Eve Myles and Sylvester McCoy confirmed for the SFX Weekender 3

STOP PRESS! Torchwood ’s Gwen Cooper and the seventh Doctor join us for our third annual sci-fi extravaganza!

For a show which has Wales running through every strand of its DNA, there are few things more Welsh about Torchwood than the lovely Eve Myles. Who better then to help us launch the SFX Weekender 3 as we move shop to Prestatyn in North Wales for the first time in 2012?

Born in Powys and earning her acting stripes with nine years on the BBC One Wales drama Belonging , Myles is a veteran of the small screen. As well as appearances in Doctor Who and Merlin , Myles will be instantly recognisable to viewers on both sides of the Atlantic as Torchwood ’s Gwen Cooper. With her characteristic Welsh accent and no-nonsense attitude Gwen has been keeping Jack in check for four years and ranks as the only mortal member of the team to have survived all the way to Miracle Day , a testament to the popularity of her character. You voted her best actress at the SFX Awards 2010, but she makes her live Weekender debut at the SFX Weekender 3 where she’ll appear onstage for a Q&A and spend time at the signing table.

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There are few roles on TV tougher than Doctor Who . After all, you’re following in the footsteps of the greats. Spare a thought for the Doctors of the past 15 years then, who have all had the unenviable task of following in the wake of Sylvester McCoy’s unforgettable performance as the seventh Doctor. He starred in "Remembrance Of The Daleks", one of Who ’s best stories, survived Bonnie Langford, and he’ll be joining us for the SFX Weekender 3 on Friday 3 February.

The last of the classic Doctors, Sylvester McCoy is technically the longest serving televisual Timelord having occupied the TARDIS between 1987 and 1996. In the years since, he’s kept the seventh Doctor alive by recording dozens of audio books and numerous appearances at conventions all around the world, where he is praised for his way with the fans and passion for the show. Not a Doctor Who fan? Then you might recognise him from appearances in Tiswas , Jackanory and many, many more. Lord Of The Rings fans also have cause to get excited – because Sylvester will be portraying wizard Radagast The Brown in The Hobbit . What better opportunity to hear first hand about Peter Jackson’s return to Middle Earth? Sylvester McCoy will be conducting an on stage Q&A, introducing a classic Doctor Who story in the screening room and will take part in a signing session on Friday 3 February only.

The announcements don’t stop there though, because we’re thrilled to reveal Robert Rankin will be returning for his Weekender hat-trick in 2012, alongside comic book creators Tony Lee and Dan Boultwood ; the crew of 2000AD ; and authors from Abaddon, Solaris, Black Library, Tor, Orbit, Gollancz and more.

The SFX Weekender takes place at Prestatyn holiday camp in North Wales on Friday 3 February and Saturday 4 February 2012, with our pre-party on Thursday 2 February for the early birds. VIP tickets are already almost sold out but there are still other options available. Make sure you get yours before it's too late! Book now by calling 08700 11 00 34, or head to www.sfxweekender.com/tickets for more information.