Beautiful!!!!!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Bravo indeed Doctor BRAVO!!
Excellent christmas special this year, even though it was pretty easy to figure out in hte first ten minutes that the "next doctor" wasnt a "Doctor" at all, poor fellow. I lovvved with a childish sqeeeee the whole homage to past Doctors bit, made my dear heart ache to see those so familar faces. But why wasnt the cyber "king" called a cyber "queen" ???
Anyway here are a few pics and if my Movie software will ever stop being wonky i will post a clip or two.
The view from a cyberwraith
The cyber king arisen
The cyber king attacks
Activating the vortex
Former Corrie actor in Torchwood
Former Coronation Street actor Paul Copley is in the cast of the new series of Torchwood. Skip related content
Paul, who played Ivor Priestley and has also featured in episodes of Holby City, Casualty and The Bill, will feature in the third run of the sci-fi series.
It's not the respected actor's first brush with the Doctor's world. He voiced one of the parts in the hugely popular Spare Parts audio adventure.
Paul has also completed filming roles in forthcoming episodes of The Royal and George Gently, opposite fellow former soap star Jill Halfpenny.
The actor's CV also includes roles in Hornblower, Roughnecks, This Life, Messiah and The Lakes.
Torchwood is set to return in 2009, and stars singer and actor John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness and Eve Myles as Gwen.
Paul, who played Ivor Priestley and has also featured in episodes of Holby City, Casualty and The Bill, will feature in the third run of the sci-fi series.
It's not the respected actor's first brush with the Doctor's world. He voiced one of the parts in the hugely popular Spare Parts audio adventure.
Paul has also completed filming roles in forthcoming episodes of The Royal and George Gently, opposite fellow former soap star Jill Halfpenny.
The actor's CV also includes roles in Hornblower, Roughnecks, This Life, Messiah and The Lakes.
Torchwood is set to return in 2009, and stars singer and actor John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness and Eve Myles as Gwen.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
'Dr Who' boss discusses new companions
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies has dropped a few hints about the Time Lord's sidekicks in the 2009 adventures.
"What everyone’s missing is that there will be a new companion," Davies told The Times, referring to the intense speculation about David Tennant's successor.
"We’ve got a young female companion at Easter, and then a much older woman next Christmas - someone in her fifties or sixties. I love that."
Davies also revealed that he has to be careful about the actresses he uses in case it disadvantages his replacement Steven Moffat.
"It’s made casting next year’s four specials difficult because we’re going, 'Well, that’s an interesting actress, but they might want her for series five’," he said. "We don’t want to ruin anyone’s chances of being the new companion by casting her for a one-off."
"What everyone’s missing is that there will be a new companion," Davies told The Times, referring to the intense speculation about David Tennant's successor.
"We’ve got a young female companion at Easter, and then a much older woman next Christmas - someone in her fifties or sixties. I love that."
Davies also revealed that he has to be careful about the actresses he uses in case it disadvantages his replacement Steven Moffat.
"It’s made casting next year’s four specials difficult because we’re going, 'Well, that’s an interesting actress, but they might want her for series five’," he said. "We don’t want to ruin anyone’s chances of being the new companion by casting her for a one-off."
Saturday, December 20, 2008
David On The One Show
Watch David's on set interview with The One Show and get an exclusive glimpse of the making of The Next Doctor
Visimag reviews Christmas Special 2008: The Next Doctor
HERE
Slightly underwhelming but fun, would perhaps be the best verdict of The Next Doctor. Viewed overall, it moves from a publicity-grabbing mystery to an emotional explanation and finally a child-pleasing (and toymaker-pleasing) conclusion without ever quite seeming as if they belong in the same production. But as a feast of spectacle for Christmas Day, it delivers the thrills that are needed, even though I'd personally rate it below the specials from the last three Yules, if only because the finale does feel a bit like the sort of thing a child would write once they got bored with having all 10 Doctors unite to battle a combined Dalek-Cybermen attack.
In a sense, the involvement of the Cybermen is typical of how elements work individually, but less as a whole. There’s no need for them to be Cybermen, as they make use of Human labour without converting it – with one key exception that shouldn’t be revealed here – but they’re a familiar name which will draw in the crowds in the lead-up to the revelation of this year’s new monster, the cyber-punkish Cyberking. The Cybershades – who’ll surely have everyone of a certain age thinking ‘They’ve converted Dougal! Where’s the Blue Cat?’ – don’t really have any plot role that couldn’t have been filled by an ordinary Cyberman (or any other alien heavy), but they do make for a surprisingly creepy image when they could have seemed irretrievably comic, which is more than their Cybermat predecessors could generally manage. Dervla Kirwan’s villainous Miss Hartigan is perfectly adequate, icy and posh, but no more, with perhaps the most perfunctory motivation for a Who villain since 1966's poor old Professor Zaroff, all those years ago, as she effectively reprises Sarah Lancashire’s Miss Foster from earlier this year.
David Morrissey’s performance is a fine take on the slightly more flamboyant Doctor of yesteryear, and once we get into the mystery of who the other Doctor is – we’ll say no more – he handles the more emotional elements every bit as well as you’d expect given his track record; well enough, in fact, for the moments of emotive slow motion to come across as the over-egging of the (Christmas) pudding that they can often be if overused. But once we’re past that, it’s straight into big CGI set pieces (one of which will instantly, and unfortunately, remind the three people who actually watched ITV’s sketch show Headcases of that show’s running joke about the fate of Angelina Jolie’s adopted children) culminating in the appearance of the Cyberking. Your kids will want to have one to play with next Christmas, but if you’ve got invested in the drama of the other Doctor’s origins, then you’ll wonder if you’ve just switched over into another episode, or maybe a Godzilla movie, and then start cheering at the sheer chutzpah. If it’s jarring, it doesn’t really matter, as this is Christmas Day entertainment, with a throwaway confirmation of who the 10 canonical Doctors are to settle fan arguments, and, to judge by the abrupt cut with which the version screened for the press ends, there's a surprise to come in the final seconds
Slightly underwhelming but fun, would perhaps be the best verdict of The Next Doctor. Viewed overall, it moves from a publicity-grabbing mystery to an emotional explanation and finally a child-pleasing (and toymaker-pleasing) conclusion without ever quite seeming as if they belong in the same production. But as a feast of spectacle for Christmas Day, it delivers the thrills that are needed, even though I'd personally rate it below the specials from the last three Yules, if only because the finale does feel a bit like the sort of thing a child would write once they got bored with having all 10 Doctors unite to battle a combined Dalek-Cybermen attack.
In a sense, the involvement of the Cybermen is typical of how elements work individually, but less as a whole. There’s no need for them to be Cybermen, as they make use of Human labour without converting it – with one key exception that shouldn’t be revealed here – but they’re a familiar name which will draw in the crowds in the lead-up to the revelation of this year’s new monster, the cyber-punkish Cyberking. The Cybershades – who’ll surely have everyone of a certain age thinking ‘They’ve converted Dougal! Where’s the Blue Cat?’ – don’t really have any plot role that couldn’t have been filled by an ordinary Cyberman (or any other alien heavy), but they do make for a surprisingly creepy image when they could have seemed irretrievably comic, which is more than their Cybermat predecessors could generally manage. Dervla Kirwan’s villainous Miss Hartigan is perfectly adequate, icy and posh, but no more, with perhaps the most perfunctory motivation for a Who villain since 1966's poor old Professor Zaroff, all those years ago, as she effectively reprises Sarah Lancashire’s Miss Foster from earlier this year.
David Morrissey’s performance is a fine take on the slightly more flamboyant Doctor of yesteryear, and once we get into the mystery of who the other Doctor is – we’ll say no more – he handles the more emotional elements every bit as well as you’d expect given his track record; well enough, in fact, for the moments of emotive slow motion to come across as the over-egging of the (Christmas) pudding that they can often be if overused. But once we’re past that, it’s straight into big CGI set pieces (one of which will instantly, and unfortunately, remind the three people who actually watched ITV’s sketch show Headcases of that show’s running joke about the fate of Angelina Jolie’s adopted children) culminating in the appearance of the Cyberking. Your kids will want to have one to play with next Christmas, but if you’ve got invested in the drama of the other Doctor’s origins, then you’ll wonder if you’ve just switched over into another episode, or maybe a Godzilla movie, and then start cheering at the sheer chutzpah. If it’s jarring, it doesn’t really matter, as this is Christmas Day entertainment, with a throwaway confirmation of who the 10 canonical Doctors are to settle fan arguments, and, to judge by the abrupt cut with which the version screened for the press ends, there's a surprise to come in the final seconds
Bafta: Inside the World of Doctor Who
Explore the world of Doctor Who this Christmas and discover behind-the-scenes secrets in the latest BAFTA webcast.
This special event brings together the experts responsible for creating the Doctor Who universe and the man behind it all - lead writer Russell T Davies.
Presenter Kirsten O'Brien introduces a host of Doctor Who characters and live demonstrations of music and special effects.
Watch Online Now
This special event brings together the experts responsible for creating the Doctor Who universe and the man behind it all - lead writer Russell T Davies.
Presenter Kirsten O'Brien introduces a host of Doctor Who characters and live demonstrations of music and special effects.
Watch Online Now
Friday, December 19, 2008
Possible spoilers? Possible bull?
The Daily Mail has possible spoilers from The Next Doctor, CLICK HERE for the article with photos from the special.
Doctor Who: Velile Tshabalala
The first thing Velile Tshabalala did when she found out that she'd been given the part of Rosita, the Doctor's companion in next week's Doctor Who Christmas special (BBC1), was to call her dad. "Our family, we're like a sitcom," she laughs. "I went, Dad, I've got Doctor Who. I had a really croaky voice because I'd been out with friends the night before, and he thought I was ill. He said, 'What doctor have you seen? What's happened? What's the matter?'"
Thankfully, the Tshabalalas have little to worry about when it comes to the health of their daughter's acting career. Velile's (pronounced Veh-lee-lah) first acting job was playing the teenage waitress Kareesha in the CBBC sitcom Kerching! Then in 2006 she joined BBC3's comedy sketch show Tittybangbang. Now, on Christmas Day, she'll appear opposite David Tennant in his penultimate Christmas special before he leaves the show in early 2010.
Set on Christmas Eve 1851, the episode features a legion of menacing Cybermen as well as Dervla Kirwan as the Doctor's foe, Miss Hartigan. Tshabalala, 24, features as the Doctor's companion, Rosita, in a corset, and a wig that made her, she says, "look like Gloria Gaynor".
As though stepping into the shoes of Kylie Minogue and Catherine Tate, the Doctor's previous two Christmas companions, weren't challenging enough, Tshabalala will also assist not one but two Doctors. The Christmas special stars David Morrissey as the "next Doctor", a rival Time Lord claiming to be "simply the Doctor, the one, the only, and the best".
Rosita, Tshabalala's character, initially assists Morrissey's Doctor, but soon comes to admire Tennant's. She remains resolute before them both, though. "I might be smaller than them," she says, "but I give them what for." Russell T Davies, the show's writer, says that Tshabalala is "lovely", and echoes her description of Rosita's role opposite the two Doctors: "Her character's probably cleverer than the two of them put together." Tshabalala adds that Rosita came quite naturally to her: "She's quite close to home, a feisty cockney girl."
Born in Whitechapel, east London, Tshabalala's cockney roots are practically gold-plated. Her father, a mechanical engineer, and her mother, a health visitor, are from Zimbabwe and moved to London in 1972. "I'm from a typical African family and all my cousins are doctors and teachers," she says. "So when I said I wanted to be an actress you can imagine they weren't too pleased."
Tshabalala's parents, though, happily encouraged Velile's acting career on the condition she completed her exams. From the age of 14, she attended weekend classes at London's Sylvia Young Theatre School. Although before she got professional acting work she'd been cleaning lavatory cubicles to supplement her income, it felt like perfect showbusiness timing that Velile got the call to say she had a part in Kerching! on the day she finished her A-levels. "Always listen to your mum and dad," she smiles in acknowledgment of her parents' foresight.
When she heard she'd won the role in Doctor Who a few years later she admits she was daunted stepping in to such a hallowed, long-running series: "I was petrified." And she was fairly star-struck when she first met David Tennant. "I was trying to act really cool," she recalls, "but I phoned my mum and said, 'Mum, David Tennant just gave me a hug!'"
On set, she noted Tennant's tireless energy before each take, although his current back troubles may have put paid to such capers for the time being. "He'd be standing there jogging on the spot, doing star jumps, and I'd be thinking, you're making me feel like a lazy so-and-so. Even at four in the morning, he's still got that energy." Did David Morrissey do star jumpsto get into character, too? "God, no," she says. "He'd ruin his suit."
Tshabalala thinks Morrissey would make a dapper replacement for Tennant. "He's so dashing and charming," she says. Tantalisingly, though, there's still no confirmation of whether Morrissey will assume the Doctor's mantle. And like him, Tshabalala doesn't know whether she'll be returning for more Doctor Who adventures. "I wanted this part so much," she says. "Whatever happens after is a bonus."
Thankfully, the Tshabalalas have little to worry about when it comes to the health of their daughter's acting career. Velile's (pronounced Veh-lee-lah) first acting job was playing the teenage waitress Kareesha in the CBBC sitcom Kerching! Then in 2006 she joined BBC3's comedy sketch show Tittybangbang. Now, on Christmas Day, she'll appear opposite David Tennant in his penultimate Christmas special before he leaves the show in early 2010.
Set on Christmas Eve 1851, the episode features a legion of menacing Cybermen as well as Dervla Kirwan as the Doctor's foe, Miss Hartigan. Tshabalala, 24, features as the Doctor's companion, Rosita, in a corset, and a wig that made her, she says, "look like Gloria Gaynor".
As though stepping into the shoes of Kylie Minogue and Catherine Tate, the Doctor's previous two Christmas companions, weren't challenging enough, Tshabalala will also assist not one but two Doctors. The Christmas special stars David Morrissey as the "next Doctor", a rival Time Lord claiming to be "simply the Doctor, the one, the only, and the best".
Rosita, Tshabalala's character, initially assists Morrissey's Doctor, but soon comes to admire Tennant's. She remains resolute before them both, though. "I might be smaller than them," she says, "but I give them what for." Russell T Davies, the show's writer, says that Tshabalala is "lovely", and echoes her description of Rosita's role opposite the two Doctors: "Her character's probably cleverer than the two of them put together." Tshabalala adds that Rosita came quite naturally to her: "She's quite close to home, a feisty cockney girl."
Born in Whitechapel, east London, Tshabalala's cockney roots are practically gold-plated. Her father, a mechanical engineer, and her mother, a health visitor, are from Zimbabwe and moved to London in 1972. "I'm from a typical African family and all my cousins are doctors and teachers," she says. "So when I said I wanted to be an actress you can imagine they weren't too pleased."
Tshabalala's parents, though, happily encouraged Velile's acting career on the condition she completed her exams. From the age of 14, she attended weekend classes at London's Sylvia Young Theatre School. Although before she got professional acting work she'd been cleaning lavatory cubicles to supplement her income, it felt like perfect showbusiness timing that Velile got the call to say she had a part in Kerching! on the day she finished her A-levels. "Always listen to your mum and dad," she smiles in acknowledgment of her parents' foresight.
