Thursday, July 19, 2007
Official Torchwood Magazine
Word has reached us that Titan Books has been given permission topublish an official Torchwood magazine. The magazine is rumoured to bemonthly publication, and will run for an initial 12 issues, with anadditional one off "Special" issue.We expect it will be similar to the current Doctor Who Magazine,containing news and articles related to Torchwood only. The first issueis believed to published in January, around the time the first episodeof season two is aired.
The demon of the deep who takes on Kylie and the Doctor
THE face of the alien facing Kylie Minogue in the next episode of Doctor Who was revealed yesterday.
The spiky red-faced monster will do battle with Kylie and Doctor Who star David Tennant in this year’s Christmas special.
The alien – nicknamed Porg on set – was captured yesterday during a break in filming the latest Timelord special.
And the red-faced alien enhanced his anti-social credentials by lighting up a quick cigarette during filming.
The alien menace dressed in a dinner jacket invades the Titanic’s 1912 launch party in the show.
Kylie, 39, plays a waitress called Astrid on the doomed ship alongside Tennant in the one-hour special called Voyage Of The Damned.
The team were filming a ballroom scene at a secret location in Wales yesterday.
Tennant donned a tuxedo and bow tie for the scene but kept his trademark trainers on as well.
A crew member said, “Kylie is a pleasure to work with.
“She’s incredibly lovely in the flesh and the production has been going really well so far.
“The actor playing the alien spends hours in make-up to get that look.”
When the series returns next spring comedienne Catherine Tate will play the Doctor’s new companion Donna.
Freema Agyeman, whose character Martha left at the end of the last series, is scheduled to return to the Doctor’s side halfway through the new series.
The spiky red-faced monster will do battle with Kylie and Doctor Who star David Tennant in this year’s Christmas special.
The alien – nicknamed Porg on set – was captured yesterday during a break in filming the latest Timelord special.
And the red-faced alien enhanced his anti-social credentials by lighting up a quick cigarette during filming.
The alien menace dressed in a dinner jacket invades the Titanic’s 1912 launch party in the show.
Kylie, 39, plays a waitress called Astrid on the doomed ship alongside Tennant in the one-hour special called Voyage Of The Damned.
The team were filming a ballroom scene at a secret location in Wales yesterday.
Tennant donned a tuxedo and bow tie for the scene but kept his trademark trainers on as well.
A crew member said, “Kylie is a pleasure to work with.
“She’s incredibly lovely in the flesh and the production has been going really well so far.
“The actor playing the alien spends hours in make-up to get that look.”
When the series returns next spring comedienne Catherine Tate will play the Doctor’s new companion Donna.
Freema Agyeman, whose character Martha left at the end of the last series, is scheduled to return to the Doctor’s side halfway through the new series.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Rare Pictures Surface
The Science and Society Picture Library has added to its site what are believed to be never-before-seen photographs of Jon Pertwee, Katy Manning, Nicholas Courtney and John Levene.The set of seven pictures shows them at the opening of the BBC Visual Effects exhibition at the Science Museum in London in 1972.Last month, the library made available for sale a print of the picture formed by joining together the two collectors' edition covers of Radio Times featuring the Doctor and the Master.
http://www.ssplprints.com/thumbnails.php
http://www.ssplprints.com/thumbnails.php
JOHN'S SET FOR CHART ATTACK
AFTER winning fans as a leading man in musicals, TV and on film, John Barrowman is now hoping to be No1 in the pop charts after signing a four-album record deal with Sony.
And the handsome Scot - best known as dandy hero Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who and its spin-off Torchwood - is even more excitable than usual as he reveals he's also planning to parade his music on a UK tour.
Making music is no change for the talented 40-year-old.
He has already recorded albums while leading West End productions of Miss Saigon, Phantom Of The Opera and Sunset Boulevard.
He helped shape new West End singers as a judge on BBC talent shows How DoYou Solve A Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do.
And John was even seen duetting with Hollywood star Kevin Kline in the Cole Porter biopic De-Lovely.
But this is the first time he will get to record pop hits.
John said: "I will do covers of tracks I really like - some things that my fans have asked me to sing.
"It will be a very eclectic mix of music that is like me as a person ... musical theatre, pop and even some pop-country. It will be neat.
"When I sat with Sony, I said, 'I'm not like any other, not just a musician. I'm not someone who writes my own music, so let me develop this.'"
Now John would love to take his music on the road - acting permitting.
But he laughs off any idea of him as a rowdy rocker.
He laughed: "I'm not one of those people who like to go out and get hammered. I'm a little older now - and wiser."
And much too busy, if his current schedule is anything to go by.
Although he is filming the second series of Torchwood until November, John will take time off to guest host Channel 4's Friday Night Project next week. And he will host a pilot for a possible new BBC One Saturday night quiz show called The Kids Are All Right.
As if all that wasn't enough, John is being followed by his sister who is writing his biography, Anything Goes, which is due out next spring.
But, despite being the man of the hour, John admits he was surprised when a publisher approached him.
He said: "I don't think I'm that old yet to be penning such a thing.
"But my sister has been following me for the last seven weeks - I dictate into an iPod and she puts it onto the page.
"It's my stories of my career, my trials, my tribulations, exciting things that have happened to me, my family situations, all sorts of things.
"Luckily I'm from a very tight-knit family and my sister knows everything about me, so I have no problem telling her all this stuff.
"There have been a couple of times - well, actually five - when she's gone, 'Eww, I don't want to know,' but I think she's slightly got over that and I think it will be an interesting read."
JOHN has taken a long time to reach his current status as one of Britain's biggest and brightest all-round talents.
Born in Mount Vernon, Glasgow, his dad's job with Lanarkshire machinery firm Caterpillar moved the family across the Atlantic to Illinois when he was nine.
The youngster moved back in 1990, but his Scots accent had gone - almost.
John laughed: "When I'm with my family I still speak Scottish.
"The weird thing is with Doctor Who star David Tennant, when we are off-set we speak Scottish but when we go on-set he's English and I'm American. It's like being bilingual. We call it bi-dialectical. There is a lot of "bi" in me."
He smiles. John is open and proud about his homosexuality - and that of his "omnisexual" TV alter-ego Jack, who'll pursue any man, woman or alien.
John - voted Stonewall's Entertainer Of The Year in 2006 - has been with his architect partner Scott Gill for 16 years - and they wed last year.
He said: "I am proud to be gay. I'm a gay man, I have no issue with it or for people who do." He beamed: "I was signing autographs and a little boy came up to me with his father.
"The father said, 'Do you want Captain Jack's autograph?' and the little boy said, 'Oh yes, Daddy.
I don't care if he does like boys or girls, he's my hero.' Whether that's because of what I'm doing or because of what the show is doing, I don't know.
"But I said to the dad, 'Either you are an amazing father or you have a very special young boy there.'
"Because he didn't care. It is adults who have hang-ups. Kids don't."
John continued his fight against stereotypes by launching the RAF International Tattoo in June.
He said: "I was representing them because of Captain Jack being in the RAF.
"But mainly I agreed because the RAF in Britain are the only part of the military that openly accepts gay men and women.
"I really wanted to represent them.
"They took me up in this Hawker Hunter fighter jet and flew me around upside down, you name it.
"I am proud to say I puked, got my oxygen mask back on in time to do another loop then threw up again.
"It was like a fantasy. I was dressed in the Top Gun gear and everything."
Back on the ground, John's castmates when Torchwood airs in January will be The Doctor's ex-companion Martha, played by Freema Agyeman, and James Marsters, who played Spike in Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
John laughed: "For all those sci-fi fans out there, it is going to be a scene of extreme excitement."
"I told Sony, 'I'm not like any other. I'm not just a musician, I'm not someone who writes my own music. So just let me develop this'"
And the handsome Scot - best known as dandy hero Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who and its spin-off Torchwood - is even more excitable than usual as he reveals he's also planning to parade his music on a UK tour.
Making music is no change for the talented 40-year-old.
He has already recorded albums while leading West End productions of Miss Saigon, Phantom Of The Opera and Sunset Boulevard.
He helped shape new West End singers as a judge on BBC talent shows How DoYou Solve A Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do.
And John was even seen duetting with Hollywood star Kevin Kline in the Cole Porter biopic De-Lovely.
But this is the first time he will get to record pop hits.
John said: "I will do covers of tracks I really like - some things that my fans have asked me to sing.
"It will be a very eclectic mix of music that is like me as a person ... musical theatre, pop and even some pop-country. It will be neat.
"When I sat with Sony, I said, 'I'm not like any other, not just a musician. I'm not someone who writes my own music, so let me develop this.'"
Now John would love to take his music on the road - acting permitting.
But he laughs off any idea of him as a rowdy rocker.
He laughed: "I'm not one of those people who like to go out and get hammered. I'm a little older now - and wiser."
And much too busy, if his current schedule is anything to go by.
Although he is filming the second series of Torchwood until November, John will take time off to guest host Channel 4's Friday Night Project next week. And he will host a pilot for a possible new BBC One Saturday night quiz show called The Kids Are All Right.
As if all that wasn't enough, John is being followed by his sister who is writing his biography, Anything Goes, which is due out next spring.
But, despite being the man of the hour, John admits he was surprised when a publisher approached him.
He said: "I don't think I'm that old yet to be penning such a thing.
"But my sister has been following me for the last seven weeks - I dictate into an iPod and she puts it onto the page.
"It's my stories of my career, my trials, my tribulations, exciting things that have happened to me, my family situations, all sorts of things.
