Tribute to Torchwood Character Ianto Jones to Be Removed
A shrine dedicated to Ianto Jones, a beloved queer character from the Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood, is set to be taken down after standing for over 17 years.
The tribute was created by fans near Mermaid Quay in Cardiff, close to where the series was filmed, as a commemoration of Ianto Jones.
Carol-Anne Hillman, who has cared for the shrine since 2017 and refers to herself as the shrine-keeper, expressed her devastation upon learning that the shrine would be dismantled due to health and safety concerns.
A spokesperson for Mermaid Quay confirmed that they are considering installing a new plaque honoring Ianto once maintenance work on the site has been completed.
Origins and Significance of Ianto’s Shrine
Following the character’s death in the 2009 BBC series, fans quickly began leaving tributes at the location, which became known as Ianto's Shrine in Mermaid Quay.
Since 2017, Carol-Anne Hillman has maintained the shrine and is saddened by the decision to remove it temporarily for safety-related maintenance.
"It became part of my life in Cardiff.
I've got a back bedroom that's got about 11 or 12 bags of decorations now that I can't use.
I've spent hundreds buying all these decorations.
There's loads of people now that won't get even the first look at the shrine."
Fan Reactions from Around the World
Claudia, a fan from Germany who last visited the shrine in 2018, expressed sadness about the shrine’s removal. She praised Torchwood for its unique, quirky, and campy style, distinguishing it from Doctor Who.
"I love Doctor Who, but Torchwood was something else. It was quirky, it was campy, it was just a lot of fun," she said.
"[But] let's face it, the area is dodgy.
The metal is rusted, the wood is decaying, it's in desperate need of some refurbishing and renovation."
Claudia plans to celebrate her 60th birthday in Cardiff this year but will not have the opportunity to visit the shrine before it is taken down.
Torchwood’s Legacy and Queer Representation
Torchwood, which first aired in 2006, followed Captain Jack and his team of alien hunters, developing a cult following among science fiction fans.
The show starred John Barrowman and Eve Myles and was widely praised for its queer representation. Barrowman’s character, Captain Jack, who is pansexual, was shown in a relationship with Ianto Jones on primetime national television.
Thousands of fans worldwide have visited the shrine, though some have yet to see it in person.
Efforts to Preserve the Shrine’s Legacy
Erin Curran from Northern Ireland, upon hearing about the shrine’s removal, booked an impromptu trip to visit the site before it is taken down.
"It's a landmark, a tourist spot, an example of the power of fandom and passion in numbers.
To destroy all of that would be a crime.
Many of us don't see why the shrine can't be returned once that [maintenance] job has been completed."
Actor Gareth David Lloyd Reflects on Ianto’s Impact
Gareth David Lloyd, who portrayed Ianto Jones, shared that he was surprised by the character’s cultural impact and the establishment of the shrine.
"When we finished filming and I started to realise the cultural impact Ianto and his relationship with Jack was having, it was a big surprise, a very moving surprise.
I certainly wasn't expecting a shrine to be erected, and maintained for 20 years after.
On one hand, it's a bit bonkers, but on the other it's a monument to the impact Ianto, and his relationship with Jack, had on the queer community, and one that I'm really proud of."
Mermaid Quay’s Statement and Future Plans
A spokesperson for Mermaid Quay stated:
"We can confirm that Ianto's Shrine at Mermaid Quay will be taken down whilst we carry out maintenance work.
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."
Carol-Anne Hillman has agreed to assist management in designing the new plaque to honor Ianto Jones.
