Simon Fisher-Becker has given us an insight into the world of Dorium Maldovar in an exclusive chat with WhovianNet!

The actor has appeared in The Pandorica Opens and A Good Man Goes to War, as well as the online prequel to the latter, and told us all about how his role came about, his time spent filming, attending conventions and some of his own theories about his character.

You can read our full interview with Simon below!

We’d like to say a huge thanks to Simon for taking the time out to answer our questions!

Q. You first appeared in Doctor Who in Series 5 in The Pandorica Opens. How did your role in the series come about, and were you a fan before you joined the cast?
A. The first I knew about Dorium was when I was invited to a casting. Seven very large actors were seen and I thank Steven Moffat and other decision makers for choosing me. I have been a follower of Doctor Who from the days of William Hartnell. Born in 1961, I was very young when William Hartnell turned into Patrick Troughton. But the memories are still with me – just added to the mystery and facination.

Q) How would you describe Dorium Maldovar in a nutshell?
A. Multi-layered.

Q) At the time, did you know that there would be more to come for Dorium?
A) Although I hoped there would be more for Dorium, I had no idea at the time of Pandorica.

Q) What was it like working with Alex Kingston, and then coming back and sharing scenes with Matt Smith and the other series regulars?
A) Initially I was very nervous, but Alex is such a flirt and tease I soon calmed down. She was delightful and I thank her for being considerate. It was absolutely delightful working with the entire production team. The series regulars and Matt Smith in particular welcomed me back with open arms which was so wonderful. Everyone works extremely hard and deserve all the plaudits they receive.

Q) What was your reaction when you found out that you’d be returning?
A) Total amazement. Was boucing around like Tigger for days. Once I received the script and realised how much more Dorium was to do, there was momentary panic, hysterical laughter and then more bouncing around like Tigger.

Q) What do you enjoy most about the part? Has Steven Moffat given you any of Dorium’s back story to help with your portrayal, or have you maybe come up with your own?
A) The fact Dorium is so multi-layered. I have not had any discussions with Steven Moffat about the development of Dorium, so I picked things up within the scripts. Talking to fans at conventions, they have picked up on things which I had not considered. What is Dorium’s debt to the Doctor? Some fans have noticed the way the Doctor rests is hands on Dorium’s shoulders in Demon’s Run Control Room. To them this is highly significant and shows a degree of trust and care/respect the Doctor has for Dorium. My personal back story for Dorium is as multi-layered as Steven Moffat’s scripts so I think it best to wait and see!

Q) How long does it take to transform into Dorium (costume, make up)?
A) We allow 2 hours but it does not usually take that long.

Q) Have you had any experiences of being recognised by Doctor Who fans?
A) Fans who have met me at conventions recognise me, otherwise there has only been one child. As she was walking along she said to her mother, pointing at me – ‘look mum, that man looks like The Blue Man from Doctor Who…’. Her mother pulled her away and told her not to be so silly – then looked at me and apologised for her ‘rude’ child. The child looked at me again – I winked, and nothing more was said…

Q) Dorium met a rather sticky end in A Good Man Goes to War, but we’ve heard that he’ll be back later on in the series. Is there anything you can tell us about that?
A) Dorium returns eh?

Q) Are there any returns for Dorium on the cards beyond the current series?
A) I very much hope so, but it’s up to Steven Moffat and Doctor Who Productions.

Q) Finally, do you have any particular favourite memories or moments from your time filming?
A) Being a follower of Doctor Who, I was like an 8 year old again. When I first saw the TARDIS police box, I was quite emotional and found I had to touch it. Although I was not in a scene, Matt Smith arranged for me to see the TARDIS inside – another 8 year old moment. The experience has been wonderful, the whole team delightful and being treated as a member of the Doctor Who family is fantastic. And long may it continue!

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