Upcoming Doctor Who episode Fugitive of the Judoon looks to be a riproaring, action-packed story full of rhino-faced aliens and mystery – but it’ll also be especially poignant.


You see, it’s been revealed that the episode will subtly pay tribute to late Doctor Who mega-fan, BBC online producer and sometime convention organiser Paul Condon (who passed away in 2019 after a short illness) by naming a key character after him.

In the episode, the Judoon leader (seen above) is credited as Pol-Kon-Don, a clear riff on Condon’s name in a touching hat-tip from series showrunner (and episode co-writer) Chris Chibnall, who had known Condon for over 30 years and paid tribute to him in an issue of Doctor Who Magazine last year after his death.

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Many friends and former colleagues of Condon have already spoken about the episode’s tribute, noting that it’s the perfect way to respect his memory.

Oh my goodness, Pol Con Don. I am a weeping puddle. How utterly *amazing*. (For those who don't know, Paul Condon, one of the most wonderful people ever, and for me personally a 'without whom' person, died last year, and now has a Doctor Who monster named after him. Just wow.) — Jac Rayner (@GirlFromBlupo) January 21, 2020

I barely knew him save a handful of friendly tweet conversations but this has brought a tear to my eye. A simply lovely gesture. — Andydrewz ????️‍???? (@Andydrewz) January 21, 2020

And laughing his head off! — Jac Rayner (@GirlFromBlupo) January 21, 2020

This is amazing. What a fitting tribute to Paul Condon https://t.co/4GjaK3nk6Q — Ange of the North (@vodkaangel22) January 21, 2020

El capitán Judoon se llamará Pol-Con-Don en homenaje a uno de los mayores fans de #DoctorWho , Paul Condon, que falleció el año pasado. Era muy conocido y querido entre los whovians angloparlantes, organizó varias convenciones de Doctor Who y era el DJ de Gallifrey One. pic.twitter.com/pxJtmdfhRI — David Who? (@DavidTintin96) January 20, 2020

One fan wrote (translated): “The Judoon leader will be called Pol-Con-Don in homage to one of the biggest fans of #DoctorWho, Paul Condon, who passed away last year. He was well known and loved among English-speaking Whovians organised several Doctor Who conventions and was the DJ of [fan convention] Gallifrey One.”

Who knew a Judoon could cause such an outpouring of emotion? But then, that’s Doctor Who all over – finding unexpected light in the darkness.


Doctor Who continues on BBC One at 7:10pm this Sunday