From Doctor to demon

Former Doctor Who Colin Baker may have an army of sci-fi fans himself, but he has been a fan of the genre himself his whole life. Colin, 73, said: “I’ve always been keen on sci-fi things. I remember listening to Journey Into Space on the radio. I was the kind of person who was a fan of these things when I was very small.”

It may be 30 years since he took to our screens as the Doctor, but going to conventions such as this weekend’s in Medway is still something he is keen to do – and something he expected long ago.

He said: “When I got the job as the Doctor, I was taken upstairs at the BBC and it was impressed on me that I did realise that my life wouldn’t be my own for a few years.” Of the current speculation for the next Doctor, he said: “The BBC like to do the secrecy thing. I would like them to pick a woman. I don’t think they will though.” Although Colin will not be getting into costume at this weekend’s festival, he’s looking forward to being transformed into a demon in a horror film later this year. “Playing a demon is something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “I’ve tried the make-up out and there will be lots of it. I love to get into costume when I’m playing the part, but I’m happy to leave others to get dressed up this weekend.”