When she heard she'd won the role in Doctor Who a few years later she admits she was daunted stepping in to such a hallowed, long-running series: "I was petrified." And she was fairly star-struck when she first met David Tennant. "I was trying to act really cool," she recalls, "but I phoned my mum and said, 'Mum, David Tennant just gave me a hug!'"
On set, she noted Tennant's tireless energy before each take, although his current back troubles may have put paid to such capers for the time being. "He'd be standing there jogging on the spot, doing star jumps, and I'd be thinking, you're making me feel like a lazy so-and-so. Even at four in the morning, he's still got that energy." Did David Morrissey do star jumpsto get into character, too? "God, no," she says. "He'd ruin his suit."
Tshabalala thinks Morrissey would make a dapper replacement for Tennant. "He's so dashing and charming," she says. Tantalisingly, though, there's still no confirmation of whether Morrissey will assume the Doctor's mantle. And like him, Tshabalala doesn't know whether she'll be returning for more Doctor Who adventures. "I wanted this part so much," she says. "Whatever happens after is a bonus."
Play with the Judoon
Today's addition to the Advent Calendar is a game called Jobsworth Judoon. The description: the Judoon have impounded the TARDIS! Can you help the Doctor break the security codes around the forcefield holding it and escape? CLICK HERE to play
Thursday, December 18, 2008
'Torchwood' returns
As you'll no doubt be aware, the third series brings with it some mighty changes. Not only has the show been upgraded from BBC Two to primetime BBC One, but for the first time the team will contend with one major storyline over the course of the series. The run has been shortened from 13 to just five episodes, but in a major gift to fans the entire series will be stripped across five consecutive days.
That's not to mention a few casting changes too! Torchwood producer Peter Bennett gives us a preview of what else series three - codenamed Torchwood: Children of Earth - has in store.
The title for this series is somewhat intriguing. What does it mean?
"Basically from a concept, we wanted to go down the children dilemma route. Because this storyline is a subject that's going to affect all the children of Earth, it was a natural title to come up with."
What's the plotline of this series?
"It's different to every other year. It's not a story about spaceships, but it's about a government that did a deal with aliens back in the '60s, and they're now dealing with the consequences of that deal when the sins of their past come back to haunt them."
What was the thinking behind switching to doing a five-episode serial?
"Having done 26 standalone stories, we kind of wanted to take this series to another level and by making it one story over five nights, we feel we've done that. It's big, it's epic, and it's very different."
It's also changed channels. How has the move to BBC One affected the tone of the show?
"Taking over a week of primetime BBC One is a big responsibility, and something none of us have done before. So we had to approach everything differently, from the way we storylined the series, to the scripting and filming, then right through to the editing. The script has a big cliffhanger and a few unexpected twists along the way. Telling one story has also given us the opportunity to have one director across the whole series, Euros Lyn, who's been incredible and taken the show to a new level."
It's been previously remarked that this new format represents a "resetting" of the show. Is that accurate?
"I guess so. This series takes Torchwood on a much darker journey, but it's still Torchwood. It's exciting, action-packed, and we've still got a lot of fun running through it."
At the end of series two we lost two of the regular cast, Owen and Tosh. How much are they missed?
"On set Burn and Naoko are missed, because they were a terrific part of the team socially and for morale. As far as the storylines are concerned, it's allowed us to see a whole new side of what's left of our regular characters and learn a whole lot more about their lives. Also we've got new characters, people like Peter Capaldi, who's fantastic as the government middle man caught up in the storm, Liz May Brice as a covert government agent and Paul Copely as a damaged man."
And are there any direct additions to the Torchwood team?
"We sort of bring in Gwen's husband Rhys (Kai Owen). He was always on the fringes anyway but he takes a much more active part in the storyline now. And we've got a new young lady who helps the team - I wouldn't say she's part of the team but she kind of helps them out. She's played by a new actress called Cush Jumbo, who's a very pretty young lady and who I'm sure is going to go on to bigger things."
John Barrowman has previously hinted that he might quit the show after this series. Do you think that's true? What do you think Torchwood would be like without Captain Jack?
"I think it would be very difficult without John. I've not heard him say he wouldn't want to stick around after a third series, so I'm not sure where that's come from. But he certainly never mentioned it to us or on set. It wouldn't be the same without him obviously. Captain Jack is a star in his own right!"
Are there individual episode titles on this series?
"No, it's just the one main title running through this year."
Who do you have writing this series?
"We've got James Moran, who wrote for the last series of Torchwood, and we've got a guy called John Fay who previously wrote all sorts of things. Russell was a fan of his, so he's come and written episode two, which is brilliant. Russell did one, John did two, James did three and then Russell did four and five."
Are you nervous about how the audience will take to the new format?
"Yes, of course. It's something none of us has done before so we're all a bit nervous of it. I've got the bonus of having seen the material we've shot and I can assure you, we've got some absolutely fantastic material with some amazing acting. It's stunning and I would defy anybody not to be impressed by it."
Where are you at with production on the series right now?
"We've just started our second week of post editing and we're in a position to have a look at our first episode. We've just shown our executive producers the first cut version of the first episode and this week we're hoping to show them the first cut of the second episode. It's a very very tough post schedule. We've only got one director, but we've got three cutting rooms running simultaneously and he's literally running between all three. We have to deliver the whole thing, with all effects and music, by March. So to do five one-hours is a real tough schedule, particularly because we've got so much amazing material. I'd guess we're two thirds of the way through and the last third is a struggle - but a nice struggle."
That's not to mention a few casting changes too! Torchwood producer Peter Bennett gives us a preview of what else series three - codenamed Torchwood: Children of Earth - has in store.
The title for this series is somewhat intriguing. What does it mean?
"Basically from a concept, we wanted to go down the children dilemma route. Because this storyline is a subject that's going to affect all the children of Earth, it was a natural title to come up with."
What's the plotline of this series?
"It's different to every other year. It's not a story about spaceships, but it's about a government that did a deal with aliens back in the '60s, and they're now dealing with the consequences of that deal when the sins of their past come back to haunt them."
What was the thinking behind switching to doing a five-episode serial?
"Having done 26 standalone stories, we kind of wanted to take this series to another level and by making it one story over five nights, we feel we've done that. It's big, it's epic, and it's very different."
It's also changed channels. How has the move to BBC One affected the tone of the show?
"Taking over a week of primetime BBC One is a big responsibility, and something none of us have done before. So we had to approach everything differently, from the way we storylined the series, to the scripting and filming, then right through to the editing. The script has a big cliffhanger and a few unexpected twists along the way. Telling one story has also given us the opportunity to have one director across the whole series, Euros Lyn, who's been incredible and taken the show to a new level."
It's been previously remarked that this new format represents a "resetting" of the show. Is that accurate?
"I guess so. This series takes Torchwood on a much darker journey, but it's still Torchwood. It's exciting, action-packed, and we've still got a lot of fun running through it."
At the end of series two we lost two of the regular cast, Owen and Tosh. How much are they missed?
"On set Burn and Naoko are missed, because they were a terrific part of the team socially and for morale. As far as the storylines are concerned, it's allowed us to see a whole new side of what's left of our regular characters and learn a whole lot more about their lives. Also we've got new characters, people like Peter Capaldi, who's fantastic as the government middle man caught up in the storm, Liz May Brice as a covert government agent and Paul Copely as a damaged man."
And are there any direct additions to the Torchwood team?
"We sort of bring in Gwen's husband Rhys (Kai Owen). He was always on the fringes anyway but he takes a much more active part in the storyline now. And we've got a new young lady who helps the team - I wouldn't say she's part of the team but she kind of helps them out. She's played by a new actress called Cush Jumbo, who's a very pretty young lady and who I'm sure is going to go on to bigger things."
John Barrowman has previously hinted that he might quit the show after this series. Do you think that's true? What do you think Torchwood would be like without Captain Jack?
"I think it would be very difficult without John. I've not heard him say he wouldn't want to stick around after a third series, so I'm not sure where that's come from. But he certainly never mentioned it to us or on set. It wouldn't be the same without him obviously. Captain Jack is a star in his own right!"
Are there individual episode titles on this series?
"No, it's just the one main title running through this year."
Who do you have writing this series?
"We've got James Moran, who wrote for the last series of Torchwood, and we've got a guy called John Fay who previously wrote all sorts of things. Russell was a fan of his, so he's come and written episode two, which is brilliant. Russell did one, John did two, James did three and then Russell did four and five."
Are you nervous about how the audience will take to the new format?
"Yes, of course. It's something none of us has done before so we're all a bit nervous of it. I've got the bonus of having seen the material we've shot and I can assure you, we've got some absolutely fantastic material with some amazing acting. It's stunning and I would defy anybody not to be impressed by it."
Where are you at with production on the series right now?
"We've just started our second week of post editing and we're in a position to have a look at our first episode. We've just shown our executive producers the first cut version of the first episode and this week we're hoping to show them the first cut of the second episode. It's a very very tough post schedule. We've only got one director, but we've got three cutting rooms running simultaneously and he's literally running between all three. We have to deliver the whole thing, with all effects and music, by March. So to do five one-hours is a real tough schedule, particularly because we've got so much amazing material. I'd guess we're two thirds of the way through and the last third is a struggle - but a nice struggle."
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Cosmic collider game on who
Can you destroy the cosmic blocks to uncover exclusive pictures and a super-secret script extract from The Next Doctor?
Cosmic Collider
Cosmic Collider
'Brigadier' dreams of 'Doctor Who' return
Nicholas Courtney is keen to reprise his role as Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart on Doctor Who - almost two decades after his last appearance.Courtney, who can currently be seen as The Brigadier in the season finale of The Sarah Jane Adventures, told Doctor Who Magazine that he would savour the character returning to his parent show."That would be very nice," said the veteran actor, who first appeared as the UNIT icon in 1968. "Yes, I shall look forward to that. In my dreams."Courtney also praised the current incarnation of Doctor Who, stating that "David Tennant has enormous charisma about him" and that "Russell T. [Davies] has done marvels".
Carlyle To Star In Stargate Universe, does this mean no Who??
Award-winning Scottish actor Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty) has been cast in the leading role of Dr. David Rush on SCI FI Channel's new original series Stargate Universe, the latest adventure in the Stargate franchise produced by MGM television.
Production will begin in Vancouver, Canada, in February 2009, with an eye to a summer 2009 premiere. Additional casting is currently underway.
Described as edgier and younger in tone than the two previous series, Universe follows a band of soldiers, scientists and civilians who must fend for themselves as they are forced through a Stargate when their hidden base comes under attack.
The desperate survivors emerge aboard an Ancient ship missing in the far reaches of space. As they fight to survive, Dr. Rush (Carlyle) works to unlock the mysteries of the ship and return the group home, but evidence of his ulterior motives soon arises.
Brad Wright and Robert Cooper--co-creators of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis, who both currently serve as executive producers on Atlantis--will serve as executive producers and writers on the new series.
Stargate Universe will debut as a two-hour movie event on SCI FI and will be distributed by MGM Worldwide Television Distribution.
Production will begin in Vancouver, Canada, in February 2009, with an eye to a summer 2009 premiere. Additional casting is currently underway.
Described as edgier and younger in tone than the two previous series, Universe follows a band of soldiers, scientists and civilians who must fend for themselves as they are forced through a Stargate when their hidden base comes under attack.
The desperate survivors emerge aboard an Ancient ship missing in the far reaches of space. As they fight to survive, Dr. Rush (Carlyle) works to unlock the mysteries of the ship and return the group home, but evidence of his ulterior motives soon arises.
Brad Wright and Robert Cooper--co-creators of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis, who both currently serve as executive producers on Atlantis--will serve as executive producers and writers on the new series.
Stargate Universe will debut as a two-hour movie event on SCI FI and will be distributed by MGM Worldwide Television Distribution.
Davies lauds BBC for 'Sarah Jane' decision
The Sarah Jane Adventures creator Russell T. Davies has heaped praise upon the BBC for commissioning a third season of the family drama.
"This really is the best news," he told Doctor Who Magazine. "In an age of shrinking budgets and an ever-changing television landscape, children's TV is right at the front line, and personally I think it's one of the most vital areas to protect and nourish. So this commission is wonderful."
"We're all determined to repay Children's BBC by delivering an amazing show," Davies continued, "[and] work has been underway for quite some time in the hope of this commission and the desks are already piled high with scripts."
Davies also confirmed that he will remain as the show's executive producer, despite his imminent departure from its parent show. "I might be leaving Doctor Who," he said, "but not Sarah Jane."
"This really is the best news," he told Doctor Who Magazine. "In an age of shrinking budgets and an ever-changing television landscape, children's TV is right at the front line, and personally I think it's one of the most vital areas to protect and nourish. So this commission is wonderful."
"We're all determined to repay Children's BBC by delivering an amazing show," Davies continued, "[and] work has been underway for quite some time in the hope of this commission and the desks are already piled high with scripts."
Davies also confirmed that he will remain as the show's executive producer, despite his imminent departure from its parent show. "I might be leaving Doctor Who," he said, "but not Sarah Jane."
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Noel Clarke on Doctor Who rumours
Film-maker and actor Noel Clarke is not ruling out some big names to play the role of the new Doctor Who
Patterson Joseph's name has appeared on the rumour mill and Clarke said it could be possible,
"I was the first black companion. If he is the first black doctor then good luck to him," he said.
"Doctor Who is an alien life form who changes and transforms and there is no reason why it can't be a woman, an alien, a man, a fellow. So whoever it is, good luck to them."
David Tennant announced at the National Television Awards in October, he will bow out as the Time Lord at the end of next year after filming four specialsOther names being linked with the role include 28 Weeks Later star Robert Carlye and David Morrissey who will appear in this year's Dr Who Christmas special
Patterson Joseph's name has appeared on the rumour mill and Clarke said it could be possible,
"I was the first black companion. If he is the first black doctor then good luck to him," he said.
"Doctor Who is an alien life form who changes and transforms and there is no reason why it can't be a woman, an alien, a man, a fellow. So whoever it is, good luck to them."
David Tennant announced at the National Television Awards in October, he will bow out as the Time Lord at the end of next year after filming four specialsOther names being linked with the role include 28 Weeks Later star Robert Carlye and David Morrissey who will appear in this year's Dr Who Christmas special
Friday, December 05, 2008
City panto is the real McCoy
By Nigel Powlson
FORMER timelord Sylvester McCoy watches the new Doctor Who series with a slight touch of envy but is heartened by the fact that his spell in the Tardis is still an influence on the BBC's flagship series.
"Each generation has its own favourite doctor and I'm getting to the point where for thirtysomethings I was their favourite," he says. "Which is great as they are getting into positions of power in the industry. I did a film recently where the producer was a huge fan of Doctor Who and I was 'his' doctor.
"I watch the new Doctor Who with envy of the technology they have got and money they pour into it but there are great similarities with what we were doing back then, which makes sense because the writers were growing up watching our show and were influenced by it.
"I am very proud to have landed that job and to be part of that television culture and, do you know, I'm in a museum. I thought you had to be dead to do that but I'm in a Doctor Who museum. People adore it, people love you for having been in it, which is wonderful. People buy me a drink when they see me – they don't pour it all over me.
