Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tennant Probably out for season 5
The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced David Tennant will star in a production of Hamlet to run July 24th thru November 15th 2008 (which will also feature Patrick Stewart as Claudius), and will also be appearing in Love's Labour Lost in Oct/Nov.
If this is true, it pretty much puts the kibbosh on his participating in season 5 of Doctor Who.
If this is true, it pretty much puts the kibbosh on his participating in season 5 of Doctor Who.
Dalek Empire IV: The Fearless
Big Finish have revealed the covers and information for the next chapter in their popular Dalek Empire spin-off range.
4.1 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 1
Featuring: Noel Clarke, Maureen O' Brien & Sarah Mowat
Written by: Nicholass Briggs
The Daleks are conquering our galaxy. Nothing can stop them. But Commander Agnes Landen has an idea.
On the outer planet Talis Minor, Salus Kade is struggling to keep his colony alive. The last thing he needs is a war to fight.
4.1 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 1 is released in September 2007, priced £10.99.
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4.2 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 2
Featuring: Noel Clarke, Maureen O' Brien & Sarah Mowat
Written by: Nicholass Briggs
The Earth Alliance is on the brink of victory in the Kedru System. But at what cost?
Meanwhile, deep within the Dalek Empire, Susan Mendes prepares for her latest mission...
4.2 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 2 is released in October 2007, priced £10.99.
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4.3 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 3
Featuring: Noel Clarke, Maureen O' Brien & Sarah Mowat
Written by: Nicholass Briggs
On board the star cruiser Amorist, the outcome of the war with the Daleks hangs in the balance.
Kade knows what he has to do, but has he been told the truth?
4.3 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 3 is released in November 2007, priced £10.99.
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4.4 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 4
Featuring: Noel Clarke, Maureen O' Brien & Sarah Mowat
Written by: Nicholass Briggs
The Daleks have devised a plan to that will deliver a decisive victory. General Landen and her fleet are all that stand in their way. And then there's Kade...
4.4 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 4 is released in December 2007, priced £10.99.
Be sure to check out the brand new cgi teaser trailer on the Big Finish website, here.
4.1 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 1
Featuring: Noel Clarke, Maureen O' Brien & Sarah Mowat
Written by: Nicholass Briggs
The Daleks are conquering our galaxy. Nothing can stop them. But Commander Agnes Landen has an idea.
On the outer planet Talis Minor, Salus Kade is struggling to keep his colony alive. The last thing he needs is a war to fight.
4.1 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 1 is released in September 2007, priced £10.99.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.2 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 2
Featuring: Noel Clarke, Maureen O' Brien & Sarah Mowat
Written by: Nicholass Briggs
The Earth Alliance is on the brink of victory in the Kedru System. But at what cost?
Meanwhile, deep within the Dalek Empire, Susan Mendes prepares for her latest mission...
4.2 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 2 is released in October 2007, priced £10.99.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.3 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 3
Featuring: Noel Clarke, Maureen O' Brien & Sarah Mowat
Written by: Nicholass Briggs
On board the star cruiser Amorist, the outcome of the war with the Daleks hangs in the balance.
Kade knows what he has to do, but has he been told the truth?
4.3 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 3 is released in November 2007, priced £10.99.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.4 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 4
Featuring: Noel Clarke, Maureen O' Brien & Sarah Mowat
Written by: Nicholass Briggs
The Daleks have devised a plan to that will deliver a decisive victory. General Landen and her fleet are all that stand in their way. And then there's Kade...
4.4 - Dalek Empire: The Fearless - Part 4 is released in December 2007, priced £10.99.
Be sure to check out the brand new cgi teaser trailer on the Big Finish website, here.
McGann denies new movie rumour
Paul McGann has denied rumours that he is to reprise his role as The Doctor for a new movie.
A few weeks ago, there was a rumour that Paul McGannwas 'in-talks' for a new Doctor Who movie.
Speaking to SyFy Portal's Alan Stanley Blair at the recent Collectormania show, Paul officially denied the rumours with the following statement:
“I’ve heard as well, yeah I’ve heard,". "Well they haven’t called me, but often you hear it first through rumor. But you know... yeah I’d go back and do it … as long as I don’t have to wear a wig."
Paul then goes on to praise David Tennant:
"I really really like him. I think he’s brilliant. And what’s more, he is a huge ‘Doctor Who’ fan and so he’s really passionate about it. I should be honest with you; I was never a huge fan. I watched a few things and ‘Doctor Who’ was one of them but I wasn’t completely passionate about it. But for David Tennant, it’s like the job of jobs to him."
Read the article in full, here.
A few weeks ago, there was a rumour that Paul McGannwas 'in-talks' for a new Doctor Who movie.
Speaking to SyFy Portal's Alan Stanley Blair at the recent Collectormania show, Paul officially denied the rumours with the following statement:
“I’ve heard as well, yeah I’ve heard,". "Well they haven’t called me, but often you hear it first through rumor. But you know... yeah I’d go back and do it … as long as I don’t have to wear a wig."
Paul then goes on to praise David Tennant:
"I really really like him. I think he’s brilliant. And what’s more, he is a huge ‘Doctor Who’ fan and so he’s really passionate about it. I should be honest with you; I was never a huge fan. I watched a few things and ‘Doctor Who’ was one of them but I wasn’t completely passionate about it. But for David Tennant, it’s like the job of jobs to him."
Read the article in full, here.
OG set to close down?? Say it aint sooooo
http://www.gallifreyone.com/
And so, it is with heavy heart that I must announce that Outpost Gallifrey as you know it has come to an end.
And so, it is with heavy heart that I must announce that Outpost Gallifrey as you know it has come to an end.
Bowie not set to do Who no matter what the Sun says
Believing the strangest things, loving the alien...
Tomorrow's (Thursday) Sun newspaper in the UK has a half page exclusive regarding a supposed forthcoming appearance by David Bowie in the popular TV series, Dr Who. Here's a bit from it...
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ROCK legend David Bowie is set to star in Dr Who — as an evil alien abductor.
Producers reckon the Ziggy Stardust singer, now 60, makes a perfect villain because of his “great other-worldly look”.
And he will cross swords with the Tardis’s Time Lord when he kidnaps crime author Agatha Christie — who in real life mysteriously vanished for 11 days in 1926.
Bowie’s willingness to appear in the two-part Dr Who special, to be shown on BBC1 next year, will surprise many of his fans.
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Indeed it will surprise many of his fans, as the whole story is as much news to them as it is to him. David Bowie is not planning to star in Dr Who and the whole story is "absolute tish and tosh".
Whatever the intention behind The Sun's story, it certainly wouldn't be the first time that Dr Who producers have approached Bowie to appear in the show. If memory serves, he spurned their advances in the eighties too.
In fact, the Dr Who team have never hidden their fondness for all things Bowie, and it seems there are more than a few Bowie fans who enjoy a bit of Dr Who themselves. You may remember über fan Nick Pegg taking a break from operating a dreaded Black Dalek on these very pages. (08.05.2006 REMINDER: NICK PEGG SIGNING AND LAUNCH PARTY TODAY)
Anyway, if your thing is science fiction, with no real emphasis on the science bit, then you may want to read the whole item online here.
Tomorrow's (Thursday) Sun newspaper in the UK has a half page exclusive regarding a supposed forthcoming appearance by David Bowie in the popular TV series, Dr Who. Here's a bit from it...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROCK legend David Bowie is set to star in Dr Who — as an evil alien abductor.
Producers reckon the Ziggy Stardust singer, now 60, makes a perfect villain because of his “great other-worldly look”.
And he will cross swords with the Tardis’s Time Lord when he kidnaps crime author Agatha Christie — who in real life mysteriously vanished for 11 days in 1926.
Bowie’s willingness to appear in the two-part Dr Who special, to be shown on BBC1 next year, will surprise many of his fans.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indeed it will surprise many of his fans, as the whole story is as much news to them as it is to him. David Bowie is not planning to star in Dr Who and the whole story is "absolute tish and tosh".
Whatever the intention behind The Sun's story, it certainly wouldn't be the first time that Dr Who producers have approached Bowie to appear in the show. If memory serves, he spurned their advances in the eighties too.
In fact, the Dr Who team have never hidden their fondness for all things Bowie, and it seems there are more than a few Bowie fans who enjoy a bit of Dr Who themselves. You may remember über fan Nick Pegg taking a break from operating a dreaded Black Dalek on these very pages. (08.05.2006 REMINDER: NICK PEGG SIGNING AND LAUNCH PARTY TODAY)
Anyway, if your thing is science fiction, with no real emphasis on the science bit, then you may want to read the whole item online here.
Tennant still not on net
A fresh reminder about internet impostors.
There have been several recent cases of people posing as David Tennant in internet chat rooms and forums - as well as setting up social networking profiles in his name.
David would like to point out that neither he, nor Catherine Tate use these kinds of sites, chatrooms or forums, and wouldn't want fans to be disappointed or misled if they thought they were talking to the real actors.
We would strongly advise all Doctor Who fans for their own safety to ignore any such postings and not be fooled by impersonators - it will never be David or Catherine online.
There have been several recent cases of people posing as David Tennant in internet chat rooms and forums - as well as setting up social networking profiles in his name.
David would like to point out that neither he, nor Catherine Tate use these kinds of sites, chatrooms or forums, and wouldn't want fans to be disappointed or misled if they thought they were talking to the real actors.
We would strongly advise all Doctor Who fans for their own safety to ignore any such postings and not be fooled by impersonators - it will never be David or Catherine online.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
New Books Announced
Amazon.co.uk has added listings for the first new novels and audios for 2008.February sees a trio of Torchwood audios released.In The Shadows, Hidden, and Everyone Says Hello are all listed for release on February 4th. No further plot or narration information is available at this time. May sees a trio of new Doctor Who novels alongside a new reference book. Martha in the Mirror, Snowglobe 7, and The Many Hands all see release on May 1st. Starships and Spacestations by Justin Richards will be out on that day also. Further plot and author information will be posted as it becomes available.
Dalek World Record Broken
On Sunday 26th August, hundreds of Doctor Who fans descended upon Manchester to break a world record for the largest number of Daleks (or people wearing Dalek costumes) in one place. Also in attendance was Dalek designer Ray Cusick. The attempt was organised by The Museum of Science and Industry, which also boasts the fantastic Doctor Who Up-Close Exhibition.With a grand total of 68 Daleks in attendance, the previous record of 50 Daleks was broken.
Bernard Cribbins set for 'Doctor Who' cameo
Veteran actor Bernard Cribbins will make a guest appearance in the fourth season of Doctor Who."This is the icing on the cake, a wonderful addition to an already phenomenal cast," producer Phil Collinson told Doctor Who Magazine. "It's a wonderful cameo, which kept the entire cast and crew entertained." Best known for narrating The Wombles, 78-year-old Cribbins is already known to fans of Doctor Who through his appearance as a bumbling policeman in the 1966 film Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150 AD.
Sarah Jane adventures returns to books
Coming this November are a series of novels based around the new Sarah Jane series. Written by the production team (including Gareth Roberts) the books are effectively Target novels for the 21st century; they'll novelise everything we're seeing on screen, and will maybe add a few extra touches onto the ambitious scripts too.Here's a full list of all the adventures, and who's writing them:1: "Invasion of the Bane" by Gareth Roberts2: "Untitled Adventure One" by Gareth Roberts3: "Eye of the Gorgon" by Philip Stratford4: "Warriors of the Kudlax" by Gareth RobertsNovels of the last two adventures, "Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane?" and "The Lost Boy", should hit book shops just before Christmas - once the adventures have aired on television.The books are about 150 pages each, and should retail around £4.99. Target nostalga is back, baby!
BBC Three 'safe' in budget cuts
The BBC's head of TV has rejected calls to close BBC Three in order to solve the corporation's financial problems.
All areas of the BBC are facing budget cuts after the broadcaster did not get the licence fee increase it wanted.
Conservative MP John Whittingdale and Panorama's John Sweeney suggested the digital channel should be shut to safeguard quality in other areas.
But the BBC's Jana Bennett said working more efficiently across the board was better than closing an entire channel.
BBC Three, which has achieved success by showing episodes of Torchwood and Heroes before their terrestrial airings, has a budget of £93.4m in 2007/8.
Mrs Bennett, who is director of BBC Vision, told the Edinburgh TV Festival there were areas where the BBC "duplicated types of programme" across its channels.
She called for a reduction in the number of programmes made, but - in a reference to the BBC's different TV channels - "not a reduction in the rich offering we need to give audiences".
She said "doing less" was her preference, and that the strategic use of repeats was a way of filling some gaps.
BBC Three is a channel which I think probably could be closed without noticeably affecting the output of the corporation
John Whittingdale MP
"Repeats are not necessarily a bad thing," she said. "When people miss a programme, you're making up for that loss."
Many of BBC Three's highest audiences have been for repeats of EastEnders, Doctor Who and Little Britain, but it has produced few crossover hits of its own.
Mr Whittingdale, who chairs the House of Commons culture select committee, said savings could be made by cutting things that were "a long way removed from its public service remit or are unnecessary".
"There is no need necessarily for the BBC to have as many television channels as it does," he told the BBC News website.
"BBC Three is a channel which I think probably could be closed without noticeably affecting the output of the corporation."
Don't cut current affairs - the sharp end of the BBC's public service commitment
John Sweeney
Panorama
The corporation should invest more in areas where it serves its "principal public service remit", rather than cutting the budgets of those departments, he said.
And Mr Sweeney called on the BBC to "shoot a white elephant or two" instead of taking money away from current affairs.
