L is for... Lon

Spoilt teenage son of the Federator, who oversaw a federation of three planets which included the world of Manussa. This had previously been home to the Sumaran Empire, out of which had grown the evil Mara. Lon's ancestor had defeated them, and coming up was a celebration of this historical event. He and his mother Tanha were visiting Manussa as guests of Ambril, Director of Antiquities.

However, many Manussans had lost interest in their own history, believing the Mara to be a myth. Having previously been taken over by the creatures on the Kinda planet, the Mara resumed control over Tegan Jovanka and forced her to bring the TARDIS to Manussa. Requiring a special crystal from the city museum, Tegan infected Lon in order that he would order its release. At the re-enactment ceremony, this crystal would be used to bring the Mara back. Under the Mara influence, Lon had the Doctor and Nyssa locked up to prevent their interference. He and Tegan also took over a fairground barker to act as a servant. Ambril was blackmailed into releasing the crystal. As the Mara attempted to return during the ceremony, the Doctor tapped the powers of the planet's Snakedancers to fight against them. Once Tegan was freed, Lon was released and the Mara ejected.

Played by: Martin Clunes. Appearances: Snakedance (1983).

• Clunes is the son of actor Alec Clunes, and is related to Sherlock Holmes actor Jeremy Brett.
• He is best known for the long-running series Doc Martin, but first came to fame in the sitcom Men Behaving Badly.
• Despite starting his TV career with the BBC, he has a golden handcuff deal with ITV, presenting documentaries (wildlife / travelogues) as well as featuring in drama productions.
• His embarrassing ceremonial costume in Part Four of Snakedance is often shown on TV in those "before they were famous" programmes - making it one of the most widely seen Doctor Who clips of all time.
• "Lon" is a Spanish name, meaning "noble" or "ready". It is the diminutive of Alonzo.