DVD AND VIDEO
New Beginnings delayed
posted Thursday 12th January 2007 at 17:30

Originally due for release on 22 January 2007, the DVD trilogy of Baker/Davison stories titled New Beginnings will now materialise in the shops on 29 January.

Source: official BBC Doctor Who website

AUDIO

NEW SERIES
Jason Statham IS The Doctor????
posted Sunday 31st December 2006 at 14:50

British newspaper The Sunday People is touting Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and The Italian Job star Jason Statham as the eleventh incarnation of our favourite Time Lord.

However, we think that this is unlikely, as the report is inaccurate, falsely claiming that David Tennant has already announced that he is leaving the role. Further to this, the People fails to take into account that Statham will be reprising his role as Handsome Rob in Italian Job follow-up, The Brazilian Job, as well as a future performance in Baker Street.

Source: The Sunday People

AUDIO
The Dominators comes to CD
posted Saturday 30th December 2006 at 11:10

According to online shopping website, amazon.com, Patrick Troughton adventure The Dominators will be released in May by BBC Audiobooks. The title is already available to pre-order at amazon.

Source: Amazon.com, with thanks to Phillip Culley @ PS Forum

NEW SERIES
Series Three episode titles
posted Friday 29th December 2006 at 23:50

DWM #378 confirms four more episode titles for series three. Episode four, the first half of a Dalek story set in 1930s New York, penned by Helen Raynor will be entitled Daleks in Manhattan. Episode six, penned by Stephen Greenhorn and guest-starring Mark Gatiss, will be entitled The Lazarus Experiment. Episode nine, penned by Paul Cornell, and rumoured to be the second half of an adaptation of his New Adventure Human Nature will be entitled The Family of Blood. Finally, episode eleven, penned by Russell T. Davies himself will be entitled Utopia.

Source: Doctor Who Magazine #378, with thanks to James Lindsay @ PS Forum

NEW SERIES
Series Three casting news
posted Friday 29th December 2006 at 23:50

DWM #378 confirms some more casting for the third series of Doctor Who. Episodes eight and nine, penned by Paul Cornell, will feature Henry Lloyd (Robin Hood) as Jeremy Baines, Thomas Sangster (Love Actually) as Tim Latimer, Tom Palmer as Hutchinson, Pip Torrens as Rocastle, Rebekah Staton as Jenny, Gerard Horan as Clark, Lauren Wilson as Lucy Cartwright and Matthew White as Phillips. Episode ten, penned by Steven Moffat, will feature Ian Boldsworth and Richard Cant (Bleak House and son of children's tv presenter Brian Cant)

Source: Doctor Who Magazine #378, with thanks to James Lindsay @ PS Forum

TELEVISION
Doctor Who feel to New Year Vicar of Dibley!
posted Friday 29th December 2006 at 21:45


  

BBC Entertainment News reveals that the New Year special of The Vicar of Dibley will feature a Doctor Who-themed wedding in their "big picture" feature. The character, Alice Horton, will dress as The Doctor for the wedding, whilst there will be Daleks present!

 

Source: BBC News, with thanks to Andrew Curnow @ PS Forum

PUBLISHING
Doctor Who Magazine #378 details
posted Friday 29th December 2006 at 21:45


  

Doctor Who Magazine have released futher details and the cover of the next issue, which will be on release from Thursday 4th January. Details below:

This issue, the magazine celebrates the "Best Christmas Ever" for Doctor Who, with a massive 30-page feature on the making of The Runaway Bride, the series finale of Torchwood, and the first feature-length episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Packed with new photographs, design drawings, and including exclusive interviews with David Tennant, John Barrowman, Elisabeth Sladen, Russell T Davies, and many more, this is one feature not to be missed!

Also this issue, a new comic strip adventure begins as the Doctor is reunited with a dear friend in the first part of The Warkeeper's Crown; Captain Jack, alias actor John Barrowman, faces the terror of the TARDIS tin; the Time Team watch Time-Flight and Arc of Infinity in their quest to see every Doctor Who story in order; and an exlcusive preview of the New Begnnings DVD box set, featuring The Keeper of Traken, Logopolis and Castrovalva.