"God knows, we've got a few," the Panorama reporter said. "It would be better, I believe, to close down BBC Three or BBC Four than cut current affairs again."
Mr Sweeney - appearing at a session on factual programming - described the BBC's current affairs department as "a pale shadow of what it was".
It had "empty desks and far too many people on short-term contracts", he said, which made it "very much harder for people to argue and challenge the bosses".
"Stop it - don't cut current affairs, the sharp end of the BBC's public service commitment," he implored.
When you say there's going to be 10% cut, it means you should have savings all round
Clive Anderson
TV presenter
BBC funding has been a major topic at the three-day festival.
On Friday, Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman described the licence fee as "an idea of the 1950s", warning that it would be hard for his programme to survive in its current form if further cuts were implemented.
But Mrs Bennett's stance was backed by TV presenter Clive Anderson, who appeared alongside her in a session about the state of the BBC.
Closing a channel was a "misconceived" way to save money, he argued.
"It's harder to make lots of small economies everywhere - it's easier to achieve a big cut by taking out a whole service," he said.
"But when you say there's going to be 10% cut, it means you should have savings all round."
All areas of the BBC are facing budget cuts after the broadcaster did not get the licence fee increase it wanted.
Conservative MP John Whittingdale and Panorama's John Sweeney suggested the digital channel should be shut to safeguard quality in other areas.
But the BBC's Jana Bennett said working more efficiently across the board was better than closing an entire channel.
BBC Three, which has achieved success by showing episodes of Torchwood and Heroes before their terrestrial airings, has a budget of £93.4m in 2007/8.
Mrs Bennett, who is director of BBC Vision, told the Edinburgh TV Festival there were areas where the BBC "duplicated types of programme" across its channels.
She called for a reduction in the number of programmes made, but - in a reference to the BBC's different TV channels - "not a reduction in the rich offering we need to give audiences".
She said "doing less" was her preference, and that the strategic use of repeats was a way of filling some gaps.
BBC Three is a channel which I think probably could be closed without noticeably affecting the output of the corporation
John Whittingdale MP
"Repeats are not necessarily a bad thing," she said. "When people miss a programme, you're making up for that loss."
Many of BBC Three's highest audiences have been for repeats of EastEnders, Doctor Who and Little Britain, but it has produced few crossover hits of its own.
Mr Whittingdale, who chairs the House of Commons culture select committee, said savings could be made by cutting things that were "a long way removed from its public service remit or are unnecessary".
"There is no need necessarily for the BBC to have as many television channels as it does," he told the BBC News website.
"BBC Three is a channel which I think probably could be closed without noticeably affecting the output of the corporation."
Don't cut current affairs - the sharp end of the BBC's public service commitment
John Sweeney
Panorama
The corporation should invest more in areas where it serves its "principal public service remit", rather than cutting the budgets of those departments, he said.
And Mr Sweeney called on the BBC to "shoot a white elephant or two" instead of taking money away from current affairs.
"God knows, we've got a few," the Panorama reporter said. "It would be better, I believe, to close down BBC Three or BBC Four than cut current affairs again."
Mr Sweeney - appearing at a session on factual programming - described the BBC's current affairs department as "a pale shadow of what it was".
It had "empty desks and far too many people on short-term contracts", he said, which made it "very much harder for people to argue and challenge the bosses".
"Stop it - don't cut current affairs, the sharp end of the BBC's public service commitment," he implored.
When you say there's going to be 10% cut, it means you should have savings all round
Clive Anderson
TV presenter
BBC funding has been a major topic at the three-day festival.
On Friday, Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman described the licence fee as "an idea of the 1950s", warning that it would be hard for his programme to survive in its current form if further cuts were implemented.
But Mrs Bennett's stance was backed by TV presenter Clive Anderson, who appeared alongside her in a session about the state of the BBC.
Closing a channel was a "misconceived" way to save money, he argued.
"It's harder to make lots of small economies everywhere - it's easier to achieve a big cut by taking out a whole service," he said.
"But when you say there's going to be 10% cut, it means you should have savings all round."
Sunday, August 26, 2007
The Mind's Eye
Big Finish has released a cover and full details on The Mind's Eye, the November release featuring the Fifth Doctor, Peri, and Erimem.
This is a warning to all space farers. You must keep away from this planet. It’s hostile, repeat, hostile.On a planet with no name, the Doctor finds himself confronted by a faulty memory and some killer plants.In a distant galaxy, Erimem leads a troubled empire.Back on Earth, Peri tells her son about the good old days when she used to travel with a man called The Doctor.
BBC and Doctor Who Win Major Awards
BBC News Online reports that Doctor Who has been awarded the Programme of the Year title at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, with its broadcaster BBC One being acclaimed as Channel of the Year.
According to the report, "the winner of the best programme prize was chosen from the shortlist by almost 200 young people who were invited to attend the festival as a way of showcasing the next generation of TV talent." Producer Phil Collinson said that to receive the award "from young people coming into this industry is a particular honour". He also praised the BBC, saying that without it, "Doctor Who would never be made, would never be so good and would never be so well supported".
The other nominees in the terrestrial channel award were BBC Two, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five.
Doctor Who took its award over E4's programme Skins, plus fellow BBC One series Life on Mars and Planet Earth.
According to the report, "the winner of the best programme prize was chosen from the shortlist by almost 200 young people who were invited to attend the festival as a way of showcasing the next generation of TV talent." Producer Phil Collinson said that to receive the award "from young people coming into this industry is a particular honour". He also praised the BBC, saying that without it, "Doctor Who would never be made, would never be so good and would never be so well supported".
The other nominees in the terrestrial channel award were BBC Two, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five.
Doctor Who took its award over E4's programme Skins, plus fellow BBC One series Life on Mars and Planet Earth.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Womble Bernard's Who role
TELLY legend Bernard Cribbins has been signed up for the Doctor Who Christmas special.
Producer Phil Collinson was tight-lipped about who he would play — but revealed getting the 78-year-old on board was “the icing on the cake”.
“He’s a wonderful addition to a phenomenal cast,” said Phil.
“It’s a wonderful cameo which kept the entire cast and crew entertained.”
Bernard — narrator of The Wombles in the 1970s — starred in 1966 movie Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150 AD, which featured Peter Cushing as Dr Who.
He joins a slew of ageing British stars in the Xmas episode, The Voyage Of Doom.
These include Clive Swift, 71 (long-suffering Richard Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances) and Geoffrey Palmer, 80 — best known as grumpy Lionel in the Beeb’s As Time Goes By.
Producer Phil Collinson was tight-lipped about who he would play — but revealed getting the 78-year-old on board was “the icing on the cake”.
“He’s a wonderful addition to a phenomenal cast,” said Phil.
“It’s a wonderful cameo which kept the entire cast and crew entertained.”
Bernard — narrator of The Wombles in the 1970s — starred in 1966 movie Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150 AD, which featured Peter Cushing as Dr Who.
He joins a slew of ageing British stars in the Xmas episode, The Voyage Of Doom.
These include Clive Swift, 71 (long-suffering Richard Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances) and Geoffrey Palmer, 80 — best known as grumpy Lionel in the Beeb’s As Time Goes By.
"The Sarah Jane Adventures" spoilers
Yes, this post is abound with spoilers for the forthcoming Sarah Jane Adventures series, so if spoilers really aren't your thing then I suggest you look away now. For everybody else, lets revel in all of the spoiler-filled goodness that comes out of the latest issue of SFX Magazine, which is released next Wednesday. I got a sneaky early subscription copy, 'ya see...
There's confirmation that the Slitheen alien menace (first seen in Christopher Eccleston's "Aliens of London") feature in episodes one and two, which form the two part - untitled - Adventure One. Says SJA producer Matthew Brouch: "We did that because we wanted to bring an audience from Doctor Who. They're great monsters - they've always appealed to children."
Bouch goes on to say what else will feature during the series run, "There's a classic monster from Greek mythology in episodes three and four. We have a more classic alien character in five and six. Seven and eight will have a slightly more absract villain - he's more of a meddler in the affairs of the universe. I'll keep quiet about the villain in nine and ten, because that's a surprise..."
So, any crossovers planned? "There's no mention of Torchwood in Sarah Jane," Bouch confirms. "[But] yeah, there are references to the Brig and to UNIT. There are two or three key things that I think the fanboys will be happy with..." Oooh, as long as it's not the 'long awaited' return of Sarah's ward Brandon, then I'm all ears!
The interview goes on to talk about the expectations of children's television, especially the idea of sexuality in modern teens' lives. Bouch talks about the traditional story telling of the series, and how well the double 30 minute cliffhanger format works. All in all it's an interesting read which you can pick up from stores this coming Wednesday priced £3.99.
There's confirmation that the Slitheen alien menace (first seen in Christopher Eccleston's "Aliens of London") feature in episodes one and two, which form the two part - untitled - Adventure One. Says SJA producer Matthew Brouch: "We did that because we wanted to bring an audience from Doctor Who. They're great monsters - they've always appealed to children."
Bouch goes on to say what else will feature during the series run, "There's a classic monster from Greek mythology in episodes three and four. We have a more classic alien character in five and six. Seven and eight will have a slightly more absract villain - he's more of a meddler in the affairs of the universe. I'll keep quiet about the villain in nine and ten, because that's a surprise..."
So, any crossovers planned? "There's no mention of Torchwood in Sarah Jane," Bouch confirms. "[But] yeah, there are references to the Brig and to UNIT. There are two or three key things that I think the fanboys will be happy with..." Oooh, as long as it's not the 'long awaited' return of Sarah's ward Brandon, then I'm all ears!
The interview goes on to talk about the expectations of children's television, especially the idea of sexuality in modern teens' lives. Bouch talks about the traditional story telling of the series, and how well the double 30 minute cliffhanger format works. All in all it's an interesting read which you can pick up from stores this coming Wednesday priced £3.99.
The Dalek Webcam
About half way down the page you will find a dalek webcam im wanting soooooo bad!!!!!!!
http://mikescomics.com/TOYS2.html
http://mikescomics.com/TOYS2.html
Mickey and Vicki become Fearless
Big Finish have announced that Noel Clarke and Maureen O'Brien are joining the cast of the upcoming series Dalek Empire: The Fearless.Clarke won't be reprising his Mickey Smith role from the new TV series but, instead, will be playing a new character called Kade - "a tough, hard-bitten soldierfrom the distant future", according to Doctor Who Magazine. Meanwhile, O'Brien (who originally played Vicki, a companion to the First Doctor) will be playing General Agnes Landen in the series. The Fearless is currently slated for a September release.
Absolution
Big Finish has released a cover and full details on Absolution, the October release featuring The Eighth Doctor. This release will also see the departure of companion C'rizz.
Confession. Penance. Absolution.The Tardis breaks down in a forbidden sector of space. Ghostly voices cry out for salvation and only C'rizz, the Doctor's Eutermesan companion, can answer their call - for only he knows the secret of the Absolver. But will he use it to rescue his friends or save the universe?The Doctor's sins are catching up with him and the infernal beast Borarus is hungry. Time is running out and Judgement Day is at hand.Welcome to Hell.
Confession. Penance. Absolution.The Tardis breaks down in a forbidden sector of space. Ghostly voices cry out for salvation and only C'rizz, the Doctor's Eutermesan companion, can answer their call - for only he knows the secret of the Absolver. But will he use it to rescue his friends or save the universe?The Doctor's sins are catching up with him and the infernal beast Borarus is hungry. Time is running out and Judgement Day is at hand.Welcome to Hell.
Mad Norwegian update
Mad Norwegian Press has issued an update regarding two of their upcoming books. About Time 6, by Tat Wood, will be released in December with a cover price of $24.95 (which is slightly higher than previous volumes due to an expanded page count) and information has now been released about the new second edition of Lance Parkin's Ahistory.
AHistory Second Edition: Written by Lance Parkin, with additional material by Lars Pearson. The Second Edition of AHistory amends and vastly expands the work of the sold-out First Edition, continuing to incorporate the whole of Doctor Who into a single timeline. Among other things, the Second Edition will cover: all Doctor Who TV episodes up through "Last of the Time Lords", the Series 3 finale; all Doctor Who novels from Virgin and the BBC, up through the New Series Adventure "Wooden Heart"; the Big Finish audio range up through "The Wishing Beast" (#97); all Torchwood Series 1 episodes and novels; the Sarah Jane Adventures pilot; and all Telos novellas. In addition, the Second Edition will incorporate the Doctor Who Magazine comic strips that have been running since 1979.
AHistory Second Edition: Written by Lance Parkin, with additional material by Lars Pearson. The Second Edition of AHistory amends and vastly expands the work of the sold-out First Edition, continuing to incorporate the whole of Doctor Who into a single timeline. Among other things, the Second Edition will cover: all Doctor Who TV episodes up through "Last of the Time Lords", the Series 3 finale; all Doctor Who novels from Virgin and the BBC, up through the New Series Adventure "Wooden Heart"; the Big Finish audio range up through "The Wishing Beast" (#97); all Torchwood Series 1 episodes and novels; the Sarah Jane Adventures pilot; and all Telos novellas. In addition, the Second Edition will incorporate the Doctor Who Magazine comic strips that have been running since 1979.
Torchwood's U.S. roots
Julie Gardner, executive producer of the BBC series Torchwood and head of drama development for BBC Wales, tells SCI-FI WIRE that Torchwood's roots lie in a fascination with American science fiction shows - particularly those in the boom of the 1990s.She talks about an early series she and Russell T Davies developed called Excalibur which centered around a paranormal investigation team."It was a kind of [an] urban-landscape, present-day series," Gardner said. "And the scene that Russell in his two-page pitch described was the scene where there was this sexy group of investigators in an alleyway at night, it's raining, a corpse is on the ground, and one of them brings out a glove and is able to bring the corpse back to life, which is, of course, the central first scene in Episode 1 of what became Torchwood."
