The Life Of A Dalek Operator - Doctor Who Confidential

A behind the scenes look at how The Daleks are operated, as told by the Dalek operators themselves! Taken from the Confidential episode Friends and Foe, covering The Stolen Earth in series 4. Enjoy!

[@hansstrudel9614]

I love how when he says, “hello boys” you just hear the most British “Hello” come out of one of the Daleks. That’s comedy gold.

[@bbh08tvgaming66]

K boomer

[@outlanderwraith]

@@bbh08tvgaming66 bruh

[@bbh08tvgaming66]

@@outlanderwraith bro*

[@outlanderwraith]

@@bbh08tvgaming66 broh

[@bbh08tvgaming66]

@@outlanderwraith good boi

[@evo_is_confused]

Imagine a sitcom based in the Dalek rec room. They all have normal voices. The daily challenges of life as a Dalek

[@thegrandestbazaar4800]

Oh yes please

[@RicardoD957]

"Would you like some TEAAAA?"

[@blueeyesm2k4]

@@RicardoD957 On the next Days of Our Daleks....

[@gun2078]

Undercover boss skit like kyli wren on the star killer base might be nice too

[@PurpleHeartE54]

@@RicardoD957 *Ahem..* WOULD YOU CARE FOR SOME TEA?

[@darthswagger2950]

imagine an episode of doctor who where the daleks are voiced by their operators

[@frenzioalberto1114]

*THIS*

[@thewronggelato3889]

"Hi Graham!"

[@TheSmart-CasualGamer]

As much as I love Nicholas Briggs, he's the PERFECT voice for Daleks, when he eventually has to leave, I suggest we fit modulators into the Dalek props so they can be voiced by the operators.

[@TheaterRaven]

Now I have this image in my head of an actual Dalek trying out its tank for the first time: Dalek: (Gliding across the floor) This is most enjoyable. Whee!

[@cursedfate838]

Dalek viewers: THIS DALEK UNIT APPEARS TO SHOW EMOTIONS OTHER THEN HATE, HE IS A FAILURE AND IN NEED OF EXTERMINATING!

[@Azzameen99AZ]

They actually had something like that in Patrick Troughton's run, the Evil of the Daleks. Three Daleks with a "human factor", chasing each other around. "Diiiizzy? Diiiiizzy!"

[@alexanderthomsen4593]

Gonna be honest, that looks really, really fun to do.

[@emmayoung2089]

There is nothing funnier than going up to three Daleks, cheerfully saying "Hello boys", and the three Daleks responding just "Hello!" Just as cheerfully

[@argosecho3522]

3:16 the human harvest will commence: meanwhile cool jazz plays in the background

[@michalkwecka725]

Anyone notice that the dialogue fitted in very well with the music?

[@thegrandestbazaar4800]

Yes

[@JangoF12b]

truly imagine how painful the 1960's Daleks were compared to these mechanical, dome rc controlled Daleks

[@assistantmagus5213]

Got that would be badass to be inside of. If only they could control the movement as well, it'd be like driving a go kart

[@garydunn3037]

The guy inside does move it around with his feet, but I doubt it would be like driving a go kart. And they reckon it gets pretty hot inside them, especially after an hour or so of filming.

[@allanegleston4931]

i admire any actor or actress who wears a suit like this as their job. the long hours . this in cluded the lost in space robot and the person who wore the orignal godzilla suit too.

[@stevedoubleu99B]

I remember when they first appeared all those years ago, as a youngster, I found the Daleks very scary....especially in the confines of those metal corridors.

[@charlieplatt3178]

I actually thought that inside was all robotics and was controlled by remote

[@theremoteanater]

I'm sure when they need alot on scene maybe they do

[@theremoteanater]

When it's not cgi

[@alextheanimator2395]

the resolution dalek is fully animatronic because it's so tiny

[@dogwalker666]

They were designed in 1963 robotics were impractical then even in the 1980s it would have been too unreliable so they just carried on the tradition.

