Derrick Sherwin: British television writer, story editor and producer

Early life and background

Sherwin was born on 16 April 1936 in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Like many television practitioners of his generation, he worked across several roles in a growing postwar broadcast industry, gaining experience that allowed him to move between writing, editing and producing.

Career highlights

He is best known for his association with Doctor Who, first contributing as a story editor and later taking on the role of producer of the series in 1969. In television production, story editors shape the continuity and tone of multi‑episode stories; as producer Sherwin handled broader responsibilities including scheduling, casting decisions, and the coordination between writers, directors and technical teams.

Outside Doctor Who, Sherwin co‑produced the BBC adaptation of the detective series Paul Temple, helping to oversee episodes and the adaptation of serialized crime fiction for television. His career illustrates the collaborative and often interchangeable nature of mid‑20th century British television professions.

Other work and selected credits

Although primarily active behind the camera, Sherwin also appeared on screen. His sole listed film acting role was as "No. 1" in the 1968 comedy film The Vengeance of She. His credits span writing, story editing and producing across anthology and serial formats during a formative era for television drama.

• Story editor/producer: Doctor Who (story editor; producer in 1969)
• Co‑producer: Paul Temple (BBC)
• Film appearance: The Vengeance of She (1968), credited as "No. 1"

Legacy and passing

Sherwin's work is remembered primarily for his role in stewarding some popular serialized programmes during a period of rapid development in British television. Producers and story editors like him helped establish production routines and narrative practices that enabled long‑running series to sustain continuity and audience interest.

Derrick Sherwin died on 17 October 2018 after a long illness, aged 82. His contributions are noted by fans and historians who study the development of genre television in Britain and the collaborative craft of television production.