DVD Release date
Website play.com have listed the 1975 story Planet of Evil for release on 15 October 2007.The 1979 Tom Baker story, Destiny of the Daleks has been passed for DVD release by the British Board of Film Classification. Extras passed include a feature called Davros Connections and the Prime Computer adverts recorded by Tom Baker.According to play.com this story is due for release on 26th November 2007. As well as being available separately, the release will also be part of an eight disc, Davros Box Set
Friday, August 24, 2007
Davies: Tennant staying for whole series
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has confirmed that David Tennant will portray the iconic Time Lord for the entire duration of the next season, contrary to tabloid reports."He's doing the whole series," stated Davies in an interview with Doctor Who Magazine. "It was never even discussed that he might leave after six episodes. That's completely invented by the papers."However, the hit drama's boss admitted that the longer term future is unclear. "None of us knows exactly what will happen after series four," Davies admitted, "[but] there's already talk of a 2008 Christmas Special."
'Timelord' set to light up resort
Dr Who star, David Tennant, is just one of the stars from television and music who are set to appear for the switch on of the 2007 Blackpool Illuminations.
Natasha Bedingfield, McFly, Natalie Imbruglia and Gareth Gates have also been booked for the lights' launch.
Having David Tennant turn on the Illuminations has created a great deal of excitement, a council spokesman for the Lancashire seaside resort said.
The Doctor Who star will flick the switch on 31 August at about 2125 BST.
Radio 2
Dale Winton, host of BBC Radio 2's Pick of the Pops show, will be presenting a special hour-long live broadcast from the event from 2030 BST.
Blackpool councillor Maxine Callow said: "The Illuminations are a very important asset to the resort, and we are pleased to announce such an exciting line up for what will be a great start to the 2007 Illuminations season."
The lights will shine for 66 consecutive nights until 4 November.
David Tennant will be following in the footsteps of fourth Doctor Who actor, Tom Baker, who switched the lights on in 1975.
Natasha Bedingfield, McFly, Natalie Imbruglia and Gareth Gates have also been booked for the lights' launch.
Having David Tennant turn on the Illuminations has created a great deal of excitement, a council spokesman for the Lancashire seaside resort said.
The Doctor Who star will flick the switch on 31 August at about 2125 BST.
Radio 2
Dale Winton, host of BBC Radio 2's Pick of the Pops show, will be presenting a special hour-long live broadcast from the event from 2030 BST.
Blackpool councillor Maxine Callow said: "The Illuminations are a very important asset to the resort, and we are pleased to announce such an exciting line up for what will be a great start to the 2007 Illuminations season."
The lights will shine for 66 consecutive nights until 4 November.
David Tennant will be following in the footsteps of fourth Doctor Who actor, Tom Baker, who switched the lights on in 1975.
Another NEW DOCTOR WHO UNVEILED???
The next actor to play DOCTOR WHO on the hit British sci-fi show has been found - TV star HARRY LLOYD. The show's boss Russell T Davies was impressed with Lloyd when the actor appeared on a recent episode as a student at a posh school. And when current Doctor Who David Tennant leaves the series, which is rumoured to be in two year's time (09), Davis is convinced he has found a ready made replacement. He says, "After his audition I sent a note to the casting director saying, 'He's not just good for Baines (his character), that's the next Doctor. Seriously. He's so brilliant." Lloyd currently plays Will Scarlett in the British TV series Robin Hood.
Who's In A Flap?
New publicity shot reveals 1920's makeover for Donna.
Donna Noble may have stood out from the crowd in her Runaway Bride wedding dress, but she's determined to blend in when the TARDIS makes a date with Agatha Christie during the 1920s.
Although David Tennant's Doctor remained in his timeless pin-striped brown suit for the adventure, Donna (played by Catherine Tate) chose this classy 'flapper' style period costume for the occasion.
With filming now complete on the period piece, David and Catherine are preparing to visit the Planet of the Ood - with presumably another costume change planned.
Both episodes are being produced by Susie Liggat, who previously took charge of the Human Nature / The Family Of Blood two-parter during Series 3.
Follow the link below to download the Doctor and Donna to your desktop.
Desktop wallpaper
Donna Noble may have stood out from the crowd in her Runaway Bride wedding dress, but she's determined to blend in when the TARDIS makes a date with Agatha Christie during the 1920s.
Although David Tennant's Doctor remained in his timeless pin-striped brown suit for the adventure, Donna (played by Catherine Tate) chose this classy 'flapper' style period costume for the occasion.
With filming now complete on the period piece, David and Catherine are preparing to visit the Planet of the Ood - with presumably another costume change planned.
Both episodes are being produced by Susie Liggat, who previously took charge of the Human Nature / The Family Of Blood two-parter during Series 3.
Follow the link below to download the Doctor and Donna to your desktop.
Desktop wallpaper
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Billie misses it
She might have bowed out of the Doctor Who series last year, but it seems the Timelord’s ex-sidekick Billie Piper might consider a return one day.
Billie, who played Rose in the series, has reportedly admitted that she wouldn’t mind going back for a visit - particularly for David Tennant’s final episode.
The singer and actress, 24, told the Daily Express: “I find it a bit sad watching it now I’m not in it. I really miss it. I didn’t realise how much I would. I’d love to pop back.”
Billie did a stint in the West End after Doctor Who, and is currently filming her role as an upmarket call girl in Belle Du Jour.
Meanwhile, Kylie Minogue, who has also filmed a guest appearance for Doctor Who, has also apparently said she wouldn’t mind returning.
An insider told the paper: “It would be great to get both Billie and Kylie back in the same show. Ratings would go through the roof for that and I’m sure the Doctor wouldn’t know whether he was coming or going.”
Sarah Jane Adventures Latest
The BBC has unveiled its new look for CBBC with the news that spin-off series The Sarah Jane Adventures will feature "familiar alien enemies from Doctor Who".A new logo - seen right - and animated idents have been created for the multi-platform channel dedicated to six-to-12-year-olds, as the new season and new look go on air and online from September 3, although the start date of The Sarah Jane Adventures is yet to be confirmed.The forthcoming autumn season will also see Reggie Yates, who plays Martha's brother, Leo, and who narrates the audiobook Sting of the Zygons, co-presenting adventure game show Escape From Scorpion Island.
Billie Piper being advised by dominatrix
Billie Piper is receiving advice from a dominatrix for her role in new show Diary Of A London Call Girl.The former Doctor Who actress plays a high-class hooker in the eight-part ITV2 series, which will be screened in the winter.An ITV spokeswoman told The Sun: "They do have a dominatrix on set to advise. It's about prostitution and they want to get it right."The show's plot is based on an online blog which was written by an anonymous sex worker.
Dr Who creator promises Xmas surprises
DOCTOR WHO writer Russell T Davies says fans are in for a lucky, lucky, lucky Christmas following Kylie Minogue’s decision to join the show.
The Aussie pop princess will join Time Lord David Tennant aboard the Titanic in this year’s Christmas Day special.
But Swansea-born Davies has revealed that Kylie will be bringing something extra special to the episode when it is shown on Christmas Day.
He told Roast: “This year’s Christmas special was always going to have a one-off companion, little knowing that it would be Kylie.
“I love the Christmas-ness of a one-off and, as you’ll see, there’s a whole new take – once again – on what a companion can be.”
Davies also revealed some top secrets concerning the return of ‘Runaway Bride’ Donna – played by British comic Catherine Tate – for the fouth series.
“She gives us the chance to be blunt about things, and be gobsmacked by things,” he said.
“Of course, she’ll still be brave and heroic sometimes, and she’ll even save the Doctor’s life.
“But there’s also this great moment in one episode where she and the Doctor land on an alien planet, and the first thing she does is go back in the Tardis to find the right coat!” he chuckled.
Meanwhile, despite having bowed out of Doctor Who last year after her character Rose became trapped in a parallel universe, newly-engaged actress Billie Piper is apparently considering a return to the show.
The 24-year-old star, who is getting married to fellow actor Laurence Fox, has admitted missing the series and wouldn’t mind going back for David Tennant’s last episode.
She said: “It’s sad watching it now I’m not in it, I didn’t realise how much I’d really miss it and would love to pop back.”
What’s more, Kylie has also said she’d love to return.
A BBC insider said: “It would be great to get both Billie and Kylie in the same show.
“Ratings would go though the roof for that and I’m sure the Doctor wouldn’t know whether he was coming or going.”
The Aussie pop princess will join Time Lord David Tennant aboard the Titanic in this year’s Christmas Day special.
But Swansea-born Davies has revealed that Kylie will be bringing something extra special to the episode when it is shown on Christmas Day.
He told Roast: “This year’s Christmas special was always going to have a one-off companion, little knowing that it would be Kylie.
“I love the Christmas-ness of a one-off and, as you’ll see, there’s a whole new take – once again – on what a companion can be.”
Davies also revealed some top secrets concerning the return of ‘Runaway Bride’ Donna – played by British comic Catherine Tate – for the fouth series.
“She gives us the chance to be blunt about things, and be gobsmacked by things,” he said.
“Of course, she’ll still be brave and heroic sometimes, and she’ll even save the Doctor’s life.
“But there’s also this great moment in one episode where she and the Doctor land on an alien planet, and the first thing she does is go back in the Tardis to find the right coat!” he chuckled.
Meanwhile, despite having bowed out of Doctor Who last year after her character Rose became trapped in a parallel universe, newly-engaged actress Billie Piper is apparently considering a return to the show.
The 24-year-old star, who is getting married to fellow actor Laurence Fox, has admitted missing the series and wouldn’t mind going back for David Tennant’s last episode.
She said: “It’s sad watching it now I’m not in it, I didn’t realise how much I’d really miss it and would love to pop back.”
What’s more, Kylie has also said she’d love to return.
A BBC insider said: “It would be great to get both Billie and Kylie in the same show.
“Ratings would go though the roof for that and I’m sure the Doctor wouldn’t know whether he was coming or going.”
Peter Davison to make 'Doctor Who' return?
Peter Davison will reprise his role as the fifth Doctor alongside David Tennant in an upcoming Children in Need special, according to a tabloid report.An insider told The Sun that Davison, who starred in Doctor Who for three seasons between 1981 and 1984, was "top of the writers' list to make a comeback" for the charity event, which will take place on November 16 on BBC One later this year. The source also added: "The Doctor is forever travelling though time so there’s no reason why he couldn't catch up with a former incarnation."The show will reportedly be written by Steven Moffat, who was responsible for acclaimed stories such as 'The Empty Child' and 'The Girl in the Fireplace'.In 1993, a two part special entitled 'Dimensions in Time' was broadcast as part of Children In Need, featuring all the surviving actors to play the Time Lord returning to their roles, with the action taking place in EastEnders' Albert Square. The BBC is yet to confirm the veracity of this story.
Daleks to battle Aladdin and Faye from Steps
Doctor Who's celebrated enemies The Daleks are set to appear on stage later this year to battle Aladdin and Faye Tozer from pop group Steps.Entitled Aladdin: The 3D Adventure of a Lifetime, the production will see the metal-encased mutants "threaten to exterminate Aladdin’s plans to marry Princess Jasmine and live happily ever after ", according to a press release.Danny Adams will be playing the title role, while former Steps performer Tozer will feature as the magical spirit Scherazade. The pantomime is set to run throughout December and January at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle Upon Tyne.The Daleks have previously glided across the boards on several occasions, including the 1965 play The Curse of the Daleks and the 1989 musical , which featured Jon Pertwee and subsequently Colin Baker.
Collins to star as 'Doctor Who' baddie?
Iconic British actress Joan Collins has reportedly signed up to play a time-travelling villain in the forthcoming season of Doctor Who.The News of the World claims that 74-year-old Collins, best known for her role as 'uber-bitch' Alexis Carrington Colby in the soap Dynasty, has already signed up for the role of The Doctor's arch nemesis The Rani, a scheming Gallifreyan scientist who appeared twice in the classic series.The tabloid quotes an insider in the show as saying: "The Doctor Who team are delighted they've managed to sign Joan. It's a real coup. [She's] perfect for the role... like Alexis Colby with a sonic screwdriver."The Rani was originally portrayed by Kate O'Mara in 1985's 'The Mark of the Rani' opposite Colin Baker and in Sylvester McCoy's debut story 'Time and the Rani' in 1987. O'Mara, who reprised the role in a 1993 Children In Need special, also played Collins' younger sister Cassandra in Dynasty.Earlier this year, The Sun reported that Footballers' Wives star Zoe Lucker was a "dead cert" for the part of the Time Lady.
Who mobile???
BBC News reports mobile phone operator O2 will distribute clips from Doctor Who and other shows, CLICK HERE to read the entire article.
New cover art
The Official BBC Doctor Who website has the cover art and disk details on The Time Warrior DVD, CLICK HERE to visit the website.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Russell talks Kylie and Catherine in new DWM.
"This year's Christmas Special was always going to have a one-off companion, little knowing that it would be Kylie!," reveals head writer and executive producer Russell T Davies in a candid interview in the new issue of Doctor Who Magazine.
"I like the Christmas-ness of a one-off," he adds. "As you'll see, there's a whole new take - again - on what a companion can be..."
Russell also reveals secrets concerning the return of 'Runaway Bride' Donna... "She gives us the chance to be blunt about things, and be gobsmacked by things.