Plus! Exclusive news about the adventures in store for the Doctor and Martha in the new series, including the return of the Daleks, new guest cast members, and four new episode titles revealed!

All this, plus your regular favourites in DWM 378, on sale from Thursday 4 January 2007, priced £3.99

 

NEW SERIES
Tennant to quit?
posted Thursday 28th December 2006 at 18:00

The Sun today runs a story, claiming that David Tennant, the Tenth Doctor, will be leaving the series half-way through Series Four. Tennant allegedly told the BBC that he would return for a fourth series, but would not do the entire nine month shoot. The Sun also claims that the BBC are looking at replacements, including Robert Carlyle and David Morrissey.

Consequently, the BBC issued a statement in response to the rumour, stating that a fourth series has not yet been commissioned. A spokeswoman stated on the matter: "David Tennant is committed to the series. When a further series is commissioned, we will be able to confirm his involvement."

Source: The Sun and BBC News, with thanks to James Lindsay @ PS Forum

PEOPLE
John Barrowman ties the knot
posted Thursday 28th December 2006 at 18:00

John Barrowman wed his long-term boyfriend Scott Gill in a civil partnership ceremony yesterday in Cardiff.

Barrowman said of the event: "It feels great and I think more gay men and gay women should go ahead and do it as long as they're serious about it. It's not really recognition but it's important for people to see the normality of the entire situation and it forces people who don't agree with gay men and women ... to have to accept us. We deserve the rights like everybody else. It's been a long wait but we legitimised our relationship to each other a long time ago when we signed our mortgages together and this is just something that forces people who don't want to recognise it that they have to."

Source: BBC News

NEW SERIES
BBC Confirm Daleks
posted Thursday 28th December 2006 at 18:00

The BBC have confirmed that the Daleks will be in episodes four and five of Series Three of Doctor Who through their news site.

Of the news, Doctor Who show-runner and executive producer Russell T. Davies said: "This time, their plan is the most audacious Dalek scheme yet! Even the Doctor finds himself out of his depth."

Appearing alongside The Daleks, David Tennant and Freema Agyeman will be Miranda Raison, Hugh Quarshie and Ryan Carnes.

Source: BBC News

BROADCASTING
The Sarah Jane Adventures trailer broadcast times
posted Saturday 23rd December 2006 at 20:00

According to OG, the trailer for the SJS series will be broadcast at the following times:

You can also read an interview with Elisabeth Sladen about the show here at BBC Norfolk.

MERCHANDISE
Doctor Who is biggest selling annual of 2006
posted Saturday 23rd December 2006 at 20:00

The commercial success of Doctor Who has taken everyone by surprise, but this is pheonemenal news - the 2007 Doctor Who Annual is the biggest selling annual of the year, according to a list compiled from sales in all UK bookshops and released by the Waterstones chain. With estimated sales of 271,551, this is thought to be the first time any annual has outsold the legendary Beano annual since the 1940s. Last year's Dr Who annual only sold 80,000 in comparison. The full story, with the top 10 list, is available here.

Source: BBC Entertaiment News website

PEOPLE
Friday Night's Alright For Tennant?
posted Sunday 3rd December 2006 at 21:45
updated Saturday 23rd December 2006 at 20:00

The Sun reports that David Tennant is lined up to guest present the first episode of the new series of Channel 4's The Friday Night Project in January. An insider said: “It’s a coup - he’s hot property at the moment.” Channel 4 have not confirmed as yet.

Update: The report is now confirmed, and the show will air January 5th (a Friday night, obviously) at 11.05pm. Should be a laugh! :-)

Source: The Sun / Radio Times with thanks to James Lindsay @ PS Forum

MERCHANDISE
The Cult of Skaro cometh!
posted Friday 22nd December 2006 at 15:55

Character Options will continue to flood the market with their seemingly endless range of Doctor Who toys into 2007, as we get more action figures and playsets from the new series. Hitting shops next month are infamous the Cult of Skaro, as seen in Doomsday!

