MORE than 100,000 people have joined an internet campaign to bring back a dead Torchwood character played by a Newport actor.

Ianto Jones, played by Bettws actor Gareth David Lloyd, first appeared in Torchwood three years ago as a coffee boy, but soon became a central character as the faithful partner of John Barrowman’s character, Captain Jack Harkness.

But when Ianto was killed off in the third and most recent series of the Doctor Who spin off, fans were devastated, and within hours set up the Save Ianto Jones website.

Almost six months on, the website has had 107,569 hits from all over the world, and more than 7,600 e-mails have been sent to the BBC urging writers to bring back the much-loved character.

In an effort to show their dedication to the former Bettws High School pupil’s character, fans also donated more than £12,000 for Children in Need, Mr Lloyd, who is currently playing Prince Charming in pantomime in Preston, said he was flattered and overwhelmed by the response to his character’s demise, and thought viewers had connected with Ianto over the three series.

Mr Lloyd, 28, added: “I think he could be brought back, but they would have to be careful. It couldn't happen too easily. It’s sci-fi so anything can happen.”

To join the campaign visit www.saveiantojones.com or www.justgiving/iantojones.