Doctor Who is set to face a new monster. The Time Lord will come face-to-face with a half-man half-fly creature called the Tritovore, according to the Daily Mirror.
It seems the baddie will appear in the Easter special episode, which will also see new sidekick Lady Christina de Souza - played by Michelle Ryan - make her debut.
A set source told the newspaper: "Scriptwriters are confident they'll make a huge impact.
"Everyone remembers the Daleks and the Cybermen, but not a lot else if they're honest.
"The Tritovore will change that. They are disgusting and will last long in the memory."
The source added that show boss Russell T Davies wanted David Tennant to have a memorable final episode.
"Russell is telling everyone to expect some real surprises. He wants him to go out with a bang," the source said.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Who rewrite after damage to bus
Doctor Who writers were forced to change the script for the show's Easter special after a double-decker bus was damaged ahead of filming in Dubai.
Planet of the Dead's plot sends David Tennant's Doctor and guest star Michelle Ryan on a dangerous bus trip.
One bus is being used for filming scenes in Cardiff, but the top deck of the second vehicle was damaged as it arrived in Dubai.
A spokeswoman said that shooting was "continuing as normal".
'Huge impact'
Parts of the script by executive producer Russell T Davies and co-writer Gareth Roberts had to be changed as a result of the damage.
Planet of the Dead is the first of four Doctor Who specials, which will bring to an end David Tennant's spell as the Time Lord.
Ex-EastEnder and Bionic Woman Ryan plays Lady Christina de Souza, a woman with a mysterious past who Davies says will have a "huge impact" on the Doctor.
Comedian Lee Evans is also on board for the episode but further details of the plot are being kept secret.
Planet of the Dead's plot sends David Tennant's Doctor and guest star Michelle Ryan on a dangerous bus trip.
One bus is being used for filming scenes in Cardiff, but the top deck of the second vehicle was damaged as it arrived in Dubai.
A spokeswoman said that shooting was "continuing as normal".
'Huge impact'
Parts of the script by executive producer Russell T Davies and co-writer Gareth Roberts had to be changed as a result of the damage.
Planet of the Dead is the first of four Doctor Who specials, which will bring to an end David Tennant's spell as the Time Lord.
Ex-EastEnder and Bionic Woman Ryan plays Lady Christina de Souza, a woman with a mysterious past who Davies says will have a "huge impact" on the Doctor.
Comedian Lee Evans is also on board for the episode but further details of the plot are being kept secret.
More Doctor Who filming, 28.01.09
Planet Gallifrey has some video and some great pics from the last day of filming for the easter special go check them out by clicking the pic below.
Tennnat for Comic relief
David Tennant will be hosting the first hour of Comic Relief Night it’s been revealed today.
Due to air on 13 March, the Doctor Who star will co-present with Davina McCall.
In a pre-recorded video screened at this morning’s press launch at The Empire Cinema, Leicester Square, he said: “It’s a great honour for me. I remember the first Red Nose Day when I was at school, buying the t-shirt and everyone joining in, And then, later, at drama school, me and my mate Alan McCue formed a Proclaimers tribute act and went busking in Sauchiehall Street. We were rubbish, but earned £65 in our lunch hour. The people of Glasgow are very generous.”
Also confirmed for this year’s bash, are Steve Jones and Claudia Winkleman, who’ll be hosting the celebrity-packed Let’s Dance for Comic Relief; Fearne Cotton, Denise Van Outen, Alesha Dixon, Cheryl Cole, Kimberly Walsh, Ben Shephard, Chris Moyles, Ronan Keating and Gary Barlow who’ll be attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro; a special episode of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and - best of all - Comic Relief Does the Apprentice.
Find out more about Red Nose Day at the official site: www.rednoseday.com
Due to air on 13 March, the Doctor Who star will co-present with Davina McCall.
In a pre-recorded video screened at this morning’s press launch at The Empire Cinema, Leicester Square, he said: “It’s a great honour for me. I remember the first Red Nose Day when I was at school, buying the t-shirt and everyone joining in, And then, later, at drama school, me and my mate Alan McCue formed a Proclaimers tribute act and went busking in Sauchiehall Street. We were rubbish, but earned £65 in our lunch hour. The people of Glasgow are very generous.”
Also confirmed for this year’s bash, are Steve Jones and Claudia Winkleman, who’ll be hosting the celebrity-packed Let’s Dance for Comic Relief; Fearne Cotton, Denise Van Outen, Alesha Dixon, Cheryl Cole, Kimberly Walsh, Ben Shephard, Chris Moyles, Ronan Keating and Gary Barlow who’ll be attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro; a special episode of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and - best of all - Comic Relief Does the Apprentice.
Find out more about Red Nose Day at the official site: www.rednoseday.com
Doctor Who David Tennant Video Diary 2009
As production begins on the four special episodes that will bring the Tenth Doctor's era to a close, David Tennant takes us behind the scenes of his first day back in Cardiff.
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Sun is running a retread rumor, wish it was true
FORMER Doctor Who Paul McGann is making a surprise comeback to the Tardis next year.
The star of cult movie Withnail And I played the eighth Doc in a one-off TV film collaboration between the BBC and Fox in 1996.
But a follow-up series was never made and when the sci-fi show eventually returned to the Beeb in 2005, it starred Christopher Eccleston, 44, as the new Time Lord.