"Luckily I'm from a very tight-knit family and my sister knows everything about me, so I have no problem telling her all this stuff.
"There have been a couple of times - well, actually five - when she's gone, 'Eww, I don't want to know,' but I think she's slightly got over that and I think it will be an interesting read."
JOHN has taken a long time to reach his current status as one of Britain's biggest and brightest all-round talents.
Born in Mount Vernon, Glasgow, his dad's job with Lanarkshire machinery firm Caterpillar moved the family across the Atlantic to Illinois when he was nine.
The youngster moved back in 1990, but his Scots accent had gone - almost.
John laughed: "When I'm with my family I still speak Scottish.
"The weird thing is with Doctor Who star David Tennant, when we are off-set we speak Scottish but when we go on-set he's English and I'm American. It's like being bilingual. We call it bi-dialectical. There is a lot of "bi" in me."
He smiles. John is open and proud about his homosexuality - and that of his "omnisexual" TV alter-ego Jack, who'll pursue any man, woman or alien.
John - voted Stonewall's Entertainer Of The Year in 2006 - has been with his architect partner Scott Gill for 16 years - and they wed last year.
He said: "I am proud to be gay. I'm a gay man, I have no issue with it or for people who do." He beamed: "I was signing autographs and a little boy came up to me with his father.
"The father said, 'Do you want Captain Jack's autograph?' and the little boy said, 'Oh yes, Daddy.
I don't care if he does like boys or girls, he's my hero.' Whether that's because of what I'm doing or because of what the show is doing, I don't know.
"But I said to the dad, 'Either you are an amazing father or you have a very special young boy there.'
"Because he didn't care. It is adults who have hang-ups. Kids don't."
John continued his fight against stereotypes by launching the RAF International Tattoo in June.
He said: "I was representing them because of Captain Jack being in the RAF.
"But mainly I agreed because the RAF in Britain are the only part of the military that openly accepts gay men and women.
"I really wanted to represent them.
"They took me up in this Hawker Hunter fighter jet and flew me around upside down, you name it.
"I am proud to say I puked, got my oxygen mask back on in time to do another loop then threw up again.
"It was like a fantasy. I was dressed in the Top Gun gear and everything."
Back on the ground, John's castmates when Torchwood airs in January will be The Doctor's ex-companion Martha, played by Freema Agyeman, and James Marsters, who played Spike in Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
John laughed: "For all those sci-fi fans out there, it is going to be a scene of extreme excitement."
"I told Sony, 'I'm not like any other. I'm not just a musician, I'm not someone who writes my own music. So just let me develop this'"
OFF THE RECORD
STARDOM may be beckoning again for Tony Blair, once he has been away his holidays and brought about world peace.
It was reported yesterday that the people behind Doctor Who are keen to sign up the former Prime Minister for a cameo performance.
It may not be as far-fetched as it sounds - he has, after all, already done The Simpsons and appeared with Catherine Tate, who just happens to have been hired as the Timelord's next assistant.
Blair's people have allegedly been talking to the Doctor's people, and they have just vetoed the plotline that involved the Earth coming under attack from giant winged insects. They want to steer well clear of weapons of moth destruction.
However, it seems the scriptwriters might get away with plans for a scene in which Blair rescues Tate from being ravished by a down-and-out on Westminster Bridge.
It's starting to look like they might get away with a sexed-up dosser.
JUST a thought, but if Asda and publishers Bloomsbury have fallen out again by the weekend, what are the chances of the supermarket chain releasing an own-brand version of the Harry Potter book, like they do with Corn Flakes, Pot Noodles, Custard Creams and just about everything else? Something along the lines of Henry Spotter and the Wealthy Mallows.
THE Hollywood rumour mill is saying that Robert De Niro is behind plans for a new biopic of Chinese dictator Chairman Mao. We trust the script will pay homage to De Niro's peerless past career by including the line: "You lookin' at Mao, huh? You lookin' at Mao?"
THE Circus of Horrors has placed an ad in job centres in the north of England for a person to fill in as a human pickle. They're looking for a "loose-limbed person" to fit into a 2ft-high laboratory bottle filled with vinegar.
We believe the vacancy has arisen because the previous bloke ran away to join the army. He's now a pickled Gurkha.
WE fear the London Mayoral contest is going to get nasty pretty soon. We hear Ken Livingstone is wary of Boris Johnson encroaching on his territory by impersonating his newts.
Incidentally, for reasons of economy if nothing else, we hope Boris isn't planning on putting his full name on his election literature. It is, in fact, Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson.
AND THIS JUST IN...
WE learn that Aberdeen City Council's brand new, state-of-the-art sports pavilion in the Altens area of the city has a helpful sign marked "Referees Dressing Room". Even more helpfully, the message is repeated underneath in Braille. We are sure such gestures would be appreciated by the hard-pressed lot who officiate at SPL grounds too.
It was reported yesterday that the people behind Doctor Who are keen to sign up the former Prime Minister for a cameo performance.
It may not be as far-fetched as it sounds - he has, after all, already done The Simpsons and appeared with Catherine Tate, who just happens to have been hired as the Timelord's next assistant.
Blair's people have allegedly been talking to the Doctor's people, and they have just vetoed the plotline that involved the Earth coming under attack from giant winged insects. They want to steer well clear of weapons of moth destruction.
However, it seems the scriptwriters might get away with plans for a scene in which Blair rescues Tate from being ravished by a down-and-out on Westminster Bridge.
It's starting to look like they might get away with a sexed-up dosser.
JUST a thought, but if Asda and publishers Bloomsbury have fallen out again by the weekend, what are the chances of the supermarket chain releasing an own-brand version of the Harry Potter book, like they do with Corn Flakes, Pot Noodles, Custard Creams and just about everything else? Something along the lines of Henry Spotter and the Wealthy Mallows.
THE Hollywood rumour mill is saying that Robert De Niro is behind plans for a new biopic of Chinese dictator Chairman Mao. We trust the script will pay homage to De Niro's peerless past career by including the line: "You lookin' at Mao, huh? You lookin' at Mao?"
THE Circus of Horrors has placed an ad in job centres in the north of England for a person to fill in as a human pickle. They're looking for a "loose-limbed person" to fit into a 2ft-high laboratory bottle filled with vinegar.
We believe the vacancy has arisen because the previous bloke ran away to join the army. He's now a pickled Gurkha.
WE fear the London Mayoral contest is going to get nasty pretty soon. We hear Ken Livingstone is wary of Boris Johnson encroaching on his territory by impersonating his newts.
Incidentally, for reasons of economy if nothing else, we hope Boris isn't planning on putting his full name on his election literature. It is, in fact, Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson.
AND THIS JUST IN...
WE learn that Aberdeen City Council's brand new, state-of-the-art sports pavilion in the Altens area of the city has a helpful sign marked "Referees Dressing Room". Even more helpfully, the message is repeated underneath in Braille. We are sure such gestures would be appreciated by the hard-pressed lot who officiate at SPL grounds too.
SPECTACULAR EXIT FOR TATE'S TV TEEN
LOUDMOUTH teen Lauren Cooper will come a total cropper in a BBC Christmas Special as Catherine Tate sensationally kills off her most famous character.
Tate has invited pop star George Michael into the festive offering - leaving insiders to hint he will play a crucial role in Lauren's demise.
The schoolgirl, catchphrase "Am I bovvered?", hit the screen in 2004 and has starred in three runs of the awardwinning Catherine Tate Show on BBC2. But Catherine, 39, has ruled out a fourth series to concentrate on her new role as the assistant in Doctor Who.
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Yesterday a show insider said: "It's going to be Lauren Cooper RIP. Catherine thinks it's time to kill her off, and she'll be going in spectacular style."
The hush-hush scenes with George have already been filmed.
Earlier this year the angry teenager - who also likes to ask,"Are you disrespectin' me?" - starred in Comic Relief alongside former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
In the sketch Lauren is sent to Downing Street for work experience but ends up boring Blair with her tales of famous people she has met.
This gave him the chance to utter the line: "Am I bovvered?" Another classic moment was during the 2005 Children in Need, where she cheekily asked pop group McFly: "Why are you so rubbish?" Lauren showed up in EastEnders at the Queen Vic later that year and got up Barbara Windsor's nose, as she went looking for a fight with Stacey Slater who had stolen her boyfriend.
The Christmas special will also feature a flashback of Catherine's character Joannie "Nan" Taylor from the 50s.
But Catherine does not plan to introduce any new characters.
She said: "I'm probably going to be sticking with the tried and tested rather than going for any shocks."
"It'll be the equivalent of a greatest hits album, rather than experimental."
LAUREN: AN OBITUARY
LAUREN Jade Chardonnay Cooper was born in 1991 to single mum Faberge Cooper. The father is not recorded on the birth certificate, though a shortlist of possibles was drawn up.
A precocious child, her first Asbo came at the age of 6, along with a caution for shoplifting from Primark.
A keen smoker and connoisseur of vodka-based fruit cocktails, Lauren's Facebook page listed her interests as "not being bovvered" and "disrespectin'".
Briefly employed in a burger bar, there were hopes that she might actually make something of herself when she got to see the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, in 2007, but the meeting did not go well.
Friends are asked to leave flowers from the 24-hour garage by some railings and also a teddy bear. If they can be bovvered.
Tate has invited pop star George Michael into the festive offering - leaving insiders to hint he will play a crucial role in Lauren's demise.
The schoolgirl, catchphrase "Am I bovvered?", hit the screen in 2004 and has starred in three runs of the awardwinning Catherine Tate Show on BBC2. But Catherine, 39, has ruled out a fourth series to concentrate on her new role as the assistant in Doctor Who.