"Of course, she'll still be brave and heroic sometimes, and she'll save the Doctor's life, but equally... for example, there's one episode where they land on an alien planet, and the first thing she does is go back in the TARDIS to find the right coat!"
Also in the mag, Classic Series designer Barry Newbery is given a VIP tour of the Doctor Who studios; Edward Thomas gives an in-depth insight into production design and the Doctor and Martha begin a new comic strip adventure, The First. Plus, Gareth Roberts pens Production Notes.
DWM 386 goes on sale from Thursday 23 August 2007.
"I like the Christmas-ness of a one-off," he adds. "As you'll see, there's a whole new take - again - on what a companion can be..."
Russell also reveals secrets concerning the return of 'Runaway Bride' Donna... "She gives us the chance to be blunt about things, and be gobsmacked by things.
"Of course, she'll still be brave and heroic sometimes, and she'll save the Doctor's life, but equally... for example, there's one episode where they land on an alien planet, and the first thing she does is go back in the TARDIS to find the right coat!"
Also in the mag, Classic Series designer Barry Newbery is given a VIP tour of the Doctor Who studios; Edward Thomas gives an in-depth insight into production design and the Doctor and Martha begin a new comic strip adventure, The First. Plus, Gareth Roberts pens Production Notes.
DWM 386 goes on sale from Thursday 23 August 2007.
Great Scot Entertainment Award
David has been nominated for a Great Scot Entertainment Award in The Sunday Mail.
The winners will be unveiled at a star-studded Great Scot ceremony at the Glasgow Hilton on September 15 hosted by comedienne and columnist Elaine C Smith.
Proceeds from the event will be split between seven charities - Children In Distress, Nordoff Robbins, Leukaemia Research, Strathcarron Hospice, Watch Us Grow, Yorkhill's Schiehallion Unit and Breast Cancer Care.
For more information visit The Sunday Mail Website here.
The winners will be unveiled at a star-studded Great Scot ceremony at the Glasgow Hilton on September 15 hosted by comedienne and columnist Elaine C Smith.
Proceeds from the event will be split between seven charities - Children In Distress, Nordoff Robbins, Leukaemia Research, Strathcarron Hospice, Watch Us Grow, Yorkhill's Schiehallion Unit and Breast Cancer Care.
For more information visit The Sunday Mail Website here.
Doctor Who Comedy Night
Comedians appearing at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe are staging a special one off Dcotor Who themed comedy show as part of the david-tennant.com appeal fund, raising money in memory of David Tennant's mother, Helen McDonald, who died recently. The gig will take place at the Laughing Horse@Linsays, (Fringe Venue 56), on Saturday 18th August from 9.10pm - 10.10pm. Although the show is not ticketed, and is not part of the official Fringe programme, those attending will be asked to donate £10, with all proceeds going to the ACCORD hospice where Mrs McDonald worked for many years, and where she spent her final days.Among the comedians taking part so far are Mitch Benn, Bill Bruce and Toby Hadoke whose 2006 Fringe hit - Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf - has recently been turned into a successful BBC Radio show.This is a late night show, and is therefore not suitable for anyone under that age of 18. Entry is on a strictly first come, first admitted basis.The full line-up of acts will be announced prior to the event.Ken Mathie, Fundraising Manager for the ACCORD hospice, commented: "Everyone associated with ACCORD has been extremely moved by the public reaction to Helen’s passing. She was such a lovely person and will be sorely missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. This show is a wonderful example of the support we are receiving from fans of Doctor Who and I wish all the comedians involved every success"So far fans have raised over 9,000 pounds from the appeals set up by david-tennant.com and members of the Outpost Gallifrey Forum.Donations can still be made at justgiving.com. People who donate are asked not to mention David Tennant in the comments section, in order to protect his privacy.
Hex in legal trouble
Philip Olivier, the actor who plays Seventh Doctor companion Hex for Big Finish Productions, has been fined £20,000 after being caught breaching housing regulations.According to Digital Spy, Olivier was also made to pay £250 in costs after being convicted under new laws which require landlords of three storey houses, or houses with five or more unrelated people living in them, to register with the local authority.Olivier didn't attend the hearing at Liverpool Magistrates Court and had nobody represent him.A council spokesman told the Yorkshire Post: "The legislation was introduced following recent Government research that showed people living in these types of property are 16 times more likely to die or be injured in fire than people living in a single occupancy house."In some areas in Liverpool this risk increases to 30 times and the law is designed to raise standards."The court was told that Olivier did not own the property but that he was the landlord and received rent payments. The house has reportedly since been sold.
A new face for Torchwood and a new look for Martha
Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) is back and reunited with Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) when she teams up with Torchwood (BBC Two) to help them solve a series of mysterious deaths in Cardiff.
Pictured here as she steps into the Hub for the first time, a more grown up and worldly-wise Martha brings her medical knowledge and the expertise learnt during her travels with The Doctor to help Torchwood do battle against an alien threat.
Freema Agyeman says: "Martha has grown up a lot since Doctor Who. She's now a fully qualified doctor and a bit hardened by life experiences. When she finds out that Captain Jack needs her help, she joins Torchwood for a while. She continues to develop her knowledge of alien intelligence, but this time keeping her feet on the ground.
"These will be invaluable skills to take back with her on future adventures with The Doctor. She outgrew The Doctor, in a sense, and so the next time they meet it will be in a more professional capacity. I'm so proud of her journey and who she has become.
"And for me as an actress, it's a great new challenge to be able to broaden and expand Martha as she develops in other directions for this more adult series. The Torchwood team are fabulous to work with and have made me very welcome."
Creator of Torchwood, Russell T Davies, says: "Freema is a wonderful actress and we want to give her the chance to add another dimension to Martha. She is going to cause some waves in the team – especially as she joins Torchwood at a point when everything is going to change for one of them."
Freema is one of many special guest stars appearing in the new series of Torchwood.
Richard Briers is the latest to join the line-up, playing Parker, a reclusive millionaire who is the keeper of alien secrets, much later in the series.
Alan Dale (Ugly Betty, Lost) and James Marsters (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) have also been confirmed.
The second series of Torchwood begins on BBC Two in the New Year and Martha will be starring half way through the series, appearing in three episodes.
Torchwood is executive produced by Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner, Head of Drama, BBC Wales. The producer is Richard Stokes and the series is filmed in Cardiff.
Pictured here as she steps into the Hub for the first time, a more grown up and worldly-wise Martha brings her medical knowledge and the expertise learnt during her travels with The Doctor to help Torchwood do battle against an alien threat.
Freema Agyeman says: "Martha has grown up a lot since Doctor Who. She's now a fully qualified doctor and a bit hardened by life experiences. When she finds out that Captain Jack needs her help, she joins Torchwood for a while. She continues to develop her knowledge of alien intelligence, but this time keeping her feet on the ground.
"These will be invaluable skills to take back with her on future adventures with The Doctor. She outgrew The Doctor, in a sense, and so the next time they meet it will be in a more professional capacity. I'm so proud of her journey and who she has become.
"And for me as an actress, it's a great new challenge to be able to broaden and expand Martha as she develops in other directions for this more adult series. The Torchwood team are fabulous to work with and have made me very welcome."
Creator of Torchwood, Russell T Davies, says: "Freema is a wonderful actress and we want to give her the chance to add another dimension to Martha. She is going to cause some waves in the team – especially as she joins Torchwood at a point when everything is going to change for one of them."
Freema is one of many special guest stars appearing in the new series of Torchwood.
Richard Briers is the latest to join the line-up, playing Parker, a reclusive millionaire who is the keeper of alien secrets, much later in the series.
Alan Dale (Ugly Betty, Lost) and James Marsters (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) have also been confirmed.
The second series of Torchwood begins on BBC Two in the New Year and Martha will be starring half way through the series, appearing in three episodes.
Torchwood is executive produced by Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner, Head of Drama, BBC Wales. The producer is Richard Stokes and the series is filmed in Cardiff.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
'Who' producer hints at return of The Master
Doctor Who producer Julie Gardner has suggested that John Simm's incarnation of The Master may return, despite the character's on-screen death.In an interview with iF Magazine, Gardner said: "It would be rude not to [leave the door open]. He’s a great character. John Simm is amazing and I would go to work every day with him. His scenes were so much fun to do."Life On Mars star Simm played The Doctor's ultimate foe in the final three episodes of the third season and was killed during the finale, his body burnt to a crisp. However, a female hand was seen reaching into the ashes and collecting the ring that The Master wore.
Keep Kylie!
Several gossip magazines have reported that Kylie Minogue wants to return to Doctor Who following completion of filming in Wales for the Christmas episode Voyage of the Damned.
Now magazine's website has quoted another source, but I thought I would leave the pun in at the end, as I couldn't come up with a better one myself:
If they want me back I will be there like a shot,' she tells the Daily Telegraph.
And producers of the BBC show are just as keen for Kylie to join the cast full time.
'Kylie just sizzles in her scenes,' a source says. 'It's going to be one of the best episodes ever.'
She must love Spinning Around in the Tardis.
Wouldn't that be great? Many of you might want to reserve judgement, but for me she can join the TARDIS anytime.
On the same subject, Sixth Doctor Colin Baker, writing in the Bucks Free Press, told how he encountered Doctor Who filming in Cardiff recently, and met Kylie! He also wrote:
What was reassuring for this old Tardis keyholder was that although the programme has moved into the 21st century and manages that impossible task of appealing to a completely new audience without losing the beating heart of the programme, the process and the atmosphere on set remained as special as I remembered it.
I can think of no other job I have done which would see me at 3.50 in the morning still enjoying the work in the company of others similarly motivated.
Colin's predecessor Peter Davison meanwhile has features in OfficialLondonTheatre.co.uk's "Big Interview". In it, Peter is quizzed on Doctor Who, Button Moon and his current role in Spamalot! A singing Doctor? Well dont forget, he wrote and sang the theme tune to Button Moon...
"My main song is very funny, not from me actually, I’m doing it fairly straight," he agrees, "but what’s happening elsewhere on stage makes it funny." His self-deprecating humour comes forth when he talks about his musical theatre talents. "The focus fortunately is not entirely on my singing," he laughs. "I sing a song and a half, I do a bit of a dance routine, and that’s about the top end of my ability, I think."
If anyone has any spare tickets for Spamalot!, I'm vey receptive to freebies...
Finally, there are a new trio of Doctor Who books featuring the Tenth Doctor and Martha, with synopses and covers on the BBC's Official Doctor Who site. The Pirate Loop is by Simon Guerrier, and features "badger-faced pirates" and the "Starship Brilliant; Wishing Well is by Trevor Baxendale and concerns a village well that in't what it seems; Peacemaker is penned by James Swallow and set in the American West of 1880
Now magazine's website has quoted another source, but I thought I would leave the pun in at the end, as I couldn't come up with a better one myself:
If they want me back I will be there like a shot,' she tells the Daily Telegraph.
And producers of the BBC show are just as keen for Kylie to join the cast full time.
'Kylie just sizzles in her scenes,' a source says. 'It's going to be one of the best episodes ever.'
She must love Spinning Around in the Tardis.
Wouldn't that be great? Many of you might want to reserve judgement, but for me she can join the TARDIS anytime.
On the same subject, Sixth Doctor Colin Baker, writing in the Bucks Free Press, told how he encountered Doctor Who filming in Cardiff recently, and met Kylie! He also wrote:
What was reassuring for this old Tardis keyholder was that although the programme has moved into the 21st century and manages that impossible task of appealing to a completely new audience without losing the beating heart of the programme, the process and the atmosphere on set remained as special as I remembered it.
I can think of no other job I have done which would see me at 3.50 in the morning still enjoying the work in the company of others similarly motivated.
Colin's predecessor Peter Davison meanwhile has features in OfficialLondonTheatre.co.uk's "Big Interview". In it, Peter is quizzed on Doctor Who, Button Moon and his current role in Spamalot! A singing Doctor? Well dont forget, he wrote and sang the theme tune to Button Moon...
"My main song is very funny, not from me actually, I’m doing it fairly straight," he agrees, "but what’s happening elsewhere on stage makes it funny." His self-deprecating humour comes forth when he talks about his musical theatre talents. "The focus fortunately is not entirely on my singing," he laughs. "I sing a song and a half, I do a bit of a dance routine, and that’s about the top end of my ability, I think."
If anyone has any spare tickets for Spamalot!, I'm vey receptive to freebies...
Finally, there are a new trio of Doctor Who books featuring the Tenth Doctor and Martha, with synopses and covers on the BBC's Official Doctor Who site. The Pirate Loop is by Simon Guerrier, and features "badger-faced pirates" and the "Starship Brilliant; Wishing Well is by Trevor Baxendale and concerns a village well that in't what it seems; Peacemaker is penned by James Swallow and set in the American West of 1880
Dalek Panto
This Christmas, the Theatre Royal in Newcastle will pit Aladdin against the Daleks in their seasonal pantomime. The theatre's website says, "...making their first ever appearance in pantomime, The Daleks, from TV's Dr Who, threaten to exterminate Aladdin's plans to marry Princess Jasmine and live happily ever after..." Aladdin is scheduled to run from December 3, 2007 to January 19, 2008.
