Britain: Proud of...Doctor Who

[DanaC]

This caught my eye on the Radiotimes site:

It’s been a proud year for Britain – what with the Olympic Games and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, all nicely rounded off by a Royal Baby. But aside from our undeniable patriotism, us Brits have found pride in another source… Doctor Who.

Firstly, obviously, as a total Who fangurl, this pleases me.

But aside from that, what an interesting little poll. It would never have occurred to me to want answers to those questions, but now I'm really glad someone did.

Following a new poll to determine the TV programme the nation take most pride in, Matt Smith and co came out top of the pile with an impressive 48% of voters saying they felt proud of the BBC's sci-fi series. Hot on its heels with a competitive 44% is period drama Downton Abbey – which has just come to the end of its third series. Both shows have been successfully exported worldwide, enjoying considerable success in the US, while home fans are eagerly awaiting their forthcoming Christmas specials.

Conversely:

But while the Doctor and Lord Grantham are objects of our affection, Simon Cowell’s reality juggernaut The X Factor makes us hang our heads in shame with just one in five voters (20%) stating they were proud of the talent show.

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-...-of-doctor-who

[Flint]

48% of voters saying they felt proud of the BBC's sci-fi series

Awesome. One small point though, it is produced by BBC Wales.



We're big fans. We met BigV at the Tardis Room (Dr. Who-themed pub at the Fish & Ship shop in Portland, OR.)

[DanaC]

BBC Wales is a part of 'the BBC'.

Theme pub sounds awesome. Love the name!

[Flint]

Originally Posted by DanaC

BBC Wales is a part of 'the BBC'.

Right, and not to split hairs, but are the Welsh really a part of the British?

The only perspective I have on this is that Welsh heritage is celebrated in the States in the context of Celtic heritage. When I go out to Celtic festivals in my Utilikilt, I've always considered Wales to be, in spirit at least, something in the 'other' category--with Ireland and Scottland. I don't actually know how people in the area identify themsleves, so I admit I am ignorant here. But as for myself, my heritage is Welsh, and I consider that to be Celtic, not British. I've always felt that 'my' people--the Welsh, make Dr. Who. Not that it really matters in any serious way.

[DanaC]

Full independence from the United Kingdom isn't massively popular in Wales. I think it's something like 10 % of the population. Not at all like the Scottish situation. Wales has some devolved regional powers through the Welsh Assembly, but it remains within the United Kingdom.

I daresay they exist, but I've never come across a Welsh person who objected to being classed as british. I have met a few who strongly object to being called English when abroad :p

[Flint]

Interesting, thanks.

And yeah, the Tardis Room was super neat!

[Sundae]

Geographically speaking, Wales is part of The British Isles.
As is Southern Ireland, the Isle of Man AND Jersey and Guernsey in the Channel Islands (quiz fans take note - we once won a round of drinks because we knew the River Shannon was technically in the British Isles).

After all the TV licence my parents pay (oops, no I don't specifically pay it but I do contribute and did for years) helps pay to make the show.

I love Wales, and the Welsh. I'm proud that they are our next door neighbours and have such a strong identity. But the Doctor is British. Wales is only part of his demesne. Says this fangurl who dragged her mother around Cardiff to get photos of Torchwood filming locations. And I spent my 30th birthday in the shadow of Cader Idris in the hope of waking up as a poet.

I went to a Dracula themed pub in London that was actually quite good. But we were there on a freezing workday afternoon in February ( after having a champagne picnic on the South Bank). I think the fire of hell would have been welcome at the time. I'd love a Tardis Room.

Me in Cardiff waiting to see JB in panto.

[ZenGum]

Umm, the Doctor is from Gallifrey.


Which I admit does sound kind of Celtic.

[Sundae]

Yebbut.
It's like the old fridge magnet - Gallifreyan by birth, British by choice.
Personally I think it was Timothy Dalton in his dressing gown that scared him off.

Just as an aside, I think Raxacoricofallapatorius sounds Caribbean.

[BigV]

I vouch for Flint's story. There are pics. With Flint's and Pooka's permission, I'll post them.

[Flint]

Originally Posted by BigV

I vouch for Flint's story. There are pics. With Flint's and Pooka's permission, I'll post them.

Sure, just none of the nude pictures, please.

[BigV]

This is done.

Here's Pooka geeking out.