Advertisement
Yesterday a show insider said: "It's going to be Lauren Cooper RIP. Catherine thinks it's time to kill her off, and she'll be going in spectacular style."
The hush-hush scenes with George have already been filmed.
Earlier this year the angry teenager - who also likes to ask,"Are you disrespectin' me?" - starred in Comic Relief alongside former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
In the sketch Lauren is sent to Downing Street for work experience but ends up boring Blair with her tales of famous people she has met.
This gave him the chance to utter the line: "Am I bovvered?" Another classic moment was during the 2005 Children in Need, where she cheekily asked pop group McFly: "Why are you so rubbish?" Lauren showed up in EastEnders at the Queen Vic later that year and got up Barbara Windsor's nose, as she went looking for a fight with Stacey Slater who had stolen her boyfriend.
The Christmas special will also feature a flashback of Catherine's character Joannie "Nan" Taylor from the 50s.
But Catherine does not plan to introduce any new characters.
She said: "I'm probably going to be sticking with the tried and tested rather than going for any shocks."
"It'll be the equivalent of a greatest hits album, rather than experimental."
LAUREN: AN OBITUARY
LAUREN Jade Chardonnay Cooper was born in 1991 to single mum Faberge Cooper. The father is not recorded on the birth certificate, though a shortlist of possibles was drawn up.
A precocious child, her first Asbo came at the age of 6, along with a caution for shoplifting from Primark.
A keen smoker and connoisseur of vodka-based fruit cocktails, Lauren's Facebook page listed her interests as "not being bovvered" and "disrespectin'".
Briefly employed in a burger bar, there were hopes that she might actually make something of herself when she got to see the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, in 2007, but the meeting did not go well.
Friends are asked to leave flowers from the 24-hour garage by some railings and also a teddy bear. If they can be bovvered.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
New Doctor Who Prints Available from SSLPrints.com
ssplprints.com - the official print sales website of the Science Museum, National Railway Museum and National Museum of Photography, Film & Television - are now offering a further set of Doctor Who prints.The new images are never seen before photographs of Jon Pertwee and Katy Manning at the opening of the BBC Visual Effects exhibition at the Science Museum in London in 1972.Those wanting to purchase a print of the Doctor/Master Radio Times front cover should note that the image is only available until Friday 27th July. Link: www.ssplprints.com
That's a Wrap?
According to Executive Producer Julie Gardner at last Friday's Torchwood Q+A panel up in Beverly Hills filming on the first series of The Sarah Jane Adventures has now wrapped up - and to celebrate the cast are about to have a wrap party (but one that the child stars won't be invited to, according to two sources!)If true it could ultimately prove true that The Sarah Jane Adventures will be heading our way sometime in mid-September. The Mill are continuing to slave away behind the scenes on the CGI side of things, and there's also voice overs and other areas of post-production work still to be done. But there's plenty of time; and the SJA will be coming your way very soon!More news on filming and broadcast details when we get them.
How Barrowman Gave Tegan a Home
John Barrowman was a guest star today on the new series Animal Rescue Live.While on the BBC1 show, he talked about his dogs Lewis and Tiger - the latter of whom was a Dogs Trust rescue animal originally called Tegan. He told interviewer Selina Scott that he and partner Scott Gill decided to give a pet a home rather than swap rings for their civil partnership so went to the Dogs Trust - where a dog called Tegan had just been taken.Telling the co-host of the Doctor Who connection, he said: "So I figured it's fate and it had to be."Barrowman is a celebrity patron for Dogs Trust.View his appearance here.
Sarah Jane Will Air In Autumn
The BBC has confirmed that spin-off series The Sarah Jane Adventures will be broadcast this autumn.A press office story about the rebranding of CBBC says that the show will be part of the autumn season.A precise date for when The Sarah Jane Adventures will start is yet to be given. The series will comprise five two-part stories. The new look for CBBC, designed to attract a wider audience of children aged six to 12, will be unveiled at the end of the summer.
Torchwood Secrets To Be Revealed
John Barrowman, who plays Captain Jack on the BBC Two's Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood, told SCI FI Wire that the upcoming second season will reveal more about his character's complicated backstory.
"Every day I come in, or every new script I get, I learn something new about my character, which keeps it fresh," Barrowman said in an interview at the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Beverly Hills, Calif., on July 13. "And it means that when I play things, I play them differently, because I know different things about him now."
The character of Captain Jack was introduced in a two-part episode of Doctor Who and went on to appear in the final five episodes of the first season. Later, he become the leader of a secret organization at the center of the spinoff show, Torchwood. How he got from one place and time to the other is a mystery that will gradually unfold over the course of Torchwood's second season.
"You don't know the exact date when Jack returned yet," Barrowman said. "We do know he was left on Satellite Five [at the end of season one of Doctor Who]. He was brought back to life. He then came back to Earth and arrived back in another time and had to live through it to get to the point where the Doctor came back. In [season] two of Torchwood, there's some of that revealed."
In his performance, Barrowman is also now bearing in mind an intriguing new piece of information about the character, which was slipped into the end of the recent third season of Doctor Who (currently airing on SCI FI Channel). He couldn't talk about the twist in specifics, but he did say that it came as a shock, not only to him, but also to co-star David Tennant, who plays the Doctor.
"It's always something that takes you by surprise, otherwise it wouldn't be fiction," Barrowman said. "And I love that. And that script, when it came out, David read it. We were filming at the time, and he came running to my trailer and he went, 'F--k me. Have you read this?' And I went, 'No.' And he went, 'Oh, my God. Hurry up.' I went, 'Shut up and get out of my trailer. I'm not reading it yet.' ... So then I read it, and on a lunch break I ran to his trailer and knocked on the door, and he went, 'Well?' And I went, 'F--k me!' But it's absolutely brilliant."
Season two of Torchwood will also further develop the character of Martha Jones, played by Freema Agyeman, who will be making a guest appearance in three episodes.
"It's a perfect progression for her character," Barrowman said. "Because she develops such a strong character by the end of [season] three. So if Jack needs help, who else is he going to call? Jack trusted her to save the world. So did the Doctor. So who are you going to call? Martha Jones."
The third season of Doctor Who is currently running on SCI FI Channel Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Torchwood's first season will begin airing on BBC America on Sept. 8 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
"Every day I come in, or every new script I get, I learn something new about my character, which keeps it fresh," Barrowman said in an interview at the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Beverly Hills, Calif., on July 13. "And it means that when I play things, I play them differently, because I know different things about him now."
The character of Captain Jack was introduced in a two-part episode of Doctor Who and went on to appear in the final five episodes of the first season. Later, he become the leader of a secret organization at the center of the spinoff show, Torchwood. How he got from one place and time to the other is a mystery that will gradually unfold over the course of Torchwood's second season.
"You don't know the exact date when Jack returned yet," Barrowman said. "We do know he was left on Satellite Five [at the end of season one of Doctor Who]. He was brought back to life. He then came back to Earth and arrived back in another time and had to live through it to get to the point where the Doctor came back. In [season] two of Torchwood, there's some of that revealed."
In his performance, Barrowman is also now bearing in mind an intriguing new piece of information about the character, which was slipped into the end of the recent third season of Doctor Who (currently airing on SCI FI Channel). He couldn't talk about the twist in specifics, but he did say that it came as a shock, not only to him, but also to co-star David Tennant, who plays the Doctor.
"It's always something that takes you by surprise, otherwise it wouldn't be fiction," Barrowman said. "And I love that. And that script, when it came out, David read it. We were filming at the time, and he came running to my trailer and he went, 'F--k me. Have you read this?' And I went, 'No.' And he went, 'Oh, my God. Hurry up.' I went, 'Shut up and get out of my trailer. I'm not reading it yet.' ... So then I read it, and on a lunch break I ran to his trailer and knocked on the door, and he went, 'Well?' And I went, 'F--k me!' But it's absolutely brilliant."
Season two of Torchwood will also further develop the character of Martha Jones, played by Freema Agyeman, who will be making a guest appearance in three episodes.
"It's a perfect progression for her character," Barrowman said. "Because she develops such a strong character by the end of [season] three. So if Jack needs help, who else is he going to call? Jack trusted her to save the world. So did the Doctor. So who are you going to call? Martha Jones."
The third season of Doctor Who is currently running on SCI FI Channel Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Torchwood's first season will begin airing on BBC America on Sept. 8 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Monday, July 16, 2007
There's filming in Swansea
filming details14th July 2007 - Swansea Exchange Building filming
Filming has been taking place in Swansea over the last couple of days for Doctor Who, with the inside of the empty building being used as the set of the Titanic for the Christmas Special. Set up for the filming was witnessed on Thursday by "Robo" on OG: "I passed on my way to lunch today and there was a load of trucks outside taking in props. I asked one of the guys off loading stuff and he confirmed that it was indeed Doctor Who. So far all I've seen is a ships porthole as part of a stage set and some antique furniture being offloaded. Looks like they're still building the set today, should be ready tomorrow I would think."
This is South Wales reported on filming for yesterday and this morning; as filming is taking place indoors under heavy security, there isn't anything on location to see!
http://www.doctorwholocations.net/
Filming has been taking place in Swansea over the last couple of days for Doctor Who, with the inside of the empty building being used as the set of the Titanic for the Christmas Special. Set up for the filming was witnessed on Thursday by "Robo" on OG: "I passed on my way to lunch today and there was a load of trucks outside taking in props. I asked one of the guys off loading stuff and he confirmed that it was indeed Doctor Who. So far all I've seen is a ships porthole as part of a stage set and some antique furniture being offloaded. Looks like they're still building the set today, should be ready tomorrow I would think."