'Doctor Who' Rome set hit by fire
Filming for the fourth series of Doctor Who has been disrupted, after a fire spread through a film set that producers had planned to use.Writers have plotted an Ancient Rome-themed episode for the new series, and the show's team recently flew out to the Cinecitta studios in Italy, which had previously been used to recreate the ancient city for hit BBC Two show Rome.However, expensive BBC equipment was destroyed when a fire hit the set on Thursday night. Fortunately, most of the crucial parts have been left untouched, and producers are still hoping to go ahead with their plans once the damage has been cleared up.An insider told The Sun: "It was a huge blaze. At one point, it looked like the whole studio was a goner. It threw a real spanner in the works for the Doctor Who team. They're planning an episode where the Doctor goes back in time to Ancient Rome and thought it would be perfect to use the set. Filming on Rome has finished so it wasn't being used."
The 5-Minute Interview: Holly Atkins, actress
Holly Atkins, 34, is currently starring in the play "Scarborough", which has won a Fringe First at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Best known for television roles in programmes such as "EastEnders", "Casualty" and "Where The Heart Is", she will guest-star in the new "Doctor Who" spin-off, "The Sarah Jane Adventures", this autumn. "Scarborough" is running at the Assembly Rooms until 27 August.
Read the article here.
Read the article here.
Billie Piper suffers sudden 'blindness'
Billie Piper has been rushed to hospital after she suffered from a sudden loss of eyesight.The Doctor Who actress was dining at The Ivy restaurant in London when her eyes became blurred when she stepped outside to have a cigarette.She then tried to cover her face up when the photographer's bulbs started flashing and was in obvious discomfort.The 24-year-old panicked when she woke up the following morning and could not open her eyes and was taken to Moorfield's Eye Hospital in Central London.A friend of the actress said: "She's being looked at but we don't know the score. It could be that her eyesight has been damaged or that she has some form of infection or other condition."Experts have said that retinal damage can be caused by camera flashes but this is rare and could serve as a trigger for existing conditions.
Friday, August 10, 2007
First picture of The Doctor with his new companion and official press release
Doctor Who series four filming is underway with Catherine Tate joining the BAFTA award-winning BBC One drama series as The Doctor's brand new companion, Donna Noble.
Award-winning actress Tate is reprising her role as Donna, the runaway bride who featured in last year's Doctor Who Christmas special.
The start of the new series will see Donna tracking down the Time Lord during an alien emergency in modern-day London.
The couple are destined to experience a series of wonderful adventures throughout the new series including meeting one of Doctor Who's most popular aliens, The Ood, in a brand new episode, Planet Of The Ood.
Donna and The Doctor – David Tennant – will also be travelling through time for an encounter with the legendary murder mystery novelist, Agatha Christie.
Agatha Christie will be played by Jekyll star Fenella Woolgar and The Good Life actress Felicity Kendal will star as Lady Clemency Eddison.
Blackadder and Notting Hill actor Tim McInnerny will also guest star later in the series.
Doctor Who's executive producer and head writer, Russell T Davies comments: "Visiting Agatha Christie has been on my wish-list for ages now and, for the Doctor, it's a real meeting of minds! Viewers can expect many more ambitious storylines and a whole host of guest stars in 2008."
Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie's grandson, comments: "What a brilliant idea that Agatha Christie and Doctor Who should meet! Two characters whose contribution to British entertainment is absolutely unrivalled.
"As far as I know my grandmother, Agatha Christie, never saw Doctor Who, but I am sure she would have been intrigued, excited and above all flattered by all this attention in 2007."
Catherine Tate said: "I am delighted to be returning to Doctor Who. I had a blast last Christmas and look forward to travelling again through time and space with that nice man from Gallifrey."
Freema Agyeman who has played Martha Jones, The Doctor's companion throughout the critically acclaimed third series, will return to the show to join The Doctor and Donna mid-series.
The fourth series of Doctor Who will hit BBC One in Spring 2008.
The producer is Phil Collinson; Executive producers are Head of Drama, BBC Wales, Julie Gardner and Russell T Davies.
Doctor Who is filmed in Cardiff.
Award-winning actress Tate is reprising her role as Donna, the runaway bride who featured in last year's Doctor Who Christmas special.
The start of the new series will see Donna tracking down the Time Lord during an alien emergency in modern-day London.
The couple are destined to experience a series of wonderful adventures throughout the new series including meeting one of Doctor Who's most popular aliens, The Ood, in a brand new episode, Planet Of The Ood.
Donna and The Doctor – David Tennant – will also be travelling through time for an encounter with the legendary murder mystery novelist, Agatha Christie.
Agatha Christie will be played by Jekyll star Fenella Woolgar and The Good Life actress Felicity Kendal will star as Lady Clemency Eddison.
Blackadder and Notting Hill actor Tim McInnerny will also guest star later in the series.
Doctor Who's executive producer and head writer, Russell T Davies comments: "Visiting Agatha Christie has been on my wish-list for ages now and, for the Doctor, it's a real meeting of minds! Viewers can expect many more ambitious storylines and a whole host of guest stars in 2008."
Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie's grandson, comments: "What a brilliant idea that Agatha Christie and Doctor Who should meet! Two characters whose contribution to British entertainment is absolutely unrivalled.
"As far as I know my grandmother, Agatha Christie, never saw Doctor Who, but I am sure she would have been intrigued, excited and above all flattered by all this attention in 2007."
Catherine Tate said: "I am delighted to be returning to Doctor Who. I had a blast last Christmas and look forward to travelling again through time and space with that nice man from Gallifrey."
Freema Agyeman who has played Martha Jones, The Doctor's companion throughout the critically acclaimed third series, will return to the show to join The Doctor and Donna mid-series.
The fourth series of Doctor Who will hit BBC One in Spring 2008.
The producer is Phil Collinson; Executive producers are Head of Drama, BBC Wales, Julie Gardner and Russell T Davies.
Doctor Who is filmed in Cardiff.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Peter Tuddenham
Peter Tuddenham, actor: born Ipswich, Suffolk 27 November 1918; twice married (two sons, and one son deceased); died Worthing, East Sussex 9 July 2007.
At the age of 60, after spending more than half his adult life as an actor, Peter Tuddenham became most familiar to television viewers as the voices of three computers in the cult science-fiction serial Blakes 7.
Heard in 49 of the 52 episodes of the programme - which ran from 1978 to 1981 - about a group of outlaw revolutionaries fighting the Fascist-like Federation in the second century of the third calendar, Tuddenham gave each machine a distinct personality: the dour, non-committal master computer Zen ("That information is not available") and the tetchy super-computer Orac aboard the Liberator and, following the destruction of that original starship, the cringeing, compliant Slave on its replacement, the Scorpio.
Orac joined Slave after Zen was destroyed, along with the Liberator, in an episode that saw the dying computer appear almost human for once, apologising for not managing to repair the ship and referring to itself for the first time, with the words: "I have failed you. I am sorry."
Such touches owed much to Blakes 7's creator, Terry Nation, who had previously invented the Daleks in Doctor Who, for which Tuddenham also voiced "characters" in three different stories: the Computer in "The Ark in Space" (1975), the alien Mandragora Helix in "The Masque of Mandragora"(1976) and Brain in "Time and the Rani"(1987).
Shortly before his introduction to sci-fi television, Tuddenham enjoyed his finest hour in the cinema, again unseen, when he provided the voice of Old Tom in Akenfield (1974), Peter Hall's moving, lyrical version of Ronald Blythe's book about life in a small Suffolk village. Almost all of the on-screen characters were played by local non-professionals, who improvised their lines in a story that begins with the funeral of Old Tom. Tuddenham's voice-over readings from Blythe's book, delivered in broad Suffolk tones, provided the historical context.
Just two months after its cinema release, Akenfield was shown on ITV, whose London weekend franchise-holder, LWT, financed the film, and it attracted 14 million viewers. For Tuddenham, doing the voice-over was not just a job, but a chance to put his native Suffolk on the film map.
Born in Ipswich in 1918, a couple of weeks after the end of the First World War, Tuddenham was brought up in nearby Felixstowe. He gained a love of acting through appearing in Shakespearian plays at his school and joined a repertory theatre company on Hastings Pier in 1937.
He was called up by the Royal Army Service Corps as a private in October 1939. Tuddenham's performing talents were spotted and he became a member of a Stars in Battledress concert party, alongside Charlie Chester and Terry-Thomas, that was the first to entertain the troops on the Normandy beaches after D-Day, in 1944.
Continuing his stage career when peace came, he appeared in a revival of Ivor Novello's musical The Dancing Years (on tour 1946, Casino Theatre 1947) and the original West End cast of Noël Coward's Ace of Clubs (Cambridge Theatre, 1950), playing a Teddy boy in the "Three Juvenile Delinquents" sketch.
Tuddenham's earliest television appearances included parts in Clara, The Maid of Durham: Or Home Sweet Home (1955) and the BBC's "Musical Playhouse" Ivor Novello productions The Dancing Years (as Franzel, 1959) and Perchance To Dream (as Lord Failsham, 1959). He also had several roles in soap opera, on radio in Mrs Dale's Diary (as Dr Mitchell, who famously once sat on Mrs Freeman's cat) and Waggoners' Walk, and as George Banham in ITV's East Anglian vets serial Weavers Green (1966).
On television, Tuddenham was a regular as the pub landlord in Backs to the Land (1977-78) and as William in Double First (1988). He also guest-starred as priests in the sitcom Nearest and Dearest (1968) and the P.D. James thriller A Mind To Murder (1995), and played doctors in Quiller (1975), The Lost Boys (1978) and Nanny (1981, 1982) and an auctioneer in Lovejoy (1986).
A regular guest at Blakes 7 fan conventions, Tuddenham voiced Orac and Slave once more in the BBC Radio 4 adaptation Blakes 7: the Syndeton experiment (1998) and revived Orac - complete with a newly developed taste for alcohol - in Blake's Junction 7 (2004), a short film send-up of the sci-fi serial.
At the age of 60, after spending more than half his adult life as an actor, Peter Tuddenham became most familiar to television viewers as the voices of three computers in the cult science-fiction serial Blakes 7.
Heard in 49 of the 52 episodes of the programme - which ran from 1978 to 1981 - about a group of outlaw revolutionaries fighting the Fascist-like Federation in the second century of the third calendar, Tuddenham gave each machine a distinct personality: the dour, non-committal master computer Zen ("That information is not available") and the tetchy super-computer Orac aboard the Liberator and, following the destruction of that original starship, the cringeing, compliant Slave on its replacement, the Scorpio.
Orac joined Slave after Zen was destroyed, along with the Liberator, in an episode that saw the dying computer appear almost human for once, apologising for not managing to repair the ship and referring to itself for the first time, with the words: "I have failed you. I am sorry."
Such touches owed much to Blakes 7's creator, Terry Nation, who had previously invented the Daleks in Doctor Who, for which Tuddenham also voiced "characters" in three different stories: the Computer in "The Ark in Space" (1975), the alien Mandragora Helix in "The Masque of Mandragora"(1976) and Brain in "Time and the Rani"(1987).
Shortly before his introduction to sci-fi television, Tuddenham enjoyed his finest hour in the cinema, again unseen, when he provided the voice of Old Tom in Akenfield (1974), Peter Hall's moving, lyrical version of Ronald Blythe's book about life in a small Suffolk village. Almost all of the on-screen characters were played by local non-professionals, who improvised their lines in a story that begins with the funeral of Old Tom. Tuddenham's voice-over readings from Blythe's book, delivered in broad Suffolk tones, provided the historical context.
Just two months after its cinema release, Akenfield was shown on ITV, whose London weekend franchise-holder, LWT, financed the film, and it attracted 14 million viewers. For Tuddenham, doing the voice-over was not just a job, but a chance to put his native Suffolk on the film map.
Born in Ipswich in 1918, a couple of weeks after the end of the First World War, Tuddenham was brought up in nearby Felixstowe. He gained a love of acting through appearing in Shakespearian plays at his school and joined a repertory theatre company on Hastings Pier in 1937.
He was called up by the Royal Army Service Corps as a private in October 1939. Tuddenham's performing talents were spotted and he became a member of a Stars in Battledress concert party, alongside Charlie Chester and Terry-Thomas, that was the first to entertain the troops on the Normandy beaches after D-Day, in 1944.
Continuing his stage career when peace came, he appeared in a revival of Ivor Novello's musical The Dancing Years (on tour 1946, Casino Theatre 1947) and the original West End cast of Noël Coward's Ace of Clubs (Cambridge Theatre, 1950), playing a Teddy boy in the "Three Juvenile Delinquents" sketch.
Tuddenham's earliest television appearances included parts in Clara, The Maid of Durham: Or Home Sweet Home (1955) and the BBC's "Musical Playhouse" Ivor Novello productions The Dancing Years (as Franzel, 1959) and Perchance To Dream (as Lord Failsham, 1959). He also had several roles in soap opera, on radio in Mrs Dale's Diary (as Dr Mitchell, who famously once sat on Mrs Freeman's cat) and Waggoners' Walk, and as George Banham in ITV's East Anglian vets serial Weavers Green (1966).
On television, Tuddenham was a regular as the pub landlord in Backs to the Land (1977-78) and as William in Double First (1988). He also guest-starred as priests in the sitcom Nearest and Dearest (1968) and the P.D. James thriller A Mind To Murder (1995), and played doctors in Quiller (1975), The Lost Boys (1978) and Nanny (1981, 1982) and an auctioneer in Lovejoy (1986).
A regular guest at Blakes 7 fan conventions, Tuddenham voiced Orac and Slave once more in the BBC Radio 4 adaptation Blakes 7: the Syndeton experiment (1998) and revived Orac - complete with a newly developed taste for alcohol - in Blake's Junction 7 (2004), a short film send-up of the sci-fi serial.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
The Stamp Centre - signing
The Stamp Centre are proud to announce a brand new signing this September.