The Genesis Ark Gift Set includes Daleks Thay, Sec, Jast & Caan, as well as the Ark, which must be protected by the Daleks above all else! Also on its way is the Doomsday Set, containing action figures of the Tenth Doctor and a Cyberman (previously available seperately) as well as black Dalek Sec.

Other merchandise coming in 2007 includes:

Other items will be available in the spring, including characters from series three. We've not added these to the list to save someone from being spoilered.

Source: Play.com with thanks to Eye Of Horus website

NEW SERIES
Runaway Bride photos now online (some spoilers)
posted Friday 22nd December 2006 at 13:40

Photos from the Christmas Special are starting to emerge online as the big day approaches- for some mild spoiler photos of different locations from the story, click here. The official gallery at the BBC site has also been updated, but some of these might be considered as spoilers by some, so don't click here unless you're sure you want to! However, they are BBC approved images.

PEOPLE
Julie Gardner on BBC Radio Wales (Friday 22nd Dec)
posted Thursday 21st December 2006 at 15:40
updated: Friday 22nd December 2006 at 13:59

Julie Gardner, Controller of Drama Commissioning at BBCTV and Doctor Who's executive producer, will be taking part on the Richard Evans show on BBC Wales, tomorrow afternoon from 1.00-2.00pm. If you have a question for Julie, phone 08100100110, text 07786201040, or send an email quick!

Julie Gardner with David Tennant

During the interview, Julie Gardner answered questions on Series Three. Here's what was said:

* The Zygons would NOT be appearing in Series Three
* She was unsure as to whether the Sontarans would be appearing or not
* There are no plans for a multi-Doctor story
* There are no plans to bring the Brigadier back
* There will be a pre-World War One story in Series Three
* Series Four and a 2007 Christmas Special have not yet been commissioned
* The restriction on the number of regenerations would be worked around when the problem arises
* In excess of £100 million has been made through merchandise
* The question as to whether Christopher Eccleston left due to disagreements with director Keith Boak was swerved
* The question of whether the Master was returning was also swerved
* There are no plans for a feature film
* She believed that the show would "run and run", and they'd be getting her out when she was on a zimmerframe
* When asked if Doctor Who would end when RTD and Tennant leave, Gardener said that there was no way that she could promise that it would continue, but knows that there are lots of people who would want to take the job on after them
* Julie described Torchwood's move to BBC2 as "very exciting" and "the next logical step" but also stated that the series would still have a presence on BBC3.

Julie answered our question from Planet Skaro - we wanted to know if she thought the show would run and run, she told us she would have to be dragged out with her zimmerframe because she loves working on the show so much! David Tennant also popped up rather unexpectedly on the phone in, pretending to be a mad stalker fan who claimed he was related to Julie & was angling for a part in series four! He's a right fanboy, that one.

Source: BBC Radio Wales website

PEOPLE
RTD interview on Media Guardian
posted Friday 22nd December 2006 at 13:30

Media Guardian have interviewed Doctor Who executive producer and show-runner Russell T. Davies. In the interview, RTD answers questions on The Runaway Bride, guest casting and other series that he might like to revive, given the opportunity. Click here to view.

Source: Media Guardian

RADIO
Virgin Panto with Tennant now available to download
posted Friday 22nd December 2006 at 12:40

The Virgin Radio Christmas Panto 'Cinderella', which featured David Tennant as Buttons, is now available for you to download if you wish! Follow this link to the forum...

Source: Virgin Radio website

PUBLISHING
Dr Who Adventures #20
posted Thursday 21st December 2006 at 15:40



 

Details about the latest issue of Doctor Who Adventures for you now...