%3Cbody%3E%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22adDiv%22%3E%3CA%20HREF%3D%22http%3A//ads.anm.co.uk/ADCLICK/CID%3Dfffffffcfffffffcfffffffc/AAMSZ%3D452x118/SITE%3DTHISISDERB/AREA%3DENTERTAINMENT/SUBAREA%3DHOME/ARTICLE%3D524250/acc_random%3D5458249229/pageid%3D/RS%3D%22%20target%3D%22_new%22%3E%3CIMG%20SRC%3D%22http%3A//iad.anm.co.uk/anmdefaultad.gif%22%20ALT%3D%22%22%20border%3D0%20style%3D%22margin-bottom%3A%200px%3B%22%3E%3C/A%3E%3C/div%3E
"And what's great about Doctor Who is that adults introduce it to their children so in that respect it's very much like panto. It's very important to have families enjoying themselves collectively, especially in society today where people aren't even having enough Sunday lunches together."
From this week, Sylvester is bringing families all the traditions of panto by playing 'Orrible Herman in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and forming part of a villainous double act with Sue Holderness' Wicked Queen.
"The first panto I ever saw was Peter Pan in Glasgow and I was no higher than the front seats," Sylvester says. "I still remember it even though I was only three or four. I was taken from the Highlands of Scotland to Glasgow and I have never forgotten that experience. That's why I love doing panto now – to give children that magical experience – and that's why I know what a responsibility it is doing it.
"I also love my boos and go out there and play to them as much as possible. I guess I have done just about every part in panto over the years. I enjoy them all but especially the villain, although I have never played a henchman before, which is going to fun, especially as Sue and I will be doing a duet where I play the spoons and she tap dances."
Sylvester also loves the sense of tradition that comes with panto.
"Panto was the Christmas party before there was TV, everyone let their hair down and joined in, including the actors. A lot of the time the villain speaks in rhyme, which is a homage to Shakespeare; their is a touch of musical theatre; often a serious thespian playing comedy – that's when you get that wonderful mix. A taste of all theatre's wonders.
"It's all great fun, slightly formuliac but a great tradition. It's the only thing we British have invented for theatre – all the rest came from the Greeks, the French, but we invented panto.
"I'm very proud of that.
"I also love the great family connection of it, the joy; the fun.
"The grandparents saw it as children and explain when to boo and hiss to the grandchildren. You have to keep that going and pass it on. Pantomime doesn't work anywhere else in the world because the audience don't know their role. It works here because audiences are brought up on it."
Sylvester is also always delighted to be back on stage.
"A big Doctor Who fan asked what I liked doing best and I said 'theatre' and he couldn't believe it.
"People who love a TV show, for them it's incredibly important but for an actor it's very different. The viewers think if you are on TV you have reached the heights.
"It's good (and it used to pay well) but it's in theatre where you really connect with the audience."
WHAT: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. WHERE: Derby Assembly Rooms. WHEN: December 10-January 11. TICKETS: £8.50-£18.50. BOX OFFICE: 01332 255800.
FORMER timelord Sylvester McCoy watches the new Doctor Who series with a slight touch of envy but is heartened by the fact that his spell in the Tardis is still an influence on the BBC's flagship series.
"Each generation has its own favourite doctor and I'm getting to the point where for thirtysomethings I was their favourite," he says. "Which is great as they are getting into positions of power in the industry. I did a film recently where the producer was a huge fan of Doctor Who and I was 'his' doctor.
"I watch the new Doctor Who with envy of the technology they have got and money they pour into it but there are great similarities with what we were doing back then, which makes sense because the writers were growing up watching our show and were influenced by it.
"I am very proud to have landed that job and to be part of that television culture and, do you know, I'm in a museum. I thought you had to be dead to do that but I'm in a Doctor Who museum. People adore it, people love you for having been in it, which is wonderful. People buy me a drink when they see me – they don't pour it all over me.
%3Cbody%3E%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22adDiv%22%3E%3CA%20HREF%3D%22http%3A//ads.anm.co.uk/ADCLICK/CID%3Dfffffffcfffffffcfffffffc/AAMSZ%3D452x118/SITE%3DTHISISDERB/AREA%3DENTERTAINMENT/SUBAREA%3DHOME/ARTICLE%3D524250/acc_random%3D5458249229/pageid%3D/RS%3D%22%20target%3D%22_new%22%3E%3CIMG%20SRC%3D%22http%3A//iad.anm.co.uk/anmdefaultad.gif%22%20ALT%3D%22%22%20border%3D0%20style%3D%22margin-bottom%3A%200px%3B%22%3E%3C/A%3E%3C/div%3E
"And what's great about Doctor Who is that adults introduce it to their children so in that respect it's very much like panto. It's very important to have families enjoying themselves collectively, especially in society today where people aren't even having enough Sunday lunches together."
From this week, Sylvester is bringing families all the traditions of panto by playing 'Orrible Herman in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and forming part of a villainous double act with Sue Holderness' Wicked Queen.
"The first panto I ever saw was Peter Pan in Glasgow and I was no higher than the front seats," Sylvester says. "I still remember it even though I was only three or four. I was taken from the Highlands of Scotland to Glasgow and I have never forgotten that experience. That's why I love doing panto now – to give children that magical experience – and that's why I know what a responsibility it is doing it.
"I also love my boos and go out there and play to them as much as possible. I guess I have done just about every part in panto over the years. I enjoy them all but especially the villain, although I have never played a henchman before, which is going to fun, especially as Sue and I will be doing a duet where I play the spoons and she tap dances."
Sylvester also loves the sense of tradition that comes with panto.
"Panto was the Christmas party before there was TV, everyone let their hair down and joined in, including the actors. A lot of the time the villain speaks in rhyme, which is a homage to Shakespeare; their is a touch of musical theatre; often a serious thespian playing comedy – that's when you get that wonderful mix. A taste of all theatre's wonders.
"It's all great fun, slightly formuliac but a great tradition. It's the only thing we British have invented for theatre – all the rest came from the Greeks, the French, but we invented panto.
"I'm very proud of that.
"I also love the great family connection of it, the joy; the fun.
"The grandparents saw it as children and explain when to boo and hiss to the grandchildren. You have to keep that going and pass it on. Pantomime doesn't work anywhere else in the world because the audience don't know their role. It works here because audiences are brought up on it."
Sylvester is also always delighted to be back on stage.
"A big Doctor Who fan asked what I liked doing best and I said 'theatre' and he couldn't believe it.
"People who love a TV show, for them it's incredibly important but for an actor it's very different. The viewers think if you are on TV you have reached the heights.
"It's good (and it used to pay well) but it's in theatre where you really connect with the audience."
WHAT: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. WHERE: Derby Assembly Rooms. WHEN: December 10-January 11. TICKETS: £8.50-£18.50. BOX OFFICE: 01332 255800.
Create your very own Dalek
DR WHO fans could well be in clover this Christmas if they manage to unwrap one of these from under the Christmas tree.
AIRFIX has just released a kit with both Dalek Caan and Dalek Sec in it to bring to life with your own hands, some pieces of plastic and a litte tube of glue.
Each is 14cm tall and is packed full of enough electronic gubbins to make them come to life.
The Daleks in Manhattan range come hot on the heels of last year's must-have TARDIS pack and are pretty good value at £29.99 when you consider how long it's going to take to put together.
The kits also include a stage for fans to recreate the Daleks in Manhattan episode plus all the paint and sticky suff you'll need.
They are due out in the third week of December and will surely sell fast - so put a note in the diary to pick one up before all stocks are exterminated!
AIRFIX has just released a kit with both Dalek Caan and Dalek Sec in it to bring to life with your own hands, some pieces of plastic and a litte tube of glue.
Each is 14cm tall and is packed full of enough electronic gubbins to make them come to life.
The Daleks in Manhattan range come hot on the heels of last year's must-have TARDIS pack and are pretty good value at £29.99 when you consider how long it's going to take to put together.
The kits also include a stage for fans to recreate the Daleks in Manhattan episode plus all the paint and sticky suff you'll need.
They are due out in the third week of December and will surely sell fast - so put a note in the diary to pick one up before all stocks are exterminated!
Bad Wolf One: A Doctor Who Blog review
Nissa Annakindt has reviewed my blog, the first i know of online, and gave me passing marks. lol
thank you Nissa. read the whole review HERE on Nissas' page at SHVOONG.
thank you Nissa. read the whole review HERE on Nissas' page at SHVOONG.
New Doctor who tardis game
The TARDIS is out of control and being sucked into a black hole. Help the Doctor use the gravitational energy of asteroids and comets to stop the TARDIS falling into a parallel dimension!
Play Game >>
Play Game >>
Thursday, December 04, 2008
New River Song Screwdriver coming in 2009!
Character Options have released a picture and info on a new Doctor Who Product: River Song's Sonic Screwdriver!
As seen in series 4 of Doctor Who this Future Sonic Screwdriver was used by the 51st century archaeologist Professor River Song - a woman from The Doctor's future!
The Future Sonic Screwdriver includes light and sound effects and has an interchangeable red or blue tip.
The BBC Press Office has also released details of further upcoming Doctor Who products which will be showcased at the Toy Fair 2009 event in London:
"Still very much at the top of everyone's wishlist and showing no signs of slowing down in 2009 is Doctor Who, returning with some fantastic new lines from Character Options including "collect and build" figures, Time Squad collectible figures, further classic figures and the Doctor's Book of Impossible Things. Doctor Who games are a well covered category with the recent launch of a brand new DVD game from Screenlife, joining Winning Moves' Top Trumps and Flair's Uno and Etch a Sketch games. BBC Worldwide will also be presenting their new 'monsters' style guide – a creative focussing on perennially popular 'monster' characters from the show which will offer more opportunity for exciting product development for key licensees across 2009."
The product is due for release in mid January 2009 priced £14.99.
As seen in series 4 of Doctor Who this Future Sonic Screwdriver was used by the 51st century archaeologist Professor River Song - a woman from The Doctor's future!
The Future Sonic Screwdriver includes light and sound effects and has an interchangeable red or blue tip.
The BBC Press Office has also released details of further upcoming Doctor Who products which will be showcased at the Toy Fair 2009 event in London:
"Still very much at the top of everyone's wishlist and showing no signs of slowing down in 2009 is Doctor Who, returning with some fantastic new lines from Character Options including "collect and build" figures, Time Squad collectible figures, further classic figures and the Doctor's Book of Impossible Things. Doctor Who games are a well covered category with the recent launch of a brand new DVD game from Screenlife, joining Winning Moves' Top Trumps and Flair's Uno and Etch a Sketch games. BBC Worldwide will also be presenting their new 'monsters' style guide – a creative focussing on perennially popular 'monster' characters from the show which will offer more opportunity for exciting product development for key licensees across 2009."
The product is due for release in mid January 2009 priced £14.99.
Dr Who at the proms details
BBC One offers viewers the chance this Christmas to see highlights from the first Doctor Who Prom – one of the hottest tickets of the summer. Hosted by Freema Agyeman (Martha Jones) and with a surprise guest appearance by Catherine Tate (Donna Noble), this programme, filmed at the BBC Proms in July, is a musical odyssey through time and space.With the Tardis on stage at London's Royal Albert Hall, the programme takes viewers on a journey through four series of the Doctor's adventures, and features the music that accompanied them – Murray Gold's celebrated music for the television series. Performed by the BBC Philharmonic and London Philharmonic Chorus, under the baton of Ben Foster, the music is accompanied by specially edited film sequences from the series.One of today's featured highlights provides viewers with a chance to see the scene that was specially filmed for the BBC Proms. Music Of The Spheres, written by Russell T Davies and starring David Tennant – not to mention a mischievous Graske – left the audience spellbound and there is lots of audience interaction and laughter.
The concert also brought the audience face to face with some of the Doctor's most fearsome adversaries – a host of monsters and aliens, including the Doctor's oldest enemies, the Cybermen, Davros and the Daleks.Music featured in this Doctor Who Prom includes All The Strange, Strange Creatures; The Doctor Forever; Rose; Martha v The Master; The Daleks And Davros; Donna; Girl In The Fireplace; Astrid; This Is Gallifrey; Doctor's Theme/Song Of Freedom; Doomsday; and Doctor Who Theme.Doctor Who At The Proms is simulcast on BBC HD – the BBC's High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media. With up to five times more detail than standard definition television, HD provides exceptionally vivid colours and crisp pictures to make Doctor Who At The Proms a truly cinematic TV experience.Read About It Here.The original show was approx 2 hours long, however there was only 53 minutes of actual Doctor Who music, all non-Doctor Who music has been removed, I am unsure if the Music Of The Spheres special is included.
The concert also brought the audience face to face with some of the Doctor's most fearsome adversaries – a host of monsters and aliens, including the Doctor's oldest enemies, the Cybermen, Davros and the Daleks.Music featured in this Doctor Who Prom includes All The Strange, Strange Creatures; The Doctor Forever; Rose; Martha v The Master; The Daleks And Davros; Donna; Girl In The Fireplace; Astrid; This Is Gallifrey; Doctor's Theme/Song Of Freedom; Doomsday; and Doctor Who Theme.Doctor Who At The Proms is simulcast on BBC HD – the BBC's High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media. With up to five times more detail than standard definition television, HD provides exceptionally vivid colours and crisp pictures to make Doctor Who At The Proms a truly cinematic TV experience.Read About It Here.The original show was approx 2 hours long, however there was only 53 minutes of actual Doctor Who music, all non-Doctor Who music has been removed, I am unsure if the Music Of The Spheres special is included.
Inside the World of Doctor Who Special guests thrill visitors to London event.
On Saturday 29 November, the London Children's Film Festival played host to Inside the World of Doctor Who.
Presented by BAFTA at the Barbican, the event was a spectacular opportunity for London's children and families to get behind-the-scenes insight into the making of Doctor Who.
CBBC presenter Kirsten O'Brien interviewed series creator Russell T Davies, chatted with Neill Gorton about how the iconic monsters are made, learnt about the Computer Generated Images (CGI) monsters from Will Cohen of the Mill, discovered how the mood is created through the musical arrangements from composer Ben Foster, and heard from Special Effects man Danny Hargreaves.
A special guest appearance from iconic monsters Cybermen, Scarecrow, Ood and a Dalek kept everyone on their toes and, last but not least, the audience was treated to a sneak preview of snippets from this year's Doctor Who Christmas special.
A webcast of the event will go live on 15 December
Presented by BAFTA at the Barbican, the event was a spectacular opportunity for London's children and families to get behind-the-scenes insight into the making of Doctor Who.
CBBC presenter Kirsten O'Brien interviewed series creator Russell T Davies, chatted with Neill Gorton about how the iconic monsters are made, learnt about the Computer Generated Images (CGI) monsters from Will Cohen of the Mill, discovered how the mood is created through the musical arrangements from composer Ben Foster, and heard from Special Effects man Danny Hargreaves.
A special guest appearance from iconic monsters Cybermen, Scarecrow, Ood and a Dalek kept everyone on their toes and, last but not least, the audience was treated to a sneak preview of snippets from this year's Doctor Who Christmas special.
A webcast of the event will go live on 15 December
would love to be next Doctor Who, reveals Robert Carlyle
ROBERT Carlyle has told Doctor Who bosses:"Come and get me."
