New Doctor Who hails Cardiff at world premiere

19th March 2010

Cardiff – the media capital – last night saw the world premiere of the new series of Doctor Who. The BBC Wales produced drama will hit the nation’s screens over Easter but 80 journalists from around the world and a selection of VIP guests were fortunate enough to have a sneak preview. 
 
The premiere featured Matt Smith as the Doctor for the first time together with his new assistant, Amy Pond, played by Karen Gillan.
 
Following the screening of the 1st episode of the new series, Matt Smith and Karen Gillan together with the Executive Producer Steven Moffat answered a myriad of questions from the 80 journalists in attendance. 

Matt Smith was full of praise for Cardiff, describing it as a fantastically welcoming place and a city he loves. 
 
He added, “….you couldn’t make this in London.  You wouldn’t have the scope or variety of locations.  Big up Wales!” 
 
And the reaction?  Everybody seemed thrilled by the new Doctor and there seemed an undoubted chemistry between him and his new assistant.  Now the nation counts down to Easter when the series goes public.
 
Hywel Thomas of Cardiff & Co, the organisation charged with promoting the city said, “The streets of Cardiff have become synonymous with Doctor Who over recent years and it is fitting that the city was chosen for the premiere of new series, ‘The Eleventh Hour’.  Doctor Who, produced by BBC Wales and filmed across the city-region has a huge following in the UK and further afield and the screening in Cardiff serves to emphasise that connection. Clearly such an event attracts significant interest from the media and presents an opportunity for the city to highlight its position as a media capital and to attract further investment in this area.”
 
He added, “The continued success of BBC Wales with productions such as Doctor Who, Torchwood, Merlin and The Sarah Jane Adventures brings significant benefits to the city-region, both in terms of tourism and investment.”

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