Doctor Who is back in Blackpool!

By John Freeman on October 17, 2018

Doctor Who at Madame Tussauds Blackpool. Picture: Jason Lock

Madame Tussauds Blackpool has launched an out of this world new Doctor Who area, including a wax figure replica of the Thirteenth Doctor.

The Thirteenth Doctor and the TARDIS will set up home in an immersive new area at the attraction this week, which will give visitors the opportunity to experience many aspects of the world- famous television programme.

Doctor Who at Madame Tussauds Blackpool. Picture: Jason Lock Picture: Jason Lock

The new area takes inspiration from the TV series that has entertained generations since 1963, and featured plenty of photo opportunities. Venture into a forest and search for the Doctor’s trusty sonic screwdriver, before coming face to face with the Doctor and the TARDIS, the very prop used onscreen throughout Series 11.

Each detail of the Doctor’s signature features has been replicated, with the wax figure’s costume commissioned by Doctor Who costume designer Ray Holman.

Doctor Who at Madame Tussauds Blackpool. Picture: Jason Lock Picture: Jason Lock

The outfit includes the Doctor’s long coat, rainbow t-shirt, striped socks and signature braces.

Marking a return to Blackpool for a Doctor Who exhibition, the new area captures a significant moment in the show’s 55-year history, as Jodie Whittaker becomes the first female to play the time travelling alien, bringing a different dimension to the Whoniverse. Jodie has been very involved with the creation of the wax figure, attending a sitting and ensuring every detail had been perfectly replicated.

Speaking of her figure, she said: “It’s an incredible honour to become part of the Madame Tussauds family, they’ve done such an amazing job!”

The hit TV show has proven to be more popular than ever, with the debut episode scoring 8.2 million in the overnights and viewers blown away by Jodie’s performance.

Mat Way, Global Director, Live entertainments, BBC Studios, said: “We are hugely excited to be working with Madame Tussauds at such a pivotal time for Doctor Who. We have been engaged in the development of the wax figure from inception to creation, therefore we can’t wait to see the Thirteenth Doctor finally in position at her Blackpool home.”

General Manager, Matthew Titherington, said: “We are thrilled to announce the addition of a Doctor Who area to the attraction and welcome the first female Doctor Who wax figure.

“The show has a hugely loyal following, not only in the UK but across the world, and the new area will be a must-visit destination for all Doctor Who fans, offering the chance to get up close and personal to all things Who”.

The Doctor Who area is part of the main Madame Tussauds Blackpool attraction and is included in the ticket price, starting from £13.50 for children and £18.00 for adults (additional 20% discount available when tickets are booked online).

• For more information visit: www.madametussauds.com/blackpool

• There’s still time to be in with a chance to win a ticket to the opening night of the new Doctor Who exhibit at Madame Tussauds, Blackpool this Thursday – Find out how here!

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.