[@marcse7en]

K-9 was fully "robotic" in 1977!

[@colecurtis1847]

Who else wants to be a dalek

[@dynasty9108]

Iv been waiting for me to turn into a dalek since I was about 4 yrs old

[@talentlessartist7929]

+Cole Curtis sadly they don't accept recruits. Cybermen though...

[@terminatorplayz4614]

Cole Curtis ME!

[@DragonHG]

Me!!

[@trashedeggnog3858]

mE

[@Aspensauce64]

“Ah, I’m switched on, yes.” -Dalek Kahn

[@chipgaming3300]

I never knew daleks had such a cool life. GERONIMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@natebit8130]

For a moment I read that in the Dalek voice. It took me another to realize it was the doctors that I should have read it in :)

[@hiroasuakika7144]

Oh my god this must be the coolest job to have on the Doctor Who set aside from being the Doctor himself!

[@deadlineuniverse3189]

I mean, maybe being the master could top it

[@adventurekitty1016]

I love how the advanced weapons Dalek is missing a head.

[@leonardmcleod1674]

That's the Dalek Supreme

[@slothfulcobra]

if there's ever a plumbing problem, do you just take one of the dalek arms to the toilet?

[@harrisoncaine6711]

@@medicalbird9970 that's the joke, you must be fun at parties

[@underwaterbubbles]

I would love to own a full size Dalek.

[@TDProductions182]

I got to operate one at a Doctor Who Con, and it is really dark in that casing, but it’s really cool to actually control a Dalek.

[@alisonbryant5799]

That has to be the coolest job title ever. "What do you do?" "Oh, I'm a Dalek operator."

[@godofgoats4200]

I’ve always wanted to have an actual dalek so I can go in there and travel around the streets

[@terminatorplayz4614]

I wonder how the mutant feels as he has to have a human resting him on its lap, assisting with scenes it finds hard to perform.

[@kathyevans3251]

They are awesomely made.I loved it

[@collollo]

Huh. I just finished S2 and I was curious about how they did the Daleks. Now I know!

[@Administrator_O-5]

I'm really surprised they aren't using total R/C models by now. However, this is definitely in the top 10 kick-ass jobs of all time...

[@charleenlangley8709]

It'd probably be too complicated and expensive, considering they actually blow Daleks up on set instead of using special effects. They'd have to stop shooting, replace the r/c dalek out for a hollow one, then blow that up.

[@Administrator_O-5]

@@charleenlangley8709 true, but hey a nerdy middle aged fan boy can dream can't he?

[@charleenlangley8709]

@@Administrator_O-5 I'd say it's a bit of a bad dream, since pure robotics/cgi in any film will make it quickly outdated. I mean, scientific inaccuracies aside, have you seen how well the Jurassic Park dinos hold up? Those were a mix of robotics, people in suits, and cgi.

[@Administrator_O-5]

@@charleenlangley8709 thanks for pissing all over a person's dreams for the sake of being the "expert" in the comments section...🖕💩🤡

[@charleenlangley8709]

@@Administrator_O-5 I didn't claim to be an expert, I only pointed out how pure cgi usually causes a downgrade in quality, and how a mixture of cgi, robotics, and puppeteering is a safer bet for a show. Also, you're middle-aged and salty someone pointed out a fair point as to why it won't go full-blown cgi? Get out of your mother's basement.

[@davidmckirdy4063]

I've operated a dalek in the past for fan videos or for public festivals and it does get hot and cramped but fun to do.

[@lindsaybrown7357]

I remember my parents taking me to the Ballarat Drive-in to see Dr Who and The Daleks back in the sixties. First time I'd seen a movie (or film), I was 5 or 6 and was absolutely terrified by the Daleks.

[@jameswalker199]

My university had a Dalek, which they were apparently wanting to kit out with computer vision and other such things so they could drive around autonomously. It was painted up bright red (the university's brand colour) and had IBM and "I

[@wizzy2201]

I've decided. I want to be a darker operator when I'm older.

