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.

Mat 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.

Following 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.

“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.