But Paul, 48, reprised his role in several audio adventures — some broadcast on radio — and has remained a firm favourite with fans.
He is expected to begin filming in October or November for one of four feature-length specials to be shown instead of a series in 2009.
Flashback scenes will see him battered from the Time War and shorn of the long hair he had in the film.
An insider said: “Fans loved Paul’s Doctor and feel he was never given the proper chance to shine. Reference is often made to the Time War which wiped out the Time Lords and this will give them a taste of that.”
Current Doc David Tennant will also appear.
The star of cult movie Withnail And I played the eighth Doc in a one-off TV film collaboration between the BBC and Fox in 1996.
But a follow-up series was never made and when the sci-fi show eventually returned to the Beeb in 2005, it starred Christopher Eccleston, 44, as the new Time Lord.
But Paul, 48, reprised his role in several audio adventures — some broadcast on radio — and has remained a firm favourite with fans.
He is expected to begin filming in October or November for one of four feature-length specials to be shown instead of a series in 2009.
Flashback scenes will see him battered from the Time War and shorn of the long hair he had in the film.
An insider said: “Fans loved Paul’s Doctor and feel he was never given the proper chance to shine. Reference is often made to the Time War which wiped out the Time Lords and this will give them a taste of that.”
Current Doc David Tennant will also appear.
Davros has a Facebook account? lmao
Found thru Nyders twitter accont lol. It is amazing what some fans think of.
Nyder twitter
Davros Facebook
Nyder twitter
Davros Facebook
Michelle Ryan and Lee Evans to star in first Doctor Who special of 2009
{Extra MORE PICS HERE AT IO9}The BBC has confirmed that Michelle Ryan and Lee Evans will guest star in the forthcoming BBC One Doctor Who Easter special which began filming this week in Wales.
Michelle, best known for her roles as Zoe Slater in EastEnders, and Jaime Sommers in the recent remake of Bionic Woman, will play the mysterious Lady Christina de Souza in the special episode entitled Planet Of the Dead. Christina joins the Doctor on a bus trip which takes an unexpected detour into danger.
Michelle comments: "I'm a huge fan of Doctor Who and very excited to be joining David Tennant and the Doctor Who team. It is such a fantastic show and I can't wait to get started!"
One of Britain’s best loved and biggest comedy stars, Lee Evans, will also be joining the cast playing a character called Malcolm, whose life becomes connected to the Doctor's under extraordinary circumstances.
Planet Of The Dead is the first of four Doctor Who specials which will air in 2009.
Michelle joins David Tennant, as he continues his role as The Doctor, and Noma Dumezweni who returns as Captain Erisa Magambo – last seen helping Rose and Donna save the world in Turn Left.
Executive Producer and writer Russell T Davies comments: "Michelle is one of the most sought after young actors in the country and we are delighted to announce that she will be joining the team.
"As always the script is being kept strictly under wraps, however we can reveal that Lady Christina is a woman with a mysterious past who's going to have a huge impact on the Doctor!"
Planet Of The Dead, written by Russell T Davies and Gareth Roberts, is currently in production and will be screened on BBC One in Spring 2009.
Michelle, best known for her roles as Zoe Slater in EastEnders, and Jaime Sommers in the recent remake of Bionic Woman, will play the mysterious Lady Christina de Souza in the special episode entitled Planet Of the Dead. Christina joins the Doctor on a bus trip which takes an unexpected detour into danger.
Michelle comments: "I'm a huge fan of Doctor Who and very excited to be joining David Tennant and the Doctor Who team. It is such a fantastic show and I can't wait to get started!"
One of Britain’s best loved and biggest comedy stars, Lee Evans, will also be joining the cast playing a character called Malcolm, whose life becomes connected to the Doctor's under extraordinary circumstances.
Planet Of The Dead is the first of four Doctor Who specials which will air in 2009.
Michelle joins David Tennant, as he continues his role as The Doctor, and Noma Dumezweni who returns as Captain Erisa Magambo – last seen helping Rose and Donna save the world in Turn Left.
Executive Producer and writer Russell T Davies comments: "Michelle is one of the most sought after young actors in the country and we are delighted to announce that she will be joining the team.
"As always the script is being kept strictly under wraps, however we can reveal that Lady Christina is a woman with a mysterious past who's going to have a huge impact on the Doctor!"
Planet Of The Dead, written by Russell T Davies and Gareth Roberts, is currently in production and will be screened on BBC One in Spring 2009.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Michelle Ryan might be Doctor Who's next companion
I wasn't a big fan of NBC's Bionic Woman remake. The best thing about it – besides Katee Sackhoff's guest turn – was star Michelle Ryan. The English actress not only looked the part, but her performance sometimes managed to make the show feel richer and more complex than it actually was. So I was happy to hear that she might play the new Doctor's companion on Doctor Who."Michelle's been in secret talks with BBC bosses," a source told the UK's Sunday Mirror. "They are likely to announce her as Doctor Who's new assistant very soon. She is perfect for the role. She is good looking and the right age to star alongside Matt (Smith). Everyone agrees they look great together and reckon fans will think they're the perfect team, too."I'm sure Ryan will get the part. She auditioned for the assistant role after Billie Piper left in 2005. She lost out to Freema Agyeman, but her profile has only gone up since then. I'm excited about the possible Ryan/Matt Smith combo. I might be in the minority here, but I hope Doctor Who will look and feel very different once Smith takes over the role. I'll really miss David Tennant and everything and everyone about the current incarnation of Doctor Who, but I think it's time to regenerate. What do you think about the possibility of Ryan time traveling with the new Doctor? Are you still holding out hope for Lily Allen?