There's lots of emphasis on The Runaway Bride, including facts about Donna the bride & a fun quiz. There's also a feature on K9, series one episode Dalek, a thrilling new comic strip (featuring a lone Tenth Doctor), and four fantastic new posters of a Dalek, a Cyberman, the Doctor and the Racnoss and the Runaway Bride. Plus the usual puzzles, games and competitions.

This issue's free gift is an 'amazing' Dalek stationery set, so get buying! DWA #20 hits the shops on January 3rd.

Source: BBC Magazines

SPIN-OFFS
Sarah Jane Adventures website goes live
posted Thursday 21st December 2006 at 15:40

The official tie-in website to upcoming spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures has gone live. It features videos of Sarah Jane's collection of alien objects, as well as access to her computer desktop and telescope. The website also reveals the series logo.

The website can be found at http://www.bbc.co.uk/sja/

Source: Official BBC SJA website

NEW SERIES
Kylie Minogue: The Cyber-Controller
posted Wednesday 20th December 2006 at 15:00

Possibly the weirdest thing you'll see all day - Kylie and the Cybermen live on stage!

Source: lookatmoilookatmoi @ Youtube with thanks to Nathan on the PS forum

AUDIO
The Gunfighters comes to CD
posted Wednesday 20th December 2006 at 00:45

For some people, it's time to hide behind the sofa, because BBC Audiobooks has confirmed the release of First Doctor story The Gunfighters on CD.

The 2-disc set comes complete with an interview with its narrator Peter Purves, as well as an extra special bonus in the form of the original recordings of 'The Ballad of the Last Chance Saloon', which have never been commerically available. Rare stuff!

Source: Tenth Planet

BROADCASTING
The Big Doctor Who Christmas Schedule Thread
posted Wednesday 20th December 2006 at 00:45

Lots going on what with the Christmas special only days away... in between all the bother of getting ready for Christmas, you can stay up to date with everything Who-related on the box over the festive period by reading James Lindsay's very handy guide on our forum.

Big thanks to James for his sterling work.

BROADCASTING
Doctor Who: A Celebration to be shown on BBCi
posted Wednesday 20th December 2006 at 00:45

Some news that will please many UK-based Doctor Who fans! This Christmas, UK fans with access to digital TV will be able to watch Doctor Who: A Celebration in its entirety. You can catch it by pressing your red button at these times:

Source: BBC National Orchestra of Wales website & James Lindsay on the PS forum

NEW SERIES
The Empress of Rachnoss
posted Wednesday 20th December 2006 at 00:45

Monster maker Neill Gorton has revealed the pain behind his most challenging creation yet - the Racnoss Empress from The Runaway Bride, played by Sarah Parish.

"We've fitted all manner of prosthetics to hoardes of tough stuntmen over the years," said Neill, "but Sarah is, without doubt, the hardiest person we've ever had the pleasure to work with!"

Parish had to endure punishing 14-hour days to become the sinister half-spider, half-human Empress of the Racnoss. This included a full two hours in the prosthetics department each morning of the three-day shoot, where she was fitted with a prosthetic head, contact lenses and dentures.

Wearing a body suit, she then took her place within the complex set, having to contort her body into a kneeling position and arch her back for the entire 11 hours of shooting, before spending a further hour at the end of the day having everything removed.

Publicity images of the Empress are available here - spoilers ahoy, so beware!

Source: Official BBC Doctor Who website with thanks to UNIT News

NEW SERIES
Doctor Who for legal downloads!
posted Wednesday 20th December 2006 at 00:45

BBC Worldwide has struck a licensing deal with popular bit-torrent provider Azureus to distribute legal episodes of Doctor Who to United States users early next year. The programme will be one of a number of high profile BBC titles available via Azureus' new Zudeo client software. The deal marks a significant first step for the broadcaster in Peer-to-Peer distribution.

Which episodes will be carried, and what costs will be involved, has yet to be announced. The current series is airing in the US on the Sci-Fi Channel, BBC America and soon in select markets on PBS. The classic series is airing only in a few US markets.

Source: wired.com

NEW SERIES
Runaway Bride preview
posted Wednesday 20th December 2006 at 00:45

A preview of The Runaway Bride has been posted on the BBC News site.