This is South Wales reported on filming for yesterday and this morning; as filming is taking place indoors under heavy security, there isn't anything on location to see!
http://www.doctorwholocations.net/
Marsters Gets Racy On Torchwood
John Barrowman, who plays Capt. Jack Harkness on the BBC's Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood, told SCI FI Wire that a salacious comment made by guest star James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) at a recent convention about his character was a completely accurate description. "That's right," Barrowman said in an interview at the Television Critics Association press tour in Beverly Hills, Calif., on July 13. "'You're going to have to go finish yourself off at the end of it.' And he's absolutely right. And we filmed that three days ago, and it took 12 hours. I can't tell you what that was like." Marsters is best known for playing Spike, the platinum-blond, British-born vampire with a weakness for a certain chosen one on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff series, Angel. Julie Gardner, executive-producer of Torchwood, said that Marsters will play an "omnisexual" character who has a past connection to Barrowman's Capt. Jack. "We're kind of really embracing the omnisexual word, aren't we?" Gardner said in a separate interview. "They should all fancy each other. I mean, when they're as sexy as they are, you just want to believe anything's possible. There's a very big story for him in episode one. He and Jack have a very big shared history." Marsters is now filming his episode in Cardiff, Wales, and has been enjoying the experience, by all accounts. "I heard from [Who executive producer] Russell T. Davies today, and James is having a blast," Gardner said. "He's loving it. He's really, really happy." Torchwood will return for a second season in the United Kingdom on BBC Two in early 2008. The first season premieres in the United States on BBC America on Sept. 8 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Moffat talks about the future
Steven Moffat, who has written some of the most memorable episodes of the BBC's new Doctor Who, told SCI FI Wire that fans have no cause to worry that the rumored departure of executive producer Russell T. Davies at the end of the fourth season will mean the end of the franchise, but he did not deny the rumor. "I know that there's tremendous anxiety among Doctor Who fans about the future of Doctor Who," Moffat said in an interview at the Television Critics Association press tour in Beverly Hills, Calif., where he was promoting his upcoming BBC America series, Jekyll. "Here's an answer that people should listen to. No broadcaster lets go of a show like Doctor Who. They'd have to be out of their f--king minds." The new iteration of Doctor Who premiered in 2005 and just completed its third season in the United Kingdom. Each season has seen a major casting change, and the fourth one will be no exception. Catherine Tate has been announced as the Doctor's new companion, reprising the role of Donna Noble from last year's Christmas special, The Runaway Bride. Moffat pointed out that Doctor Who has managed to remain popular despite these changes and that the show is bigger than one person. "If Doctor Who demonstrates anything—any simple truth about television—it's that everyone is dispensable," he said. "Doctor Who is probably there forever. It will probably outlive everyone on [fan Web site] Outpost Gallifrey. That's probably the truth. I'm not saying that it will run continuously for 20 years. They might give it a rest for a while, but I wouldn't imaging Doctor Who would rest for very long now. But Doctor Who is completely safe. It's not in great danger. It's been the center of British culture since Kennedy was shot. I mean, it's not going away. Look, they turned it to s--t and took it off for 15 years, and that didn't kill it. I mean, what's going to kill it now? Success?" When asked if he might be the one to take over should Davies leave the show, Moffat appeared slightly uncomfortable. "Next question," he answered after a long pause. "There's a lot of things to think about there." The third season of Doctor Who is currently running on SCI FI Channel Friday nights at 8 p.m.
Torchwood to air on BBC Two
Torchwood, the smash-hit thriller drama created by Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies, is currently filming for a new series which will be shown on BBC Two early next year.
Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), Gwen (Eve Myles), Owen (Burn Gorman), Tosh (Naoko Mori) and Ianto (Gareth David-Lloyd) return as the close-knit team of investigators solving alien and human crimes as they delve into the underworld of modern day Cardiff.
The high-octane storylines, filmed in and around Cardiff, include Torchwood's encounter with a rogue Time Agent; a tragic time-slip from World War One; and a memory-thief who uncovers long-forgotten secrets among the entire team.
Making a special guest appearance in the first episode is James Marsters who starred as Spike, the punk-goth vampire, in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel.
Commenting on his role in Torchwood, James says: "I am a huge fan of Doctor Who and Torchwood so it was me who knocked on their door.
"I am really excited about the character I am playing. I can't say too much about him, except he is naughty and a bit of a psychopath."
Later on in the run Alan Dale makes a star appearance. Alan is currently appearing in Ugly Betty as Bradford Meade and he is well known for his roles in The O.C., Lost, The West Wing and as Jim Robinson in the Australian hit soap Neighbours.
He said: "I am thrilled to be working on Torchwood and delighted to be in England again. I am a huge fan of British television drama."
Another familiar face among the surprise guest stars is Doctor Who's gorgeous companion Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) who brings her time-travelling expertise and medical skills to the team halfway through the series.
She says: "I'm really looking forward to working with the Torchwood team and can't wait to start filming.
"It's a huge new challenge and a wonderful opportunity to develop and expand the character of Martha Jones."
Russell T Davies said: "Filming is well underway in Cardiff, and we're aiming to make the show bigger and bolder than ever, as we move to our new home on BBC Two.
"It's too early to start giving things away, but we've got some amazing guest stars, fearsome new aliens, and compelling new storylines that will push the Torchwood team further than ever before."
The 13-part series is written by Chris Chibnall, Catherine Tregenna, Helen Raynor, James Moran, Joseph Lidster, Peter J Hammond, JC Wilsher and Matt Jones.
Created by Davies, with Chris Chibnall as co-producer and lead writer, the first series, which aired on BBC Three last year, achieved the channel's highest ever ratings – with an audience of 2.5 million for the first episode.
Torchwood is executive produced by Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner, Head of Drama in BBC Wales. The producer is Richard Stokes.
Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), Gwen (Eve Myles), Owen (Burn Gorman), Tosh (Naoko Mori) and Ianto (Gareth David-Lloyd) return as the close-knit team of investigators solving alien and human crimes as they delve into the underworld of modern day Cardiff.
The high-octane storylines, filmed in and around Cardiff, include Torchwood's encounter with a rogue Time Agent; a tragic time-slip from World War One; and a memory-thief who uncovers long-forgotten secrets among the entire team.
Making a special guest appearance in the first episode is James Marsters who starred as Spike, the punk-goth vampire, in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel.
Commenting on his role in Torchwood, James says: "I am a huge fan of Doctor Who and Torchwood so it was me who knocked on their door.
"I am really excited about the character I am playing. I can't say too much about him, except he is naughty and a bit of a psychopath."
Later on in the run Alan Dale makes a star appearance. Alan is currently appearing in Ugly Betty as Bradford Meade and he is well known for his roles in The O.C., Lost, The West Wing and as Jim Robinson in the Australian hit soap Neighbours.
He said: "I am thrilled to be working on Torchwood and delighted to be in England again. I am a huge fan of British television drama."
Another familiar face among the surprise guest stars is Doctor Who's gorgeous companion Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) who brings her time-travelling expertise and medical skills to the team halfway through the series.
She says: "I'm really looking forward to working with the Torchwood team and can't wait to start filming.
"It's a huge new challenge and a wonderful opportunity to develop and expand the character of Martha Jones."
Russell T Davies said: "Filming is well underway in Cardiff, and we're aiming to make the show bigger and bolder than ever, as we move to our new home on BBC Two.
"It's too early to start giving things away, but we've got some amazing guest stars, fearsome new aliens, and compelling new storylines that will push the Torchwood team further than ever before."
The 13-part series is written by Chris Chibnall, Catherine Tregenna, Helen Raynor, James Moran, Joseph Lidster, Peter J Hammond, JC Wilsher and Matt Jones.
Created by Davies, with Chris Chibnall as co-producer and lead writer, the first series, which aired on BBC Three last year, achieved the channel's highest ever ratings – with an audience of 2.5 million for the first episode.
Torchwood is executive produced by Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner, Head of Drama in BBC Wales. The producer is Richard Stokes.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Radio Times under fire for front covers
Its mix of wholesome entertainment, homely features and television listings has brought Radio Times millions of loyal readers.
Corinne Bailey Rae, a rare black star on the front cover
So they are likely to be surprised to find its editor at the centre of a racism row. Gill Hudson has admitted that black and Asian people seldom feature on the magazine's front cover but insists her hands are tied by commercial considerations.
Miss Hudson, who has edited the BBC-produced magazine for five years, told The Sunday Telegraph: "I do notice when we put an Asian or black figure on the copy and I think, 'Yippee', but it's not often you can do it. We have to sell almost a million copies a week and we have to go for the biggest programmes possible. I can't choose the cover by quota. It's about getting the right programme, not the right ethnic mix."
Miss Hudson's comments came after Noel Clarke, one of Britain's brightest young black actors, whose credits include appearances in Doctor Who and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, accused listings magazines, including Radio Times, the biggest seller, of discriminating against ethnic minority stars.
At a seminar on diversity at the recent Cheltenham Screenwriters' Festival, Clarke, 31, said: "I could bring you every cover of the various TV guides for the last year and you'll see maybe one or two people of colour - Radio Times, TV Times, all of them. A friend of mine had a major role in a very big and very popular soap. His family had huge storylines that were the talk of the week. He began asking why his family had never been on the cover of anything. Eventually they said, 'Every time we put you forward, the people who run the magazines say, 'If you put them on the cover, they won't sell'."
