An Interview with David J Howe
How Doctor Who – and the Daleks – saved his life.
Even before David J Howe was born, the world of print and storytelling was already close at hand. His father worked in the printing department at the Daily Express newspaper, a job he kept until the paper moved out of Fleet Street in 1984. Neither father nor son could have foreseen that David’s fascination with a certain Saturday evening television programme would grow into a lifelong obsession — one that would shape his career, his friendships, and ultimately even save his life.
We sat down with David to talk about Doctor Who, the Daleks, and his extraordinary new memoir Who Me!.
From Fan to Creator
Q: Do you remember when the magic of Doctor Who first gripped you?
David: I was just a boy in South London during the 1960s, when Dalek toys were everywhere. Like a lot of children, I was completely captivated. By the time I was 15, I was so inspired that I decided to build my own Dalek. My father used to bring home waste plastic from the printing floor, and I scavenged other bits and pieces. Using those materials, I built a full-size Dalek from scratch. It was a labour of love — and in a way, the start of everything that followed.
Working with the Doctor
Q: Your journey from fan to authority on the show is remarkable. What were the big turning points?
David: I began collecting, writing, and eventually contributing to the world of Doctor Who. One of the most extraordinary moments was working with Jon Pertwee himself. Helping him with his autobiography was a privilege and a huge learning experience. Over the years, I became more and more involved in chronicling the programme’s history — from conventions and events to writing books that many fans now consider reference staples.
A Life-Saving Detour
Q: You’ve said that Doctor Who quite literally saved your life. Can you tell us about that?
David: Yes, it’s true. A few years ago, I was heading to Cardiff for a Doctor Who exhibition — specifically to see the Daleks. On the way, I suffered a massive heart attack. If I had been at home, I wouldn’t have survived. But because of that trip, I happened to pass right by Cardiff University Hospital, one of the best cardiac hospitals in the country. I was rushed straight there. Without that coincidence, without that journey to see the Daleks, I simply wouldn’t be here today.
And of course, I wasn’t alone. My wife, bestselling author Samantha Lee Howe, has been my rock through it all. Without her support, recovery would have been a much harder road.
The Memoir: Who Me!
Q: Your new book, Who Me!, comes out this October. What can readers expect?
David: The book is my story, but it’s also the story of Doctor Who told through a very personal lens. I wanted to show how a television programme can shape a life, a culture, and even a country. I take readers behind the scenes — from the earliest fan conventions to my work documenting the series in print. I talk about working with Jon Pertwee, interviewing actors like Peter Davison, and even how the BBC began to understand and build its merchandise empire.
More than that, it’s about the joy of fandom, the friendships forged, the challenges faced, and the way Doctor Whobecame — and remains — a defining part of British popular culture.
Final Thoughts
Q: Why should readers pick up Who Me!?
David: Because it’s not just a fan’s tale. It’s a story about passion, perseverance, and the power of popular culture. Anyone interested in Doctor Who, or in British television history more broadly, will find something to enjoy. And I hope it shows that sometimes, what we love most can guide our lives in ways we never expect.
📖 Who Me! by David J Howe
Publication date: 9 October 2025
Formats: Hardback, Digital, Audio
Publisher: Bedford Square
Available on Amazon
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