Mary Tamm’s stint in Doctor Who lasted just one season, but her time as the aristocratic Time Lady Romana remains popular nearly 30 years later. Next month, her episodes are finally released on DVD, in the keenly awaited Key To Time box set. Currently working on her autobiography and appearing in BBC1's Doctors next week, Tamm took time out of her hectic schedule to talk to Jonathan Wilkins.

Does it seem like 30 years ago?

No, it doesn’t. In a way, I’ve never left. Since I left the show, I’ve remained involved through Doctor Who conventions and the fan mail which really has been consistent over the last 30 years. It doesn’t feel that long. The nice thing about it is that I don’t think there is any other actor who would have this kind of career because, of course, it’s always there. I used to get a bit irritated by it and thought I’d never get rid of it, but now I don’t want it to go away.

With the resurrection of the series, it’s fabulous to have a whole new fanbase. I still get lots of fan mail every week, that’s never slackened. But recently, I was in Birmingham doing a convention and there were little kids as young as three and four who were watching it, proving my theory that the new fans go back and get out the old DVDs which mums and dads might have.

This is why the release of the The Key to Time DVD set is so exciting. I didn’t think there’d be much interest, but they already have huge advanced sales on it and, judging by the response at the convention, everybody is very excited about The Key to Time. It’s gratifying because you leave something behind that people still remember.

I have a grandson coming up to three. He’s a bit too young now, but I can’t wait to get him interested in the series! The kids and adults alike just love it!

How hard is it to remember the stories when you are doing the commentaries?

It was weird because I was panicking, thinking that I won’t remember anything, but the moment I sat down it came flooding back. Tom Baker, John Leeson and I were very close and that closeness came back and we supplied the gaps in each other’s memories about it.

We did a whole morning’s commentaries in a studio in Soho and we digressed a lot of the time. The director said, “Look, you’re talking about Doctor Who, not your love life!”

We finished at about 1pm and had this ritual of going to this lovely Italian restaurant next door, so it was a fantastic week. I think we did a brilliant job on the commentaries, even though I say so myself - much better than the American ones.

If fans are wondering whether to get it if they have the American version, I’d say definitely. You’ve got some real gems in there. The usual jokes and stories from Tom, of course. Apart from that, there are in-vision interviews with all of us, as well as with the other artists who appeared in the show, and who have never been interviewed before. Lots of gossip and secrets come out. They tried to get me involved in that, but I said Romana wouldn’t possibly be involved!

Also, I have done my first presenting job on the DVD. I was invited to appear in the documentary and they said they were looking for a presenter. I said, “Why don’t I present it?” and they thought that was a great idea! I interviewed some fabulous, eccentric characters. The fans will hopefully be delighted by the extras.

Are you sad that your episodes have been released all at once, rather than having the chance to revisit the show over the years?

No, I'm pleased. I was only in the show for 26 episodes which is nine or 10 months work. It’s just amazing that Romana is so hugely popular, because she wasn’t in it for that long.

I always feel optimistic and think that maybe I can appear in the new series either as Romana or somebody else. Maybe Romana could be in Paris trying out mortal life!

If they can get K-9 back…

I didn’t know K-9 was back! I did watch some of the new series, but it’s on at a time when I’m never at home, although I try to record it. I do think it’s brilliant. I feel slightly envious because the production values are so wonderful. Having said that, the fans still like the old series just as much.

The old shows still stand up today.

Do you think so? [laughs] There’s a real fan talking! It’s amazing what the viewer’s imagination can do when they are watching something. It doesn’t have to be perfect. I’m quite into all the production values when I watch. I appreciate what they do in the new series in terms of what they have to spend. I suppose it’s different watching it as viewer and you’re not critical - then it’s just the story and the acting. It’s the complete fantasy.

How did you find working with Tom Baker?

I loved working with him. I do think he was the best Doctor and he brought such a lot of humour to it, which wasn’t in the script. We would both do little tweaks with the lines and, as we got to know each other better, we put lots of little jokes in for ourselves. Then John Leeson would add his little bit, so it was a very happy experience doing the whole thing.

Read part two of our Mary Tamm interview next month and discover what is Mary’s favourite story, what she would like to have changed and whether she can still pronounce Romanadvoratrelundar!

Mary Tamm can be seen in BBC1’s Doctors from Monday 20th August 2007.

Doctor Who: The Key to Time is released on DVD on 24 September 2007.