The Fourth Doctor himself; Tom Baker and Professor Yana (or should that be The Master); Sir Derek Jacobi, will be in-store signing merchandise on Monday 10th September 2007.
Further info will be on the website pretty soon which is being generally updated, and ournew summer price list is being posted next week.We hope you can join us on the 10th. Eddie and Cyrus look forward to seeing all our regular customers and new faces too.
Click Here to visit the Scifi Collector website.
The Fourth Doctor himself; Tom Baker and Professor Yana (or should that be The Master); Sir Derek Jacobi, will be in-store signing merchandise on Monday 10th September 2007.
Further info will be on the website pretty soon which is being generally updated, and ournew summer price list is being posted next week.We hope you can join us on the 10th. Eddie and Cyrus look forward to seeing all our regular customers and new faces too.
Click Here to visit the Scifi Collector website.
David-Tennant.com script auction
David Tennant's script up for auction - and all proceeds go to charity.
Our friends over at David-Tennant.com have send us some information on a charity auction involving David Tennant's script from The Impossible Planet. Every penny goes towards the Accord Hospice in memory of David's mum who recently passed away.
Current bids are in excess of £800, so get bidding before the auction ends!
Click Here to check out the David-Tennant.com scipt auction.
Our friends over at David-Tennant.com have send us some information on a charity auction involving David Tennant's script from The Impossible Planet. Every penny goes towards the Accord Hospice in memory of David's mum who recently passed away.
Current bids are in excess of £800, so get bidding before the auction ends!
Click Here to check out the David-Tennant.com scipt auction.
"Voyage of the Damned" Location Report....from Colin Baker
While the tour of his very successful current play Bedroom Farce (also starring Leela actress Louise Jameson) made a stop in Cardiff, Sixth Doctor Colin Baker was invited to visit the location filming on the 2007 Christmas Special Voyage of the Damned. Mr. Baker writes about the experience in his Bucks Free Press column. An excerpt is below; please visit here to read the entire article.
"What was particularly unexpected was the welcome that Russell T Davies and Phil Collinson, respectively executive producer and producer, afforded me and the very genuine affection they appeared to have for the original programme - "Classic Who" as it is now called."
"What was particularly unexpected was the welcome that Russell T Davies and Phil Collinson, respectively executive producer and producer, afforded me and the very genuine affection they appeared to have for the original programme - "Classic Who" as it is now called."
Lost who hoped to be found.
The Daily Record has an interesting article on the death of Tam McGraw, who "collected every episode of Doctor Who ever made," and given his occupation could lead to the discovery of lost episodes.
Classic novels get audio treatment.
BBC Audiobooks have announced unabridged readings of Doctor Who and the Cave Monsters and Doctor Who and the Doomsday Weapon - two classic Third Doctor novelisations by series writer Malcolm Hulke.
In Doctor Who and the Cave Monsters, read by former companion Caroline John, all is not well at the Wenley Moor underground atomic research station. Following unaccountable losses of power, nervous breakdowns amongst the staff and eventually a death, UNIT and the Doctor are called in to find themselves facing subterranean reptile men – Silurians – and their pet Tyrannosaurus Rex.
In Doctor Who and the Doomsday Weapon, read by former Master Geoffrey Beevers, The Master has stolen the Time Lords' file on the horrifying Doomsday Weapon with which, when he finds it, he can blast whole planets out of existence and make himself ruler of the Galaxy!
The Time Lords direct Doctor and Jo Grant to a bleak planet in the year 2471, where they find colonists from Earth under threat from mysterious, savage, monster lizards with frightful claws!
Both adventures will be available as multiple CD sets and downloads from 3 September 2007.
In Doctor Who and the Cave Monsters, read by former companion Caroline John, all is not well at the Wenley Moor underground atomic research station. Following unaccountable losses of power, nervous breakdowns amongst the staff and eventually a death, UNIT and the Doctor are called in to find themselves facing subterranean reptile men – Silurians – and their pet Tyrannosaurus Rex.
In Doctor Who and the Doomsday Weapon, read by former Master Geoffrey Beevers, The Master has stolen the Time Lords' file on the horrifying Doomsday Weapon with which, when he finds it, he can blast whole planets out of existence and make himself ruler of the Galaxy!
The Time Lords direct Doctor and Jo Grant to a bleak planet in the year 2471, where they find colonists from Earth under threat from mysterious, savage, monster lizards with frightful claws!
Both adventures will be available as multiple CD sets and downloads from 3 September 2007.
The Official BBC Doctor Who website has been updated with concept art from Series Three
http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/
i want that ring and look at the weeeeee little doctor awwwwwwwwww
i want that ring and look at the weeeeee little doctor awwwwwwwwww
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Filming Photos Needed
Telos Publishing is on the hunt for any photographs taken of the recording for Series 3. 'We're publishing our guide to the series shortly,' explained Telos' David J Howe, 'and as usual we'd like to try and include a colour photographic section in the book. So we're on the look out for any photographs taken of the recording sessions - maybe at the Globe Theatre, around Cardiff, or anywhere else that the show visited in 2007.'If you have any images which you would be willing to let Telos use - although there is no payment for any use, free copies of the paperback and hardback editions will as usual be sent to all contributors - then please drop David an email at david@telos.co.uk to let him know what you have.
Latest Sun Casting Rumours
The Sun has issued its latest rumour of casting in Doctor Who Series Four ... and if true, it's certainly a surprise. It is important to remember that this information is being treated only as an unfounded rumour until official confirmation is made by the BBC and/or the show bosses.
Doctor Who bosses are set to sign up Gandhi star Sir Ben Kingsley to play the Daleks' creator Davros.Sir Ben, 63 - who won an Oscar for his movie role as India's peace-loving spiritual leader - is in final negotiations to play one of the most dangerous baddies in the galaxy.A source said: "Ben's agent has been in talks for a while now and he's very keen to play the part of Davros. A deal will be signed any day now."Fans will be delighted that insane half-man, half-machine Davros is returning for the fourth series of the hit BBC1 show, which stars David Tennant as the Timelord.The alien scientist - who first battled the Doctor in 1975 - is hell-bent on destruction with his army of exterminating Daleks.
Doctor Who bosses are set to sign up Gandhi star Sir Ben Kingsley to play the Daleks' creator Davros.Sir Ben, 63 - who won an Oscar for his movie role as India's peace-loving spiritual leader - is in final negotiations to play one of the most dangerous baddies in the galaxy.A source said: "Ben's agent has been in talks for a while now and he's very keen to play the part of Davros. A deal will be signed any day now."Fans will be delighted that insane half-man, half-machine Davros is returning for the fourth series of the hit BBC1 show, which stars David Tennant as the Timelord.The alien scientist - who first battled the Doctor in 1975 - is hell-bent on destruction with his army of exterminating Daleks.
December Who Novels
The Pirate Loop by Simon Guerrier
The Doctor's been everywhere and everywhen in the whole of the universe and seems to know all the answers. But ask him what happened to the Starship Brilliant and he hasn't the first idea. Did it fall into a sun or black hole? Was it shot down in the first moments of the galactic war? And what's this about a secret experimental drive?
The Doctor is skittish. But if Martha is so keen to find out he'll land the TARDIS on the Brilliant, a few days before it vanishes. Then they can see for themselves...
Soon the Doctor learns the awful truth. And Martha learns that you need to be careful what you wish for. She certainly wasn't hoping for mayhem, death, and badger-faced space pirates.
Wishing Well by Trevor Baxendale
The old village well is just a curiosity -- something to attract tourists intrigued by stories of lost treasure, or visitors just making a wish. Unless something alien and terrifying could be lurking inside the well. Something utterly monstrous that causes nothing but death and destruction.
But who knows the real truth about the well? Who wishes to unleash the hideous force it contains? What terrible consequences will follow the search for a legendary treasure hidden at the bottom?
No one wants to believe the Doctor's warnings about the deadly horror lying in wait -- but soon they'll wish they had...
Peacemaker by James Swallow
The peace and quiet of a remote homestead in the 1880s American West is shattered by the arrival of two shadowy outriders searching for 'the healer'. When the farmer refuses to help them, they raze the house to the ground using guns that shoot bolts of energy instead of bullets...
In the town of Redwater, the Doctor and Martha learn of a snake-oil salesman whose patent medicines actually cure his patient. But when the Doctor and Martha investigate they discover the truth is stranger, and far more dangerous.
Caught between the law of the gun and the deadly plans of intergalactic mercenaries, the Doctor and Martha are about to discover just how wild the West can become...
The Doctor's been everywhere and everywhen in the whole of the universe and seems to know all the answers. But ask him what happened to the Starship Brilliant and he hasn't the first idea. Did it fall into a sun or black hole? Was it shot down in the first moments of the galactic war? And what's this about a secret experimental drive?
The Doctor is skittish. But if Martha is so keen to find out he'll land the TARDIS on the Brilliant, a few days before it vanishes. Then they can see for themselves...
Soon the Doctor learns the awful truth. And Martha learns that you need to be careful what you wish for. She certainly wasn't hoping for mayhem, death, and badger-faced space pirates.
Wishing Well by Trevor Baxendale
The old village well is just a curiosity -- something to attract tourists intrigued by stories of lost treasure, or visitors just making a wish. Unless something alien and terrifying could be lurking inside the well. Something utterly monstrous that causes nothing but death and destruction.
But who knows the real truth about the well? Who wishes to unleash the hideous force it contains? What terrible consequences will follow the search for a legendary treasure hidden at the bottom?
No one wants to believe the Doctor's warnings about the deadly horror lying in wait -- but soon they'll wish they had...
Peacemaker by James Swallow
The peace and quiet of a remote homestead in the 1880s American West is shattered by the arrival of two shadowy outriders searching for 'the healer'. When the farmer refuses to help them, they raze the house to the ground using guns that shoot bolts of energy instead of bullets...
In the town of Redwater, the Doctor and Martha learn of a snake-oil salesman whose patent medicines actually cure his patient. But when the Doctor and Martha investigate they discover the truth is stranger, and far more dangerous.
Caught between the law of the gun and the deadly plans of intergalactic mercenaries, the Doctor and Martha are about to discover just how wild the West can become...
Greatest Show in the Galaxy
The Greatest Show in the Galaxy: The Discerning Fan's Guide to Doctor Who, a new academic survey of Doctor Who and its themes, is now available from McFarland and Company Publishing. The book can also be purchased through Amazon.com; following the Amazon links below directly benefits the operation of the Outpost Gallifrey website.
Amazon.com (US)
Amazon.co.uk (UK) (not yet available)
Amazon.ca (Canada)
Mark Schuster, coauthor of the book, describes it as follows: "The basic argument of the book is that Doctor Who, like all good science-fiction, takes us to exotic worlds in order to show us what it means to be human. Exploring the weird and wonderful realm of Doctor Who in relation to such contemporary phenomena as cosmetic surgery, consumerism, reality television, political punditry and road rage, my co-author, Tom Powers, and I demonstrate that the exploits of our favorite time traveler provide us with everything we need to know about life, the universe and everything (to borrow a phrase from another legendary sci-fi series)."
The publisher's official blurb is below.
The long-running BBC science fiction program Doctor Who has garnered an intense and extremely loyal fan base since its 1963 debut. This work examines the influences of psychology, literature, pop culture, and the social sciences on Doctor Who storylines and characters. Topics explored include how such issues as class, gender, and sexual attraction factor into the relationships between the Doctor and his companions; whether the Doctor suffers from multiple personality disorder or other psychological afflictions; and the role of the Doctor's native culture in shaping his sense of identity.
Amazon.com (US)
Amazon.co.uk (UK) (not yet available)
Amazon.ca (Canada)
Mark Schuster, coauthor of the book, describes it as follows: "The basic argument of the book is that Doctor Who, like all good science-fiction, takes us to exotic worlds in order to show us what it means to be human. Exploring the weird and wonderful realm of Doctor Who in relation to such contemporary phenomena as cosmetic surgery, consumerism, reality television, political punditry and road rage, my co-author, Tom Powers, and I demonstrate that the exploits of our favorite time traveler provide us with everything we need to know about life, the universe and everything (to borrow a phrase from another legendary sci-fi series)."
The publisher's official blurb is below.
The long-running BBC science fiction program Doctor Who has garnered an intense and extremely loyal fan base since its 1963 debut. This work examines the influences of psychology, literature, pop culture, and the social sciences on Doctor Who storylines and characters. Topics explored include how such issues as class, gender, and sexual attraction factor into the relationships between the Doctor and his companions; whether the Doctor suffers from multiple personality disorder or other psychological afflictions; and the role of the Doctor's native culture in shaping his sense of identity.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Torchwood Set Visit - Friday Night Project
Look close and you will see James Marsters holding gwen hostage in the hub!!!!!!!! SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
December Novels
Doctor Who: The Pirate Loop
The Doctor's been everywhere and everywhen in the whole of the universe and seems to know all the answers. But ask him what happened to the Starship Brilliant and he hasn't the first idea. Did it fall into a sun or black hole? Was it shot down in the first moments of the galactic war? And what's this about a secret experimental drive?
The Doctor is skittish. But if Martha is so keen to find out he’ll land the TARDIS on the Brilliant, a few days before it vanishes. Then they can see for themselves...
Soon the Doctor learns the awful truth. And Martha learns that you need to be careful what you wish for. She certainly wasn’t hoping for mayhem, death, and badger-faced space pirates.
Doctor Who: Wishing Well
The old village well is just a curiosity – something to attract tourists intrigued by stories of lost treasure, or visitors just making a wish. Unless something alien and terrifying could be lurking inside the well. Something utterly monstrous that causes nothing but death and destruction.