Freema Agyeman praises Matt Smith
Freema Agyeman has spoken of her delight at Matt Smith being chosen as the new Doctor Who. Skip related content
The 29-year-old actress, who starred as Martha Jones in the long-running series, said she was delighted Matt will replace David Tennant as the Doctor.
She said: "I think Matt looks absolutely fantastic, he really does. He seems to have all the right things that are needed. He has the gravitas and the weight to represent someone who is 900 plus years old but also he's got those quirks about him that would lend itself to the flight of fancy that the Doctor has. And he just looks fantastic, the hair everything! I'm really excited!"
Freema, who is now starring in Law and Order UK, also said she "thanked my lucky stars" for her part in Doctor Who.
She said: "I had an absolutely amazing time on the show. I truly, truly enjoyed myself.
"It's so nice to get a long-running job in this career but if you can get up in the morning and look forward to getting to work it's an absolute bonus and I completely had that throughout all of my time there."
Matt Smith, 26, will take over the role of Doctor Who when the current timelord, David Tennant, leaves the show in 2010.
The 29-year-old actress, who starred as Martha Jones in the long-running series, said she was delighted Matt will replace David Tennant as the Doctor.
She said: "I think Matt looks absolutely fantastic, he really does. He seems to have all the right things that are needed. He has the gravitas and the weight to represent someone who is 900 plus years old but also he's got those quirks about him that would lend itself to the flight of fancy that the Doctor has. And he just looks fantastic, the hair everything! I'm really excited!"
Freema, who is now starring in Law and Order UK, also said she "thanked my lucky stars" for her part in Doctor Who.
She said: "I had an absolutely amazing time on the show. I truly, truly enjoyed myself.
"It's so nice to get a long-running job in this career but if you can get up in the morning and look forward to getting to work it's an absolute bonus and I completely had that throughout all of my time there."
Matt Smith, 26, will take over the role of Doctor Who when the current timelord, David Tennant, leaves the show in 2010.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Piper: 'Matt Smith will be great Doctor'
Billie Piper has revealed that she approves of new Doctor Who star Matt Smith.
The actress, who played the Doctor's assistant on the cult show, admitted that she is a "big fan" of the actor and that she is confident he was right for the part.
"I love him," she said. "He's a stirring actor, and he has the right energy,...That's what the Doctor is about, essentially - having that energy that you just can't understand."
Referring to concerns that 26-year-old Smith is too young to play the character, she said: "The fans get so concerned about these things, and they should just relax. It's going to be fine. They're in good hands."
However, when asked about rumours that the Time Lord could eventually be played by a female, she said: "I don't think the Doctor should be a woman...It's like going, 'Let's make James Bond a woman'. It's a man's role."
Smith, who was announced as David Tennant's replacement earlier this year, is scheduled to make his debut as the Doctor in 2010.
The actress, who played the Doctor's assistant on the cult show, admitted that she is a "big fan" of the actor and that she is confident he was right for the part.
"I love him," she said. "He's a stirring actor, and he has the right energy,...That's what the Doctor is about, essentially - having that energy that you just can't understand."
Referring to concerns that 26-year-old Smith is too young to play the character, she said: "The fans get so concerned about these things, and they should just relax. It's going to be fine. They're in good hands."
However, when asked about rumours that the Time Lord could eventually be played by a female, she said: "I don't think the Doctor should be a woman...It's like going, 'Let's make James Bond a woman'. It's a man's role."
Smith, who was announced as David Tennant's replacement earlier this year, is scheduled to make his debut as the Doctor in 2010.
Tennant stuns kids at Davison's party
David Tennant's appearance at the birthday party of Peter Davison's young son stunned the children in attendance - apart from Davison's own.
Former Doctor Who actor Davison, currently starring in ITV1 drama Unforgiven, told Digital Spy: "My son Louis had a birthday party and Georgia [Moffett, Davison's daughter] was coming to his party and she turned up with David Tennant, and every other child in the garden was [shocked] - but my children were like 'I've met him before'."
Davison, who shared the Tardis alongside Tennant in the Children In Need special 'Time Crash', explained the reaction: "Well, they don't know any other world in which their dad is not in Doctor Who, so they're not as impressed as their friends are. We had David Tennant around... and they were almost unimpressed with him, I have to say!
Former Doctor Who actor Davison, currently starring in ITV1 drama Unforgiven, told Digital Spy: "My son Louis had a birthday party and Georgia [Moffett, Davison's daughter] was coming to his party and she turned up with David Tennant, and every other child in the garden was [shocked] - but my children were like 'I've met him before'."
Davison, who shared the Tardis alongside Tennant in the Children In Need special 'Time Crash', explained the reaction: "Well, they don't know any other world in which their dad is not in Doctor Who, so they're not as impressed as their friends are. We had David Tennant around... and they were almost unimpressed with him, I have to say!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Is this our new and shining companion??
