Dr Who producer coming to Ashton Sci Fi Day

Hyde Fundraisers have announced that the producer of Doctor Who, Phil Collinson, will be coming to Ashton on July 6.

The group were delighted that Phil, who has just finished production on series two of the BBC/Disney+ show starring Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, has accepted their invitation to join them at Ashton Sci Fi Day.

Previously Hyde Fundraisers have worked with the producer to supply Daleks for the Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin written by Dr Who’s Russell T Davies.

Phil, from Manchester, produced the Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant Doctor Who series before returning for the 60th anniversary last year and the new series starring Nucuti Gatwa. He’s also produced Coronation Street, Gentleman Jack and Good Omens, among his other credits.

Former Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson, from Broadbottom in Hyde, plays companion Ruby Sunday in the new series currently being screened on BBC 1.

Steve Haines from Hyde Fundraisers, which celebrates almost 40 years raising money for good causes, said: “We are delighted to welcome Phil to Ashton on July 6th to see first hand the great work our volunteers do every year to support BBC Children In Need and other charities.”

Ashton Sci Fi Day takes place on Saturday July 6, from 11am until 3pm, and is supported by Arcades Shopping Centre, Ladysmith Shopping Centre, Ashton Market and Ashton Town Team.