But who knows the real truth about the well? Who wishes to unleash the hideous force it contains? What terrible consequences will follow the search for a legendary treasure hidden at the bottom?
No one wants to believe the Doctor’s warnings about the deadly horror lying in wait – but soon they’ll wish they had…
Doctor Who: Peacemaker
The peace and quiet of a remote homestead in the 1880s American West is shattered by the arrival of two shadowy outriders searching for ‘the healer’. When the farmer refuses to help them, they raze the house to the ground using guns that shoot bolts of energy instead of bullets...
In the town of Redwater, the Doctor and Martha learn of a snake-oil salesman who’s patent medicines actually cure his patient. But when the Doctor and Martha investigate they discover the truth is stranger, and far more dangerous.
Caught between the law of the gun and the deadly plans of intergalactic mercenaries, the Doctor and Martha are about to discover just how wild the West can become...
** For more information on this release, check out the DWO Release Guide.
All three novels will be released on December 26th 2007.
The Doctor's been everywhere and everywhen in the whole of the universe and seems to know all the answers. But ask him what happened to the Starship Brilliant and he hasn't the first idea. Did it fall into a sun or black hole? Was it shot down in the first moments of the galactic war? And what's this about a secret experimental drive?
The Doctor is skittish. But if Martha is so keen to find out he’ll land the TARDIS on the Brilliant, a few days before it vanishes. Then they can see for themselves...
Soon the Doctor learns the awful truth. And Martha learns that you need to be careful what you wish for. She certainly wasn’t hoping for mayhem, death, and badger-faced space pirates.
Doctor Who: Wishing Well
The old village well is just a curiosity – something to attract tourists intrigued by stories of lost treasure, or visitors just making a wish. Unless something alien and terrifying could be lurking inside the well. Something utterly monstrous that causes nothing but death and destruction.
But who knows the real truth about the well? Who wishes to unleash the hideous force it contains? What terrible consequences will follow the search for a legendary treasure hidden at the bottom?
No one wants to believe the Doctor’s warnings about the deadly horror lying in wait – but soon they’ll wish they had…
Doctor Who: Peacemaker
The peace and quiet of a remote homestead in the 1880s American West is shattered by the arrival of two shadowy outriders searching for ‘the healer’. When the farmer refuses to help them, they raze the house to the ground using guns that shoot bolts of energy instead of bullets...
In the town of Redwater, the Doctor and Martha learn of a snake-oil salesman who’s patent medicines actually cure his patient. But when the Doctor and Martha investigate they discover the truth is stranger, and far more dangerous.
Caught between the law of the gun and the deadly plans of intergalactic mercenaries, the Doctor and Martha are about to discover just how wild the West can become...
** For more information on this release, check out the DWO Release Guide.
All three novels will be released on December 26th 2007.
Moffat quashes tabloid rumour
Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat, writing on Outpost Gallifrey's discussion forum, has dismissed the rumours circulating in recent days concerning the casting of Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt as the 11th Doctor. Moffat's comments are reproduced below for readers' information.
The James Nesbitt story is a total fabrication. Made up. A fantasy. Just a guy sitting at a desk and just inventing stuff.I wasn't going to say anything, but I'm getting embarrassed for the deeply wonderful Jimmy Nesbitt. So tell everyone please, cos it's getting very silly.Steven Moffat
The James Nesbitt story is a total fabrication. Made up. A fantasy. Just a guy sitting at a desk and just inventing stuff.I wasn't going to say anything, but I'm getting embarrassed for the deeply wonderful Jimmy Nesbitt. So tell everyone please, cos it's getting very silly.Steven Moffat
Tennant Says Thank You
David Tennant has expressed his well wishes toward the users of the Outpost Gallifrey Forum and users of the fan site David-Tennant.com for their donations in memory of his mother Helen McDonald, who died recently.So far over 8,000 pounds has been donated to the two collections, both in aid of the ACCORD Hospice where Mrs McDonald was a volunteer worker and where she spent her final days.Donations can still be made at justgiving.com. People who donate are asked not to mention David Tennant in the comments section, in order to protect his privacy.Mr Tennant asked Outpost Gallifrey to share the following message to our readers today in thanks for their support.
I've just heard that users of Outpost Gallifrey have so far raised over £2000 for the ACCORD hospice in Paisley on behalf of my mum. I can't tell you how pleased and proud that would have made her, and how much that means to my family and I at this difficult time.The work ACCORD do is of the highest standard: caring, sensitive and effective and I can't commend them highly enough.Thank you all for your generosity and kindness. I assure you, your money will be well spent.David Tennant
I've just heard that users of Outpost Gallifrey have so far raised over £2000 for the ACCORD hospice in Paisley on behalf of my mum. I can't tell you how pleased and proud that would have made her, and how much that means to my family and I at this difficult time.The work ACCORD do is of the highest standard: caring, sensitive and effective and I can't commend them highly enough.Thank you all for your generosity and kindness. I assure you, your money will be well spent.David Tennant
Radio Who
New Tenth Doctor audio collection coming soon.
Elisabeth Sladen will present a new collection of interviews and behind-the-scenes features from Doctor Who in BBC Audiobooks' forthcoming release - Doctor Who at the BBC: The Tenth Doctor.
The set features a whole host of Doctor Who-related items and interviews - from Blue Peter, Breakfast, Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, Front Row and Jo Whiley Meets Doctor Who.
The CDs also contain extracts from BBC Radio Wales's very own Doctor Who - Back in Time series.
With comedy sketches from the Dead Ringers and I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue teams thrown in, and a bonus peek at the Christmas episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures, the two-hour CD set is published by BBC Audibooks on 03 September 2007.
Elisabeth Sladen will present a new collection of interviews and behind-the-scenes features from Doctor Who in BBC Audiobooks' forthcoming release - Doctor Who at the BBC: The Tenth Doctor.
The set features a whole host of Doctor Who-related items and interviews - from Blue Peter, Breakfast, Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, Front Row and Jo Whiley Meets Doctor Who.
The CDs also contain extracts from BBC Radio Wales's very own Doctor Who - Back in Time series.
With comedy sketches from the Dead Ringers and I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue teams thrown in, and a bonus peek at the Christmas episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures, the two-hour CD set is published by BBC Audibooks on 03 September 2007.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Dalek World Record attempt
Attention all Daleks! A new World Record attempt requires your services:
Daleks from around Britain are being called upon by the Museum of Science and Industry (MoSI), in an attempt to become a world record breaker. Manchester-based MoSI currently hosts the Doctor Who Up-Close exhibition, which is the largest Doctor Who exhibition ever held, and hopes to attract a record number of Daleksto visit the Museum on 26 August.
To fulfil Guinness Book of Records criteria, MoSI must attract 50 or more Daleks – people dressed in costumes which ‘closely resemble a Dalek’. The Dalek is one of the Doctor’s oldest enemies, characterised by its catch-phrase: ‘Ex-ter-min-ate!’ It is 1.64 metres high with a single, staring eye, plunger shaped arm and a lethal gun attachment.
Ian Griffin, director of MoSI said: “This is the largest Doctor Who exhibition in the world, so it’s an obvious place for Daleks to visit! If you have a Dalek costume lurking in your cupboard or you feel like you could make one, please come along with it and be part of this unique record-breaking attempt.”
Simon Morrell, who has created his own Dalek said:
“Building my own Dalek was hard work but the response from the public made it all worthwhile. Kids love to be scared by them while their parents silently remember how they used to hide behind the sofa when they were around. 50 or so Daleks in one place? Count me in – this is going to be fun! ”
Doctor Who Up-Close exhibition at MoSI has attracted over 100,000 visitors since it opened on 31 March. The exhibition includes several characters from the latest series three of the Doctor Who TV programme, such as the Judoon and a witch-like creature called a Carrionite. Other stars of the show featured in the exhibition include the impressive four metre-long Empress of Racnoss character, the eight-feet tall Slitheen, Clockwork Robots, ‘Sisters of Plenitude’, and the ancient Face of Boe.
Tickets cost £6.50 for adults, £4.50 for concessions. Under 5s are free. Family ticket £20.00.
For more information look up www.msim.org.uk or www.doctorwhoexhibitions.com or Tel: 0870 4000636 to book your ticket (booking fee applies)
Doctor Who Up-Close runs until 5th November 2007.
Daleks from around Britain are being called upon by the Museum of Science and Industry (MoSI), in an attempt to become a world record breaker. Manchester-based MoSI currently hosts the Doctor Who Up-Close exhibition, which is the largest Doctor Who exhibition ever held, and hopes to attract a record number of Daleksto visit the Museum on 26 August.
To fulfil Guinness Book of Records criteria, MoSI must attract 50 or more Daleks – people dressed in costumes which ‘closely resemble a Dalek’. The Dalek is one of the Doctor’s oldest enemies, characterised by its catch-phrase: ‘Ex-ter-min-ate!’ It is 1.64 metres high with a single, staring eye, plunger shaped arm and a lethal gun attachment.
Ian Griffin, director of MoSI said: “This is the largest Doctor Who exhibition in the world, so it’s an obvious place for Daleks to visit! If you have a Dalek costume lurking in your cupboard or you feel like you could make one, please come along with it and be part of this unique record-breaking attempt.”
Simon Morrell, who has created his own Dalek said:
“Building my own Dalek was hard work but the response from the public made it all worthwhile. Kids love to be scared by them while their parents silently remember how they used to hide behind the sofa when they were around. 50 or so Daleks in one place? Count me in – this is going to be fun! ”
Doctor Who Up-Close exhibition at MoSI has attracted over 100,000 visitors since it opened on 31 March. The exhibition includes several characters from the latest series three of the Doctor Who TV programme, such as the Judoon and a witch-like creature called a Carrionite. Other stars of the show featured in the exhibition include the impressive four metre-long Empress of Racnoss character, the eight-feet tall Slitheen, Clockwork Robots, ‘Sisters of Plenitude’, and the ancient Face of Boe.
Tickets cost £6.50 for adults, £4.50 for concessions. Under 5s are free. Family ticket £20.00.
For more information look up www.msim.org.uk or www.doctorwhoexhibitions.com or Tel: 0870 4000636 to book your ticket (booking fee applies)
Doctor Who Up-Close runs until 5th November 2007.
Short Trips Update
Big Finish Productions has released the cover blurb for its December Short Trips title, The Ghosts of Christmas edited by Cavan Scott and Mark Wright.
Christmas. A time for home. For family. For laughter…Everybody has special memories of Christmas but for others it brings shadows of things that should not have been. Unearthly visitors who open their eyes to new worlds and new experiences. Pantomime coats, robot dogs and a big blue box parked beneath the Christmas tree.Some think these fleeting guests are apparitions. Some think they are angels. Some think they are demons. But all know that Christmas will never be the same again.The Doctor and his companions travel to Christmas Past, Christmas Present and those Christmases Yet to Come. They bring festive laughter and Yuletide joy, creeping dread and screaming horror, slipping in and out of time like the ghosts of Christmas…Christmas. A time for terror. For fear. For ghosts…
Christmas. A time for home. For family. For laughter…Everybody has special memories of Christmas but for others it brings shadows of things that should not have been. Unearthly visitors who open their eyes to new worlds and new experiences. Pantomime coats, robot dogs and a big blue box parked beneath the Christmas tree.Some think these fleeting guests are apparitions. Some think they are angels. Some think they are demons. But all know that Christmas will never be the same again.The Doctor and his companions travel to Christmas Past, Christmas Present and those Christmases Yet to Come. They bring festive laughter and Yuletide joy, creeping dread and screaming horror, slipping in and out of time like the ghosts of Christmas…Christmas. A time for terror. For fear. For ghosts…
Dalek Empire Trailer
Big Finish Productions have released a video teaser trailer for their upcoming audio series Dalek Empire: The Fearless. Currently slated for release in September, The Fearless will consist of four single cd releases.
New Statue Range And Replica Props
The Iconic Replicas division of Product Enterprise has been granted licences for a statue range and replica props from the classic Doctor Who era.It says the 1:6 scale polyresin figures will include the Fourth Doctor, the Sontaran Linx, Daleks, Cybermen and Zygons.Sculpted by Andrew Teal and Sarah Aplin, they will be limited editions.The first wave of the replica props - also to be limited editions - will include a 1:6 scale model of the Tardis from An Unearthly Child, a similar scale replica of the console from the same episode and the sonic screwdriver from the Tom Baker era.Release dates have still to be announced.
Nesbitt tipped as new Dr Who????
ok ok, i know it is from the sun, but i might be able to stand behind this doctor pick. James Nesbitt did a fantastic job in Jekyll and i could see him a a bit more sinister Doctor along the lines of Sylvester McCoy. Any way here is the story:
WORD has reached TV Biz that the Beeb have found the man to take over as Doctor Who from David Tennant — Cold Feet star James Nesbitt.
David, 36, is expected to quit at the end of the next series and insiders say Irishman James, 42, is a cert to get the Tardis key.
The Jekyll star is pals with Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat, tipped to replace show chief Russell T Davies when he also stands down at the end of the next series.
Our mole said: “Moffat has worked with James on Jekyll and the talk in BBC Drama is that he’s a shoo-in as the next Doctor.
“First a Scottish Doctor — now we could have a Northern Irish one.”
James is in the US filming a new BBC show.
David, 36, is expected to quit at the end of the next series and insiders say Irishman James, 42, is a cert to get the Tardis key.
The Jekyll star is pals with Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat, tipped to replace show chief Russell T Davies when he also stands down at the end of the next series.