The latest Doctor Who, Matt Smith, will have a new assistant when he steps into the Tardis next year and she could very well have a Kiwi accent.Rumours of who it will be began after the shock announcement that virtual unknown Matt, 26, will take over as Time Lord from David Tennant early in 2010.Gina Bellman, 42, from New Zealand, who has appeared in Jekyll and Coupling, is a favourite for the coveted role.Other names being tossed about include former EastEnders star Michelle Ryan and Carey Mulligan who played Sally Sparrow in a previous Doctor Who episode.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Susan Foreman is Returning...to Big Finish that is
Forty-five years after she left Doctor Who, Carole Ann Ford is returning to the role of the Susan Foreman in An Earthly Child. This special hour-long audio play from Big Finish Productions finds the Eighth Doctor (Paul McGann) visiting the planet Earth in the 22nd Century to check the progress of the grand-daughter he left behind. Things have moved on since he was last there: Susan has become a key player in rebuilding the remnants of a world decimated by a Dalek invasion, and she has a son from her marriage to David. And Alex Campbell, the Doctor's great-grandson, is played by Jake McGann the son of Paul...From its inception right through to the recording day, this production felt very special indeed, says executive producer Nicholas Briggs. Marc Platt has written an emotionally-charged and dramatic script, which delivers everything fans could wish to see in such a momentous reunion between the Doctor and Susan. And Paul McGann was just thrilled to be working on this episode he absolutely embraced the exploration of Doctor Who's own mythology, and Jake was just perfect in the role of Alex. It was also lovely to work with Carole again the scenes between the Doctor and Susan will, I have no doubt, bring a tear or two to the eyes of listeners.The cast also includes Leslie Ash (Men Behaving Badly) as Marion Fleming and Ian Hallard as Duncan. An Earthly Child will be given away free in December 2009 to the subscribers of Big Finish's monthly Doctor Who range.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Former 'Who' companion wants to return
Frazer Hines is keen to reprise his role as companion Jamie McCrimmon in the modern incarnation of Doctor Who.
The actor, who played the kilt-wearing Scotsman alongside Patrick Troughton between 1966 and 1969, told Doctor Who Magazine: "I just hope I get a call from the new Doctor Who producers, inviting me back. If Sarah Jane can do it, why can't Jamie?"
Hines, who last returned as Jamie in the 1985 story 'The Two Doctors', added: "They've got a young male Doctor now, and a young female assistant, so they need somebody like me for the grannies and the housewives!"
The actor, who played the kilt-wearing Scotsman alongside Patrick Troughton between 1966 and 1969, told Doctor Who Magazine: "I just hope I get a call from the new Doctor Who producers, inviting me back. If Sarah Jane can do it, why can't Jamie?"
Hines, who last returned as Jamie in the 1985 story 'The Two Doctors', added: "They've got a young male Doctor now, and a young female assistant, so they need somebody like me for the grannies and the housewives!"
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Erin McCarley
I don't usually post non realted materials but someone sent me this about an artist named Erin McCarley. Her debut album Love, Save the Empty is in stores today! Her music is already receiving a large amount of exposure on TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and One Tree Hill. She is also featured on the “He’s Just Not That into You” Soundtrack and is one of the artists featured in the trailer. And i love me some greys so i figured id post it this time, hope you enjoy.
Love, Save the Empty, “Pony (It’s OK)”
The title track “Love Save the Empty”
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Doctor Who: The TV Movie Out Takes
I really like the green screen scene where Paul is hugging the lil boy, awwwwwww. 8 really got the shaft....
Allen favourite for 'Who' assistant
Lily Allen has emerged as the favourite to take on the role of The Doctor's assistant, reports The Telegraph.
The show's bosses are reportedly eager to hire a showbusiness name to act alongside Matt Smith, the relatively unknown actor recently revealed as the eleventh Doctor.
"Having got the casting of The Doctor out of the way, the companion role is where we will be looking next," said executive producer Piers Wenger.
"Someone terribly exciting like Billie Piper, who was at the beginning of her acting career but who had a profile for other reasons, would be great. We are looking for someone whose light can burn brightly.
"We would never cast anyone on the basis of their celebrity, but if Lily wanted to audition we would be delighted. It would be a lot of fun."
The singer was previously linked to the role in 2007, before it went to comedienne Catherine Tate.
Strictly Come Dancing stars Rachel Stevens and Kelly Brook are also reported to be in consideration for the part.
Monday, January 05, 2009
10 things you didn't know about Matt Smith
Want to know some things about the man who is replacing David Tennant as Doctor Who? You're in the right place...
With Matt Smith now confirmed as the new Doctor Who, what do we know about David Tennant’s replacement? Let’s take a look…
1.
He's the youngest Doctor Who ever, aged just 26. Peter Davison, the previous youngest Doctor, was 29 when he took on the role.
2.
Smith wasn't one of the bookies' considerations for the role. Paterson Joseph and David Morrissey have long been the bookies' favourites. Smith wasn't even in the last list of odds published by William Hill, although he did casually pop up in the BBC website's list of runners and riders...
3.
Smith originally planned to be a professional footballer, before his career was cut short by a back injury. Hence, he went off to study drama instead and embarked on an acting career. He didn't go to drama school, though, instead going to the University of East Anglia to study Drama and Creative Writing.
4.
Smith has a growing theatre pedigree. He has appeared in the West Wnd in Alan Bennett's The History Boys, and also alongside Christian Slater in Swimming With Sharks. His work has previously attracted Olivier award recognition.
5.
He made his television debut in The Ruby In the Smoke back in 2006, based on the Philip Pullman book.
6.
