Like so many other children growing up in the late 60s and early 70s, I too had to seek refuge behind the sofa when Dr Who came on our television screens at teatime on a Saturday night.

And so, with just a little trepidation, I ventured along to Belfast City Hall to come face to face with one of the mysterious alien creatures that had filled me with so much dread - The Cyberman!

Along with several other 'monsterous' creations from the hit BBC sci-fi show - which has been so successfully re-invented in recent years, 'my friend' took to the streets of Belfast to help publicise the live Dr Who extravaganza which is coming to the Odyssey Arena on November 6 and 7 as part of a nationwide tour.

>>Video: Gary Grattan on the trail of Dr Who monsters<<

But, rather than zap me dead on the spot, he decided to show me his more social side!

As it turned out, the Cyberman was only a figment of my all to vivid childhood imagination.

His real name is Karl Greenwood - well, at least he's one of the actors who dons the infamous silver suits and plays havoc with the minds of people watching the new Dr Who shows!

He plays other monsters too - like the Scarecrow (watch the video!) - but he feels most at home as a Cyberman!

"They're the best - they're so iconic! But they're the most difficult one to play. Its the hardest suit to get on and to make it do what you want it to do - but its all worth it in the end!" he said.

Karl has been scaring the living daylights of youngsters - and quite a few adults - in various guises throughout the whole of David Tennant's era as the famous Tardis time-traveller. And he's still on board to cause a few more problems for the current 'Doctor', played by Matt Smith.

And Karl is relishing the opportunity to perform in the new live shows.

"Everything that is Dr Who is being put into this show - massive multi-stages, great special effects and pyrotechnics - there'll even be flying Daleks and exploding Cybermen!

Maybe the Odyssey Arena management will throw in a few settees for people to hide behind!