Our mole said: “Moffat has worked with James on Jekyll and the talk in BBC Drama is that he’s a shoo-in as the next Doctor.
“First a Scottish Doctor — now we could have a Northern Irish one.”
James is in the US filming a new BBC show.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Torchwood comes to US HDNET
North American High Definition Cable Channel HDNET has announced it has acquired the rights to the first two seasons of Torchwood. It will begin showing the series on September 17th.
"We're thrilled to be airing TORCHWOOD in HD," said Mark Cuban, president and co-founder of HDNet. "This is certainly a Russell T. Davies signature show. TORCHWOOD explores adult themes and doesn't shy away from anything. Whether it's the diverse storylines or the hero's ambivalence to sexual boundaries, this is not your typical show, and I love it."
"We're thrilled to be airing TORCHWOOD in HD," said Mark Cuban, president and co-founder of HDNet. "This is certainly a Russell T. Davies signature show. TORCHWOOD explores adult themes and doesn't shy away from anything. Whether it's the diverse storylines or the hero's ambivalence to sexual boundaries, this is not your typical show, and I love it."
More Big Finish Update
Big Finish Productions has relaunched it's website with a new layout and updates on the various lines.Among the many news updates today, the future of the Eighth Doctor series is commented upon. Nick Briggs had the following to say about the upcoming departure of C'rizz and Charley from the series. 'We shall be extremely sad to see them go,' says executive producer, Nick Briggs, 'but all good things come to an end. And we're giving them both a proper, dramatic send-off.' The Eighth Doctor's travels with Lucie Miller are set to continue with the following statement on the upcoming second series. The series will be released straight onto CD. The final release order has yet to be confirmed but titles and authors are as follows: Grand Theft Cosmos by Eddie Robson, an as yet untitled story by Paul Magrs, The Skull of Sobek by Marc Platt, Max Warp by Jonathan Morris, Plastic Population by Jonathan Clements, Dead London by Pat Mills and the the final two episodes in the series are provisionally titles Kidnapped and Vengeance - both by Nicholas Briggs. This second season of The New Eighth Doctor Adventures are due to be released early in 2008
Return of the tin dog?
Sci Fi Wire has released details from an interview with Noel Clarke, which they believe may have casting information for Series 4.
Noel Clarke hinted that he may be returning to the show in the upcoming season. When asked whether he would be writing any more scripts, he was coy about his availability. "I'm not doing the second series of Torchwood," he said. "Because I'm doing things that I can't talk about." As for how the writers would explain Mickey's possible return, Clarke offered a vague explanation. "It's a parallel universe, baby," he said. "The only thing I could say is that it's sci-fi, right? And in sci-fi, there's no real rules, is there?"
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
How many more for Martha?
The Doctor Who production team have finally let the cat out of the bag about exactly how much we can expect to see of Freema Agyeman next year after she returns mid-season four.
In an interview with iF magazine, executive producer Julie Gardner confirms that Freema will be in FIVE episodes.
A few more bullet points from the interview:* In Doctor Who: there is "a classic monster that returns"* Contrary to rumours, Dennis Hopper will not be guest starring in the series.
* In Torchwood: "we’re going to learn more about Jack’s past from his childhood and his years on Earth before Torchwood".To read the whole thing, click here
In an interview with iF magazine, executive producer Julie Gardner confirms that Freema will be in FIVE episodes.
A few more bullet points from the interview:* In Doctor Who: there is "a classic monster that returns"* Contrary to rumours, Dennis Hopper will not be guest starring in the series.
* In Torchwood: "we’re going to learn more about Jack’s past from his childhood and his years on Earth before Torchwood".To read the whole thing, click here
‘I’m a Doctor Who hero’ - Baker
FORMER Doctor Who Colin Baker has thanked Russell T Davies for making him a hero in the eyes of his four daughters.
Baker played the Doctor from 1984 to 1986 but that was not a cool thing to do in the eyes of his children – until the Welsh writer’s massively successful revamp of the show.
“I have four daughters aged 15 to 22 and as far as they were concerned, Doctor Who was like listening to the radio in the Fifties, it was a thing of the past,” said Baker, who stars in Bedroom Farce which opens at the New Theatre tonight.
“But now they are all hooked on it and because they liked the new one they went back and got my old episodes to watch and suddenly it’s made me a hero in my own home.
“One of them said to me not long ago, ‘Is that what you used to do in the Seventies? That’s cool.’”
Story continues
ADVERTISEMENT
Very often actors who enjoyed success with a role 20 years ago would be pernickity about discussing it but not Baker, an affable man with the right perspective.
“It’s a body of work I’m quite proud of and it’s a programme with a very particular spot in the public heart so I don’t understand that attitude in other people.
“I’m not about to insist on talking about some very worthy play I’m working on about leprosy in the Congo,” he quipped.
As it happens the play he is currently working on is a comedy, Alan Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce.
“I’ve always enjoyed Alan Ayckbourn because, even though I didn’t know this particular piece before doing it, I know the quality of the writing could be trusted,” said the 64-year-old, whose mother lived in Llandaff until she passed away two years ago.
“It’s because he writes about people and people don’t change.
“People recognise his characters from their lives.
“I play Earnest, who is preparing for his anniversary with his wife, but they are disturbed, as are another two couples, by this fourth couple who go around making everyone else’s life a misery.
“They are those horrible people who think the world revolves around them. The audience end up saying, ‘that’s just like your Uncle Charlie or Aunt something’ but never ‘that’s just like me or you’ because Ayckbourn is pinning them to the wall and showing them their own foibles.
“But I think this suits me as an actor because if there is comedy to be mined from a piece I will generally find it.”
It was Baker’s winning mix of comedic eye and dramatic weight that made him such an effective Doctor Who, even if his tenure was one of the more short-lived.
But the Londoner has continued to work in the Doctor Who galaxy ever since then, voicing the lead in radio plays, writing a Doctor Who novel, and regularly appearing at Doctor Who conventions throughout the country.
He is, in short, a Doctor Who fan and he believes that the current series is the best regeneration of the series so far, thanks to the mastermind of Swansea scribe Russell T Davies.
“Perhaps in 20 years there will be another version of the show that is better but for now this is at the forefront of the Doctor Who cannon.
“Russell T Davies is a very clever man and you have to admire his vision, his writing, his control of the whole thing and his courage in doing things that we would never have done with that property.
“I think a particularly brave and clever thing to do was in elevating the role of the companion. It was very much a subsidiary character in the old show which focused on the Doctor but he is right, the really interesting story is that human girl who has to go with him.
“That human element means the Doctor got called a dirty old man by Rose’s mother and slapped in the face and we would never have done that.
“It is also cast superbly and the scripts are out of this world, the standard of writing has improved incredibly but also what they can do now for the same budget in terms of special effects makes a difference.
“We would have loved to have had 1,000 Daleks coming out of the skies and having it look vaguely believable.”
While Baker is a big fan of the new style show he isn’t at all jealous of the current Doctor Who David Tennant, except in perhaps one regard – the quality of the female leads.
“I would have loved to have starred alongside Kylie Minogue, or even Billie Piper for that matter – and Catherine Tate is excellent too.”
Bedroom Farce opens at the New Theatre tonight and runs until Saturday. Tickets cost £8-£24 from 029 2087 8889.
Baker played the Doctor from 1984 to 1986 but that was not a cool thing to do in the eyes of his children – until the Welsh writer’s massively successful revamp of the show.
“I have four daughters aged 15 to 22 and as far as they were concerned, Doctor Who was like listening to the radio in the Fifties, it was a thing of the past,” said Baker, who stars in Bedroom Farce which opens at the New Theatre tonight.
“But now they are all hooked on it and because they liked the new one they went back and got my old episodes to watch and suddenly it’s made me a hero in my own home.
“One of them said to me not long ago, ‘Is that what you used to do in the Seventies? That’s cool.’”
Story continues
ADVERTISEMENT
Very often actors who enjoyed success with a role 20 years ago would be pernickity about discussing it but not Baker, an affable man with the right perspective.
“It’s a body of work I’m quite proud of and it’s a programme with a very particular spot in the public heart so I don’t understand that attitude in other people.
“I’m not about to insist on talking about some very worthy play I’m working on about leprosy in the Congo,” he quipped.
As it happens the play he is currently working on is a comedy, Alan Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce.
“I’ve always enjoyed Alan Ayckbourn because, even though I didn’t know this particular piece before doing it, I know the quality of the writing could be trusted,” said the 64-year-old, whose mother lived in Llandaff until she passed away two years ago.
“It’s because he writes about people and people don’t change.
“People recognise his characters from their lives.
“I play Earnest, who is preparing for his anniversary with his wife, but they are disturbed, as are another two couples, by this fourth couple who go around making everyone else’s life a misery.
“They are those horrible people who think the world revolves around them. The audience end up saying, ‘that’s just like your Uncle Charlie or Aunt something’ but never ‘that’s just like me or you’ because Ayckbourn is pinning them to the wall and showing them their own foibles.
“But I think this suits me as an actor because if there is comedy to be mined from a piece I will generally find it.”
It was Baker’s winning mix of comedic eye and dramatic weight that made him such an effective Doctor Who, even if his tenure was one of the more short-lived.
But the Londoner has continued to work in the Doctor Who galaxy ever since then, voicing the lead in radio plays, writing a Doctor Who novel, and regularly appearing at Doctor Who conventions throughout the country.
He is, in short, a Doctor Who fan and he believes that the current series is the best regeneration of the series so far, thanks to the mastermind of Swansea scribe Russell T Davies.
“Perhaps in 20 years there will be another version of the show that is better but for now this is at the forefront of the Doctor Who cannon.
“Russell T Davies is a very clever man and you have to admire his vision, his writing, his control of the whole thing and his courage in doing things that we would never have done with that property.
“I think a particularly brave and clever thing to do was in elevating the role of the companion. It was very much a subsidiary character in the old show which focused on the Doctor but he is right, the really interesting story is that human girl who has to go with him.
“That human element means the Doctor got called a dirty old man by Rose’s mother and slapped in the face and we would never have done that.
“It is also cast superbly and the scripts are out of this world, the standard of writing has improved incredibly but also what they can do now for the same budget in terms of special effects makes a difference.
“We would have loved to have had 1,000 Daleks coming out of the skies and having it look vaguely believable.”
While Baker is a big fan of the new style show he isn’t at all jealous of the current Doctor Who David Tennant, except in perhaps one regard – the quality of the female leads.
“I would have loved to have starred alongside Kylie Minogue, or even Billie Piper for that matter – and Catherine Tate is excellent too.”
Bedroom Farce opens at the New Theatre tonight and runs until Saturday. Tickets cost £8-£24 from 029 2087 8889.
The New Eighth Doctor Adventures
Eighth Doctor Paul McGann is set to return in a new series of eight 50-minute audio Doctor Who episodes early next year, once again featuring the brassy Lucie Miller.
'The last eight, which aired on BBC7 at the beginning of this year before being released on CD, were so well received and we had such fun doing them that we felt compelled to commission some more,' says exec producer, Nick Briggs. This time, the series will be released straight onto CD. 'There's no firm news on a BBC7 airing. It's something we'd be keen on, but even if it does happen, it certainly won't be for some time,' confirms fellow exec producer Jason Haigh-Ellery.
The final release order has yet to be confirmed but titles and authors are as follows: Grand Theft Cosmos by Eddie Robson, an as yet untitled story by Paul Magrs, The Skull of Sobek by Marc Platt, Max Warp by Jonathan Morris, Plastic Population by Jonathan Clements, Dead London by Pat Mills and the the final two episodes in the series are provisionally titles Kidnapped and Vengeance - both by Nicholas Briggs.
This second season of The New Eighth Doctor Adventures are due to be released early in 2008 and will be available to preorder in the near future. (01/08/07)
'The last eight, which aired on BBC7 at the beginning of this year before being released on CD, were so well received and we had such fun doing them that we felt compelled to commission some more,' says exec producer, Nick Briggs. This time, the series will be released straight onto CD. 'There's no firm news on a BBC7 airing. It's something we'd be keen on, but even if it does happen, it certainly won't be for some time,' confirms fellow exec producer Jason Haigh-Ellery.
The final release order has yet to be confirmed but titles and authors are as follows: Grand Theft Cosmos by Eddie Robson, an as yet untitled story by Paul Magrs, The Skull of Sobek by Marc Platt, Max Warp by Jonathan Morris, Plastic Population by Jonathan Clements, Dead London by Pat Mills and the the final two episodes in the series are provisionally titles Kidnapped and Vengeance - both by Nicholas Briggs.
This second season of The New Eighth Doctor Adventures are due to be released early in 2008 and will be available to preorder in the near future. (01/08/07)
Channel Ten 'bumps' Torchwood
Australian commercial broadcaster Channel Ten has dropped Torchwood from the Monday 9.30pm timeslot, moving the programme to Tuesday nights at midnight (Wednesday 12am). Next week it will be replaced by a special, Tomb of Jesus, a documentary about the 2,000-year-old "Tomb of the Ten Ossuaries", found in Jerusalem. This change follows Monday night's episode, 'Greeks Bearing Gifts', starting 55 minutes late due to the season final of Big Brother over-running. 'Greeks' rated 563,000 in the five major capitals. A number of Torchwood episodes have commenced late in recent weeks due to Big Brother running overtime.Channel Ten has a history of dropping programmes mid-season from prime time as a result of 'disappointing' ratings. Programmes such as Battlestar Galactica, Veronica Mars and Smallville have shared a similar fate. Meanwhile AnnMaree Bellman of the Sydney Morning Herald has reviewed 'Greeks Bearing Gifts'.
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