He's appeared three times alongside Billie Piper. Firstly, in the aforementioned The Ruby In The Smoke, then The Shadow In The North. He then also popped up in an episode of Secret Diary Of A Call Girl.
7.
He had a brief film appearance in 2008's In Bruges, and had also appeared in lesser known films Falling and Gotham, IL
8.
Perhaps his highest profile television work to date was in the BBC Two programme Party Animals, where he appeared in the role of a parliamentary researcher. That was back in 2007.
9.
Smith had to go through an audition process to get the role. New BBC Wales Head of Drama Piers Wenger said that he knew they'd got their man when he saw Smith's audition. It all sounds a bit PR-y to us, but that's their line.
10.
Smith won't actually be seen as Doctor Who until 2010. David Tennant will be finishing his specials off first, and then Smith will be in the role from season five in Spring of 2010. He has had no appearance or link with the show before.
And also...
11.
He's the first new Doctor Who to be revealed on an overblown instalment of Doctor Who Confidential. Was it just us that felt they were spinning that out as if they'd been on X-Factor pills?
See? You feel like you know the man now, don't you?
With Matt Smith now confirmed as the new Doctor Who, what do we know about David Tennant’s replacement? Let’s take a look…
1.
He's the youngest Doctor Who ever, aged just 26. Peter Davison, the previous youngest Doctor, was 29 when he took on the role.
2.
Smith wasn't one of the bookies' considerations for the role. Paterson Joseph and David Morrissey have long been the bookies' favourites. Smith wasn't even in the last list of odds published by William Hill, although he did casually pop up in the BBC website's list of runners and riders...
3.
Smith originally planned to be a professional footballer, before his career was cut short by a back injury. Hence, he went off to study drama instead and embarked on an acting career. He didn't go to drama school, though, instead going to the University of East Anglia to study Drama and Creative Writing.
4.
Smith has a growing theatre pedigree. He has appeared in the West Wnd in Alan Bennett's The History Boys, and also alongside Christian Slater in Swimming With Sharks. His work has previously attracted Olivier award recognition.
5.
He made his television debut in The Ruby In the Smoke back in 2006, based on the Philip Pullman book.
6.
He's appeared three times alongside Billie Piper. Firstly, in the aforementioned The Ruby In The Smoke, then The Shadow In The North. He then also popped up in an episode of Secret Diary Of A Call Girl.
7.
He had a brief film appearance in 2008's In Bruges, and had also appeared in lesser known films Falling and Gotham, IL
8.
Perhaps his highest profile television work to date was in the BBC Two programme Party Animals, where he appeared in the role of a parliamentary researcher. That was back in 2007.
9.
Smith had to go through an audition process to get the role. New BBC Wales Head of Drama Piers Wenger said that he knew they'd got their man when he saw Smith's audition. It all sounds a bit PR-y to us, but that's their line.
10.
Smith won't actually be seen as Doctor Who until 2010. David Tennant will be finishing his specials off first, and then Smith will be in the role from season five in Spring of 2010. He has had no appearance or link with the show before.
And also...
11.
He's the first new Doctor Who to be revealed on an overblown instalment of Doctor Who Confidential. Was it just us that felt they were spinning that out as if they'd been on X-Factor pills?
See? You feel like you know the man now, don't you?
Search for new Doctor Who's partner begins
The producers of Doctor Who have begun the search for a "high profile" female companion after unveiling little-known actor Matt Smith as the new Time Lord.
Smith, 26, a surprise choice for the 11th Doctor and the youngest actor ever to take the role, is largely unfamiliar to audiences and BBC bosses are keen to pair him with a showbusiness name.
The singer Lily Allen is an early favourite, while sources say Strictly Come Dancing stars Rachel Stevens and Kelly Brook are high on the BBC's wish-list.
Producers are looking for someone who is famous outside the world of acting – replicating the success of former Doctor's assistant Billie Piper, who was better known as a teenage popstar and the wife of DJ Chris Evans when she landed the role but proved a hit with viewers.
Auditions will take place over the coming months and filming begins in the summer. Piers Wenger, executive producer of the BBC One show, said: "Having got the casting of the Doctor out of the way, the companion role is where we will be looking next.
"Someone terribly exciting like Billie Piper, who was at the beginning of her acting career but who had a profile for other reasons, would be great. We are looking for someone whose light can burn brightly."
Allen, 23, was linked with the role once before, but it went to comedienne Catherine Tate. She is a favourite with bosses at the BBC, where she has her own chat show, and is keen to try her hand at acting. She would follow in the footsteps of singer Kylie Minogue, who was cast as the companion in the 2007 Christmas special.
Wenger said: "We would never cast anyone on the basis of their celebrity, but if Lily wanted to audition we would be delighted. It would be a lot of fun."
Brook, 29, has acting experience, including a remake of the Italian Job, but has never had a major television role. Doctor Who sources say her name has come up in discussions several times. She will face competition from Stevens, 30, who is keen to carve out a screen career and recently took acting lessons in Los Angeles. Model Agyness Deyn, 25, is another possible choice.
All are close in age to Smith, who takes over from David Tennant in 2010. Nearly seven million viewers tuned in to BBC One on Saturday to discover the 11th Doctor's identity.