The actor is one of the favourites to take over from fellow Scot David Tennant, who will quit as the Time Lord at the end of next year.
Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies has spelled out exactly what he's after: "Anyone playing him has to be capable of anything - action, heartbreak, comedy, wielding a sonic screwdriver..."
Given the 47-year-old father of three's versatile career, he more than fits the bill.
Roles have included the lead in Sunday night TV series Hamish Macbeth, and films such as The Full Monty, Eragon, Trainspotting and The World Is Not Enough.
Like ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston, Robert would certainly bring extra acting skills to the role.
But there's competition. Top is David Morrissey, who appears as a Doctor in this year's Christmas special.
There's also actor Paterson Joseph, who appeared in The Beach alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, who would become the show's first black Doctor. There are also rumours of the first female Doctor.
Robert laughed: "This has followed me for two years. But no one has ever approached me about it and I never wanted to talk about it because you can't talk about another actor's part.
"I would treat it with respect and regard it properly, but I would have to be approached about it first."
Robert's latest role is in 24: Redemption, a TV movie set between series six and seven of the Kiefer Sutherland smash hit show-which is out on DVD this week - sees his character Carl Benton running a school in Sangala and because Doctor Who is so loved by children, it's just as well that Robert loves working with kids.
He said: "A lot of my work is with children and there's a reason for that, because they really level you.
"They are very good at just walking up, saying their line, then going out to play.
"Whereas actors are sitting there thinking about it too much."
The actor lives in Glasgow with wife Anastasia and children Ava, six, Harvey, four, and Pearce, two.
And Robert admits that since having children there are roles he wouldn't consider - such as playing someone like Moors murderer Ian Brady.
He said: "My wife and I have three children, so that changes your perspective."
Robert's been very busy and has recently starred in The Last Enemy, Flood, 24: Redemption and the movies Stone Of Destiny and Summer.
Robert's appearance in 24: Redemption will have reminded America just what they have been missing.
And there's been a huge influx of Brit actors taking American TV by storm, such as Anna Friel in Pushing Daisies, Hugh Laurie in House, Ashley Jensen in Ugly Betty and Robert's Trainspotting colleagues Kevin McKidd in Grey's Anatomy and Jonny Lee Miller in Eli Stone.
So would Robert ever consider working in America?
"Anyone that knows me knows what I'm about, and I'm very much a British actor, a European actor," he explained.
"It's what I love doing, but that's not to say that I wouldn't consider something else, I'd be stupid not to.
"It's not to say that I wouldn't come back and I understand from Jonny Lee Miller that you can always build in gaps if you do something like that.
"But that's overstepping the mark slightly, I haven't been offered anything.
But to answer honestly, I'd have to seriously consider it."
While the DVD of 24: Redemption is out this week, Robert also has his latest film Summer released on Friday.
Back to the independent films like Riff-Raff, Safe and Priest that kick started his career in the Nineties, Summer is about two pals struggling in the margins of society. And during filming he was reminded of his own upbringing in Maryhill, Glasgow.
He said: "I was poorer than poor - I will never forget that. I don't know a lot of people from that time these days, but I've seen them through the years and I've seen what life has done to them. I've seen how it's affected them, good or bad, but generally the downside."
Robert was brought up by his dad Joseph after his mum left them when Robert was four.
His dad died two years ago but Robert has come to terms with his loss.
He said: "I cried my eyes out, but at the end of it I thought, 'We were close. There is nothing I regret.'"
It was his dad who supported him when he left school at 16 and Robert worked with him as an apprentice decorator before becoming an actor in his 20s.
In Summer, he plays Shaun, who cares for his childhood pal Daz, played by Steve Evets, who is in a wheelchair.
As Daz slowly dies, the film focuses on the bleakness of their lives.
The film won Robert Best Actor at the Edinburgh International Film Festival this year and he was also nominated for Best Actor at the BAFTA awards, where the film won Best Feature Film.
Summer was filmed in Bolsover, near Sheffield, where Robert made The Full Monty playing Gaz, an unemployed steelworker turned male stripper.
Speaking of his time on set, Robert said: "It was chaos.
Obviously, I'm recognised around the place and people approach me, but this was en masse.
"I didn't think about it until I was getting down to Sheffield, and then I realised that I was in the eye of the storm.
"I felt like the prodigal son. It was just magic."
Next year will come the film I Know You Know, which is directed by Justin Kerrigan, who directed Human Traffic in the Nineties.
Robert said: "It's a beautiful story about Justin's father. I play his father, who was mentally ill, and lived in a kind of Walter Mitty world.
"He created this incredible web of deceit and his son and everyone went along with it."
Currently, Robert is shooting the film The Unloved with Samantha Morton, which she's also directing.
Robert said: "It's her first feature and it's a very personal film about her life. I play her father.
"She asked me to play that part and I was very honoured."
Robert is clearly in demand and only time will tell if he's given the keys to the famous Tardis.
The actor is one of the favourites to take over from fellow Scot David Tennant, who will quit as the Time Lord at the end of next year.
Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies has spelled out exactly what he's after: "Anyone playing him has to be capable of anything - action, heartbreak, comedy, wielding a sonic screwdriver..."
Given the 47-year-old father of three's versatile career, he more than fits the bill.
Roles have included the lead in Sunday night TV series Hamish Macbeth, and films such as The Full Monty, Eragon, Trainspotting and The World Is Not Enough.
Like ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston, Robert would certainly bring extra acting skills to the role.
But there's competition. Top is David Morrissey, who appears as a Doctor in this year's Christmas special.
There's also actor Paterson Joseph, who appeared in The Beach alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, who would become the show's first black Doctor. There are also rumours of the first female Doctor.
Robert laughed: "This has followed me for two years. But no one has ever approached me about it and I never wanted to talk about it because you can't talk about another actor's part.
"I would treat it with respect and regard it properly, but I would have to be approached about it first."
Robert's latest role is in 24: Redemption, a TV movie set between series six and seven of the Kiefer Sutherland smash hit show-which is out on DVD this week - sees his character Carl Benton running a school in Sangala and because Doctor Who is so loved by children, it's just as well that Robert loves working with kids.
He said: "A lot of my work is with children and there's a reason for that, because they really level you.
"They are very good at just walking up, saying their line, then going out to play.
"Whereas actors are sitting there thinking about it too much."
The actor lives in Glasgow with wife Anastasia and children Ava, six, Harvey, four, and Pearce, two.
And Robert admits that since having children there are roles he wouldn't consider - such as playing someone like Moors murderer Ian Brady.
He said: "My wife and I have three children, so that changes your perspective."
Robert's been very busy and has recently starred in The Last Enemy, Flood, 24: Redemption and the movies Stone Of Destiny and Summer.
Robert's appearance in 24: Redemption will have reminded America just what they have been missing.
And there's been a huge influx of Brit actors taking American TV by storm, such as Anna Friel in Pushing Daisies, Hugh Laurie in House, Ashley Jensen in Ugly Betty and Robert's Trainspotting colleagues Kevin McKidd in Grey's Anatomy and Jonny Lee Miller in Eli Stone.
So would Robert ever consider working in America?
"Anyone that knows me knows what I'm about, and I'm very much a British actor, a European actor," he explained.
"It's what I love doing, but that's not to say that I wouldn't consider something else, I'd be stupid not to.
"It's not to say that I wouldn't come back and I understand from Jonny Lee Miller that you can always build in gaps if you do something like that.
"But that's overstepping the mark slightly, I haven't been offered anything.
But to answer honestly, I'd have to seriously consider it."
While the DVD of 24: Redemption is out this week, Robert also has his latest film Summer released on Friday.
Back to the independent films like Riff-Raff, Safe and Priest that kick started his career in the Nineties, Summer is about two pals struggling in the margins of society. And during filming he was reminded of his own upbringing in Maryhill, Glasgow.
He said: "I was poorer than poor - I will never forget that. I don't know a lot of people from that time these days, but I've seen them through the years and I've seen what life has done to them. I've seen how it's affected them, good or bad, but generally the downside."
Robert was brought up by his dad Joseph after his mum left them when Robert was four.
His dad died two years ago but Robert has come to terms with his loss.
He said: "I cried my eyes out, but at the end of it I thought, 'We were close. There is nothing I regret.'"
It was his dad who supported him when he left school at 16 and Robert worked with him as an apprentice decorator before becoming an actor in his 20s.
In Summer, he plays Shaun, who cares for his childhood pal Daz, played by Steve Evets, who is in a wheelchair.
As Daz slowly dies, the film focuses on the bleakness of their lives.
The film won Robert Best Actor at the Edinburgh International Film Festival this year and he was also nominated for Best Actor at the BAFTA awards, where the film won Best Feature Film.
Summer was filmed in Bolsover, near Sheffield, where Robert made The Full Monty playing Gaz, an unemployed steelworker turned male stripper.
Speaking of his time on set, Robert said: "It was chaos.
Obviously, I'm recognised around the place and people approach me, but this was en masse.
"I didn't think about it until I was getting down to Sheffield, and then I realised that I was in the eye of the storm.
"I felt like the prodigal son. It was just magic."
Next year will come the film I Know You Know, which is directed by Justin Kerrigan, who directed Human Traffic in the Nineties.
Robert said: "It's a beautiful story about Justin's father. I play his father, who was mentally ill, and lived in a kind of Walter Mitty world.
"He created this incredible web of deceit and his son and everyone went along with it."
Currently, Robert is shooting the film The Unloved with Samantha Morton, which she's also directing.
Robert said: "It's her first feature and it's a very personal film about her life. I play her father.
"She asked me to play that part and I was very honoured."
Robert is clearly in demand and only time will tell if he's given the keys to the famous Tardis.
The Adventure Calendar has a short story called "Number 1, Gallows Gate Road"
Today's add to the Adventure Calendar is a short story called "Number 1, Gallows Gate Road", CLICK HERE for the first installment .
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
THE GENESIS OF DOCTOR WHO | The Creation of a Television Hero
Explore the origins of a TV legend with this collection of documents and images. It's now the number one family favourite, but 'Doctor Who' had a difficult birth, emerging from the imagination of some of BBC Drama's top minds.
Here, we tell the story of the creation of 'Doctor Who' from the very beginning, starting with a report on the possibility of making science fiction for television and leading up to the moment a new drama series is announced in the pages of 'Radio Times'.
Join us as we hide behind the sofa for the first time...
THE GENESIS OF DOCTOR WHO The Creation of a Television Hero
Here, we tell the story of the creation of 'Doctor Who' from the very beginning, starting with a report on the possibility of making science fiction for television and leading up to the moment a new drama series is announced in the pages of 'Radio Times'.
Join us as we hide behind the sofa for the first time...
THE GENESIS OF DOCTOR WHO The Creation of a Television Hero
Friday, November 21, 2008
Doctor Who: Pudsai created for CIN
Lovely little fan film (created by many of the UK regulars) for Children in Need.
Not crazy about a few of the cast but very well put togther story here, CIN needs to give you a wee budget and let you loose to have some fun :)
Not crazy about a few of the cast but very well put togther story here, CIN needs to give you a wee budget and let you loose to have some fun :)
ohhhhhh me likey
k loved Darko so i loooove this tune and all in all a very well put together vid
Doctor Who- Mad World Nine/Rose
Doctor Who- Mad World Nine/Rose
The Latest Big Finish News
The Three Companions(20/11/2008)
We can now reveal the cast of The Three Companions, the 12-part Companion Chronicles mini-series that will be included as a bonus feature on monthly Doctor Who plays commencing in Spring 2009. Anneke Wills (pictured here) returns as Polly who, in the present day, tracks down Jo Grant (Katy Manning), and realizes their past adventures with the Doctor have actually intersected. Meanwhile, as the planet Earth faces environmental catastrophe, a third companion is observing them from afar... A certain Thomas Brewster (John Pickard), who is in possession of a stolen TARDIS.The Three Companions is written by Marc Platt, and directed by Lisa Bowerman.
We can now reveal the cast of The Three Companions, the 12-part Companion Chronicles mini-series that will be included as a bonus feature on monthly Doctor Who plays commencing in Spring 2009. Anneke Wills (pictured here) returns as Polly who, in the present day, tracks down Jo Grant (Katy Manning), and realizes their past adventures with the Doctor have actually intersected. Meanwhile, as the planet Earth faces environmental catastrophe, a third companion is observing them from afar... A certain Thomas Brewster (John Pickard), who is in possession of a stolen TARDIS.The Three Companions is written by Marc Platt, and directed by Lisa Bowerman.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Elisabeth Sladen (The Sarah Jane Adventures) Interview
Star of CBBC's The Sarah Jane Adventures, Elisabeth Sladen first played Doctor Who companion Sarah Jane in 1973 and returned to Doctor Who this year in the Series 4 finale episodes.
Two new audio-exclusive Sarah Jane Adventures titles The Time Capsule and The Ghost House will be released on 13th November 2008, both read by Elisabeth Sladen. The titles will be available on CD and for download and will not be published as books.
There are two new audio-exclusive Sarah Jane Adventures titles out this week, can you tell us a bit about those?
There’s one called ‘The Ghost House’ by Steven Cole, who wrote one of last year’s, and there’s ‘The Time Capsule’ by Peter Anghelides. They’re great fun to do, though I only had one day to record them both. I might alter that in future, it’s very harsh! You can’t just do an impersonation of the characters, as it’s all in the first person. I do get a bit tongue-tied in the action sequences when I’m having to quickly alternate between myself, Luke, Clyde, an alien, the milkman…
With 12 episodes this year, how long did the second series take to film?
I think I was there for about six months, but I also did the Doctor Who episodes, ‘The Stolen Earth’ and ‘Journey's End’. I had about ten days in between Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures. It was great working with the lovely Graeme Harper again. I’d worked with him 30 years ago and so to do 4 episodes of Sarah Jane with him was brilliant. The kids call him "The Harpenter"! It was very nice being asked to do more episodes this year, that made me very happy. And I was so pleased to have the Sontaran story, with Sarah Jane having history with the Sontarans [1975 Doctor Who story The Sontaran Experiment]. I think it’s unheard of for a show to have this sort of history with a character, it’s brilliant.
Will there be a third series of the show?
They’re writing it now, I believe. I’m very proud of the show, it’ll be lovely to do another series. And it’d be really lovely for the children – not ‘the children’, I mean ‘my co-stars’! Danny [Daniel Anthony who plays Clyde] is 21 now and Anjli [Anjli Mohindra who plays Rani] is 18!
Do you know if Yasmin Paige [who played Maria in Series 1] will return for the third series?
I’m not sure, Yasmin moved on to focus on her studies and Anjli’s role has really settled in now - the new family have fitted in seamlessly.
Do you think that Sarah Jane’s assistants will change if the show continues for another few years, like the companions change in Doctor Who?
Tommy [Thomas Knight who plays Luke] is sealed I think as Sarah Jane’s adopted son, but yes I think the format completely allows for the show to continue.
Would you like to do a Christmas special one year?
Oh wow, that would be amazing, wouldn’t it? I’d never thought about that. With a Christmas tree up in the attic! We filmed a party scene actually, in the first episode of the new series I think, but it wasn’t used. There were balloons everywhere afterwards so I was thinking they’d have to keep the scene or there’d just be mysterious balloons in the background in the attic! But it wasn’t driving the story forward unfortunately.