Nirpal Dhaliwal, the writer and broadcaster, said: "We are constantly being told that magazines won't sell if they put black and Asian talent on the cover. No one ever bothers to test that theory. I think the onus is on a BBC publication to try a bit harder and take risks.
"Black and Asian talent is not considered a dead cert in terms of sales but it certainly could be with the right push."
In the past three years, only 12 of more than 150 issues of Radio Times have featured someone black or Asian on the front cover. None showed a black or Asian TV personality alone and only one - featuring the singer Corinne Bailey Rae to coincide with the recent Live Earth concert - was dedicated exclusively to a living black or Asian star. EastEnders, the BBC's flagship soap, has eight black or Asian characters.
Even when ethnic minority stars do make the front page, they are often granted less space than their white peers.
A cover dedicated to Comic Relief in 2005 was dominated by the comedian Graham Norton, with David Walliams and Matt Lucas, the stars of Little Britain. The three were featured in front of a small portrait of the black comedian and fellow Comic Relief presenter Lenny Henry.
In 2004, a cover about news presenters featured Sri Lankan-born George Alagiah, the BBC Six O'Clock News anchor, alongside several white colleagues. Fellow presenters Darren Jordon and Moira Stuart, who are black, appeared only inside.
A spokesman for the Commission for Racial Equality said a black face on the front of a magazine "inspires some of our under-achieving black boys to strive for success. It's time we saw some more positive representations of black people in the media." The BBC has often paraded its efforts to raise the profile of black and Asian talent. Last year, Mary FitzPatrick became the BBC's first editorial executive of diversity, charged with ensuring that the diversity of the population was reflected. She drew controversy when, after criticism of Fiona Bruce wearing a necklace with a cross on air, she said women news-readers should wear what they want, including veils.
She also said it was wrong for the BBC to have expressed horror at the manner of Saddam Hussein's execution because doing so "imposed" western values on a different culture.
Corinne Bailey Rae, a rare black star on the front cover
So they are likely to be surprised to find its editor at the centre of a racism row. Gill Hudson has admitted that black and Asian people seldom feature on the magazine's front cover but insists her hands are tied by commercial considerations.
Miss Hudson, who has edited the BBC-produced magazine for five years, told The Sunday Telegraph: "I do notice when we put an Asian or black figure on the copy and I think, 'Yippee', but it's not often you can do it. We have to sell almost a million copies a week and we have to go for the biggest programmes possible. I can't choose the cover by quota. It's about getting the right programme, not the right ethnic mix."
Miss Hudson's comments came after Noel Clarke, one of Britain's brightest young black actors, whose credits include appearances in Doctor Who and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, accused listings magazines, including Radio Times, the biggest seller, of discriminating against ethnic minority stars.
At a seminar on diversity at the recent Cheltenham Screenwriters' Festival, Clarke, 31, said: "I could bring you every cover of the various TV guides for the last year and you'll see maybe one or two people of colour - Radio Times, TV Times, all of them. A friend of mine had a major role in a very big and very popular soap. His family had huge storylines that were the talk of the week. He began asking why his family had never been on the cover of anything. Eventually they said, 'Every time we put you forward, the people who run the magazines say, 'If you put them on the cover, they won't sell'."
Nirpal Dhaliwal, the writer and broadcaster, said: "We are constantly being told that magazines won't sell if they put black and Asian talent on the cover. No one ever bothers to test that theory. I think the onus is on a BBC publication to try a bit harder and take risks.
"Black and Asian talent is not considered a dead cert in terms of sales but it certainly could be with the right push."
In the past three years, only 12 of more than 150 issues of Radio Times have featured someone black or Asian on the front cover. None showed a black or Asian TV personality alone and only one - featuring the singer Corinne Bailey Rae to coincide with the recent Live Earth concert - was dedicated exclusively to a living black or Asian star. EastEnders, the BBC's flagship soap, has eight black or Asian characters.
Even when ethnic minority stars do make the front page, they are often granted less space than their white peers.
A cover dedicated to Comic Relief in 2005 was dominated by the comedian Graham Norton, with David Walliams and Matt Lucas, the stars of Little Britain. The three were featured in front of a small portrait of the black comedian and fellow Comic Relief presenter Lenny Henry.
In 2004, a cover about news presenters featured Sri Lankan-born George Alagiah, the BBC Six O'Clock News anchor, alongside several white colleagues. Fellow presenters Darren Jordon and Moira Stuart, who are black, appeared only inside.
A spokesman for the Commission for Racial Equality said a black face on the front of a magazine "inspires some of our under-achieving black boys to strive for success. It's time we saw some more positive representations of black people in the media." The BBC has often paraded its efforts to raise the profile of black and Asian talent. Last year, Mary FitzPatrick became the BBC's first editorial executive of diversity, charged with ensuring that the diversity of the population was reflected. She drew controversy when, after criticism of Fiona Bruce wearing a necklace with a cross on air, she said women news-readers should wear what they want, including veils.
She also said it was wrong for the BBC to have expressed horror at the manner of Saddam Hussein's execution because doing so "imposed" western values on a different culture.
AUSSIE singer Jason Donovan has revealed his dream role – as the next Doctor Who.
The ex-Neighbours star says he may bid to become the new Timelord when the BBC part comes up for grabs.
The sci-fi role is currently played by David Tennant, but Jason said: “I would love to play the Doctor. It would mean relocating to Cardiff but that’s not such a bad thing – it’s a nice place.
“I certainly wouldn’t say no if they offered the role to me. It’s a great show, which I love watching.
“Can you imagine an Aussie Doctor?”
Jason, whose former on-and off-screen love Kylie Minogue is currently filming on the Christmas special in Cardiff, said: “TV acting is definitely my real passion. I want to do more one-off dramas in the future as well – but not so much the soaps.”
The sci-fi role is currently played by David Tennant, but Jason said: “I would love to play the Doctor. It would mean relocating to Cardiff but that’s not such a bad thing – it’s a nice place.
“I certainly wouldn’t say no if they offered the role to me. It’s a great show, which I love watching.
“Can you imagine an Aussie Doctor?”
Jason, whose former on-and off-screen love Kylie Minogue is currently filming on the Christmas special in Cardiff, said: “TV acting is definitely my real passion. I want to do more one-off dramas in the future as well – but not so much the soaps.”
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Obituary: Robert Marsden
It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of Robert Marsden.
Robert was best known to Doctor Who fans for his role as Abraham Lincoln in the 1st Doctor adventure; The Chase.
Robert was best known to Doctor Who fans for his role as Abraham Lincoln in the 1st Doctor adventure; The Chase.
Who brings Kylie to South Wales?
KYLIE MINOGUE braved the Welsh rain yesterday as she filmed scenes for her forthcoming appearance in Doctor Who.
The diminutive pop star spent the day in Swansea recording her role in the hit BBC Wales show’s Christmas special.
But fortunately for the Australian, her pink umbrella was only called upon to help her dodge showers as she nipped out for lunch, with most of her scenes being shot indoors on a miserable day in South Wales.
The episode featuring the former Neighbours star sees Kylie playing a waitress on the Titanic, and it is believed the building on the city’s Adelaide Street in which yesterday’s action took place has been chosen because its wood panelling may replicate the doomed cruiseliner’s interior.
Kylie has spoken of her nerves about taking on her first acting role for 15 years, but seems to have thrown herself into the role, arriving for work at 7am yesterday and not breaking for lunch until 2pm.
Wearing black lace-up boots and a knee-length black jacket, she then emerged from the building under a bright pink umbrella, smiling happily at onlookers.
The singer, whose mother is Welsh, has taken on the role in the sci-fi drama as she seeks to rebuild her career after suffering from breast cancer.
Filming has so far taken her to both Cardiff and Swansea.
The diminutive pop star spent the day in Swansea recording her role in the hit BBC Wales show’s Christmas special.
But fortunately for the Australian, her pink umbrella was only called upon to help her dodge showers as she nipped out for lunch, with most of her scenes being shot indoors on a miserable day in South Wales.
The episode featuring the former Neighbours star sees Kylie playing a waitress on the Titanic, and it is believed the building on the city’s Adelaide Street in which yesterday’s action took place has been chosen because its wood panelling may replicate the doomed cruiseliner’s interior.
Kylie has spoken of her nerves about taking on her first acting role for 15 years, but seems to have thrown herself into the role, arriving for work at 7am yesterday and not breaking for lunch until 2pm.
Wearing black lace-up boots and a knee-length black jacket, she then emerged from the building under a bright pink umbrella, smiling happily at onlookers.
The singer, whose mother is Welsh, has taken on the role in the sci-fi drama as she seeks to rebuild her career after suffering from breast cancer.
Filming has so far taken her to both Cardiff and Swansea.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
K9 Adventures Latest
The Park Entertainment/Jetix series of 26 half-hour K9 Adventures episodes is currently in pre-production with a targeted delivery date of July 2008, according to an article in Broadcast magazine's MIPTV supplement.It will be written by Andrew Nicholls and Darrel Vickers. The piece says the show will be "sophisticated, funny and adult in a way that relates to younger viewers, as well as speaking to family audiences".
