Famous canine ‘K-9’ visits Larne Library
Delighted local people got the chance to come face to face with the famous canine, who appeared in the long-running British science fiction show Doctor Who, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
They also got to meet K-9’s ‘caretaker’, special effects designer Mat Irvine.
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Hide AdMat has worked extensively on Doctor Who, and is the creator of the ‘Mark III version of K-9.
Other shows he has worked on include the sci-fi classic Blake’s 7, The Sky at Night, and he is the co-creator of Robot Wars.
During his visit to Larne Library, Mat gave an entertaining presentation on the history of K-9, dating back to the robot’s first appearance on Doctor Who in the 1977 episode, The Invisible Enemy.
K-9’s most recent television appearance was on the Doctor Who spin off show, the Sarah Jane Adventures.
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Hide AdFollowing the presentation, members of the 60-strong audience got the chance to quiz Mat questions about K-9.
One excited youngster asked if the dog could still move around, giving Mat the queue he had been waiting for to take K-9 for a spin.
There was then an opportunity for kids and adults alike to pose for pictures with K-9, and buy a signed copy of one of Mat’s books.
When asked why he thought K-9’s popularity had endured for over 35 years, Mat told the Times: “It is simply because he is a dog, and therefore he has the cute factor.
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Hide Ad“Of all the Doctor’s assistants that have come and gone over the years, K-9 remains unique in that he is the only non-humanoid.”
And while Mat said K-9 will always have a special place in the hearts of Doctor Who fans around the world, he is unsure what lies in store for the much-loved canine further down the line.
“The ‘New Who’ series is so fast moving that it is hard to see where K-9 would fit into it.
“The truth is I honestly don’t know what the future holds for K-9,” Mat concluded.