A pastor in Cambridge has become an overnight sensation after a blue Doctor Who Tardis was installed in the courtyard of his church, 

The replica, which had been sitting by a farmer’s field near Ipswich since 1983, was offered to Rev Jason de-Vaux at Zion Baptist Church free of charge, if the church could restore it. With help from a Christian transport firm, it was moved to Cambridge last Friday.

Rev De-Vaux, a Doctor Who fan since the early 1970s, told Premier Christian News: “It’s an amazing thing to say there is a Tardis in my church… how many vicars can say that?” He added that the arrival was “like having a rock star with us… it was like Beatle-mania,” with hundreds of emails and messages arriving from fans around the world, including former BBC staff.

The minister also highlighted the spiritual parallels he sees between Christ and the Doctor. “God is timeless… and the Doctor regenerates, maybe in a slightly different way. He saves people through his actions, not weapons… just like Jesus,” he explained. “It opens conversations with people who might never come near a church otherwise.”

He said the Tardis has already drawn new visitors. “We had a number of people come through the door and they’ve asked me about my faith. I’ve been able to share my testimony a few times. People are realising the church isn’t just about Doctor Who, it’s about Jesus Christ.”

Plans are underway to restore the Tardis and host a Doctor Who-themed service in April, featuring Cybermen, Daleks, and a special guest.

Rev De-Vaux said his prayer is “that they will know Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour… it’s going to change their world quite literally.”