[@marcse7en]

I'm sure you'll make a really scary "Darker"! 😂😂😂

[@danielblair4413]

They should have a camera setup inside the Dalek suit in order for the operator to see in the proper way, I wonder why they don't have that kind of setup.

[@lynx959]

Looks pretty fun just gliding around in a dalek

[@sherreewilson925]

I love these. 🤩❤️

[@madjackpatciderhouserules8436]

I got to meet in person those operating the Daleks, at a Montreal comicom. Still have the pics.

[@VolumedMusicMan]

That plunger still slays me 😂

[@danminstell5287]

When i thought about daleks I always thought they were remote controlled robots

[@stephanyphilups3567]

that would be sooooo amazing to be a dalek!

[@stevethwaites3497]

I love the daleks i allways wanted one stood in the corner of my room when i was a kid.

[@galaxyorange]

Daleks talking in a normal voice messed with me

[@kezadrone]

You'd think now they could build in a monitor system and a small camera to see where they were going.

[@elizabethczepiel5220]

Amazing the general Dalek design hasn't really changed since the '60s.

[@kathyevans3251]

This is cool. They are aweson

[@djkevinomc]

This is the best job ever 😍

[@LewisIanGibbs]

they frightened my as a kid and still do and i am 63

[@josephberziga2865]

God Bless Terry Nation a genius

[@woodheat411]

My favorite show of all time, but for the last couple of years it seems they want to test that. Minimal damage so far, the foolishness of political correctness will fade.

[@MrMadre]

Apart from playing the doctor himself, this is my dream job.

[@michalkwecka725]

"Anyone for Dodgems?"

[@rangopistacho6928]

I now live in a dalek thanks doctor

[@Michael_Lederman]

If I was on Who Wants To Be a Millionaire and the question was what's inside a Dalek, I never would have said a human. I've always thought it was robotic.

[@jacobvaughn9276]

best job ever

[@garethmitchell7723]

its only the lights and the dome which are controlled by remote in fact in the peter cushing movies they got ballet dancers in the daleks thats why they moved so quick in those movies

[@RabbiB0Y]

There is probably a lot they have to do in there like move around, move the head time the lights and move the arms

[@axjagfilms]

(Daleks beginning to test the reality bomb) (Jazz music playing)

[@chumblywarner3776]

Exfoliate! must have smooth skiiiiin!

[@justincronkright5025]

They throw Boo-Blay around like he's a proverbial rag-doll!

[@RainbowEssence-c3w]

O.O The daleks are assimilating! ;) I could die happy if I could just be a dalek operator for a little while. XD

[@frank1672]

'THIS IS ALL PROPER-GANDER WE ARE THE DALEK'S'.

[@traciepearce1888]

The Daleks are my favourite and I want one😊

[@Fitzroyfallz]

That looks like so much fun! How many arms do they need to operate it?!

[@michelveilleux1275]

You know, I always wondered how the got in.

[@Marty_Destroyer_of_Worlds]

that's so cool

[@snubcube]

Just imagine being stuck inside the dalek

[@MondySpartan]

I want to have a life-sized Dalek, like the prop shown in this video, but you can move it from your own :)

[@JohnReiher]

Hydrate! Hydrate!

[@nynthworld4152]

I am your soldier. ( Good episode👍)

[@hadesdogs4366]

I love these sort of live action props because they are real they are physical and whilst you can do some awesome cgi work unfortunately it’s really telling when someone is talking or interacting with a CGI or inanimate object whilst trying to believe that there is say a giant hull in front of you

[@Aspensauce64]

“The in-dalek entertainment system

[@Mrmikeytheaccountant]

Best. Job. Ever.

[@Halfendymion]

Lads... I've located the best Halloween costume...

[@JK-vq5me]

Tbh I wanna try riding around in there it looks fun

[@andrewmwells9606]

What I'd give to be a Dalek operator!!

