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The latest Torchwood tale from Big Finish sees Rhys and his mother go undercover and encounter artificial intelligence.

In Sonny, released today, Rhys (Kai Owen) and Brenda Williams (Nerys Hughes) are on a secret mission to expose the truth inside a retirement home. But what they find may damage their relationship irreparably.

Sonny is the answer to elderly care. Artificially intelligent robot carers placed in old peoples’ homes that mimic the behaviour of their owners. Only there are rumours that something is wrong with the Sonny units. That they’re too clever. That they are learning too much. Rhys sends his mother into a home to find out. But what will it cost him? 
 
The cast is completed by Donna Berlin (Joy), Shobu Kapoor (Priya), Amerjit Deu (Prudeep) and, returning to Big Finish after 12 years, Steven Kynman as the voice of Sonny.

Torchwood producer James Goss said: “Rhys and his Mum reunited! They’re investigating artificial carers called Sonnys – are they the future of growing old or are they insidious killer robots? Lizzie Hopley’s script is a very complicated piece of work, and one that tugs at the heartstrings. But also, joyously, we get Nerys Hughes and Kai Owen squaring off once again.”

Writer Lizzie Hopley added: “I read a newspaper article quite a few years ago about robots in care homes and my mind opened up a world of possibilities for a story, both horrific and entertaining. I’ve always had an interest in AI and robots but this seemed particularly dubious to me. Putting your trust in something that isn’t actually there is a distressing idea.”

Kai Owen added: “I’m always so excited when I get a Torchwood script and get asked to come and record for Big Finish. These stories get better and better. It’s just a joy and such good fun.”

Nerys Hughes agreed: “It’s a very sweet story and it has a clear message that we should listen to and care about each other. It’s got pathos but it’s also got humour, which gives it sharpness and reality.”

Torchwood: Sonny is now available to own for £10.99 (collector’s edition CD + download) or £8.99 (download only), exclusively from the Big Finish website.