There had been much talk of a black Doctor Who, with actor Paterson Joseph among the favourites. Wenger disclosed: "We saw a dozen or so people, some of them black. There was never any resistance to the idea of a black Doctor and it would have got us all sorts of headlines and brownie points, but we set out to cast the best actor for the role irrespective of ethnicity or age, and that was Matt."
Smith, 26, a surprise choice for the 11th Doctor and the youngest actor ever to take the role, is largely unfamiliar to audiences and BBC bosses are keen to pair him with a showbusiness name.
The singer Lily Allen is an early favourite, while sources say Strictly Come Dancing stars Rachel Stevens and Kelly Brook are high on the BBC's wish-list.
Producers are looking for someone who is famous outside the world of acting – replicating the success of former Doctor's assistant Billie Piper, who was better known as a teenage popstar and the wife of DJ Chris Evans when she landed the role but proved a hit with viewers.
Auditions will take place over the coming months and filming begins in the summer. Piers Wenger, executive producer of the BBC One show, said: "Having got the casting of the Doctor out of the way, the companion role is where we will be looking next.
"Someone terribly exciting like Billie Piper, who was at the beginning of her acting career but who had a profile for other reasons, would be great. We are looking for someone whose light can burn brightly."
Allen, 23, was linked with the role once before, but it went to comedienne Catherine Tate. She is a favourite with bosses at the BBC, where she has her own chat show, and is keen to try her hand at acting. She would follow in the footsteps of singer Kylie Minogue, who was cast as the companion in the 2007 Christmas special.
Wenger said: "We would never cast anyone on the basis of their celebrity, but if Lily wanted to audition we would be delighted. It would be a lot of fun."
Brook, 29, has acting experience, including a remake of the Italian Job, but has never had a major television role. Doctor Who sources say her name has come up in discussions several times. She will face competition from Stevens, 30, who is keen to carve out a screen career and recently took acting lessons in Los Angeles. Model Agyness Deyn, 25, is another possible choice.
All are close in age to Smith, who takes over from David Tennant in 2010. Nearly seven million viewers tuned in to BBC One on Saturday to discover the 11th Doctor's identity.
There had been much talk of a black Doctor Who, with actor Paterson Joseph among the favourites. Wenger disclosed: "We saw a dozen or so people, some of them black. There was never any resistance to the idea of a black Doctor and it would have got us all sorts of headlines and brownie points, but we set out to cast the best actor for the role irrespective of ethnicity or age, and that was Matt."
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Matt Smith Bio
Matt Smith, 26, grew up with his family including one sister in Northampton. He was head boy at Northampton School For Boys where he excelled at sports, music and drama.
Initially, Matt wanted to be a professional footballer and played for Northampton Town Under-11 & 12s, Nottingham Forest Under 12, 13 & 14s and Leicester City Under 15 & 16s before a back injury forced him out of the game.
Following his injury, and with the encouragement of one of his teachers, Jerry Hardingham, Matt decided to join the National Youth Theatre.
It was during this time that Matt first gained attention at the Royal Court Theatre when he was cast in the play Fresh Kills, directed by Wilson Milam, whilst still at the University Of East Anglia where he was studying Drama and Creative Writing.
Already a stalwart of the National Youth Theatre, his performance at the Court led to a variety of theatrical experiences at the National Theatre: in the award-winning History Boys (directed by Nick Hytner), On The Shore Of The Wide World (directed by Sarah Frankcom) and also in the acclaimed trio of plays Burn / Citizenship / Chatroom (directed by Anna Mackmin).
These roles led to Matt's first outings on the small screen, alongside Billie Piper in Phillip Pullman's period detective stories, The Ruby In The Smoke and The Shadow In The North (both BBC One), where he played Jim, right-hand man to Billie's detective heroine Sally Lockhart.
These pieces were followed by the lead role of Danny in the BBC Two series Party Animals, the brilliantly observed drama set in the world of young politicians.
In a dazzling return to the Royal Court in 2007, Matt played Henry in Polly Stenham's award-winning first play That Face, opposite Lindsay Duncan. His performance gained Matt an Evening Standard Best Newcomer nomination and a year later the play had a second life in the West End at the Duke of York's Theatre.
In between the two runs, Matt played Guy opposite Christian Slater's Buddy in Swimming With Sharks, Mike Leslie's searing West End adaptation of the 1994 Hollywood film.
In this time he also played a lead role in the BAFTA winning BBC One series The Street, opposite Gina McKee and Lorraine Ashbourne.
Matt has recently completed work on Moses Jones for BBC Two, directed by Michael Offer, in which he plays the lead role of Dan Twentyman, alongside Shaun Parkes in the title role.
Initially, Matt wanted to be a professional footballer and played for Northampton Town Under-11 & 12s, Nottingham Forest Under 12, 13 & 14s and Leicester City Under 15 & 16s before a back injury forced him out of the game.
Following his injury, and with the encouragement of one of his teachers, Jerry Hardingham, Matt decided to join the National Youth Theatre.
It was during this time that Matt first gained attention at the Royal Court Theatre when he was cast in the play Fresh Kills, directed by Wilson Milam, whilst still at the University Of East Anglia where he was studying Drama and Creative Writing.
Already a stalwart of the National Youth Theatre, his performance at the Court led to a variety of theatrical experiences at the National Theatre: in the award-winning History Boys (directed by Nick Hytner), On The Shore Of The Wide World (directed by Sarah Frankcom) and also in the acclaimed trio of plays Burn / Citizenship / Chatroom (directed by Anna Mackmin).
