Paul Condon (1970-2019)

Doctor Who raconteur and mega-fan Paul Condon has died at the age of 48.

Paul Condon was a popular DJ at Gallifrey One, UK convention runner, and a BBC producer. He was beloved by fans of Doctor Who, Strictly, Line of Duty, Eurovision Song Contest and many other shows for his work in fandom and behind the scenes of these and other shows.

Condon was the editor of the book 1001 TV Shows You Must See Before You Die, an authority on UK and US television. That passion resulted in a career working for the BBC (mostly) and ITV (briefly), eventually rising to his last position as iPlayer Content Delivery Manager as well as production and/or website duties on many other BBC shows, including Doctor Who.

Originally from Ormskirk, Paul was the head organiser of the Manopticon 3 convention held in Manchester Town Hall in 1994 (the first con appearance of an intially-skeptical Caroline John, who thought fans wouldn’t remember her), as well as Icon 2 the following year. Along with lifelong best mate Jim Sangster, he wrote or co-wrote books on television, film, and specific franchises, including TV Heaven, The Matrix: Unlocked, The Complete Hitchcock, and Six Feet Under: The Unofficial Guide.

American fans would know Condon best a passionate but conscientious fan, a wicked trivia competitor, the consummate DJ for convention dances, a reliable and ever-cheerful friend, and the life and soul of any party. He took great pride in his iPlayer team and getting to live in Salford, and serving as an ambassador at the London Olympics in 2012, and never failed to encourage and celebrate others’ accomplishments while being more modest about his own.

Paul Condon died unexpectedly but peacefully after a brief illness on Friday, 10-May, shortly after returning from a holiday in Spain. He is survived by his father and leaves behind a long string of loving friends reeling from his sudden departure.