What was it like working with Nicholas Courtney again, who played The Brigadier at UNIT in Doctor Who? Can you give any hints about the story that he features in?
I was so pleased for him to be back. Hmm, I don’t know how much I can give away - it’s a good one, a really good one. Oh that sounds crap! Well, for Sarah Jane to need The Brigadier, it must be a really dangerous situation. UNIT has certainly given him a wonderful pension, I can tell you that! Or maybe he has a very rich wife, he’s certainly doing alright!
Do you ever get to meet Alexander Armstrong, who does the voice of Mr. Smith?
No, I’ve never met him! All the ADR is done separately, it’s a shame.
Bradley Walsh and Russ Abbot have both guest-starred this series, what were they like to work with?
They were lovely, Bradley Walsh is so funny, he’s such a performer.
If you could choose any actor to guest star on the show as a villain, who would you choose?
Oh there’s so many, the mind races! Am I allowed to say David Tennant?
What’s it like having your own action figure?
Some of my friends have one on top of their Christmas tree! Actually, it’s in my contract that I’m allowed to have a say on the action figures before they get made and the first three they made look ok. But the latest three make me look like the Wicked Witch Of The West! I was really angry about that, if these things don’t look right then people won’t buy them.
There’s a signing event at Borders on Oxford Street on Saturday (15th November, 1.30-4pm) – what are those events like? Do you get fans of all ages?
You do, yes, I was at the Bath Literature Festival recently and the little ones are so enthusiastic. They run up to me screaming “Sarah Jane, Sarah Jane!” and ask me a question, so I answer and then they go “Sarah Jane, Sarah Jane!” and ask me something else. I often answer in character – “I’m afraid The Doctor isn’t here today but I can pass on your message for him” – I don’t think I have the right to spoil it being real for them.
What was it like filming the Doctor Who Series 4 finale episodes with Thomas Knight?
Poor Tommy was very cross as he never met a Dalek, he was just stuck in the attic! It was an amazing story, Sarah Jane has so many links with Davros. Michael Wisher was the first Davros [in 1975’s Genesis Of The Daleks] and after I first did a scene with Julian Bleech, the new Davros, I said to him “you sound just like Davros!”. Genesis Of The Daleks is such an iconic story and it was a time when Tom [Tom Baker, as the fourth Doctor], Ian [Ian Marter, as companion Harry Sullivan] and I had started to gel so well together. I really do love it! Oh no, Russell’s turned me into a fan! I never even watch sci-fi! The joy now is doing the DVD commentaries, although unfortunately I’m not anymore due to contractual reasons with 2entertain, we couldn’t come to an agreement.
How did filming the Doctor Who finale differ from filming The Sarah Jane Adventures?
Doctor Who is such a different animal, it’s like our big brother. Actually, the Sarah Jane Adventures sound man told me that it’s much harder for him than Doctor Who as there’s so much more dialogue! My dialogue has to be really precise as well, I can’t paraphrase my stuff as it’s explaining the plot!
Do you think Sarah Jane and any of her assistants will feature in Doctor Who again?
I don’t know, I didn’t think I’d be coming back after ‘School Reunion’! I thought I’d had a lovely goodbye, but then I came back again! Never say never, definitely.
This time last year, the newspapers were reporting about all the recent companions coming back for the Series 4 finale. At what point did you know you’d be returning?
Oh, I knew quite a long time back! People were asking me about it and I had to just go “oh, that’s news to me!”.
Now that David Tennant has announced he’s leaving Doctor Who next year, who would you like to see as the next Doctor?
Jason Isaacs is an incredibly talented actor, I think he’d bring real gravitas to it - and he’s also from Liverpool! Or maybe Hellboy! The actor who plays Hellboy [Ron Perlman], it’d be brilliant to have a big Doctor with a bit of muscle! I imagine Steven Moffat has his own plan though, it’s quite exciting! I’d love to work with him, but I really don’t think I’ll be coming back to Doctor Who again now. Bringing people back was more Russell’s thing.
Apart from Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures, which other TV shows do you enjoy watching?
I love The Wire, I have the boxset. It really takes no prisoners, it’s an amazing show. The original CSI in Vegas is so clever too, I love William Petersen who plays the main guy, Grissom. He’d make a really good Doctor actually! He’s in an amazing film called Manhunter. It’s the first Hannibal Lecter film, before Anthony Hopkins did them. It’s probably the scariest film I’ve ever seen!
Series 1 of The Sarah Jane Adventures will be released on DVD on 10th November 2008 from BBC Worldwide.
Two new audio-exclusive Sarah Jane Adventures titles The Time Capsule and The Ghost House will be released on 13th November 2008, both read by Elisabeth Sladen. The titles will be available on CD and for download and will not be published as books.
There are two new audio-exclusive Sarah Jane Adventures titles out this week, can you tell us a bit about those?
There’s one called ‘The Ghost House’ by Steven Cole, who wrote one of last year’s, and there’s ‘The Time Capsule’ by Peter Anghelides. They’re great fun to do, though I only had one day to record them both. I might alter that in future, it’s very harsh! You can’t just do an impersonation of the characters, as it’s all in the first person. I do get a bit tongue-tied in the action sequences when I’m having to quickly alternate between myself, Luke, Clyde, an alien, the milkman…
With 12 episodes this year, how long did the second series take to film?
I think I was there for about six months, but I also did the Doctor Who episodes, ‘The Stolen Earth’ and ‘Journey's End’. I had about ten days in between Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures. It was great working with the lovely Graeme Harper again. I’d worked with him 30 years ago and so to do 4 episodes of Sarah Jane with him was brilliant. The kids call him "The Harpenter"! It was very nice being asked to do more episodes this year, that made me very happy. And I was so pleased to have the Sontaran story, with Sarah Jane having history with the Sontarans [1975 Doctor Who story The Sontaran Experiment]. I think it’s unheard of for a show to have this sort of history with a character, it’s brilliant.
Will there be a third series of the show?
They’re writing it now, I believe. I’m very proud of the show, it’ll be lovely to do another series. And it’d be really lovely for the children – not ‘the children’, I mean ‘my co-stars’! Danny [Daniel Anthony who plays Clyde] is 21 now and Anjli [Anjli Mohindra who plays Rani] is 18!
Do you know if Yasmin Paige [who played Maria in Series 1] will return for the third series?
I’m not sure, Yasmin moved on to focus on her studies and Anjli’s role has really settled in now - the new family have fitted in seamlessly.
Do you think that Sarah Jane’s assistants will change if the show continues for another few years, like the companions change in Doctor Who?
Tommy [Thomas Knight who plays Luke] is sealed I think as Sarah Jane’s adopted son, but yes I think the format completely allows for the show to continue.
Would you like to do a Christmas special one year?
Oh wow, that would be amazing, wouldn’t it? I’d never thought about that. With a Christmas tree up in the attic! We filmed a party scene actually, in the first episode of the new series I think, but it wasn’t used. There were balloons everywhere afterwards so I was thinking they’d have to keep the scene or there’d just be mysterious balloons in the background in the attic! But it wasn’t driving the story forward unfortunately.
What was it like working with Nicholas Courtney again, who played The Brigadier at UNIT in Doctor Who? Can you give any hints about the story that he features in?
I was so pleased for him to be back. Hmm, I don’t know how much I can give away - it’s a good one, a really good one. Oh that sounds crap! Well, for Sarah Jane to need The Brigadier, it must be a really dangerous situation. UNIT has certainly given him a wonderful pension, I can tell you that! Or maybe he has a very rich wife, he’s certainly doing alright!
Do you ever get to meet Alexander Armstrong, who does the voice of Mr. Smith?
No, I’ve never met him! All the ADR is done separately, it’s a shame.
Bradley Walsh and Russ Abbot have both guest-starred this series, what were they like to work with?
They were lovely, Bradley Walsh is so funny, he’s such a performer.
If you could choose any actor to guest star on the show as a villain, who would you choose?
Oh there’s so many, the mind races! Am I allowed to say David Tennant?
What’s it like having your own action figure?
Some of my friends have one on top of their Christmas tree! Actually, it’s in my contract that I’m allowed to have a say on the action figures before they get made and the first three they made look ok. But the latest three make me look like the Wicked Witch Of The West! I was really angry about that, if these things don’t look right then people won’t buy them.
There’s a signing event at Borders on Oxford Street on Saturday (15th November, 1.30-4pm) – what are those events like? Do you get fans of all ages?
You do, yes, I was at the Bath Literature Festival recently and the little ones are so enthusiastic. They run up to me screaming “Sarah Jane, Sarah Jane!” and ask me a question, so I answer and then they go “Sarah Jane, Sarah Jane!” and ask me something else. I often answer in character – “I’m afraid The Doctor isn’t here today but I can pass on your message for him” – I don’t think I have the right to spoil it being real for them.
What was it like filming the Doctor Who Series 4 finale episodes with Thomas Knight?
Poor Tommy was very cross as he never met a Dalek, he was just stuck in the attic! It was an amazing story, Sarah Jane has so many links with Davros. Michael Wisher was the first Davros [in 1975’s Genesis Of The Daleks] and after I first did a scene with Julian Bleech, the new Davros, I said to him “you sound just like Davros!”. Genesis Of The Daleks is such an iconic story and it was a time when Tom [Tom Baker, as the fourth Doctor], Ian [Ian Marter, as companion Harry Sullivan] and I had started to gel so well together. I really do love it! Oh no, Russell’s turned me into a fan! I never even watch sci-fi! The joy now is doing the DVD commentaries, although unfortunately I’m not anymore due to contractual reasons with 2entertain, we couldn’t come to an agreement.
How did filming the Doctor Who finale differ from filming The Sarah Jane Adventures?
Doctor Who is such a different animal, it’s like our big brother. Actually, the Sarah Jane Adventures sound man told me that it’s much harder for him than Doctor Who as there’s so much more dialogue! My dialogue has to be really precise as well, I can’t paraphrase my stuff as it’s explaining the plot!
Do you think Sarah Jane and any of her assistants will feature in Doctor Who again?
I don’t know, I didn’t think I’d be coming back after ‘School Reunion’! I thought I’d had a lovely goodbye, but then I came back again! Never say never, definitely.
This time last year, the newspapers were reporting about all the recent companions coming back for the Series 4 finale. At what point did you know you’d be returning?
Oh, I knew quite a long time back! People were asking me about it and I had to just go “oh, that’s news to me!”.
Now that David Tennant has announced he’s leaving Doctor Who next year, who would you like to see as the next Doctor?
Jason Isaacs is an incredibly talented actor, I think he’d bring real gravitas to it - and he’s also from Liverpool! Or maybe Hellboy! The actor who plays Hellboy [Ron Perlman], it’d be brilliant to have a big Doctor with a bit of muscle! I imagine Steven Moffat has his own plan though, it’s quite exciting! I’d love to work with him, but I really don’t think I’ll be coming back to Doctor Who again now. Bringing people back was more Russell’s thing.
Apart from Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures, which other TV shows do you enjoy watching?
I love The Wire, I have the boxset. It really takes no prisoners, it’s an amazing show. The original CSI in Vegas is so clever too, I love William Petersen who plays the main guy, Grissom. He’d make a really good Doctor actually! He’s in an amazing film called Manhunter. It’s the first Hannibal Lecter film, before Anthony Hopkins did them. It’s probably the scariest film I’ve ever seen!
Series 1 of The Sarah Jane Adventures will be released on DVD on 10th November 2008 from BBC Worldwide.
Friday, November 14, 2008
K9 Series Production Website Launched
website dedicated to the production of spin-off series K9 has been launched.People who register on it will be sent e-mail updates about the show. There is, however, no indication when the series will start airing.The website has sections for the series' main credits, a photo gallery, casting and crew documents (both of which are currently not allowing access), plus locations and key design (which is not displaying anything at the moment).Click here for more details.
'Twilight' actor open to 'Doctor Who' role
My colleague Rob Elder interviewed "Twilight" star Robert Pattinson yesterday, and there's an interesting tidbit in the piece: Pattinson, who is English, said he would be open to taking over the lead role in "Doctor Who" once David Tennant departs it, as he has said he plans to do in 2010.
There's already a ton of speculation about who the next Doctor will be; the guessing game so far has centered on Paterson Joseph, an actor who has previously worked with Steven Moffat, "Doctor Who's" new head writer. But no decision has been reached yet.
"The Doctor is great," he said. Asked if he'd pick up the mantle, he replied, "Yeah, maybe."
Pattinson, whose movie opens Nov. 21 and whose appearance caused a near-meltdown at Orland Square Mall, said he "did grow up watching it. I loved it when I was a kid. In fact, I met one of them the other day, Sylvester McCoy [the seventh Doctor]. He's one of the few people I've asked for an autograph."
For all you "Twilight" fans (and yes, I've read the first three books, but held back on the fourth because Stephenie Meyer's sci-fi book, "The Host," was so unbelievably frustrating), I thought Elder came up with an interesting question: With almost limitless choices as to what to do with his undead life, why the heck does Edward, Pattinson's vampire character in the film, stay in high school?
"For you personally, wouldn't 80 years of high school be hell?" Elder asked.
Pattinson answered, "Definitely. I would hate it. That was one of the most difficult things to figure out. You think he'd stay in college, or be a street kid. It'd be way cooler. But I think the whole concept of it is: He's like an addict. I think he wants to make his life really, really, really boring."
Interesting trivia note: Pattinson, who's also a musician, has a song on the "Twilight" soundtrack, which just debuted at No. 1. And that CD was put together by none other than Alexandra Patsavas, the music whiz behind many notable TV show soundtracks (she has worked on "Mad Men," "Grey's Anatomy" and "The O.C.," among others).
UPDATE: Here's a longer version of the Q+A section of Elder's piece, the shorter version of which I linked to above.
Q What does Edward, a 108-year-old vampire, see in a 17-year-old girl?
A He’s lived for 108 years, but he still has the same brain as a 17-year-old. He experiences the world as a 17-year-old. He’s kind of mature in some ways. But if you were in the body of a 17-year-old, I don’t think you’d go for a 108-year-old woman. There’s not much point.
Q And not many around. But why is he drawn Bella Swan, his love interest?
A Initially, it’s just the smell of her blood. She has a weird blood type. And he stopped killing people 50, 60 years ago. She breaks down all his discipline, immediately. He thinks, “I’m not going to let 50, 60 years of work get destroyed by this insignificant girl.” So, he starts testing himself. And he starts to fall for her.
Q But why high school? For you personally, wouldn’t 80 years of high school be hell?
A Definitely. I would hate it. That was one of the most difficult things to figure out. You think he’d stay in college, or be a street kid. It’d be way cooler. But I think the whole concept of it is: He’s like an addict. I think he wants to make his life really, really, really boring. He always does all his homework. He just doesn’t want to get into a situation where he’ll kill someone.
Q So high school is his 12-step program?
A [Laughs] Yeah, yeah, yeah. Absolutely.
Q In Bella’s eyes, he’s perfect. How difficult is it to play a perfect character?
A I just kind of ignored it. I just tried to concentrate on his flaws. I can do the flaws and forget about the rest. Q This question is from Jennifer Armour, a fan waiting in line. David Tennant, the current star of “Doctor Who,” is quitting in 2010. Would you consider taking up the mantle?
