Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman have wowed Doctor Who fans in Sydney as part of the global Doctor Who Tour.
The duo touched down in Australia's biggest city on Tuesday morning where they embarked on a hectic round of publicity and personal appearances to launch episode one of the new series and introduce the new Doctor to Australia.
Following a press conference and photo call on Sydney Harbour Side, the day culminated with a fan event at the State Theatre, where Capaldi and Coleman received a standing ovation from over 2000 fans.
I've been bowled over by the Australian fans' reaction to Doctor Who: The World Tour. It's terrific to see so many Whovians turn up at the iconic Sydney locations to celebrate the launch of the new series and to warmly welcome Jenna and myself.
I've always known the magic of the show but the Australian leg of the world tour made me realise that Doctor Who has an enormous place in many Australian fans' hearts too. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the opening episode so much.
It's been fantastic having the new Doctor and his companion in Sydney and the amazing reaction from Australian fans reflects the depth of love and engagement with this brand.
The tour marks the largest ever promotional undertaking in Doctor Who's 50-year history. It kicked off in Cardiff, Wales on 7th August, followed by London (UK) and Seoul (South Korea). After Sydney, Doctor Who: The World Tour will continue in New York (US), Mexico City (Mexico) and will finish in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) on 19th August.British Airways has been the event sponsor for the Sydney and Seoul stops on the tour.
The rest of Australia will get to see the new Doctor when ABC simulcast the feature-length first episode in line with the UK broadcast in the early hours of Sunday morning 24th August (EST). Following the simulcast, the episode will be available to watch on ABC iview throughout the day before it broadcasts on ABC at 7.40pm Sunday 24th August.
ABC will also screen an exclusive interview with Peter Capaldi, hosted by Julia Zemiro. When Julia Met The Doctor will transmit on Wednesday 20th August at 8pm.
There is currently a Doctor Who Pop-Up shop at Shop 9.28A World Square Shopping Centre, 644 George Street, Sydney, where fans can buy all the latest Doctor Who merchandise. Next year the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular hosted by Fifth Doctor Peter Davison will be touring Australia and New Zealand, stopping off at Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Auckland.
The tour now moves on to North America where it reaches New York on Thursday.