Fans of the popular Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood are once again in mourning after learning that a beloved landmark is set to be removed. This iconic spot, which has become a significant part of the show’s legacy, has been a place of remembrance for fans and actors alike.
Torchwood, a sci-fi series that aired from 2006 to 2011, followed the adventures of Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) and his team as they tackled alien threats in Cardiff, Wales. Among the most cherished characters was Ianto Jones, played by Gareth David-Lloyd. Not only was he a key member of the team, but he was also Jack’s boyfriend, making his character an important figure in the show.
Ianto’s tragic death in season three, caused by an alien virus, left a lasting impact on the fanbase. To honor his memory, a real-life shrine was created in 2009, becoming a pilgrimage site for fans and stars of the show.
The shrine, located at Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay, was maintained by caretaker Carol-Anne Hillman since 2014. She ensured it remained filled with tributes such as artwork, cards, and messages, especially highlighting the show’s groundbreaking LGBTQ+ representation.
However, Carol-Anne recently shared the sad news that the shrine will be removed by the end of April. She expressed her devastation, stating that the decision came from Cardiff Bay Management, who mentioned that the area now has other plans. The reasons given included “rotting wood, rusting ironwork, and health & safety” concerns.
Mermaid Quay confirmed the removal, citing the need for maintenance work. They also expressed hope that a replacement might be set up in the future. A spokesperson said, “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.”
Fans have reacted with sadness to the news. Many have shared their feelings online, expressing how much the shrine meant to them. One fan wrote, “Devastating. Goodbye Ianto Shrine. I’ll see you again before the end. Can’t believe it’ll be gone after 17 years.” Another commented, “Well that’s heartbreaking. Ianto’s Shrine is such a small yet vital part of Cardiff Bay, and it’s a real shame that it can’t even be moved in any way to continue to honour the legacy of Doctor Who/Torchwood in Cardiff.”
A change.org petition titled #savetheshrine has been launched, with fans sharing their stories and photos. The creator, Jade W, stated, “This shrine has become a landmark for both Torchwood and Doctor Who fans. If they are considering removal, perhaps Torchwood fans could come together to come up with a solution to save the shrine. Whether that’s relocation or restoring the shrine.”
In 2024, Gareth David-Lloyd shared with Radio Times how special the shrine was to him and why Ianto’s character resonated so deeply with the LGBTQ+ community. He noted, “At the time, it was quite a unique relationship to put at the forefront of a primetime show. And I think maybe that had something to do with it, and people felt connected to it on a deeply personal level, because it spoke to them personally.”
Gareth also mentioned that he has visited the shrine over the years to show friends or celebrate its 10th anniversary with Carol-Anne. He said, “My mind boggles that it’s still there and I’m just waiting for Mermaid Quay to say, ‘Enough is enough, let’s take it down!’ So it’s very weird but very flattering.”
It remains to be seen whether Ianto’s shrine will be revived, but for now, it marks the end of an era for many fans.
