Sarah Jane Smith was, for many years, the favorite of all Doctor Who companions. Even after the series was revived in 2005 and new companions came on the scene, her character continued to top polls of the most popular companions. Thanks to her introduction to an entirely new generation of fans as the protagonist of "The Sarah Jane Adventures", she is an integral part of the Doctor Who universe.

Since the death of her portrayer, Elisabeth Sladen, in April 2011, she herself was given a very short memorial title card, but the passing of her character has never been acknowledged in the context of the Doctor Who universe.

This petition insists that the importance of Sarah Jane Smith as a character should be acknowledged by the Doctor, preferably in the upcoming 60th anniversary special, similarly to the way in which Nicholas Courtney's passing was acknowledged with a nod to the death of his character, the Brigadier. Sarah Jane Smith was the ultimate Doctor Who girl, and she must not simply disappear from his universe without a mention.

Note that we are NOT suggesting that her character be officially "killed off" in the special. Far from it. But with the revelation that the character of the Brigadier's daughter, Kate Stewart, is part of the story, there is ample opportunity for the Doctor to acknowledge Sarah Jane's importance in his life.