Fans of the popular Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood are in mourning once more after the news that an iconic landmark is facing imminent removal.
The sci-fi spin-off series, which ran from 2006 to 2011 and a total of four seasons, followed the adventures of Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) and his team as they faced down alien threats in Wales’ very own Cardiff.
One of the most popular characters on the show was Ianto Jones (played by Gareth David-Lloyd), who was not only a treasured member of the extra-terrestrial fighting team but also Jack’s boyfriend.
Tragically, he died in season three after being poisoned by an alien virus and dying in his immortal lover’s arms – leading to complete and utter devastation in the Doctor Who fanbase.
To mark just how important he was in the universe, a real-life shrine in memory of the fictional character was created 17 years ago, in 2009, and has been a point of pilgrimage for fans and stars of the show alike.
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John and Gareth themselves have visited the location as well as countless Torchwood lovers.
Set up at Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay, it was looked after by caretaker Carol-Anne Hillman, who has been keeping it topped up with tributes since 2014, which included artwork, cards, and heartfelt messages, especially from those praising the show’s trailblazing LGBTQ+ representation.
In a new social media post, however, she shared the sad news that it was being removed at the end of April, saying: ‘It is really sad. I am devastated.’
She shared a statement from Cardiff Bay Management, which read: ‘It has been a great tribute to a wonderful show that ended in 2009. Mermaid Quay has been happy to support since then. This area has other plans now, I’m afraid.’
She also claimed reasons for the removal included ‘rotting wood, rusting ironwork and health & safety’.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Mermaid Quay confirmed the removal to Nation Cymru while they ‘carry out maintenance work’, although they offered hope that a replacement might be set up in its stead.
The statement continued: ‘This work is required to ensure the lower boardwalk continues to provide a wonderful experience for all our visitors.
‘We hope to work with the local community to explore a new plaque for Ianto once the maintenance works have completed.’
Nonetheless, fans have shared how sad they are at the news.
‘Devastating. Goodbye Ianto Shrine. I’ll see you again before the end. Can’t believe it’ll be gone after 17 years,’ RassilonP wrote on X.
‘Well that’s heartbreaking. Ianto’s Shrine is such a small yet vital part of Cardiff Bay, and it’s a real shame that it can’t even be moved in any way to continue to honour the legacy of Doctor Who/Torchwood in Cardiff,’ Redarcherlive echoed.
Even a change.org petition has been launched to #savetheshrine, with fans sharing their stories and photos underneath.
‘This shrine has become a landmark for both Torchwood and Doctor who fans . If they are considering removal, perhaps Torchwood fans could come together to come up with a solution to save the shrine . Whether that’s relocation or restoring the shrine,’ the creator Jade W wrote.
In 2024, Gareth shared with Radio Times just how special this shrine was to him and why Ianto’s character has meant so much to the LGBTQ+ community in particular.
He said: ‘At the time, it was quite a unique relationship to put at the forefront of a primetime show. And I think maybe that had something to do with it, and people felt connected to it on a deeply personal level, because it spoke to them personally.
‘That’s my main theory as to the longevity of the shrine and the attention and the love that Ianto still gets.’
He also confirmed he has visited the shrine various times over the years to show friends or to celebrate its 10th anniversary with Carol-Anne.
‘My mind boggles that it’s still there and I’m just waiting for Mermaid Quay to say, “Enough is enough, let’s take it down!” So it’s very weird but very flattering,’ he said at the time.
Time will tell if, much like Jack Harkness, Ianto’s shrine will be resurrected, but for now, it’s the end of an era.
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