Torchwood fans are mourning the loss of a beloved memorial in Cardiff Bay, as Ianto's Shrine is set to be demolished after 17 years. The tribute, dedicated to the character Ianto Jones, has stood since 2009, when the Doctor Who spin-off 'Torchwood' aired its third season, 'Children of Earth'. Fans created the shrine after Ianto was killed off, leaving flowers and messages at the location that served as Torchwood HQ.
The shrine's caretaker, Carole Anne-Hillman, announced the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating: "Really sad news, afraid. Ianto’s Shrine is being taken down the end of April. I will try and take off cups and other small items. It is really sad. I am devastated." She attributed the removal to "rotting wood, rusting ironwork and health & safety". Mermaid Quay, the management company, confirmed that the shrine will be taken down to carry out maintenance work on the lower boardwalk.
A spokesperson for Mermaid Quay said: "We can confirm that Ianto’s shrine at Mermaid Quay will be taken down whilst we carry out maintenance work. This work is required to ensure the lower boardwalk continues to provide a wonderful experience for all our visitors. We hope to work with the local community to explore a new plaque for Ianto once the maintenance works have completed."
Fans have expressed their devastation at the decision. One wrote on X: "Sad to hear about Ianto's Shrine, It's a popular landmark down at the Bay, and for them to want to rid of it.. it just doesn't sit right with me, they should repair it up, but allow the shrine to continue." Another added: "Well that's heartbreaking. Ianto's Shrine is such a small yet vital part of Cardiff Bay, and it's a real shame that it can't even be moved in any way to continue to honour the legacy of Doctor Who/Torchwood on Cardiff."
Gareth David-Lloyd, who played Ianto, previously told Radio Times that he often took friends to visit the shrine and expected it to be taken down eventually. He said: "My mind boggles that it's still there and I'm just waiting for Mermaid Quay to say, 'Enough is enough, let's take it down!' So it's very weird but very flattering." He also recalled emotional encounters with fans who said Jack and Ianto's relationship helped them accept their identity, noting that such representation was rare in primetime TV at the time.