The preview includes several clips of the Christmas special, along with short interviews with stars David Tennant, Catherine Tate and Sarah Parish.

Source: BBC News website

BROADCASTING
Who & Torchwood ratings update
posted Wednesday 20th December 2006 at 00:45

First off, BBC1 repeated the 2005 Dr Who Xmas special The Christmas Invasion to an audience of 2.1m viewers (13.6% audience share) according to overnights. Meanwhile, episode ten of Torchwood, Out Of Time , managed to pull in 0.92m viewers (5.4%). The episode was beaten overall by two Sky One programmes, US import Lost and the much anticipated adaptation of Terry Pratchet's Hogfather.

Source: Media Guardian and BARB

PUBLISHING
Doctor Who in SFX #152
posted Friday 15th December 2006 at 18:00

The next issue of SFX Magazine features Doctor Who content in the form of:

  • a big 7-page preview of series three, with interviews with Phil Collinson, Elisabeth Sladen & Samantha Bond
  • 2-page interview with Tom Baker
  • a lovely cover image of Tennant and Tate (see left)

The magazine will be available in shops from Wednesday 20th December.

Source: Outpost Gallifrey

WHO FICTION
Cornell at Christmas
posted Friday 15th December 2006 at 18:00

Long-standing Doctor Who writer Paul Cornell has written a Doctor Who short story, which will feature in the Culture section of the Sunday Times on Christmas Eve. Deep and Dreamless Sleep, featuring the Tenth Doctor, is "the story of something strange that happens to David Tennant's Doctor when the TARDIS lands in the bedroom of a four year old boy on Christmas Eve," says Paul. "There's fun along the way, but in the end it's quite serious and real. It's written for a family audience. It'd be nice to think it was going to be read to some children somewhere!"

Source: Official BBC Doctor Who website

PEOPLE
Tennant in panto!
posted Friday 15th December 2006 at 18:00

David Tennant has been lined up to play Buttons in a pantomime special for Virgin Radio. He will be joined by Hollywood actress Thandie Newton as Cinderella and Brian Blessed, who will play the town crier. Tennant admits he is nervous about the role: "It's daunting. I'm not going to lie to you, I feel I've got a mountain to climb," he said. The show, which also stars breakfast DJ Christian O'Connell as Prince Charming, takes place next Thursday. "We have already had e-mails from Doctor Who fans as far away as Belgrade, Melbourne and China who will all be listening to the panto live online as it happens," O'Connell said.

Source: BBC News

TORCHWOOD
Torchwood ratings update
posted Thursday 14th December 2006 at 13:00

Last night's BBC2 repeat of Torchwood (Random Shoes) drew an audience of 2.2 million viewers (audience share 10/1%) according to overnight figures. Meanwhile, Sunday's BBC3 episode They Keep Killing Suzie is confirmed to have been seen by 1.12m, topping the BBC3 chart for the week.

Source: Media Guardian and BARB

NEW SERIES
Runaway Bride trailer online
posted Tuesday 12th December 2006 at 13:30

The first trailer for this year's Doctor Who Christmas special, The Runaway Bride, is now online on the BBC Doctor Who website. It can be found behind the twelfth door of their advent calendar on the front page.

Source: Official BBC Doctor Who website

TORCHWOOD
Torchwood Series Two confirmed... for BBC2!
posted Tuesday 12th December 2006 at 13:00

The BBC have confirmed, through a press release, that a second series of Torchwood has been comissioned. However, it will premier on BBC2 next year, rather than BBC3.

BBC2 controller, Roly Keating, said: "Inventive, intelligent and unpredictable, Torchwood is a brilliant piece of 21st century fantasy drama. I'm delighted that its second series will be premiering on the channel."

BBC3 controller, Julian Bellamy said of the news: "Breaking all records on BBC Three is no mean feat and we've been proud to help build Torchwood into one of the most talked-about and eagerly-anticipated series of recent years."