A That would be quite cool. I didn’t know he was leaving. The Doctor is great…yeah, maybe. I did grow up watching it. I loved it when I was a kid. In fact, I met one of them the other day, Sylvester McCoy [the seventh Doctor]. He’s one of the few people I’ve asked for an autograph.
There's already a ton of speculation about who the next Doctor will be; the guessing game so far has centered on Paterson Joseph, an actor who has previously worked with Steven Moffat, "Doctor Who's" new head writer. But no decision has been reached yet.
"The Doctor is great," he said. Asked if he'd pick up the mantle, he replied, "Yeah, maybe."
Pattinson, whose movie opens Nov. 21 and whose appearance caused a near-meltdown at Orland Square Mall, said he "did grow up watching it. I loved it when I was a kid. In fact, I met one of them the other day, Sylvester McCoy [the seventh Doctor]. He's one of the few people I've asked for an autograph."
For all you "Twilight" fans (and yes, I've read the first three books, but held back on the fourth because Stephenie Meyer's sci-fi book, "The Host," was so unbelievably frustrating), I thought Elder came up with an interesting question: With almost limitless choices as to what to do with his undead life, why the heck does Edward, Pattinson's vampire character in the film, stay in high school?
"For you personally, wouldn't 80 years of high school be hell?" Elder asked.
Pattinson answered, "Definitely. I would hate it. That was one of the most difficult things to figure out. You think he'd stay in college, or be a street kid. It'd be way cooler. But I think the whole concept of it is: He's like an addict. I think he wants to make his life really, really, really boring."
Interesting trivia note: Pattinson, who's also a musician, has a song on the "Twilight" soundtrack, which just debuted at No. 1. And that CD was put together by none other than Alexandra Patsavas, the music whiz behind many notable TV show soundtracks (she has worked on "Mad Men," "Grey's Anatomy" and "The O.C.," among others).
UPDATE: Here's a longer version of the Q+A section of Elder's piece, the shorter version of which I linked to above.
Q What does Edward, a 108-year-old vampire, see in a 17-year-old girl?
A He’s lived for 108 years, but he still has the same brain as a 17-year-old. He experiences the world as a 17-year-old. He’s kind of mature in some ways. But if you were in the body of a 17-year-old, I don’t think you’d go for a 108-year-old woman. There’s not much point.
Q And not many around. But why is he drawn Bella Swan, his love interest?
A Initially, it’s just the smell of her blood. She has a weird blood type. And he stopped killing people 50, 60 years ago. She breaks down all his discipline, immediately. He thinks, “I’m not going to let 50, 60 years of work get destroyed by this insignificant girl.” So, he starts testing himself. And he starts to fall for her.
Q But why high school? For you personally, wouldn’t 80 years of high school be hell?
A Definitely. I would hate it. That was one of the most difficult things to figure out. You think he’d stay in college, or be a street kid. It’d be way cooler. But I think the whole concept of it is: He’s like an addict. I think he wants to make his life really, really, really boring. He always does all his homework. He just doesn’t want to get into a situation where he’ll kill someone.
Q So high school is his 12-step program?
A [Laughs] Yeah, yeah, yeah. Absolutely.
Q In Bella’s eyes, he’s perfect. How difficult is it to play a perfect character?
A I just kind of ignored it. I just tried to concentrate on his flaws. I can do the flaws and forget about the rest. Q This question is from Jennifer Armour, a fan waiting in line. David Tennant, the current star of “Doctor Who,” is quitting in 2010. Would you consider taking up the mantle?
A That would be quite cool. I didn’t know he was leaving. The Doctor is great…yeah, maybe. I did grow up watching it. I loved it when I was a kid. In fact, I met one of them the other day, Sylvester McCoy [the seventh Doctor]. He’s one of the few people I’ve asked for an autograph.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Colin Salmon to be next timelord???
Now this is an actor i can stand behind for the first black Doctor Who!!!!
He missed scooping the title of the first ever black man to play James Bond, but Luton actor Colin Salmon is now tipped to be the first black Dr Who. The television and film star, who was famously thrown out of Luton Sixth Form College as a teenager, appeared as Dr Moon in the BBC sci-fi series earlier this year. And now it has been reported that Colin will replace current Timelord David Tennant when he leaves the small screen show in 2009. But the BBC has refused to confirm the rumours. Colin, aged 46, has become a screen favourite, rising to fame in popular programme Soldier Soldier (1994) before starring in Prime Suspect (2003), Bad Girls (2006) and Secret Diary Of A Call Girl (2007), as well as having film roles in Alien vs Predator and Resident Evil. But Colin is best known for playing M's assistant, agent Charles Robinson, in three 007 films, and was rumoured to be in the running for the Bond role before it went to Daniel Craig. It would have made him the first ever black man to play the famous spy.
He missed scooping the title of the first ever black man to play James Bond, but Luton actor Colin Salmon is now tipped to be the first black Dr Who. The television and film star, who was famously thrown out of Luton Sixth Form College as a teenager, appeared as Dr Moon in the BBC sci-fi series earlier this year. And now it has been reported that Colin will replace current Timelord David Tennant when he leaves the small screen show in 2009. But the BBC has refused to confirm the rumours. Colin, aged 46, has become a screen favourite, rising to fame in popular programme Soldier Soldier (1994) before starring in Prime Suspect (2003), Bad Girls (2006) and Secret Diary Of A Call Girl (2007), as well as having film roles in Alien vs Predator and Resident Evil. But Colin is best known for playing M's assistant, agent Charles Robinson, in three 007 films, and was rumoured to be in the running for the Bond role before it went to Daniel Craig. It would have made him the first ever black man to play the famous spy.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
MURRAY GOLD MOVES ON?
According to a BBC WALES Source, Murray Gold could be discontinuing his (superb) association with DOCTOR WHO after the 2009 SPECIALS, leaving incoming Producers with the task (if not already completed) of allocating another Composer.
The creative talent of Gold is often overlooked but is key to the success of the series. He should have won the BAFTA for VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED.
The creative talent of Gold is often overlooked but is key to the success of the series. He should have won the BAFTA for VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Will the new Doctor Who be announced on Children In Need?
Are we just days away from finding out who the next Doctor Who is?
Listeners of Terry Wogan’s Radio 2 breakfast show this morning may have done the same double take that regular DoG contributor Cameron McEwan did when the host started telling his listeners just what to expect on the upcoming Children In Need telethon. Due to be broadcast on Friday 14th November, one of the treats for Children In Need, according to Wogan, could be that they “may announce the new Doctor Who”. Now this could clearly mean a number of things, as part of the Children In Need extravaganza will be the broadcasting of the first two minutes of the upcoming Christmas special, The Next Doctor. Could Wogan’s comment be related to that, which is quite likely? Could the man just be going mad? Or are we really going to see the planet’s most anticipated casting decision revealed in the midst of a charity telethon?Time will, surely, tell. In the meantime, it might not be a bad time to get down to the bookies and get your bets on, just in case...
Listeners of Terry Wogan’s Radio 2 breakfast show this morning may have done the same double take that regular DoG contributor Cameron McEwan did when the host started telling his listeners just what to expect on the upcoming Children In Need telethon. Due to be broadcast on Friday 14th November, one of the treats for Children In Need, according to Wogan, could be that they “may announce the new Doctor Who”. Now this could clearly mean a number of things, as part of the Children In Need extravaganza will be the broadcasting of the first two minutes of the upcoming Christmas special, The Next Doctor. Could Wogan’s comment be related to that, which is quite likely? Could the man just be going mad? Or are we really going to see the planet’s most anticipated casting decision revealed in the midst of a charity telethon?Time will, surely, tell. In the meantime, it might not be a bad time to get down to the bookies and get your bets on, just in case...
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
EastEnder's Tom Ellis is favourite for next Dr Who
Former EastEnders actor Tom Ellis is the surprise name being lined-up to replace David Tennant as the 11th Doctor Who.
Tom, 29, is best known as Dr Oliver Cousins, having spent just five months in the BBC soap in 2006.
But the actor, who is married to former EastEnder Tamzin Outhwaite, 37, also appeared briefly on Doctor Who last year as NHS doctor Tom Milligan.
And the show's new boss Steven Moffat has already asked him about his availability to play the Time Lord for the 2010 series.
A BBC source said: "Tom is the frontrunner for the job and is very interested.
"Now he has to impress Steven and show he's willing and able to play a different kind of doctor."
Tennant, 37, bows out as Doctor Who in a Christmas Special 2009. Other names in the frame include Robert Carlyle, Paterson Joseph and David Morrissey.
Tom, 29, is best known as Dr Oliver Cousins, having spent just five months in the BBC soap in 2006.
But the actor, who is married to former EastEnder Tamzin Outhwaite, 37, also appeared briefly on Doctor Who last year as NHS doctor Tom Milligan.
And the show's new boss Steven Moffat has already asked him about his availability to play the Time Lord for the 2010 series.
A BBC source said: "Tom is the frontrunner for the job and is very interested.
"Now he has to impress Steven and show he's willing and able to play a different kind of doctor."
Tennant, 37, bows out as Doctor Who in a Christmas Special 2009. Other names in the frame include Robert Carlyle, Paterson Joseph and David Morrissey.
David Tennant On BBC Breakfast
David Tennant appeared on the BBC Breakfast sofa today to discuss his decision to move on from Doctor Who, which he announced last Wednesday night.
You can watch a clip of his appearance by following the link below.
David will be appearing as The Doctor in a further five specials, the first of which airs this Christmas. You can watch a clip of this too, by following the second link below.
David On BBC Breakfast
The Next Doctor
You can watch a clip of his appearance by following the link below.
David will be appearing as The Doctor in a further five specials, the first of which airs this Christmas. You can watch a clip of this too, by following the second link below.
David On BBC Breakfast
The Next Doctor
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Tom Baker on Have i got news for you
Watch a clip HERE.....
Lock up your daleks, tie down your knitwear and get yourself behind the nearest sofa, because this week's show will be hosted by none other than Doctor Who legend, Tom Baker. Also most recently gracing our screens as the irreverent voice of Little Britain, Tom's incarnation as third Newslord of this series of HIGNFY promises to be something quite unforgettable.
Doctor Who is customarily joined by a pretty, young assistant, so after some careful casting we've gone for deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable, as the obvious choice. Our second guest this week, Chris Addison, also has some experience in pretending to influence government, having played Special Advisor to the Secretary of State in award-winning political comedy, The Thick Of It. Chris has also written and starred in his own sitcom, Lab Rats, as well as regularly performing stand-up around the country.
Bending the rules of space, time and, quite often, acceptable humour, the Have I Got News For You website may look a little poky on the outside, but offers the more intrepid explorer a Tardisian cavern of exclusive content within. As usual, we'll have our world-famous Inevitable Internet Spin-off, with outtakes from the show; we'll be delving deep into the life of one of our panellists in the Guest Interview; and there is the opportunity to show us how this whole topical humour thing should be done in our interactive Caption Challenge.
Lock up your daleks, tie down your knitwear and get yourself behind the nearest sofa, because this week's show will be hosted by none other than Doctor Who legend, Tom Baker. Also most recently gracing our screens as the irreverent voice of Little Britain, Tom's incarnation as third Newslord of this series of HIGNFY promises to be something quite unforgettable.
Doctor Who is customarily joined by a pretty, young assistant, so after some careful casting we've gone for deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable, as the obvious choice. Our second guest this week, Chris Addison, also has some experience in pretending to influence government, having played Special Advisor to the Secretary of State in award-winning political comedy, The Thick Of It. Chris has also written and starred in his own sitcom, Lab Rats, as well as regularly performing stand-up around the country.
Bending the rules of space, time and, quite often, acceptable humour, the Have I Got News For You website may look a little poky on the outside, but offers the more intrepid explorer a Tardisian cavern of exclusive content within. As usual, we'll have our world-famous Inevitable Internet Spin-off, with outtakes from the show; we'll be delving deep into the life of one of our panellists in the Guest Interview; and there is the opportunity to show us how this whole topical humour thing should be done in our interactive Caption Challenge.
David Tennant On BBC Breakfast
David Tennant will take to the BBC Breakfast sofa this Monday, 3rd November 2008.
The interview will take place shortly after 8.30am. Tune in to hear him discuss his decision to move on from Doctor Who which he announced on Wednesday night.
David will be appearing as The Doctor in a further five specials, the first of which airs this Christmas. You can watch a clip of it here, by following the link below.
The Next Doctor
The interview will take place shortly after 8.30am. Tune in to hear him discuss his decision to move on from Doctor Who which he announced on Wednesday night.
David will be appearing as The Doctor in a further five specials, the first of which airs this Christmas. You can watch a clip of it here, by following the link below.
The Next Doctor
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
As Tennant calls time, fans ponder who new Doc will be
David Tennant is calling time on the Doctor Who series at the end of next year.
Tennant's decision brings to an end his popular four-year tenure as the BBC time lord.
The Paisley actor broke the news while collecting the Outstanding Drama Performance gong at the National Television Awards last night.
Speaking through a video link, he told viewers: "When Dr Who returns in 2010 it won't be me. Now don't make me cry. The 2009 shows will be my last.
"I love this show and if I don't take a deep breath and move on now I never will and you will be wheeling me out of the Tardis in my bath chair.
"It's been the most brilliant, mad, life-changing time over the last three-and-a-half years but I am not going yet. Thank you for watching it, for loving it and for being so enthusiastic."
Tennant said co-star Catherine Tate should have won the gong as he accepted the award from Stratford-upon-Avon, where he is playing Hamlet.
Tate, who took to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall to pick up the award for Doctor Who, said: "This is extraordinary. I know Doctor Who has won it every year. I was sweating we were going to lose the year I joined."
Speculation about Tennant's replacement has gripped Doctor Who fans for years.
Cold Feet star James Nesbitt has often been touted as the 11th timelord.
But bookmakers Paddy Power favour Paterson Joseph as the favourite to take over the role, offering odds of 3-1 on him becoming the first black doctor.
He has already appeared in two episodes of the show playing Roderick, alongside previous doctor, Christopher Eccleston.
Life on Mars star John Simm and his co-star David Morrissey in political drama State of Play are also given odds of 8-1 and 5-1 respectively.
Ignored by the bookmakers but a contender that has piqued the fanbase's interest is Notting Hill star Rhys Ifans.
Tennant's decision brings to an end his popular four-year tenure as the BBC time lord.
The Paisley actor broke the news while collecting the Outstanding Drama Performance gong at the National Television Awards last night.
Speaking through a video link, he told viewers: "When Dr Who returns in 2010 it won't be me. Now don't make me cry. The 2009 shows will be my last.
"I love this show and if I don't take a deep breath and move on now I never will and you will be wheeling me out of the Tardis in my bath chair.
"It's been the most brilliant, mad, life-changing time over the last three-and-a-half years but I am not going yet. Thank you for watching it, for loving it and for being so enthusiastic."
Tennant said co-star Catherine Tate should have won the gong as he accepted the award from Stratford-upon-Avon, where he is playing Hamlet.
Tate, who took to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall to pick up the award for Doctor Who, said: "This is extraordinary. I know Doctor Who has won it every year. I was sweating we were going to lose the year I joined."
