A model maker and Sci-Fi superfan from Swindon has amassed one of the world's largest collections of Doctor Who models and memorabilia.

Now Phil Stevens’ TV21 style dalek models are being reworked for their original purpose – as puppets.

The handmade models will feature in a new production called ‘Eve of The War’, which has been written specifically for Phil by Sci-Fi legend and famous Doctor Who writer Alan Stevens.

The pair have been friends for quite some time, and the Swindon local described Alan as a "lovely chap".

“This is all in the very early stages so far, but obviously I’ve got a script written by such a Sci-Fi powerhouse, a designer is onboard, I’ve got the dalek models, cameras, lighting and more. There’s a lot to do,” said Phil.

Sci-Fi fans will recognise Alan Stevens’ name, as he has produced a number of documentaries, serials and dramas for radio and independent audio release, including the popular Doctor Who/Blake’s 7 spinoff series Kaldor City.

Alan was also an interviewer for Doctor Who Magazine, and has written several non-fiction books for Telos Publishing.

Now Alan has chosen to work with Phil Stevens, from Swindon, to put together his next project.

However, Phil was quick to point out that Alan is not a relative of his, despite sharing a surname.

The screenplay will take the form of a not-for-profit production, shown on Youtube, and the filming of the miniature daleks will use the 'under-control' method.

This was the method used by Stuart Evans in the 1980s, whereby creators would sit under a table and manually control daleks on top of the table.

Swindon Advertiser: Phil Stevens from Stratton is a self-proclaimed Sci-Fi super fan.Phil Stevens from Stratton is a self-proclaimed Sci-Fi super fan. (Image: Phil Stevens)

“This whole thing started with a rumour really,” Phil explained.

“I was a member of a dalek building forum about a decade ago and I heard a rumour claiming that Gerry Anderson was looking for new projects and considering several ideas, including puppets.

“The rumours turned out to be untrue, but it got me thinking ‘what if…’ and so I started building a couple of 1:3 scale TV21 daleks, with the plan to make them as puppets.

“With an amazing Sci-Fi screenwriter on board, I now plan to finish what I originally set out to do,” he told The Adver.