Torchwood’s Gareth David-Lloyd Talks About the Return of Ianto Jones
By Barry Rice
There’s been a lot of excitement and intrigue surrounding Big Finish’s upcoming Torchwood audio series. Now, Radio Times has spoken with star Gareth David-Lloyd about his role and revealed a wealth of new information.
First, the big question has been whether David-Lloyd’s character Ianto Jones is back from the dead or if the new series is set in the past. Torchwood creator Russell T. Davies has always been adamant that Ianto stay dead, and David-Lloyd confirms that’s still the case:
"“I think I can say…it’s not ghost Ianto, it’s flesh Ianto saving the world. It’s during Torchwood, it’s during the time frame the first two series were set.”"
Related: Torchwood’s Ianto Jones Returns for Big Finish Audio
Ianto Jones returns in Torchwood: Fall to Earth this October! (Credit: Big Finish)
The new audio series follows an unusual format, with each release focusing on one member of the Torchwood team. First up is John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness in September’s Torchwood: The Conspiracy, followed the next month by David-Lloyd and Ianto Jones in Torchwood: Fall to Earth. Despite the individual focus, the series does tell a full story:
"“The series is linked – it’s about the same event, the same story but the team have been split up. So it’s from their different points of view.”"
There’s no word yet on which other cast members will be involved, although we’re all hoping to see Eve Myles return, and possibly Burn Gorman and Naoko Mori. David-Lloyd is in the dark on who’s actually returning, but he shares fans’ wishful thinking:
"“I haven’t been given a definite yes or no about exactly who’s coming back, I’ll leave that to Big Finish to announce. But I would have thought some of them will be back – I’d like to think so. I should think we’d have at least two or three of the other cast members back, especially if it’s set in that time.”"
Related: Torchwood Coming to Big Finish with John Barrowman
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In another Radio Times interview, David-Lloyd said he’s open to returning onscreen as Ianto on Doctor Who or a new Torchwood series:
"“I’d absolutely come back. I think it’d have to be done in the right way and I’m sure it would be, with all the brilliantly creative people involved. But there was such drama and such uproar at Ianto’s death – I don’t think it could be something that happened too easily.“It would have to be a sort of laboured resurrection, a story in itself, rather than just a case of sticking on a resurrection glove and he’s fine again.”"
I think I’ve got to side with Russell T. Davies on this one; as much as I love Ianto, it would take a bit of the gut-punch out of that death if he were to somehow return. However, I’m all about taking a trip back in time for these new Big Finish audios. Hopefully it leads to even more Torchwood in our futures.
For more from Gareth David-Lloyd, including his thoughts on the real-life Ianto shrine in Cardiff Bay and his apprehension on returning to the role, check out the full interview here and here.
What say you, Watchers? Are you excited for the return of Ianto Jones and Torchwood? Would you welcome Ianto back from the dead for an appearance on Doctor Who? Sound off in the comments below!