Speculation about Tennant's replacement has gripped Doctor Who fans for years.
Cold Feet star James Nesbitt has often been touted as the 11th timelord.
But bookmakers Paddy Power favour Paterson Joseph as the favourite to take over the role, offering odds of 3-1 on him becoming the first black doctor.
He has already appeared in two episodes of the show playing Roderick, alongside previous doctor, Christopher Eccleston.
Life on Mars star John Simm and his co-star David Morrissey in political drama State of Play are also given odds of 8-1 and 5-1 respectively.
Ignored by the bookmakers but a contender that has piqued the fanbase's interest is Notting Hill star Rhys Ifans.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Dr Who wins at NTA
The Official BBC Doctor Who website has been updated with Doctor Who's win at the National Television Awards and David Tennant winning Outstanding Drama Performance, click on the appropriate link for more details.
David Tennant to leave Doctor Who with video
David Tennant has announced that he will leave the award winning BBC One drama Doctor Who when he has completed the filming of four special episodes which will be screened in 2009 and early in 2010.
David Tennant first appeared as The Doctor in 2005 and has gone on to star in three series and three Christmas specials as the tenth incarnation of the Time Lord.
The BBC has confirmed that David will continue to play The Doctor in the four specials that will make up the 2009 series before a new Doctor takes over for Series 5.
Tennant will also star in the Doctor Who Christmas special, titled The Next Doctor, this year.
David Tennant comments: "I've had the most brilliant, bewildering and life changing time working on Doctor Who.
"I have loved every day of it.. It would be very easy to cling on to the Tardis console forever and I fear that if I don't take a deep breath and make the decision to move on now, then I simply never will. You would be prising the Tardis key out of my cold dead hand.
"This show has been so special to me, I don't want to outstay my welcome.
"This is all a long way off, of course. I'm not quitting, I'm back in Cardiff in January to film four special episodes which will take Doctor Who all the way through 2009.
"I'm still the Doctor all next year but when the time finally comes I'll be honoured to hand on the best job in the world to the next lucky git – whoever that may be.
"I'd always thought the time to leave would be in conjunction with Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner who have been such a huge part of it all for me.
"Steven Moffat is the most brilliant and exciting writer, the only possible successor to Russell and it was sorely tempting to be part of his amazing new plans for the show. I will be there, glued to my TV when his stories begin in 2010.
"I feel very privileged to have been part of this incredible phenomenon, and whilst I'm looking forward to new challenges I know I'll always be very proud to be the Tenth Doctor."
Russell T Davies, Executive Producer of Doctor Who, comments: ""I've been lucky and honoured to work with David over the past few years – and it's not over yet, the Tenth Doctor still has five spectacular hours left!
"After which, I might drop an anvil on his head. Or maybe a piano. A radioactive piano.
"But we're planning the most enormous and spectacular ending, so keep watching!"
David expands upon his decision in a taped interview which can be found at bbc.co.uk/doctorwho.
Doctor Who returns to our screens on BBC this Christmas. The Next Doctor starring David Tennant, David Morrissey and Dervla Kirwan will be screened on 25 December 2008 on BBC One.
David Tennant first appeared as The Doctor in 2005 and has gone on to star in three series and three Christmas specials as the tenth incarnation of the Time Lord.
The BBC has confirmed that David will continue to play The Doctor in the four specials that will make up the 2009 series before a new Doctor takes over for Series 5.
Tennant will also star in the Doctor Who Christmas special, titled The Next Doctor, this year.
David Tennant comments: "I've had the most brilliant, bewildering and life changing time working on Doctor Who.
"I have loved every day of it.. It would be very easy to cling on to the Tardis console forever and I fear that if I don't take a deep breath and make the decision to move on now, then I simply never will. You would be prising the Tardis key out of my cold dead hand.
"This show has been so special to me, I don't want to outstay my welcome.
"This is all a long way off, of course. I'm not quitting, I'm back in Cardiff in January to film four special episodes which will take Doctor Who all the way through 2009.
"I'm still the Doctor all next year but when the time finally comes I'll be honoured to hand on the best job in the world to the next lucky git – whoever that may be.
"I'd always thought the time to leave would be in conjunction with Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner who have been such a huge part of it all for me.
"Steven Moffat is the most brilliant and exciting writer, the only possible successor to Russell and it was sorely tempting to be part of his amazing new plans for the show. I will be there, glued to my TV when his stories begin in 2010.
"I feel very privileged to have been part of this incredible phenomenon, and whilst I'm looking forward to new challenges I know I'll always be very proud to be the Tenth Doctor."
Russell T Davies, Executive Producer of Doctor Who, comments: ""I've been lucky and honoured to work with David over the past few years – and it's not over yet, the Tenth Doctor still has five spectacular hours left!
"After which, I might drop an anvil on his head. Or maybe a piano. A radioactive piano.
"But we're planning the most enormous and spectacular ending, so keep watching!"
David expands upon his decision in a taped interview which can be found at bbc.co.uk/doctorwho.
Doctor Who returns to our screens on BBC this Christmas. The Next Doctor starring David Tennant, David Morrissey and Dervla Kirwan will be screened on 25 December 2008 on BBC One.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tom Spends Time With Fans
Tom Spends Time With Fans
Fourth Doctor Tom Baker recently met up with fans at a signing session in a Norwich Sci-Fi store.
BBC Norfolk were on hand to catch Tom in action, and produced a lovely gallery of pictures.
Follow the link below to check them out.
BBC Norfolk Tom Baker Gallery
Fourth Doctor Tom Baker recently met up with fans at a signing session in a Norwich Sci-Fi store.
BBC Norfolk were on hand to catch Tom in action, and produced a lovely gallery of pictures.
Follow the link below to check them out.
BBC Norfolk Tom Baker Gallery
Friday, October 24, 2008
Exclusive Doctor Who preview on Children in Need
Teaser For The Next Doctor to be shown on charity night.
This year's Children in Need Telethon is to feature an exclusive preview of the forthcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special.
The clip, from the Christmas Special entitled The Next Doctor, will show the first two minutes of a brand new episode for the Time Lord, played by David Tennant.
This never seen before footage, is a worldwide exclusive, and will keep fans all over the globe wondering what's in store for the Doctor's next adventure.
Starring David Tennant and David Morrissey
This year's Children in Need Telethon is to feature an exclusive preview of the forthcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special.
The clip, from the Christmas Special entitled The Next Doctor, will show the first two minutes of a brand new episode for the Time Lord, played by David Tennant.
This never seen before footage, is a worldwide exclusive, and will keep fans all over the globe wondering what's in store for the Doctor's next adventure.
Starring David Tennant and David Morrissey
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Billie Piper gives birth to son
Actress Billie Piper has given birth to a baby boy by an emergency Caesarean, her husband has confirmed.
Laurence Fox told reporters outside the Portland Hospital in London that the couple have named the baby Winston James Fox.
He said the baby weighed 6lb 11oz and was born at 0100 BST on Tuesday.
Piper, 26, who stars in Secret Diary Of A Call Girl married Fox last December. News of the birth was first revealed by her former husband, Chris Evans.
'Beautiful and sweet'
Fox revealed his wife had been in labour for 26 hours before going to hospital.
"The emergency caesarean only took about 20 minutes," he said.
"Billie is happy. Of course she is, she's a mum. I am tired but not as tired as her - I am a proud father.
He said his new-born son was "beautiful" and "sweet".
The proud father showed reporters outside the hospital a picture of new-born Winston on his mobile phone.
There were also some smaller thumbnail pictures of a smiling Piper holding her son, but he did not show these in full.
He said they were personal "secret" photos and would not be released to the media.
The actor initially thought Piper would only be kept in overnight after the birth.
But speaking to reporters on Wednesday he revealed doctors had told them she might not be ready to go home for "five days to a week".
He added: "She had a Caesarean. It was quite a major thing wasn't it."
Visibly tired as he left the hospital to smoke, Fox said he had not changed his jeans and jumper for three days.
On the day of the birth Chris Evans told reporters outside the hospital that mother and baby were "fantastic".
The Radio 2 presenter, who is also expecting a baby with his new wife Natasha Shishmanian, said: "Mum is very happy and I am really pleased. There are some tears of joy up there."
Teenage pop star
The star also updated his blog with news of the birth.
He wrote: "At the time of this writing, the little fella is not even fifteen hours old.
"He is cute as you like and didn't cry once for the few minutes I was there which was just a few moments ago."
Piper shot to fame as a teenage pop star with her hit single Because We Want To in 1998.
She met Evans on his Channel 4 show TFI Friday in May 2000, and later revealed to the Daily Mail that she was "terrified" of their encounter.
But the couple hit it off and, six months later, travelled to Las Vegas where they married with only six friends in attendance.
Following the ceremony, the pair travelled for 18 months before returning to the UK where Piper kicked off her acting career with a role in BBC's The Canterbury Tales.
She became a household name for a second time in 2005 when she played the role of Rose Tyler in the revamped Doctor Who.
Piper married her second husband, Fox, on New Years Eve at a church in West Sussex.
Laurence Fox told reporters outside the Portland Hospital in London that the couple have named the baby Winston James Fox.
He said the baby weighed 6lb 11oz and was born at 0100 BST on Tuesday.
Piper, 26, who stars in Secret Diary Of A Call Girl married Fox last December. News of the birth was first revealed by her former husband, Chris Evans.
'Beautiful and sweet'
Fox revealed his wife had been in labour for 26 hours before going to hospital.
"The emergency caesarean only took about 20 minutes," he said.
"Billie is happy. Of course she is, she's a mum. I am tired but not as tired as her - I am a proud father.
He said his new-born son was "beautiful" and "sweet".
The proud father showed reporters outside the hospital a picture of new-born Winston on his mobile phone.
There were also some smaller thumbnail pictures of a smiling Piper holding her son, but he did not show these in full.
He said they were personal "secret" photos and would not be released to the media.
The actor initially thought Piper would only be kept in overnight after the birth.
But speaking to reporters on Wednesday he revealed doctors had told them she might not be ready to go home for "five days to a week".
He added: "She had a Caesarean. It was quite a major thing wasn't it."
Visibly tired as he left the hospital to smoke, Fox said he had not changed his jeans and jumper for three days.
On the day of the birth Chris Evans told reporters outside the hospital that mother and baby were "fantastic".
The Radio 2 presenter, who is also expecting a baby with his new wife Natasha Shishmanian, said: "Mum is very happy and I am really pleased. There are some tears of joy up there."
Teenage pop star
The star also updated his blog with news of the birth.
He wrote: "At the time of this writing, the little fella is not even fifteen hours old.
"He is cute as you like and didn't cry once for the few minutes I was there which was just a few moments ago."
Piper shot to fame as a teenage pop star with her hit single Because We Want To in 1998.
She met Evans on his Channel 4 show TFI Friday in May 2000, and later revealed to the Daily Mail that she was "terrified" of their encounter.
But the couple hit it off and, six months later, travelled to Las Vegas where they married with only six friends in attendance.
Following the ceremony, the pair travelled for 18 months before returning to the UK where Piper kicked off her acting career with a role in BBC's The Canterbury Tales.
She became a household name for a second time in 2005 when she played the role of Rose Tyler in the revamped Doctor Who.
Piper married her second husband, Fox, on New Years Eve at a church in West Sussex.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Series 4 soundtrack to be released
Digital Spy reports the Doctor Who Series Four soundtrack will be released next month, CLICK HERE for more details.
Paul McGann returns as the Doctor
Paul McGann returns as the Doctor with Sheridan Smith as Lucy Miller to BBC Radio 7 with eight Big Finish audios that have never been broadcast before. The first episode is Dead London tomorrow at 6pm and midnight and will be available for a week following broadcast at the BBC7 website.http://www.bbc. co.uk/radio7/
CIN press release
The BBC Press Office has released details of what this years Children in Need will contain, with no mention an appearance from any of the actors who have played the Doctor, CLICK HERE for the Press Release
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
DOCTOR WHO STAR IN BBC TALKS
DOCTOR Who star David Tennant may yet do battle with the Daleks in another full series of the BBC1 cult sci-fi show.
The guessing game over whether the actor will continue in the title role has taken another twist, with a source close to the programme saying the popular star is “talking about coming back” and is “set to open up negotiations”.
And last night a BBC executive admitted: “We just can’t lose him.”
Tennant is currently signed to do three specials in the new year, but has refused to say anything about whether he will sign for a fifth series.
Instead, he has taken a step back from television to play Hamlet in the theatre. This had led to much speculation over who would follow him into the Tardis, with stars from Richard Hammond to David Morrissey each staking a claim to the coveted, and lucrative, role.
Three weeks ago in the Sunday Express, outgoing Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies suggested Tennant may not be lost to the series after all and could go on “for ever”.
He added: “David has brought everything to Doctor Who. I remember exactly where I was when I saw him audition for Casanova,” which was also written by him. “I thought, here is someone saying the lines exactly as they are written.”
Meanwhile, the search is still on for the Doctor’s new assistant. Since the show’s relaunch there have been three – Billie Piper, Freema Agayman and Catherine Tate and the part is considered a plum role for any emerging actress.
A source said: “What we do know is that Patrick Stewart is going to appear in the fifth series as the Meddling Monk.
The character last appeared in Doctor Who in the Sixties. Stewart, who played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek, and Tennant have become close friends through starring in the RSC’s Hamlet at Stratford-upon-Avon.
The three specials are due to film in January, February and March next year, while the new series will be shot from June.
A Christmas special will feature Tennant, Morrissey and Dervla Kirwan in a battle against the Cybermen.
The guessing game over whether the actor will continue in the title role has taken another twist, with a source close to the programme saying the popular star is “talking about coming back” and is “set to open up negotiations”.
And last night a BBC executive admitted: “We just can’t lose him.”
Tennant is currently signed to do three specials in the new year, but has refused to say anything about whether he will sign for a fifth series.
Instead, he has taken a step back from television to play Hamlet in the theatre. This had led to much speculation over who would follow him into the Tardis, with stars from Richard Hammond to David Morrissey each staking a claim to the coveted, and lucrative, role.
Three weeks ago in the Sunday Express, outgoing Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies suggested Tennant may not be lost to the series after all and could go on “for ever”.
He added: “David has brought everything to Doctor Who. I remember exactly where I was when I saw him audition for Casanova,” which was also written by him. “I thought, here is someone saying the lines exactly as they are written.”
Meanwhile, the search is still on for the Doctor’s new assistant. Since the show’s relaunch there have been three – Billie Piper, Freema Agayman and Catherine Tate and the part is considered a plum role for any emerging actress.
A source said: “What we do know is that Patrick Stewart is going to appear in the fifth series as the Meddling Monk.
The character last appeared in Doctor Who in the Sixties. Stewart, who played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek, and Tennant have become close friends through starring in the RSC’s Hamlet at Stratford-upon-Avon.
The three specials are due to film in January, February and March next year, while the new series will be shot from June.
A Christmas special will feature Tennant, Morrissey and Dervla Kirwan in a battle against the Cybermen.
Seven Dr Whos set for reunion????
The actors are getting together for the BBC charity Children in Need in a programme to be broadcast on November 14.