These roles led to Matt's first outings on the small screen, alongside Billie Piper in Phillip Pullman's period detective stories, The Ruby In The Smoke and The Shadow In The North (both BBC One), where he played Jim, right-hand man to Billie's detective heroine Sally Lockhart.
These pieces were followed by the lead role of Danny in the BBC Two series Party Animals, the brilliantly observed drama set in the world of young politicians.
In a dazzling return to the Royal Court in 2007, Matt played Henry in Polly Stenham's award-winning first play That Face, opposite Lindsay Duncan. His performance gained Matt an Evening Standard Best Newcomer nomination and a year later the play had a second life in the West End at the Duke of York's Theatre.
In between the two runs, Matt played Guy opposite Christian Slater's Buddy in Swimming With Sharks, Mike Leslie's searing West End adaptation of the 1994 Hollywood film.
In this time he also played a lead role in the BAFTA winning BBC One series The Street, opposite Gina McKee and Lorraine Ashbourne.
Matt has recently completed work on Moses Jones for BBC Two, directed by Michael Offer, in which he plays the lead role of Dan Twentyman, alongside Shaun Parkes in the title role.
Matt Smith is the new Doctor??
The next actor to play Doctor Who is Matt Smith, and he will be the youngest person ever to play the Doctor!
Matt is 26 years old, and will become the 11th Doctor when he takes the keys to the Tardis from David Tennant in 2010 after four more special episodes.
Matt will start filming on the fifth series in the summer. Tennant is filming four specials in 2009 as well!
Until now the actor who played the fifth Doctor, Peter Davidson, was the youngest ever to take on the role.
Matt said: "I've got this wonderful journey in front of me where I've got this six months to build this Time Lord - and that's such an exciting prospect."
Piers Wenger, head of drama at BBC Wales where the show is made, said that as soon as he had seen Smith's audition he "knew he was the one".
"It was abundantly clear that he had that 'Doctor-ness' about him," he said. "You are either the Doctor or you are not."
Matt's first appearance on TV was in the 2006 adaptation of Philip Pullman's The Ruby in the Smoke, which starred former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper as Sally Lockhart.
He has also acted with Billie in the follow-up, The Shadow in the North.
New Doctor Who boss
Tennant said in October that he would stand down from the show after filming four special episodes in 2009. The last of these special episodes is expected to run in early 2010.
The fifth series won't just be the first for Matt - it's also the first without current Doctor Who boss Russell T Davies.
Instead ace writer Steven Moffat will be in charge of the show, and he needed to find a new Doctor before he could finish the scripts.
The BBC today announced that Matt Smith has been cast in the role of the Doctor in the iconic BBC series Doctor Who.
Smith will be the 11th Time Lord and will take over from David Tennant who leaves the show at the end of 2009. He will be seen in the forthcoming fifth series that will be broadcast in 2010.
The fifth series will also have a new lead writer and Executive Producer in the form of the BAFTA award-winning writer Steven Moffat, who is taking over from Russell T Davies.
Moffat will be joined by Piers Wenger, who will be the new Executive Producer for BBC Wales making the show.
Following David Tennant's decision to step down at the end of 2009, the team behind the new series set about casting the new Doctor so that new adventures could be created and scripts written with Matt in mind.
The identity of the new Doctor was revealed on a special edition of Doctor Who Confidential that was broadcast on BBC One today (3 January) at 5.35pm (17.35 GMT).
In it Smith revealed his initial reaction at taking on such a legendary role and his thoughts on what direction the Doctor might now be going with him playing the part.
Matt Smith said of his new role: "I'm just so excited about the journey that is in front of me. It's a wonderful privilege and challenge that I hope I will thrive on.
"I feel proud and honoured to have been given this opportunity to join a team of people that has worked so tirelessly to make the show so thrilling.
"David Tennant has made the role his own, brilliantly, with grace, talent and persistent dedication. I hope to learn from the standards set by him.
"The challenge for me is to do justice to the show's illustrious past, my predecessors, and most importantly, to those who watch it. I really cannot wait."
Lead writer and Executive Producer Steven Moffat said: "The Doctor is a very special part, and it takes a very special actor to play him. You need to be old and young at the same time, a boffin and an action hero, a cheeky schoolboy and the wise old man of the universe.
"As soon as Matt walked through the door, and blew us away with a bold and brand new take on the Time Lord, we knew we had our man.
"2010 is a long time away but rest assured the 11th Doctor is coming – and the universe has never been so safe."
Piers Wenger, Head Of Drama, BBC Wales, added: "With two hearts, a ferocious mind and over 900 years of experience behind him, it's not every 26 year old actor who can take on a role like the Doctor but within moments of meeting Matt he showed the skill and imagination needed to create a Doctor all of his own.
"It's just the beginning of the journey for Matt but with Steven Moffat's scripts and the expertise of the production team in Cardiff behind him, there is no one more perfect than him to be taking the TARDIS to exciting new futures when the series returns in 2010.
Matt is 26 years old, and will become the 11th Doctor when he takes the keys to the Tardis from David Tennant in 2010 after four more special episodes.
Matt will start filming on the fifth series in the summer. Tennant is filming four specials in 2009 as well!
Until now the actor who played the fifth Doctor, Peter Davidson, was the youngest ever to take on the role.
