BBC Radio Wales prepared for the 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who by dedicating their entire daytime schedule to a Dr Who themed broadcast on November 21st.  The BBC intended to generate buzz around the milestone episode for the widely loved science fiction programme, which is filmed in Cardiff.
The daylong broadcast was recorded live from the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff Bay and was hosted by two of the stationÔÇÖs daytime presenters, Jason Mohammad and Eleri Si├┤n.┬á The action packed Radio Wales Doctor Who Day began at 10 am and featured a range of time travelling stars.
To start the day, Jason Mohammad chatted with Jenna Coleman about her role as the DoctorÔÇÖs current companion, Clara Oswald. Mohammad also talked to Steven Moffat, the showÔÇÖs head writer and executive producer, who answered listenersÔÇÖ questions and discussed the upcoming episode.
Along with Moffat, Mr Mohammad interviewed the curator of the Doctor Who Experience, Andrew Beech, and there was a special item about how Wales has benefited from its association with the long-running series.
Mr Mohammad has appeared as a newsreader on both Doctor Who and the spin-off series, The Sarah Jane Adventures. Having worked in radio for over 10 years, Mohammad took to the role with confidence, and admitted that: ÔÇ£I still get mail from Doctor Who fans.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£IÔÇÖve got one letter which IÔÇÖve kept from a guy in New Zealand who said, ÔÇÿIÔÇÖm not familiar with your repertoire – I donÔÇÖt know what else youÔÇÖve done, but may I say you played the role of a newsreader very wellÔÇÖ, not knowing that it was my job at the time.ÔÇØ
From 1pm, Eleri Si├┤n took over the live broadcast from the Doctor Who Experience. As well as interviewing location manager Iwan Roberts about some of the Welsh locations used in the series, Sion also chatted to composer Murray Gold and conductor Ben Foster in a very special behind the scenes exclusive with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales who recorded the music for the special ÔÇÿThe Day of the DoctorÔÇÖ television broadcast.
To conclude the dayÔÇÖs events, film critic Gary Slaymaker assessed the impact Doctor Who has made on film.
With the 50th anniversary meaning a great deal to so many people in Wales, BBC Radio Wales Editor, Steve Austins said: ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm thrilled weÔÇÖre going to celebrate this truly Welsh success story with the Radio Wales Doctor Who Day.
ÔÇ£Its return in 2005 marked the start of BBC Cymru WalesÔÇÖ drama success story with programmes like Doctor Who now viewed by millions all over the world. ItÔÇÖs fitting therefore that we pay tribute not only to The Doctor but also to all those involved in making the series from our Roath Lock studios in Cardiff Bay. IÔÇÖd say itÔÇÖs one of the great Welsh success stories of recent years.ÔÇØ
Ali Corless
News Writer
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