Peter Tuddenham has passwd away
Actor and voice artiste Peter Tuddenham has died at the age of 88 after a short illness.His vocal talents were used in Doctor Who for The Ark in Space, The Masque of Mandragora and Time and the Rani, but he will also be well-known to cult TV fans for providing the voices of Zen, Orac and Slave in Blake's 7, which was created by Terry Nation.In addition, Tuddenham was in the Kaldor City audio spin-offs Occam's Razor and Death's Head, which were Doctor Who/Blake's 7 crossovers produced by Magic Bullet.Wednesday, July 11, 2007
First Christmas photo
The BBC has today released the first official publicity photograph from the forthcoming 2007 Doctor Who Christmas special, Voyage of the Damned, production of which began in Cardiff earlier this week. The image, seen at top, shows David Tennant as the Doctor along with the episode's main guest star Kylie Minogue, who according to a report on the official BBC Doctor Who website will be playing a characted named Astrid, a waitress about the Titanic. A large version of the publicity picture can be found on the same page.
The BBC report also confirms further casting details for the special: Geoffrey Palmer will be playing "Captain", and other actors named are Gray O'Brien, Debbie Chazen, Clive Rowe, Russell Tovey, Jimmy Vee (previously seen in the programme as the Moxx of Balhoon in series one) and George Costigan.
The BBC report also confirms further casting details for the special: Geoffrey Palmer will be playing "Captain", and other actors named are Gray O'Brien, Debbie Chazen, Clive Rowe, Russell Tovey, Jimmy Vee (previously seen in the programme as the Moxx of Balhoon in series one) and George Costigan.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
JK Rowling for Who?
Could the world-famous author of the Harry Potter novels be headed to Doctor Who?
According to a recent ITV regional news interview with JK Rowling, she was asked if the rumours were true about being approached to write and episode of Doctor Who.
Rowling stated the reports were true, and that she was flattered, but at the time she was too busy writing the final Harry Potter book. She then went on to state that she may do one now that the Harry Potter books are finished.
According to a recent ITV regional news interview with JK Rowling, she was asked if the rumours were true about being approached to write and episode of Doctor Who.
Rowling stated the reports were true, and that she was flattered, but at the time she was too busy writing the final Harry Potter book. She then went on to state that she may do one now that the Harry Potter books are finished.
Sea Devils Fort For Sale
The fort that was used in the filming of The Sea Devils is up for sale.A report in today's edition of Portsmouth daily paper The News says the fort - built in the 1860s as a sea defence against a feared invasion by the French that never happened - is on the market after the collapse of a commercial property finance business and the jailing of its boss.The exterior of the construction - which is in the Solent, off the south coast of England - doubled as an abandoned sea fort when the Doctor Who crew went to Portsmouth in October 1971 for extensive location filming on the Jon Pertwee six-parter.Now converted into a hotel plus events and hospitality venue, it is reported to be worth millions, and administrator KPMG says it is open to offers.
PIPER AND FOX TO MARRY
British acting couple BILLIE PIPER and LAURENCE FOX will marry later this month (Jul07) according to reports. The pair, who have been dating for just six months, are planning a small ceremony among close friends and family in England's Cotswolds. A family source tells British newspaper the Sunday Mirror, "It's a small affair. They don't want a glitzy showbiz event." The couple met when they performed together on London's West End in play Treats. Fox, 28, is the son of actor James Fox. Former Doctor Who star Piper, 24, recently divorced her first husband, DJ and TV presenter Chris Evans.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Sarah Jane's Audio Adventures
10th Planet has released information about forthcoming audio releases for Sarah Jane Adventures. November 5th will see the release of The Thirteenth Stone and The Golden Storm, original short stories for younger listeners, read by Elisabeth Sladen. Each release will be on a single CD.
The Sarah Jane Adventures: The Thirteenth StoneWhilst helping out on a school trip, Sarah Jane discovers the truth behind the legend of an ancient stone circle. Something is trying to escape from one of the stones – and it’s chosen Luke as the way out! Can Sarah, Clyde and Maria save him?
The Sarah Jane Adventures: The Golden StormWhen patients at a London clinic begin to act strangely, Sarah Jane’s suspicions are aroused. Luke falls prey to the clinic’s sinister agenda, Maria and Clyde are pursued through London by a golden battle machine, and Sarah discovers a plot to harvest all the gold from Earth - at a terrible cost to the planet!
The Sarah Jane Adventures: The Thirteenth StoneWhilst helping out on a school trip, Sarah Jane discovers the truth behind the legend of an ancient stone circle. Something is trying to escape from one of the stones – and it’s chosen Luke as the way out! Can Sarah, Clyde and Maria save him?
The Sarah Jane Adventures: The Golden StormWhen patients at a London clinic begin to act strangely, Sarah Jane’s suspicions are aroused. Luke falls prey to the clinic’s sinister agenda, Maria and Clyde are pursued through London by a golden battle machine, and Sarah discovers a plot to harvest all the gold from Earth - at a terrible cost to the planet!
Peter Davison and the Holy Grail
BBC News reports that, starting 23 July, Fifth Doctor, Peter Davison will be taking over the role of King Arthur in the West End production of Monty Python's Spamalot. The show is currently running at the Palace Theatre.Bill Ward, from the ITV soap Coronation Street will be joining the cast at the same time as the sexually disorientated Sir Lancelot.The producers of the show are also launching a new family friendly performance on Fridays at 5:15pm, aimed at kids and young audiences.
Canada: CBC to make Series Three Available Online
The Doctor Who Blog is reporting that they have been informed by sources inside the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that the broadcaster will be posting Series Three of Doctor Who online at their Doctor Who Website. Each episode will appear online the day after it airs on CBC Television, and will remain available for up to four weeks. It is expected that the first three episodes should be posted on the site soon. The episodes are expected to be geofenced, and only be available to those connecting from Canadian ISPs.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Classic Series on YouTube
BBC Worldwide have uploaded a number of clips from the classic series onto YouTube.The clips, which average around 3 minutes long, are mainly taken from the Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker incarnations of the Doctor.Stories represented include The Time Warrior, The Deadly Assassin and The Sunmakers.There is also a chance to see how the original incarnation of The Master dealt with those who got in his way.
Catherine Tate - Online petition, stop Tate Support Sparrow!!!!!
http://www.petitiononline.com/bovvered/
http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/have-catherine-tate-removed-from-doctor-who.html
http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/against-casting-of-catherine-tate-as-4th-series-doctor-who-assistant.html%22%3EOnline
http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/have-catherine-tate-removed-from-doctor-who.html
http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/against-casting-of-catherine-tate-as-4th-series-doctor-who-assistant.html%22%3EOnline
Doctor Who David Tennant poised to play Hamlet
Time-travelling David Tennant - the best of all the Dr Whos - is in negotiations to play Hamlet for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
To be, or not to be the Danish prince, that is the question for Mr Tennant, who starts shooting his third series as the Time Lord in Cardiff on Monday.
The plan being developed by RSC artistic chief Michael Boyd is for Mr Tennant to play Hamlet in a production he wants to direct next summer. The exact timing will depend on whether the actor will do a fourth batch of episodes as the Converse All Stars-sporting Doctor.
To be, or not to be the Danish prince, that is the question for Mr Tennant, who starts shooting his third series as the Time Lord in Cardiff on Monday.
The plan being developed by RSC artistic chief Michael Boyd is for Mr Tennant to play Hamlet in a production he wants to direct next summer. The exact timing will depend on whether the actor will do a fourth batch of episodes as the Converse All Stars-sporting Doctor.
Tennant has been offered several high-profile TV, film and stage parts since his interpretation of Dr Who found so much favour with audiences and critics. Indeed, he recently completed filming a TV movie for HBO called Einstein And Eddington opposite Andy Serkis and Rebeca Hall.
I understand he's minded to give one of the Bard's most famous characters a try.
For starters, Tennant has spoken in the past of his desire to play Hamlet. Plus he has worked with Boyd before (he cast Tennant as Romeo in Romeo And Juliet six years ago). And he evidently enjoys being part of the RSC, having acted in six plays for them.
Tennant last appeared on the stage four years ago in the searing play Pillowman at the National Theatre, although he must have been disappointed that he wasn't able to go with it when it was produced on Broadway.
People associated with the RSC and Tennant are trying to keep the Hamlet talks under wraps in case the deal, which hasn't been completed, unravels.
If Hamlet does happen, and my sense is that it will, it will have a huge built-in audience.
There are a lot of Dr Who fans out there.
I understand he's minded to give one of the Bard's most famous characters a try.
For starters, Tennant has spoken in the past of his desire to play Hamlet. Plus he has worked with Boyd before (he cast Tennant as Romeo in Romeo And Juliet six years ago). And he evidently enjoys being part of the RSC, having acted in six plays for them.
Tennant last appeared on the stage four years ago in the searing play Pillowman at the National Theatre, although he must have been disappointed that he wasn't able to go with it when it was produced on Broadway.
People associated with the RSC and Tennant are trying to keep the Hamlet talks under wraps in case the deal, which hasn't been completed, unravels.
If Hamlet does happen, and my sense is that it will, it will have a huge built-in audience.
There are a lot of Dr Who fans out there.
Torchwood sends inspection team to CERN
Brief Torchwood's Captain Jack has been sighted at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. Does this mean that when it is switched on it is likely to open a rift under Cardiff from whence all manner of spooky things shall spring?
Or is it a shameless publicity stunt designed to raise the profile of the particle accelerator by tying it to a sci-fi TV star?
Does it even matter? They had us at Torchwood...
Actor John Barrowman was given a tour of the facility and has recorded his thoughts on a podcast for posterity. You can check it out on YouTube here.
