Ian Marter left university in 1969 and embarked on a new journey by joining the prestigious Bristol Old Vic as an acting stage manager. Two years later, in 1970, renowned producer Barry Letts took notice of Marter's talent and considered him for the pivotal role of Captain Mike Yates in the 1971 episode "Terror of the Autons: Episode One". Although the part ultimately went to Richard Franklin, Letts's memory of Marter proved to be long-lasting, and he was later cast as John Andrews in the 1973 episode "Carnival of Monsters: Episode One".
Fast forward to 1974, when the iconic Jon Pertwee announced his departure from the series. Letts began considering an older actor for the role of the Doctor, which would require a younger actor to perform physical action sequences as the Doctor's companion. This led to Marter being cast as Surgeon Lieutenant Harry Sullivan. However, when Tom Baker, aged 40 at the time, landed the role of the Doctor, Marter found himself surplus to requirements. The new production team, comprising Philip Hinchcliffe and Robert Holmes, felt that the Doctor only needed one companion, and Marter was subsequently written out of the show.
Marter spent the remainder of his life dedicating himself to a new creative pursuit, novelising Doctor Who stories for Target Books. Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he passed away suddenly and prematurely in 1986.