Matt said: "I've got this wonderful journey in front of me where I've got this six months to build this Time Lord - and that's such an exciting prospect."
Piers Wenger, head of drama at BBC Wales where the show is made, said that as soon as he had seen Smith's audition he "knew he was the one".
"It was abundantly clear that he had that 'Doctor-ness' about him," he said. "You are either the Doctor or you are not."
Matt's first appearance on TV was in the 2006 adaptation of Philip Pullman's The Ruby in the Smoke, which starred former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper as Sally Lockhart.
He has also acted with Billie in the follow-up, The Shadow in the North.
New Doctor Who boss
Tennant said in October that he would stand down from the show after filming four special episodes in 2009. The last of these special episodes is expected to run in early 2010.
The fifth series won't just be the first for Matt - it's also the first without current Doctor Who boss Russell T Davies.
Instead ace writer Steven Moffat will be in charge of the show, and he needed to find a new Doctor before he could finish the scripts.
The BBC today announced that Matt Smith has been cast in the role of the Doctor in the iconic BBC series Doctor Who.
Smith will be the 11th Time Lord and will take over from David Tennant who leaves the show at the end of 2009. He will be seen in the forthcoming fifth series that will be broadcast in 2010.
The fifth series will also have a new lead writer and Executive Producer in the form of the BAFTA award-winning writer Steven Moffat, who is taking over from Russell T Davies.
Moffat will be joined by Piers Wenger, who will be the new Executive Producer for BBC Wales making the show.
Following David Tennant's decision to step down at the end of 2009, the team behind the new series set about casting the new Doctor so that new adventures could be created and scripts written with Matt in mind.
The identity of the new Doctor was revealed on a special edition of Doctor Who Confidential that was broadcast on BBC One today (3 January) at 5.35pm (17.35 GMT).
In it Smith revealed his initial reaction at taking on such a legendary role and his thoughts on what direction the Doctor might now be going with him playing the part.
Matt Smith said of his new role: "I'm just so excited about the journey that is in front of me. It's a wonderful privilege and challenge that I hope I will thrive on.
"I feel proud and honoured to have been given this opportunity to join a team of people that has worked so tirelessly to make the show so thrilling.
"David Tennant has made the role his own, brilliantly, with grace, talent and persistent dedication. I hope to learn from the standards set by him.
"The challenge for me is to do justice to the show's illustrious past, my predecessors, and most importantly, to those who watch it. I really cannot wait."
Lead writer and Executive Producer Steven Moffat said: "The Doctor is a very special part, and it takes a very special actor to play him. You need to be old and young at the same time, a boffin and an action hero, a cheeky schoolboy and the wise old man of the universe.
"As soon as Matt walked through the door, and blew us away with a bold and brand new take on the Time Lord, we knew we had our man.
"2010 is a long time away but rest assured the 11th Doctor is coming – and the universe has never been so safe."
Piers Wenger, Head Of Drama, BBC Wales, added: "With two hearts, a ferocious mind and over 900 years of experience behind him, it's not every 26 year old actor who can take on a role like the Doctor but within moments of meeting Matt he showed the skill and imagination needed to create a Doctor all of his own.
"It's just the beginning of the journey for Matt but with Steven Moffat's scripts and the expertise of the production team in Cardiff behind him, there is no one more perfect than him to be taking the TARDIS to exciting new futures when the series returns in 2010.
Friday, January 02, 2009
New Doctor to be revealed on BBC One tomorrow
The BBC confirmed today that it will reveal the identity of the 11th Doctor as part of a special edition of Doctor Who Confidential to be aired on BBC One tomorrow, Saturday 3 January 2009, at 5.35pm (UK time).
Following the announcement in October 2008 that David Tennant would be stepping down from his role as the Doctor at the end of 2009, speculation has been mounting as to who would take over from him for the fifth series of this iconic BBC drama that will air in 2010.
With a new creative team in place for the new series led by Executive Producers Steven Moffat and Piers Wenger, the casting of the new Doctor was job number one to be completed before scripts could be finalised and shooting could begin in summer 2009.
In the Doctor Who special, to be aired tomorrow at 5.35pm, the actor playing the new Doctor will be giving his or her initial reaction to being the new, 11th incarnation of one of television's most loved characters.
Head Of Drama BBC Wales, Piers Wenger, said: "We are so pleased to have been able to cast this person as the new Doctor. We believe the actor is going to bring something very special to the role and will make it absolutely their own – I just can't wait to tell everyone who it is – it has been a nail-biting Christmas trying to keep this under wraps!"
Following the announcement in October 2008 that David Tennant would be stepping down from his role as the Doctor at the end of 2009, speculation has been mounting as to who would take over from him for the fifth series of this iconic BBC drama that will air in 2010.
With a new creative team in place for the new series led by Executive Producers Steven Moffat and Piers Wenger, the casting of the new Doctor was job number one to be completed before scripts could be finalised and shooting could begin in summer 2009.
In the Doctor Who special, to be aired tomorrow at 5.35pm, the actor playing the new Doctor will be giving his or her initial reaction to being the new, 11th incarnation of one of television's most loved characters.
Head Of Drama BBC Wales, Piers Wenger, said: "We are so pleased to have been able to cast this person as the new Doctor. We believe the actor is going to bring something very special to the role and will make it absolutely their own – I just can't wait to tell everyone who it is – it has been a nail-biting Christmas trying to keep this under wraps!"
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