcast series The Monthly Adventures and in 2019 TV movie Sil and the Devil Seeds of Arodor. He alos played Sil in 2009 release The Lost Stories.

In his extensive career, Nabil also starred as a market hustler in Children of Men in 2006, and was a writer on various projects including Morticia and A Different Hand. He co-founded the theatre company Graeae in the 70s, which helped to platform deaf, disabled and neurodivergent performers.

Nabil was born with osteogenesis imperfecta - otherwise known as brittle bone disease - which affected the formation of his limbs. He used a wheelchair throughout his life and was inspired to create the company to help others in his situation pursue their acting dreams.

He was always candid about his condition, which led to bullying throughout his childhood. The actor is quoted as saying: "One of my tactics was to always have a knife on me. I'd go straight for the b******s".

He suffered several broken bones at birth, and risked breaking more if he coughed or sneezed. His sister, Jazz, had the same condition, and Nabil admitted that his mother attempted suicide twice after their births.

Born in Jordan, he moved to the UK so that he could be treated at St Mary's Hospital along with his sister. The siblings grew up in children's homes after the death of their father, as their mother returned to their home country.

Tributes have flooded in for the actor online, with one fan writing: "RIP the incredible Nabil Shaban. An amazing actor, a gent & a star. It was a huge privilege to work with him on Sil and the Devil Seeds of Arodor in 2019. He was a lovely man & a completely professional. Condolences to his wiife Marcela, his family, friends & colleagues."

Another echoed: "So sorry to hear of the passing of dear Nabil Shaban. A wonderful actor, good friend and probably one of the best Doctor Who villains of all time. He worked tirelessly for disabled actors and always brought such dedication and humour to whatever he was doing."

While someone else said: "So sorry to hear the actor Nabil Shaban has died. We met while working on Doctor Who when he played the monster Sil in rather a hot rubber costume."