According to the press release, Barrowman said: "It's nice to be able to see where all these questions that we have hopefully one day will be answered"
"And its nice to know that the scientists, the guys and girls who work here, still have questions too. No one knows the answer, that's the good thing… except Captain Jack!" ®
Thursday, July 05, 2007
War Machines Audio
BBC Audiobooks will release The War Machines on CD on August 6. "First Broadcast on BBC1 in 1966, The War Machines sees the TARDIS returning to Earth in the present day. The Doctor detects strange vibrations coming from the newly - erected Post Office Tower, and sure enough it is discovered to be the centre of operations for WOTAN, a super-computer with designs on taking over the world. The Doctor enlists the help of Sixties swingers Ben and Polly, who then become his travelling companions." The CD includes the complete audio soundtrack, with narration by cast member Anneke Wills (Polly).
Dennis Hopper in talks for 'Doctor Who'
Dennis Hopper is in talks to make a guest appearance in the next series of Doctor Who.The 71-year-old American actor is being lined up by show producers to play a baddie in series four, which starts filming next month.A source told The Sun: "Dennis is a big fan of the show and bosses are really keen to get him on board. Discussions have been going on for some time but his diary is proving a nightmare to work around. However everyone is hopeful they can make something work."Hopper is best known for his roles in Blue Velvet and Easy Rider.
John Simms Master pics
The Official BBC Doctor Who website has added a new photo gallery of John Simm's character from the three part finale of series three, CLICK HERE to view it.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
USA Series Three Starts Friday
The US Sci Fi Channel cable network begins airing Series Three of Doctor Who this Friday, July 6 at 8pm. The broadcast of the third season, which stars David Tennant and Freema Agyeman, begins with the debut of last December's Christmas special, "The Runaway Bride" at 8pm and the first regular season episode, "Smith and Jones," immediately following at 9:30pm. Episodes will then be broadcast on subsequent Fridays at 9pm, with a one-week break on August 31 due to the Labor Day holiday weekend; also, the final two episodes will be broadcast as a set on September 28, with "The Sound of Drums" at 8pm and "Last of the Time Lords" at 9:30pm.The schedule of episodes is as follows:
July 6 - The Runaway Bride (8:00pm), Smith and Jones (9:30pm)July 13 - The Shakespeare Code (9:00pm)July 20 - Gridlock (9:00pm)July 27 - Daleks in Manhattan (9:00pm)August 3 - Evolution of the Daleks (9:00pm)August 10 - The Lazarus Experiment (9:00pm)August 17 - 42 (9:00pm)August 24 - Human Nature (9:00pm)September 7 - The Family of Blood (9:00pm)September 14 - Blink (9:00pm)September 21 - Utopia (9:00pm)September 28 - The Sound of Drums (8:00pm), Last of the Time Lords (9:30pm)
July 6 - The Runaway Bride (8:00pm), Smith and Jones (9:30pm)July 13 - The Shakespeare Code (9:00pm)July 20 - Gridlock (9:00pm)July 27 - Daleks in Manhattan (9:00pm)August 3 - Evolution of the Daleks (9:00pm)August 10 - The Lazarus Experiment (9:00pm)August 17 - 42 (9:00pm)August 24 - Human Nature (9:00pm)September 7 - The Family of Blood (9:00pm)September 14 - Blink (9:00pm)September 21 - Utopia (9:00pm)September 28 - The Sound of Drums (8:00pm), Last of the Time Lords (9:30pm)
Catherine Tate to accompany Doctor Who in S4
Catherine Tate has been named as Doctor Who's new companion for the fourth series of the cult sci-fi show, reprising her role as Donna in last year's Xmas special The Runaway Bride, the BBC reports.
Donna will accompany the good Doctor for the entire series, while Freema Agyeman, who plays Martha Jones, is off to Torchwood for the first half, although she's set to return mid series. Donna was, as fans will recall, offered the chance to do a bit of light intergalactic travelling at the end of The Runaway Bride, but declined.
Russell T Davies kicked off the now-traditional Who cast announcement love-in with: "Catherine was an absolute star in The Runaway Bride and we are delighted that one of Britain's greatest talents has agreed to join us for the fourth series. Viewers can expect more ambitious storylines and a whole host of guest stars in 2008."
Catherine Tate chipped in with: "I am delighted to be returning to Doctor Who. I had a blast last Christmas and look forward to travelling again through time and space with that nice man from Gallifrey." ®
Donna will accompany the good Doctor for the entire series, while Freema Agyeman, who plays Martha Jones, is off to Torchwood for the first half, although she's set to return mid series. Donna was, as fans will recall, offered the chance to do a bit of light intergalactic travelling at the end of The Runaway Bride, but declined.
Russell T Davies kicked off the now-traditional Who cast announcement love-in with: "Catherine was an absolute star in The Runaway Bride and we are delighted that one of Britain's greatest talents has agreed to join us for the fourth series. Viewers can expect more ambitious storylines and a whole host of guest stars in 2008."
Catherine Tate chipped in with: "I am delighted to be returning to Doctor Who. I had a blast last Christmas and look forward to travelling again through time and space with that nice man from Gallifrey." ®
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Big Finish Valhalla
Welcome to Valhalla, Capital of Callisto, Jupiter's premier moon, where anything and everything is up for sale. But Valhalla isn't quite what it says in the brochures – not since Earth granted independence and cut off the supplies.
The former Doctor (FOR SALE. EXCELLENT CONDITION) visits the Job Centre and finds power cuts, barcoded citizens and monthly riots (ALL BOOKABLE.)
And then there's the problem with the termites…
Click here for a sample.....
The former Doctor (FOR SALE. EXCELLENT CONDITION) visits the Job Centre and finds power cuts, barcoded citizens and monthly riots (ALL BOOKABLE.)
And then there's the problem with the termites…
Click here for a sample.....
Revenge of the Judoon
Amazon.co.uk has announced the title of the next Quick Reads release. Revenge of the Judoon will be written by Terrance Dicks and is currently slated for release on March 6, 2008. Plot and cover information is not available at this time.
Cult Spy Icon #10: The Brigadier
Five rounds rapid! First appearing to battle the Yeti on the London Undergound in the 1968 adventure ‘The Web Of Fear’, as a mere Colonel, Alastair Gordon Lethbridge Stewart soon rose through the ranks to become a Brigadier.In charge of UNIT (The United Nations Intelligence Taskforce), the Brigadier was a recurring presence on Doctor Who during the Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker eras. He often worked with the mysterious Time Lord to help fend off alien threats towards the Earth, giving The Doctor vital militarial backup when force was required. However, the two didn’t always see eye to eye. In ‘The Silurians’, the Brigadier’s decision to blow up the underground lair of the original inhabitants of Earth was met with abject disgust by The Doctor. A true British gent, his moustache was truly dignified in an era before any camp connotations became involved with this form of facial hair. Unflappable, he played a large part in ensuring his home planet wasn’t overrun with the likes of Cybermen, Axons and the Loch Ness Monster. His presence was felt most in the early 1970s, when the Third Doctor’s Tardis was rendered inoperable by the Time Lords and the traveller was earthbound. Alongside the likes of Sergeant Benton and Captain Yates, the Brigadier formed part of the UNIT family that became part of the furniture on Doctor Who for a couple of seasons.Appearances in the 1980s were sadly sparse, although we did learn that he became a schoolmaster following his retirement from UNIT. Fittingly, he played a key role in the final season of the original run of Doctor Who with a part in the 1989 story ‘Battlefield’. Originally due to be killed off in an epic, selfless battle with The Destroyer, old Alastair was luckily spared and lived on. Come on Russell T Davies – give him one last send-off in the new Doctor Who - rapid!
Kylie Minogue on board for Titanic festive special.
We're all feeling lucky, lucky, lucky that Kylie Minogue is to take a major lead role in the hour-long Doctor Who Christmas special, to be broadcast in December 2007.
Especially for you, Kylie will be travelling light years to join David Tennant for the episode, Voyage Of The Damned, which starts filming in July in Cardiff.
"We are delighted and excited to announce that Kylie Minogue will be joining the Doctor," revealed Executive Producer and lead writer Russell T Davies.
"Doctor Who Xmas specials are always a joy and we feel very confident that this will be the most ambitious and best Christmas episode yet."
"It is an incredible thrill to be joining David and the entire Doctor Who production for this year's Christmas special," added Kylie. "Doctor Who enjoys a unique history and it is going to be very exciting to be a part of that."
The production team has also confirmed that the story, written by Russell, will follow on directly from the ending of series three where viewers witnessed the Titanic crash through the Tardis wallså
Full details are currently under wraps, with more information to be announced shortly. We'll confide in you as soon as we can. The fourth series of Doctor Who will be back in the Spring of 2008.
Especially for you, Kylie will be travelling light years to join David Tennant for the episode, Voyage Of The Damned, which starts filming in July in Cardiff.
"We are delighted and excited to announce that Kylie Minogue will be joining the Doctor," revealed Executive Producer and lead writer Russell T Davies.
"Doctor Who Xmas specials are always a joy and we feel very confident that this will be the most ambitious and best Christmas episode yet."
"It is an incredible thrill to be joining David and the entire Doctor Who production for this year's Christmas special," added Kylie. "Doctor Who enjoys a unique history and it is going to be very exciting to be a part of that."