[@pedrothepolobearlopes7899]

I wish I was a dalek and just ride everywhere

[@bb001a]

"Put it in the Curry!"

[@brothersgt.grauwolff6716]

you gotta hand it to these blokes they make it look easy makes you wonder how much of a pain in ass it was with the very first Daleks it was probably a right godawful nightmare.

[@rebelcast4574]

Just found my dream job!!

[@doxielain2231]

Huh. I really just assumed that the modern ones were remote controlled and not puppeted. Neat.

[@RandomsFandom]

"Come with me" "and you'll see, a world of pure domination"

[@drexcitement9579]

It’s funny how the emperor dalek has no head

[@madhattergamer3567]

Hello operator? I believe my party's been Exterminated.

[@britainempire4782]

The darlex must survive

[@spooncerbooncer]

If only the real dalek suit opened up as it does in the show

[@johndean4998]

Their plans to conquer the Universe were thwarted by stairs.

[@nigelwillson8000]

That’s blown it, thought they were real

[@Valdaur]

2:42 Thought he said the Thal one at first xD

[@beepthemeep12]

He didnt?

[@ZappelFly]

I am still shitting my pants, when i see one of these!

[@DarkComet360]

This is what Dalek Operators put up with. ;)

[@timehunter9467]

Imagine if an actual dalek came to earth and everyone thought it was a costume...

[@net343]

So there are 2 “pilots” the guy inside the dalek moving the laser arm and plunger arm and the rc guy

[@kierenlittle8500]

Epic

[@mrmacc1312]

Im 54 and they still give me the willies!!!!

[@galaxypa]

Would love to work as a dalek.

[@sou_desu8587]

did he just say fantastic?

[@janwoody2563]

I want a dalek suit

[@physicsimpossible73]

Do the operators "walk" inside the Dalek to make it move or do they have this electric system which controls the Daleks movement with wheels and everything. I would have thought it was electric movement from how smoothly they "glide" around the floor but I'm not sure.. Does anyone know?

[@zd5ilego325]

Back in the old episodes they used ballerinas.

[@physicsimpossible73]

Virginia Page Thanks, I needed to know because I might be making a dalek :)

[@Gojolover433]

Epicnerd73 If you wanna build a Dalek, I recommend going to www.projectdalek.co.uk/ . It has everything you'll need to know to build one! :D

[@physicsimpossible73]

Online Renaissance Cool thanks :D

[@Lumibear.]

The ones from the show are all operated by guys inside who do the main motion using their legs, and then they work the plunger and gun using their hands. With early ones they worked the head, eye and lights too, they sort of wore the head as a hat attached to the eye stalk at first, but the newest ones have someone else working all of that by remote control and Nick Briggs' voice acting electronically activates the lights. Some fan made ones are all remote controlled with a short range radio to an internal voice box that activates the lights the same way, and sometimes the BBC hires some of these to make up the numbers for the large Dalek army scenes, so at times it's a combination of different types onscreen. Really it's whatever works for you, and there's lots of resource sites and videos online to help and support new Dalek-builders. Ones made for public show are usually very different to the TV show ones and usually have a voice box built in, some can fire by using a gas canister or water spray too, there are many known options and some folks make completely new models never before seen on TV. It's really up to you.

[@jackaljack0]

I wanna drive a dalek

[@JUDEPOPPGamingb23ra]

I'm a massive fan of Marvel and star wars and im kind of a fan of doctor who. I'd love to see a battle between the Chitauri and the daleks. Who would win? Id say the Daleks because the probably have better fire power over the Chitauri, however if thanos was there then its rip daleks

[@DALEKSLAYER1]

'Ello Boys 'Ello Greame

[@li-ion6228]

even the operator is named nicholas lol

[@Walker11904]

ID LOVE TO DO THAT AS A JOB

[@eatsleepplayrepeat]

I want to see a Dalek dance with R2-D2.