2.3 Peter Purves- "The Explorer At The End Of Time"

The Nosferatu 2.5 continues its strange journey beyond the ordinary boundaries of space and time, where corridors refuse to stay in the same place, impossible libraries appear and disappear without warning, and memories seem capable of taking root as though they were living things. As Sophie and Hobbes continue their search for a way home, they discover that the Neverwhen is no empty void. It listens. It remembers. And, perhaps most unsettling of all, it has begun to tell stories of its own.

While Hobbes attempts the impossible task of sending a message across the gulf between universes, Mrs C remains gloriously unconvinced that any amount of tinkering will improve matters. Yet even the smallest signal offers a glimmer of hope. Sometimes the quietest sound can become the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

This week the Time Scoop reaches back to retrieve one of television's true pioneers, Peter Purves. First appearing in Doctor Who as the ill-fated Morton Dill before returning almost immediately as the courageous space pilot Steven Taylor, Peter became one of William Hartnell's most enduring companions, helping establish the adventurous spirit that would define the series for generations to come.

Settling into the Sofa of Infinite Understanding alongside Sophie, Peter reflects on a lifetime of adventures both on and off screen: travelling with the First Doctor, the remarkable chemistry of those early days at the BBC, the enduring appeal of Steven Taylor, and why the greatest journeys are often the ones you never expected to take. It is a conversation filled with warmth, humour and the quiet wisdom of someone who has spent a lifetime exploring, whether by spaceship, climbing rope or children's television camera.

No voyage aboard the Nosferatu 2.5 would be complete without a descent into the shimmering landscape of the Ffantaface, where fandom itself becomes part of the adventure. This week's guide is Erica Lear, founder of the much-loved Fans Like Us community and a familiar, welcoming presence on the convention circuit for more than a quarter of a century. Through countless events, gatherings and charitable endeavours, Erica has helped create spaces where friendships flourish, newcomers become lifelong fans, and the shared love of Doctor Who transcends generations. Joining Sophie within the ever-changing currents of the Ffantaface, she reflects on the simple truth that fandom is about far more than television programmes. It is about people, community, kindness and the extraordinary families we sometimes discover for ourselves. In a universe where stories are beginning to reshape reality, that may prove to be the most powerful story of all.

Sophie Aldred's Ace Odyssey stars Sophie Aldred with James Showers as Hobbes. Special Guests- Peter Purves and Erica Lear

Perer's Facebook: Peter John Purves

Erica's Instagram: tony_slattery_official / erica_lear_

You can find us all over your social media. Bluesky/Instagram/X: @aceodyssey63 Facebook: Sophie Aldred's Ace Odyssey

For listeners who want even more adventure, you can step inside the Ace Odyssey Patreon Community- *Episodes released early and ad free *Two exclusive podcasts every month *Online meet-ups and interactive events *Direct involvement in the evolving universe of the show www.patreon.com/aceodyssey

Music by Graeme Allan Sound Effects & Sound Design by Gavin Rymill Programme Assistant Liz Whitmore Written, Produced and Directed by Paul Carmichael

You can follow Graeme Allan on Bluesky @graemeallan and listen to more of his music at www.youtube.com/brassbandit

You can follow Gavin Rymill on Twitter & Bluesky @themindrobber, and you can watch his superb Dr.Who series Terry Nation Army on www.youtube.com/dalek6388

You can follow Paul Carmichael on Bluesky @paulcarmichaeluk and on Threads @paul.carmichael.1213 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.