Jane Tranter, head of BBC Fiction said: "Torchwood is a modern and innovative drama that has truly captured the imagination of its audience, and we are very excited that there will be more of the adrenaline-fuelled, action-packed adventures of our team of Torchwood heroes."

Torchwood creater, Russell T. Davies said: "The whole team is bristling with ideas and we are delighted that Cardiff is going to be home to more monsters and mayhem."

Series two of the hit drama will have Russell T. Davies and Julie Gardener as its executive producers, whilst it is likely that Chris Chibnall will stay on as co-producer and head writer.

Source: South Wales Echo

TORCHWOOD
BBC channels fight to show Torchwood
posted Tuesday 12th December 2006 at 09:50

It has been reported that there is in-fighting between BBC channels as to which channel gets to screen Torchwood first. Although a second series of the critically acclaimed Doctor Who spin-off has not yet been confirmed, BBC2 have apparently been so impressed with the series that they are challenging BBC3 for the rights to show it first, whilst its creator, Russell T. Davies is allegedly pushing for a BBC1 slot.

Source: South Wales Echo

TORCHWOOD
Torchwood tops digital ratings
posted Tuesday 12th December 2006 at 09:50

Torchwood yet again topped Sundays' digital ratings, with its ninth episode, Random Shoes. It gained a total audience of 971,000 viewers, whilst its nearest competitor, Sky One's critically acclaimed Lost, attracted only 863,000 viewers.

Source: Media Guardian

NEW SERIES
Soundtrack tops download chart
posted Tuesday 12th December 2006 at 09:50

The Doctor Who soundtrack CD has topped the digital downloads chart, according to the BBC Doctor Who website. The album, containing music composed by Murray Gold, and two tracks sung by The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon, beat off strong competition, including the soundtrack to Casino Royale, the latest James Bond film.

Source: Official BBC Doctor Who website

DVD AND VIDEO
Survival DVD update
posted Thursday 7th December 2006 at 18:35

The BBC Doctor Who website has issued more details about the upcoming release of Survival on DVD. It is stated that it will not be released in March, as previously reported, but on 3rd April 2007. It is also stated that it will be the first DVD to feature a commentary including a fan of the show.

Source: Official BBC Doctor Who website

NEW SERIES
BBC1 2007 Press Release
posted Thursday 7th December 2006 at 14:15

The BBC Press Office have released a press release for 2007's Winter/Spring viewing on BBC1. The PDF file goes into a small amount of detail on what's to come in Series Three of Doctor Who:

David Tennant returns to his role as The Doctor and meets his brand-new companion in the highly anticipated third series of Russell T Davies's Doctor Who.

The new series sees newcomer Freema Agyeman's first appearance as the Doctor's new companion, medical student Martha Jones.

Russell T Davies, writer and executive producer, comments: "We were delighted and honoured by the second series' success, and we can promise new thrills, new laughs and some terrifying new aliens. The Doctor and Martha are destined to meet William Shakespeare, blood-sucking alien Plasmavores, The Judoon - a clan of galactic stormtroopers - and a sinister intelligence at work in Thirties New York."

Returning cast members include John Barrowman and guest stars include Anne Reid, Roy Marsden and Don Gilet.

Source: BBC Press Office PDF

PUBLISHING
Doctor Who features on Xmas TV guide covers
posted Thursday 7th December 2006 at 02:40

The cover of the legendary Christmas/New Year edition of long-running TV listings guide Radio Times has been released. Sadly Doctor Who didn't get the full cover again this year, but there is mention of the free audio CD given away with each issue, containing part one of The Feast of the Drowned, read by David Tennant.

 

 

 

 


However, Doctor Who features predominately on the cover of TV & Satellite Week, using the same publicity still on the cover of the latest DWM.

Source: Radio Times / TV & Satellite Week with thanks to James Lindsay @ PS forum

TORCHWOOD
Torchwood ratings
posted Wednesday 6th December 2006 at 14:20

BARB have released the ratings for the BBC2 repeat of the sixth episode, Countrycide, and the BBC3 premier of the seventh episode, Greeks Bearing Gifts.

