Meet Carol-Anne (a.k.a. ‘wallforianto’ on Twitter), who is one of the unsung heroes of the Whoniverse. Carol-Anne is the official caretaker of the Shrine to Torchwood’s beloved Ianto Jones, a character who died during the events of “Children of Earth.” The Ianto Shrine is located in Cardiff, Wales, right where Torchwood 3’s Hub is located on the show.
Tell us a bit about Ianto’s Shrine, the why, when, and where of it.
After Ianto Jones died, the fans of Torchwood were enraged. Why did the Tea Boy go with Jack? Gwen was second-in-command! So the Shrine emerged.
How did you come to be the official caretaker of Ianto’s Shrine?
The Shrine, because of the weather, became a mess. I asked if I could look after it and take down empty clear folders and faded pictures. Even Gareth said it was shabby-looking.
You guys recently celebrated 10 years of the Shrine, and Gareth David-Lloyd (who plays Ianto) showed up. How did that come about? Has he visited the Shrine before?
Gareth is very humbled by having a Shrine to his character. He just tweeted that he was going to cycle from his home (two hours away). I think he’s been there once before.
Gareth David-Lloyd visits with fans at a recent meet-up celebrating 10 years of the Shrine. (@wallforianto)
How long have you been a Torchwood fan? Were you a fan of Doctor Who before that?
I’ve been a fan since 2009 of Torchwood. I do watch Doctor Who, but I’m not an avid watcher. I just wanted Gareth’s character to be brought back. So much so, I wrote a three-part novel – Bring Him Home – actually bringing him back. It’s on www.fanfiction.net under ‘believable-pen.’ (Read it HERE!)
What goes into being the Shrine’s caretaker? How often do you visit, check up on it?
I go down at least once a month, weather permitting. Some people don’t appreciate me taking tributes down, but they don’t last forever and it is now a tourist attraction. We still get tributes.
What is your favorite part of being caretaker? Are there any unique challenges to it?
I enjoy keeping the Shrine looking good. I get comments on the Twitter page and most fans do appreciate what I do. Next visit is Ianto’s 36th birthday meet-up on 20th August.
What is your favorite Ianto scene from Torchwood and why?
I like [Episode 2×12] “Fragments.” It’s the first time Jack and Ianto meet and there is chemistry between them from the start.
John Barrowman visits the Shrine. (@wallforianto)
What do you love about Ianto? Why do you think the Shrine has endured for so long?
Ianto is the glue that keeps Torchwood 3 together. He is the almost silent one in a three-piece pinstripe suit.
How can people contribute to the Shrine? Particularly fans who live outside of Cardiff and outside the U.K.?
They can contact me on the wallforianto Twitter page and I’ll DM them my address. I’ve received tributes from Australia, New Zealand, U.S.A., and Sweden.
Are there any upcoming events at the Shrine? How can people join in?
Yes, 20th of August [for Ianto’s birthday]. Just pop down to Cardiff Bay. I’ll be there from 11:30 am.
What has been the best part of your fandom experience so far?
Meeting most of the cast at conventions, including Gareth David-Lloyd (Ianto), John Barrowman (Capt. Jack Harkness), Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper), Naoka Mori (Toshiko Sato), Kai Owen (Rhys Williams), Tom Baker (The 4th Doctor), James Marsters (Capt. John Hart), Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane Smith), and more!
List your social medias and websites so other fans can find you.
Twitter: @wallforianto (Official Twitter)
Personal Twitter: @Chinad011
Facebook: Carol-Anne Hullman