The production team has also confirmed that the story, written by Russell, will follow on directly from the ending of series three where viewers witnessed the Titanic crash through the Tardis wallså
Full details are currently under wraps, with more information to be announced shortly. We'll confide in you as soon as we can. The fourth series of Doctor Who will be back in the Spring of 2008.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Colin Baker signings
Colin has announced two signings for July. The first is at the Who shop in Blackpool on Sunday 8th July (he'll be there most of the day) and then the following Sunday 15th July he's at the STAR WARS CELEBRATION at the Excel Convention Centre in London Docklands, at the Stamp Centre stand. Pop along for a chat if you are in the area. Website links to be found on the Coventions & Signings page of his website.
Tennant’s not about to call time
DOCTOR Who star David Tennant insists he’s not about to hang up his sonic screwdriver.
Millions of viewers saw BBC Wales’ third series reach a thrilling climax last night as the Timelord took on The Master, played by John Simm.
Amid speculation the Doc’s assistant Martha Jones, played by Freema Agyeman, will not return next year, Tennant has pledged his future to the Tardis.
“From the moment I took the job there has been speculation I was leaving. I’m having the time of my life and I wouldn’t want it any other way at the moment,” the Scot said.
His biggest wobble, he says, was just before his debut episode, The Christmas Invasion, screened in 2005.
He says: “The show had been such a huge hit. It was such a big deal. So much had been written and speculated on and I guess it was the thought of people saying, ‘Oh, he wasn’t as good as the last chap’.”
His fears of failing to match Christopher Eccleston were misplaced. In fact, Tennant was recently voted the best Timelord by readers of Doctor Who magazine.
“I’m not pretending this proves I’m the best. I wouldn’t be so arrogant as to suggest that,” he said. “I’m just delighted the fans aren’t burning effigies of me in the street. To take on the role of Doctor Who and escape with my credibility was all I wanted to do.”
But he reveals the show can be tiring thanks to its “relentless” schedule.
Tennant says: “As long as you keep a little ahead of the schedule, it’s an easy rhythm to be in. If you let it creep up on you, then suddenly you’re having to memorise a lot of scientific bafflegab five seconds before you go on set.”
Millions of viewers saw BBC Wales’ third series reach a thrilling climax last night as the Timelord took on The Master, played by John Simm.
Amid speculation the Doc’s assistant Martha Jones, played by Freema Agyeman, will not return next year, Tennant has pledged his future to the Tardis.
“From the moment I took the job there has been speculation I was leaving. I’m having the time of my life and I wouldn’t want it any other way at the moment,” the Scot said.
His biggest wobble, he says, was just before his debut episode, The Christmas Invasion, screened in 2005.
He says: “The show had been such a huge hit. It was such a big deal. So much had been written and speculated on and I guess it was the thought of people saying, ‘Oh, he wasn’t as good as the last chap’.”
His fears of failing to match Christopher Eccleston were misplaced. In fact, Tennant was recently voted the best Timelord by readers of Doctor Who magazine.
“I’m not pretending this proves I’m the best. I wouldn’t be so arrogant as to suggest that,” he said. “I’m just delighted the fans aren’t burning effigies of me in the street. To take on the role of Doctor Who and escape with my credibility was all I wanted to do.”
But he reveals the show can be tiring thanks to its “relentless” schedule.
Tennant says: “As long as you keep a little ahead of the schedule, it’s an easy rhythm to be in. If you let it creep up on you, then suddenly you’re having to memorise a lot of scientific bafflegab five seconds before you go on set.”
Daleks roam Portsmouth to promote the stage production of the Dalek Masterplan
Daleks roam Portsmouth to promote the stage production of the Dalek Masterplan
The appearance was to help promote the Dalek Masterplan, a play which is due to be staged at the New Theatre Royal, in Portsmouth, between Wednesday 24 October and Saturday 27 October.
Two Daleks were on hand – a ‘Genesis-type’ Dalek and a ‘Masterplan-type’ Dalek – along with the Doctor from the stage play, our good friend Nick Scovell. With him was Rob Thrush, voicing the Daleks via his ring modulator. The Daleks were operated by Stuart Currie (who also built the props) and Adrian Cranwell-Child, who – along with Stuart – will be Dalek operators during the stage play.
Nick Scovell, who plays the Doctor, along with a Dalek
The stage play retells the epic 1960’s Dalek story, which has the Daleks and the Doctor pitted against each other – with the whole of time and space at stake. The same production company performed a superb production of Evil of the Daleks last year, and this event promises to be even better.
The team will be involved in several other promotional events during the coming weeks, so, if you live in Portsmouth and the surrounding area, keep your eyes open for Daleks!
You can find out more about this story in the Dalek Masterplan section of Dalek Links.
The appearance was to help promote the Dalek Masterplan, a play which is due to be staged at the New Theatre Royal, in Portsmouth, between Wednesday 24 October and Saturday 27 October.
Two Daleks were on hand – a ‘Genesis-type’ Dalek and a ‘Masterplan-type’ Dalek – along with the Doctor from the stage play, our good friend Nick Scovell. With him was Rob Thrush, voicing the Daleks via his ring modulator. The Daleks were operated by Stuart Currie (who also built the props) and Adrian Cranwell-Child, who – along with Stuart – will be Dalek operators during the stage play.
Nick Scovell, who plays the Doctor, along with a Dalek
The stage play retells the epic 1960’s Dalek story, which has the Daleks and the Doctor pitted against each other – with the whole of time and space at stake. The same production company performed a superb production of Evil of the Daleks last year, and this event promises to be even better.
The team will be involved in several other promotional events during the coming weeks, so, if you live in Portsmouth and the surrounding area, keep your eyes open for Daleks!
You can find out more about this story in the Dalek Masterplan section of Dalek Links.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Warning over Torchwood explosion
Police have issued a warning about a TV crew's plans for a controlled explosion in central Cardiff on Sunday.
The blast on Westgate Street, which had been due to take place during the afternoon, is part of filming for the BBC's Torchwood series.
South Wales Police said the blast could cause concern to members of the public, given heightened security measures.
A police statement said the explosion would "be large enough to damage a number of windows at the film site".
Police added that the immediate area had been cordoned off with marshals wearing high visibility jackets and that officers were on duty to provide the necessary public reassurances.
The UK has been placed on its highest level of terrorism alert after an attack on Glasgow Airport was linked to two car bombs found in London.
The blast on Westgate Street, which had been due to take place during the afternoon, is part of filming for the BBC's Torchwood series.
South Wales Police said the blast could cause concern to members of the public, given heightened security measures.
A police statement said the explosion would "be large enough to damage a number of windows at the film site".
Police added that the immediate area had been cordoned off with marshals wearing high visibility jackets and that officers were on duty to provide the necessary public reassurances.
The UK has been placed on its highest level of terrorism alert after an attack on Glasgow Airport was linked to two car bombs found in London.
Finale Cast Developments, Christmas Update - Spoilers
Confirming the essence of a story first reported several weeks ago in the Sun, Freema Agyeman left Doctor Who as a series regular at the end of this episode, choosing to remain behind with her family in present-day England. Agyeman's most recent denial in "Radio Times" stated that she was not sacked from the series, contrary to the Sun report; however, as Outpost Gallifrey and other sites have reported, the news did not deny that Agyeman was leaving as a series regular (nor that she was not remaining by her own choice). The end of "Last of the Time Lords" suggests that we will see Martha again, as she gives her mobile phone to the Doctor (David Tennant), likely as a guest star next series; press reports from the Mirror this past week indicate that the fourth series of Doctor Who will see a new companion next year, with Martha making an occasional appearance. (At the time of the Mirror report, "Last of the Time Lords" had not yet aired, and while the article mentions she "won't be in every episode next year, but will appear in the occasional episode for both Doctor Who and Torchwood," it is likely that this was a bit of obfuscation of the as-yet-unannounced departure.)UPDATE: Russell T Davies has promised on tonight's Confidential that there will be news soon (a possible press release early next week) about Freema's future with the programme, likely as a guest character or recurring (like John Barrowman this series).John Barrowman also departs from Doctor Who again, as Captain Jack Harkness returns to his base of operations in Cardiff for the second series of "Torchwood" to be aired later this year.John Simm will (obviously, from the story) not be returning as the Master in subsequent episodes; however, the theft of his ring by a woman (perhaps Lucy Saxon but possibly someone else entirely) indicates that the Master will perhaps be back in next year's episodes.Meanwhile, the upcoming 2007 Christmas special will be entitled Voyage of the Damned and has something to do with the voyage of the R.M.S. Titanic, judging from the name of the vessel on the life ring found within the TARDIS in the close of today's episode (not to mention, the ship's hull through the walls of the console room!) There is no word as yet as to who will join David Tennant for the episode, although there has been much media speculation about singer Kylie Minogue (we're not sure yet if these are real or simply press hype.)
Doctor Who dropped at London Pride 2007
Dr Who fans who endured very wet weather in London yesterday were disappointed when the organisers of London Pride 2007 had to pull the plug on the season finale, Last of the Time Lords, due to end the event on a large outdoor screen.Hundreds of people gathered in Trafalgar Square to celebrate gay pride and were looking forward to seeing the show on the big screen when, at approximately 7.45pm, an apologetic host told the crowd that the programme had been cancelled.The fans who had sat in the rain for a number of hours with the promise that "Doctor Who would be airing shortly" were left severely disappointed.It was initially blamed on a faulty DVD player, but later transpired there was an 8pm curfew imposed on the event by Westminster Council and the police which meant there was no time for the broadcast. Scheduling delays also lead to confusion over timing and some Who fans missed appearances by John Barrowman and Freema Agyeman (a typo in a timetable flyer amusingly listed her as Freda Agyeman). Altogether, a wet and disappointing day out in London for Who fans.
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