Doctor Who Star Cancels Australian Appearances

Yesterday's Whoniverse convention scheduled for Sydney was cancelled just days before the event was set to go ahead.

Hub Productions, promoters of Whoniverse, revealed they decided to cancel the entire event after Doctor Who star Matt Smith became unavailable due to "family reasons".

Smith's cancellation of attendence followed the news that his co-star Karen Gillan had also pulled out of part of the tour. The national event was to also feature popular Who companion Arthur Darvill and featured Who actor Mark Sheppard (also a star of cult US sci-fantasy series Supernatural).

In a statement posted on their website, Hub informed fans, "We have received devastating news... Due to a personal emergency, Matt Smith has advised us he is no longer able to come to Australia at this time. We've looked into any and all options with regards to replacements, but unfortunately the only possible replacement we would consider sufficient would be another modern Doctor, and there are none available over these coming weeks."

Smith too released a statement apologising to Australian fans: "I am deeply saddened to have to advise that I will not be able to come to Australia for the Hub Productions' Whoniverse event. Although I wish it were otherwise, due to a personal family emergency it's not possible for me to leave England at this time. I truly regret the situation, and the disappointment it must be causing, but I'm hoping to be able to reschedule as soon as possible for the future; I look forward to see you all then."

Hub added that they "are working to try to bring Matt, Karen and Arthur to future events". They also instructed ticket holders that Ticketek will be in touch regarding refunds.

The convention was due to hit Perth tomorrow, followed by Melbourne and Adelaide next weekend.