Will stared at the letter for some time.

Suddenly there was a hum of power as the lights returned to full brightness. Squidget had flexed his tentacles, linking all systems and bringing the batcave’s inexhaustible power source back online. Will looked around at all the alien technology held here, gleaming in the diamond-hard light.

‘Well, Squidget,’ he said, smiling for the first time in so many weeks. ‘Looks like you and I have got work to do.’

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This book simply could not have been written without the joyful collaboration and consummate skill of my talented friends, old mucker Mike Tucker, and all round good egg Steve Cole. I cannot thank you enough.

There are millions of Classic Doctor Who fans (as us oldies like to call ourselves) who kept the flame alive in the 1990s. For your loyalty and love, I thank you.

Hats off (or fezzes if you prefer) to the new era fans who have taken this amazing adventure series to their many hearts.

Huge thanks also to JNT (executive producer 1980–1989) whose instinctive casting 33 years ago changed my life forever; Russell T Davies whose genius caused the Phoenix to rise again and gave Ace A Charitable Earth; the lovely team at Penguin Random House including Albert, Nell, Becky and Patsy for their enthusiasm and support; my agent, the patient, humorous and hard working Rebecca Singer; the distinctions and transformational work of Landmark; my brilliant and loving family – all of you; and last but by no means least, my debt of gratitude to 13 extraordinary men and woman (and in particular Sylvester McCoy) whose unique talents and personalities have shaped and caused what is without doubt The Greatest Show in the Universe.

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING

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