Doctor Who star Smith takes flame (From News Shopper)

Doctor Who star Smith takes flame

7:39am Saturday 26th May 2012 in National Sport © Press Association 2013

Time Lord Matt Smith takes over as chief torch bearer later as the Olympic flame spends its first full day in Wales.

Doctor Who himself will carry the Olympic Flame around Cardiff, the city where the popular BBC series is recorded. Matt Smith starts the day by carrying the Olympic flame from the historic Norwegian Church, in Cardiff Bay.

As the torch relay starts day eight of its marathon UK trek, organisers revealed one million people have already witnessed the first week.

The TV star is among 132 separate torchbearers who will take part in the relay as it journeys 115 miles across south Wales on Saturday. Setting out in Cardiff, that journey concludes in Swansea in the evening with a high profile celebration in Singleton Park.

On the way it passes through Dinas Powys, Barry, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydfil, Treherbert, Ynyswen, Treorchy, Nant-y-moel, Ogmore Vale, Bryncethin, Bridgend, Laleston, Pyle, Margam, Taibach, Port Talbot, Briton Ferry and Neath.

Carrying the flame into Swansea will be former hurdling world champion Colin Jackson. The Olympian is taking part in the relay in recognition of his athletics and coaching career.

The Cardiff-born athlete is also an ambassador for the London 2012 International Inspiration sports participation programme.

Gethin Jones, the Welsh TV personality and former Blue Peter presenter, will carry the flame in Merthyr Tydfil.

Joining in with the stars throughout the day will be a host of inspirational torchbearers. Kenneth Powell, 69, takes over at Caerphilly Castle, after being nominated for the care and support he gives his family and disabled children in the local community.

Sam Adamson, 18, will carry the Flame in his native Barry in recognition of his voluntary work with a special needs sporting club. The teenager lost his younger brother Jamie to cancer but was extremely supportive throughout his brother's illness.