Lalla Ward has only ever been an author.
Lalla Ward ( born Sarah Jill Ward ; 28 June 1951 ) is an English actress and author . She is known for her role as Romana in the BBC television series Doctor Who . Warriors ' Gate is the fifth serial of the 18th season in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who , which was written by the English author Stephen Gallagher and first broadcast in four weekly parts from 3 January to 24 January 1981 .