THERE was much excitement among the town’s Dr Who fans last night when it was revealed the baddie in the first episode of the new series – played by Sir Lenny Henry – came from Bromsgrove.
The actor, from Dudley, portrayed Daniel Barton in the episode Spyfall which centres around intelligence agents from around the world being under attack, prompting MI6 to turn to the only people who can help – Dr Who and her friends.
As the show was broadcast and afterwards, there were plenty of posts about the character’s Bromsgrove roots on Twitter.
Judy Sutherland wrote: “If you’re watching Dr Who you will know that the evillest man in the world comes from Bromsgrove.”
Rachel May Meaden tweeted: “And while I’m at it, the joy I felt at hearing that Bromsgrove exists in the #DoctorWho universe was marvellous.
“And I know all towns and cities exist in that world but actually hearing it get a shout out was great fun.”
Even the chairman of Worcestershire County Council Coun Peter Tomlinson revelled in the local reference.
“So @bbcdoctorwho comes to #Worcestershire!
“Daniel Barton, played by @LennyHenry comes from #Bromsgrove in the new series aired tonight – great exposure for our great county!”
BBC Midlands Today presenter and Bromsgrove resident Joanne Malin welcomed Dr Who and Lenny Henry ‘putting the town on the map’.
Former Redditch MP and Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith cheekily tweeted: “A baddie born in Bromsgrove. We always suspected as much in Redditch! #doctorwho”
And the people from Dudley were less impressed questioning why it could not have been written in that he was from his home town.
Click here to watch the episode on the BBC iPlayer.
