Ian Gelder is known for his guest spots as Mr. Dekker in “Torchwood’s Children of Earth”, and on a past “Doctor Who” episode called ‘The Ghost Monument,’ as Kevan Lannister in “Game of Thrones,” and many other roles. Tonight the British actor plays Zellin in the new episode ‘Can You Hear Me?’ His highly regarded stage and screen roles include productions on London’s West End and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Find out about his experience on the set of tonight’s “Doctor Who.”
NaN: How was it being in “Doctor Who?”
Ian Gelder: It was brilliant because I’ve wanted to do it for a long time. Being in “Torchwood,” I’ve already entered the world of “Doctor Who,” but haven’t actually done a “Doctor Who” episode. I voiced a character from series 11 called ‘The Remnants’ and I remember talking to the producer and I said I’d love to be present in an episode too. I’ve always wanted to be in a Who, so it was great when I got the offer to do this particular episode. I was thrilled.
NaN: Did you watch the show before? Do you have a favorite memory or Doctor?
IG: I grew up with William Hartnell so I’ve always loved him. But they’ve all brought something completely different to it; they’ve all been great. I have to say though, I think it’s a great step forward that Jodie is now doing it. I watched the last series and I think it’s fantastic, she’s taken on the mantle of Who in a brilliant way.
NaN: What was it like working work with Jodie and the other cast?
IG: Really lovely. I had a lot of big scenes with Jodie and she’s what’s written on the tin in a kind of way. She’s everything that you expect her to be, she’s delightful, funny, energetic, committed and we worked together really well.
NaN: What was it like playing a villain?
IG: Any actor will tell you that playing a villain is always great! But this one was so extraordinary. The first I knew about it was from talking to the costume designer, who sent me designs of what the character would look like. When that was patched together with the script, I thought how exciting that I’m going to look so extraordinary and so evil and chilling! So I went into it being really excited. The physicality they gave me ended up being a huge aid in how I played the part.
NaN: It’s a bit of a scary episode, how was it to film?
IG: It was particularly fun for me because I keep appearing in the shadows. It was incredibly fun to play, especially with all the prosthetics and the CGI.
NaN: How would you describe your episode in three words?
IG: Scary, thought-provoking and exciting.
Official synopsis:
From ancient Syria to present-day Sheffield and out into the wilds of space, something is stalking the Doctor and her friends. As Graham, Yaz, and Ryan return home to see friends and family, they find themselves haunted by very different experiences. Who is the figure calling from beyond the stars for help, and why? And what are the fearsome Chagaskas terrorizing Aleppo in 1380? To find the answers, Team TARDIS must embark on a mission which forces them to face their darkest fears.
Episode 8 – “The Haunting of Villa Diodati” – Airs Sunday, February 16th at 8/7c
“Nobody mention Frankenstein. Nobody interfere. Nobody snog Byron.” Should be easy right? The Doctor and gang arrive at the Villa Diodati, Lake Geneva in 1816 on the night that inspired Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The plan is to spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere in the presence of some literary greats – but the ghosts are all too real, and the Doctor is forced into a decision of Earth-shattering proportions.
Guest starring: Lili Miller, Nadia Parkes, Jacob Collins-Levy, Maxim Baldry and Lewis Rainer.
Written by: Maxine Alderton.
Directed by: Emma Sullivan.
Written by Colleen Bement
