Four hundred BBC Children in Need competition winners flocked to the Doctor Who studios near Cardiff this weekend for a once-in-a-lifetime backstage tour, raising thousands of pounds for disadvantaged children.
The lucky winners - who travelled from every corner of the UK - were treated to an unforgettable experience after beating off competition from tens of thousands of the show's fans. It's the first time the studios have been opened up to the public.
After opening the TARDIS doors at the BBC Wales studios, the winners came face-to-face with some of the Doctor's fiercest enemies, took a tour around the Torchwood hub, and even got a chance to take part in a specially written scene from The Sarah Jane Adventures.
As an extra bonus some of the shows' most well known faces - including Head Writer Russell T Davies, executive producer Julie Gardner and Torchwood stars John Barrowman and Eve Myles - made special appearances to welcome people to the experience.
"The weekend was absolutely fantastic!" said Russell T Davies. "Taking fans to the heart of where it all happens was truly wonderful. To be able to share the experience with them - the people who have supported us so much over the years - is a real honour."
"Everyone had an unforgettable experience and it was our pleasure to welcome them," added John Barrowman. "To see the excitement on their faces is what it's all about. It was fantastic, fantastic, fantastic!"
BBC Children in Need's aim is to positively change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK. The 2008 BBC Children in Need telethon show is on Friday, 14 November at 7pm on BBC One.
This year's fundraising theme is "Do Something Different" and in the days leading up to the televised appeal people are being encouraged to get creative and take up the challenge. You can find out more by following the link below.