An insider at the BBC said: "It's a pretty ambitious idea and it's still being finalised. Everything is being kept under wraps but Doctor Who fans are in for a big treat."
The first of the 10 actors to take the role was William Hartnell in 1963, followed three years later by Patrick Troughton and then by Jon Pertwee but all three have since died.
The seven survivors include Tom Baker, now best known as the voice of the comedy series Little Britain, who played the role for seven years from 1974.
He was followed by Peter Davidson from 1981 to 1984, whose daughter Georgia Moffett has also featured in the programme and who is now dating the current doctor, David Tennant.
The others are Colin Baker, from 1984 to 1986, Sylvester McCoy who had two stints from 1987 to 1989 and re-appeared in the role in 1996, Paul McGann, who took over the role in 1996 and Christopher Eccleston who reprised the series in 2005.
An insider at the BBC said: "It's a pretty ambitious idea and it's still being finalised. Everything is being kept under wraps but Doctor Who fans are in for a big treat."
The first of the 10 actors to take the role was William Hartnell in 1963, followed three years later by Patrick Troughton and then by Jon Pertwee but all three have since died.
The seven survivors include Tom Baker, now best known as the voice of the comedy series Little Britain, who played the role for seven years from 1974.
He was followed by Peter Davidson from 1981 to 1984, whose daughter Georgia Moffett has also featured in the programme and who is now dating the current doctor, David Tennant.
The others are Colin Baker, from 1984 to 1986, Sylvester McCoy who had two stints from 1987 to 1989 and re-appeared in the role in 1996, Paul McGann, who took over the role in 1996 and Christopher Eccleston who reprised the series in 2005.
The new Who??? ***K ME i sure hope not!!!!
io9 is rumoring that a new Doctor is set to take the reins and OMG he is the last person id EVER pick for the role. I have only seen his peformance in Jekyll and he sucke balls. He tried to effect this southernish twangy american accent and sounded like a complete and total idiot throughout the show. Christ i never thought id ever say i wouldn't watch Dr Who no matter what but if HE gets the role i may finally bail. Damn this sucks.... The article below came from io9 HERE.
According to official comic rumormonger Rich Johnston, Paterson Joseph will be the next Doctor Who:
My last couple of Doctor Who leaks were fairly solid — Neil Gaiman to write 2010 “Doctor Who” and Tom Baker returning to the series proper in an unnamed role. Both have been bubbling under ever since. The next one is not so tied down. It’s still rather up in the air. But it’s quite a possibility.
The sixth series of “Doctor Who” (2011) will star Paterson Joseph as The Doctor.
Previously playing Roderick in the “Doctor Who” episodes “Bad Wolf”/”Parting Of Ways,” Joseph is known for fine upstanding and terribly-well-spoken-dontcha-know roles as Johnson in “Peep Show,” the Marquis De Carabas in “Neverwhere,” Space Marshall Clarke in “Hyperdrive,” Lyndon in “Green Wing”…
…and more importantly Benjamin in “Jekyll.” Written and produced by upcoming “Doctor” Who showrunner, Steven Moffat.
If true, it’s a great call on Moffat’s part. A damn fine call. Paterson has a very British Authority approach to many of his characters, comparable with Jon Pertwee. It’s not a traditional choice, but then neither was Christopher Eccleston. And, like I say, it’s bloody brilliant.
Johnston himself rates the rumor as being "a little dodgy," but adds that that could change in months to come. Personally, I'm looking forward to it, if true - Joseph is a great actor, and a new Doctor would definitely be a way for Moffat to announce his arrival as the man in charge. Not that I have anything against David Tennant, but still... He has been doing it for a few years now...
According to official comic rumormonger Rich Johnston, Paterson Joseph will be the next Doctor Who:
My last couple of Doctor Who leaks were fairly solid — Neil Gaiman to write 2010 “Doctor Who” and Tom Baker returning to the series proper in an unnamed role. Both have been bubbling under ever since. The next one is not so tied down. It’s still rather up in the air. But it’s quite a possibility.
The sixth series of “Doctor Who” (2011) will star Paterson Joseph as The Doctor.
Previously playing Roderick in the “Doctor Who” episodes “Bad Wolf”/”Parting Of Ways,” Joseph is known for fine upstanding and terribly-well-spoken-dontcha-know roles as Johnson in “Peep Show,” the Marquis De Carabas in “Neverwhere,” Space Marshall Clarke in “Hyperdrive,” Lyndon in “Green Wing”…
…and more importantly Benjamin in “Jekyll.” Written and produced by upcoming “Doctor” Who showrunner, Steven Moffat.
If true, it’s a great call on Moffat’s part. A damn fine call. Paterson has a very British Authority approach to many of his characters, comparable with Jon Pertwee. It’s not a traditional choice, but then neither was Christopher Eccleston. And, like I say, it’s bloody brilliant.
Johnston himself rates the rumor as being "a little dodgy," but adds that that could change in months to come. Personally, I'm looking forward to it, if true - Joseph is a great actor, and a new Doctor would definitely be a way for Moffat to announce his arrival as the man in charge. Not that I have anything against David Tennant, but still... He has been doing it for a few years now...
Friday, October 10, 2008
Tshabalala reveals 'The Next Doctor' details
Velile Tshabalala has revealed several details about her 'companion' character in the forthcoming Doctor Who Christmas special 'The Next Doctor'.
Speaking to the West Sussex Gazette, the former Tittybangbang and Kerching! actress stated that Rosita is "an East Londoner, very Cockney".
She revealed that Rosita "is the assistant to the other Doctor", played by David Morrissey, "but as the episode goes on she starts helping The Doctor", as played by David Tennant.
Tshabalala added that she hopes her appearance is not a one-off, saying. "I would love to do more. At the moment I am just being positive about it, that I did it and that I had a great time. But I would love to be in it again if I can.
"I am just so excited about it. We filmed it in April in Cardiff and Gloucester and Monmouth and so it has died down a bit, but now it is getting closer and I just can't wait."
Speaking to the West Sussex Gazette, the former Tittybangbang and Kerching! actress stated that Rosita is "an East Londoner, very Cockney".
She revealed that Rosita "is the assistant to the other Doctor", played by David Morrissey, "but as the episode goes on she starts helping The Doctor", as played by David Tennant.
Tshabalala added that she hopes her appearance is not a one-off, saying. "I would love to do more. At the moment I am just being positive about it, that I did it and that I had a great time. But I would love to be in it again if I can.
"I am just so excited about it. We filmed it in April in Cardiff and Gloucester and Monmouth and so it has died down a bit, but now it is getting closer and I just can't wait."
New 'Torchwood' cast members revealed
Four new cast members have been revealed for Torchwood: Children of Earth, the shortened third season of the cult show.
Producer Peter Bennett told Torchwood Magazine about the additions, a mixture of established and upcoming talent.
Former Cape Wrath star Lucy Cohu will play Alice, described by Bennett as "a woman keeping many secrets from the past".
Susan Brown, best known for her turn in The Riff Raff Element, plays Bridget Spears - "a character vitally connected to the government, which plays an important part in this story", according to Bennett.
The quartet is completed by newcomers Cush Jumbo and Rik Makarem, with the former playing Lois Habiba, "a secretary who hacks into some vital information", and Makarem portraying Doctor Rupesh Patanjali, a "junior doctor at St Helen's hospital who gets drawn into Torchwood's investigations".
They join a trio of previously announced guest stars - including Peter Capaldi - in the third season, which is currently filming for transmission on BBC One in early 2009.
Producer Peter Bennett told Torchwood Magazine about the additions, a mixture of established and upcoming talent.
Former Cape Wrath star Lucy Cohu will play Alice, described by Bennett as "a woman keeping many secrets from the past".
Susan Brown, best known for her turn in The Riff Raff Element, plays Bridget Spears - "a character vitally connected to the government, which plays an important part in this story", according to Bennett.
The quartet is completed by newcomers Cush Jumbo and Rik Makarem, with the former playing Lois Habiba, "a secretary who hacks into some vital information", and Makarem portraying Doctor Rupesh Patanjali, a "junior doctor at St Helen's hospital who gets drawn into Torchwood's investigations".
They join a trio of previously announced guest stars - including Peter Capaldi - in the third season, which is currently filming for transmission on BBC One in early 2009.
Torchwood spoiler alert
Torchwood TV has a scoop with pics and video of the hub being destroyed and many other pics from the mini series that was filmed.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Tennant calls Moffat "new boss"
From Den of geeks article
Commentaries on the forthcoming season 4 of Doctor Who reveal some fun, but also fascinating facts…
The all-new audio commentaries from the upcoming series 4 DVD box-set of Doctor Who reveal some juicy news about this year's Christmas special, the future of the show under Steven Moffat and The Sarah Jane Adventures. The box-set hits the street in mid-November, but you'll be able to read a full review of the six disc behemoth later this week. Until then enjoy the following news collated from the various new commentaries:
ON THE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL...
• The phrase "cache of info-stamps" is said (not revealed by whom).
• There's a character called Aubrey Fairchild*, (the name of the Prime Minister in early drafts of The Stolen Earth) who meets a "terrible death".
• The Hub set, from spin-off series Torchwood, has been 'trashed' and used for filming in the special.
ON THE FUTURE...
• David Tennant refers to Steven Moffat as his "new boss", and their discussion indicates that they are already working together.
• The Moff prefers two-parters but this will not affect how he approaches the series.
• When asked if the title sequence for series 5 will change, the incoming show-runner jokes, "Should his face be in it?"
• The written (but not filmed) 'Shadow Proclamation' scene in The Stolen Earth, featuring monsters from throughout the series, has been requested by David to appear in one of the specials.
ON THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES
• The production team couldn't find an actor short enough for Kaagh in The Last Sontaran so they had to make a new costume - thereby upping the cost of the episode.
• The actor who played the milkman from Journey's End is to appear in an upcoming episode.
• Catherine Tate wants a part (but not as Donna Noble), as her daughter loves the show.
• David Tennant wants to be the voice of 'Mr. Smith'.
and the biggie:
• David Tennant was to appear in the opening episode (in a sub-plot which would explain why K9 was not to appear in the show) but, at the time of recording the commentary (May 2008), this idea was binned. Julie Gardener states "it could still happen".
AND FINALLY...
• On the Paul McGann TV Movie, RTD says, ".. so not what I would do, but I love it."
• Although RTD loves the Ice Warriors, he says they are "slightly generic".
• When asked if River Song is The Doctor's wife, Steven Moffat says "it's more complicated than that"
• RTD reveals that Harriet Jones died in The Stolen Earth despite Phil Collinson's protestations that she lived.
* 'Aubrey Fairchild' only seems to appear anywhere else as a name in the film Midnight Masquerade (1942) - Ed.
Commentaries on the forthcoming season 4 of Doctor Who reveal some fun, but also fascinating facts…
The all-new audio commentaries from the upcoming series 4 DVD box-set of Doctor Who reveal some juicy news about this year's Christmas special, the future of the show under Steven Moffat and The Sarah Jane Adventures. The box-set hits the street in mid-November, but you'll be able to read a full review of the six disc behemoth later this week. Until then enjoy the following news collated from the various new commentaries:
ON THE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL...
• The phrase "cache of info-stamps" is said (not revealed by whom).
• There's a character called Aubrey Fairchild*, (the name of the Prime Minister in early drafts of The Stolen Earth) who meets a "terrible death".
• The Hub set, from spin-off series Torchwood, has been 'trashed' and used for filming in the special.
ON THE FUTURE...
• David Tennant refers to Steven Moffat as his "new boss", and their discussion indicates that they are already working together.
• The Moff prefers two-parters but this will not affect how he approaches the series.
• When asked if the title sequence for series 5 will change, the incoming show-runner jokes, "Should his face be in it?"
• The written (but not filmed) 'Shadow Proclamation' scene in The Stolen Earth, featuring monsters from throughout the series, has been requested by David to appear in one of the specials.
ON THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES
• The production team couldn't find an actor short enough for Kaagh in The Last Sontaran so they had to make a new costume - thereby upping the cost of the episode.
• The actor who played the milkman from Journey's End is to appear in an upcoming episode.
• Catherine Tate wants a part (but not as Donna Noble), as her daughter loves the show.
• David Tennant wants to be the voice of 'Mr. Smith'.
and the biggie:
• David Tennant was to appear in the opening episode (in a sub-plot which would explain why K9 was not to appear in the show) but, at the time of recording the commentary (May 2008), this idea was binned. Julie Gardener states "it could still happen".
AND FINALLY...
• On the Paul McGann TV Movie, RTD says, ".. so not what I would do, but I love it."
• Although RTD loves the Ice Warriors, he says they are "slightly generic".
• When asked if River Song is The Doctor's wife, Steven Moffat says "it's more complicated than that"
• RTD reveals that Harriet Jones died in The Stolen Earth despite Phil Collinson's protestations that she lived.
* 'Aubrey Fairchild' only seems to appear anywhere else as a name in the film Midnight Masquerade (1942) - Ed.
Download SIX full scripts from series 4 of Doctor Who
Series 4, Episode XVoyage of the Damned
Download as pdf
Series 4, Episode 1Partners in Crime
Download as pdf
Series 4, Episode 10Midnight
Download as pdf
Series 4, Episode 11Turn Left
Download as pdf
Series 4, Episode 12The Stolen Earth
Download as pdf
Series 4, Episode 13Journey's End
Download as pdf
Download as pdf
Series 4, Episode 1Partners in Crime
Download as pdf
Series 4, Episode 10Midnight
Download as pdf
Series 4, Episode 11Turn Left
Download as pdf
Series 4, Episode 12The Stolen Earth
Download as pdf
Series 4, Episode 13Journey's End
Download as pdf
Friday, September 19, 2008
Marriage in the cards for Doctor Who????
Edinburgh News is posting a major spoiler, if it is true that is........
DOCTOR Who actor David Tennant looks set to be married off in this year's Christmas special of the programme.
It was revealed in a new book that not only will the doctor, played by the Edinburgh-born actor, admit he is married, but viewers will also catch a glimpse of his possible successor.The revelations came in a book by series producer Russell T Davies, which also features e-mails he had exchanged about the show.Dr Who's wife in the Christmas special will be a character viewers have already seen – River Song, played by actress Alex Kingston. She appeared in a two-part episode shown earlier this year. David Morrissey, who played Gordon Brown in the drama The Deal, has been lined up as a replacement and will appear as a "second doctor" in the anticipated programme.Mr Davies wrote: "We've cast Alex Kingston as River Song. Alex Kingston is the doctor's wife."
DOCTOR Who actor David Tennant looks set to be married off in this year's Christmas special of the programme.
It was revealed in a new book that not only will the doctor, played by the Edinburgh-born actor, admit he is married, but viewers will also catch a glimpse of his possible successor.The revelations came in a book by series producer Russell T Davies, which also features e-mails he had exchanged about the show.Dr Who's wife in the Christmas special will be a character viewers have already seen – River Song, played by actress Alex Kingston. She appeared in a two-part episode shown earlier this year. David Morrissey, who played Gordon Brown in the drama The Deal, has been lined up as a replacement and will appear as a "second doctor" in the anticipated programme.Mr Davies wrote: "We've cast Alex Kingston as River Song. Alex Kingston is the doctor's wife."
Sunday, September 07, 2008
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