Karen Gillan Signing - 29/08/10

9 Am. Hamleys in the St. Enoch Centre, Glasgow. At least 350 queuing up outside the store and all for the same reason: every single person is hoping to meet Karen Gillan. The signing itself isn't scheduled to start until 12 pm, but one has to remember exactly what sort of fans are involved here: Doctor Who fans.
Ever since this gorgeous redhead from Inverness burst onto the scene as Amy Pond - the first companion to the 11th Doctor she's been extremely popular with the followers of the series, especially with those north of the border. This was very obvious on this day for a number of reasons and even after those towards the end of the line were told they might not get to meet her, the vast majority of them stuck there regardless.
However there was a massive bump in morale after a mishap with numbers, apparently made by the BBC, when a large number (including some who were guaranteed a signing) were told that no more people would be allowed. And yet still most if not all of these people stuck around. Dedication and it's most prevalent
12 O'clock came and went and yet still no Miss Gillan, but by half past the prayers of many had been answered and there she was. Flanked on both sides by officials of both the store and the BBC she appeared to promote the new Amy Pond doll, and to sign & meet her loyal fans. The mood of those who had already waited around 3 hours was not difficult to notice. With anticipation in the air, she began what she was there to do.
To say that someone is more beautiful in person is, these days, quite the cliché. However in the case of Karen Gillan this is most certainly an understatement. It's also obvious, but very true, that she is equally as nice. Greeting each follower like the last with just as much enthusiasm and happiness (particularly children - to see their faces afterwards it was obvious that she had just made their year). Making the extra effort, she stayed almost an extra hour simply to ensure that everyone who managed to get a wristband got what they came for (much to the obvious irritation of the BBC assistants).
To those who were unable to meet her in person, there were postcards available - some signed, most not. And after waiting around for just over 6 hours this proud Doctor Who/Amy Pond fan, along with his co-contributor, was able to get a signed card.
Ruari