Countrycide came 18th on BBC2's ratings in it's week, drawing in 2.29 million viewers, whilst Greeks Bearing Gifts was the top programme of the week for BBC3, drawing in just over 1.3 million viewers. Torchwood continues to be the highest rating non-terrestrial programme in the UK.

Source: BARB, with thanks to James Lindsay @ PS Forum

NEW SERIES
New Series news in DWM
posted Wednesday 6th December 2006 at 13:30

In his column in Doctor Who Magazine #377, Russell T. Davies reveals that Gareth Roberts' episode for Series Three of Doctor Who will be entitled The Shakespeare Code. In addition, Russell T. Davies also reveals that two "old" friends from the new series will appear in Series Three.

DWM also reveals some news on casting: Jessica Stephen will appear in episodes eight and nine, whilst Carey Mulligan, Lucy Gaskell, Michael Obiora and Finlay Robertson will all appear in episode ten. It has also been announced that Hettie MacDonald will be directing episode ten, being the first time that an episode of Doctor Who has been directed by a woman since 1985's Mark of the Rani.

It is also revealed in the magazine that there has been location filming in New York for Series Three.

Source: DWM, with thanks to SiHart and James Lindsay @ PS Forum

DVD AND VIDEO
Survival for March 2007!
posted Wednesday 6th December 2006 at 13:30

According to Doctor Who Magazine #377, the final story of the Original Doctor Who series, Survival, starring Sylvester McCoy, will be released in March 2007.

More details will be announced when we receive them.

Source: DWM, with thanks to Logo Polish @ PS Forum

SPIN-OFFS
Sarah Jane Adventures Update
posted Wednesday 6th December 2006 at 13:30

Doctor Who Magazine #377 reveals that the theme tune for The Sarah Jane Adventures has been composed by Doctor Who composer Murray Gold, and the incidental music has been composed by Sam Watts, who has previously scored the Planet Earth Diaries. Several episodes of the series will be written by Gareth Roberts, who has co-written the Christmas special with Russell T. Davies.

As for the series itself, fans of K9 will be pleased to note that the robotic dog will be appearing in the Christmas special of the series, Invasion of the Bane, but not in any of the other episodes of the series. Russell T. Davies has stated that there is "fiendish explaination" for the disappearence of the beloved robot dog.

Further to this, DWM also reveals that the 10-part series, with episodes lasting half an hour, will air later in the year. It is also revealed that the title of the series may change, due to the fact that it is too long to fit in a half-hour slot for the Electronic Listings Guide, used by many television systems.

Source: DWM, with thanks to SiHart @ PS Forum

BIG FINISH
Big Finish secure rights until 2009!
posted Wednesday 6th December 2006 at 13:30

According to Doctor Who Magazine #377, Big Finish have secured the rights to produce Doctor Who until at least December 2009. Of the announcement, Jason Haigh-Ellery says:

"I couldn't be more pleased that Big Finsih has been granted a further extension to our license to produce Doctor Who on audio. Doctor Who is once again at the forefront of mainstream entertainment and it's great to able to prduce stroies featuring the classic Doctors for fans old and new."

Source: DWM, with thanks to SiHart @ PS Forum

TORCHWOOD
Signed script in charity auction
posted Wednesday 6th December 2006 at 09:40

A script of The Ghost Machine, signed by Helen Raynor, John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Burn Gorman, Naoko Mori and Gareth David-Lloyd. Has gone up for sale on auction website eBay. Helen Raynor donated the script to the Cardiff & District Samaritans, who it is being auctioned in aid of.

Source: Cardiff & District Samaritans and eBay

TORCHWOOD
BBC confirm Torchwood finale
posted Tuesday 5th December 2006 at 18:40

The BBC have confirmed that the final two parts of Torchwood, Captain Jack Harkness and End of Days, will air on BBC3 at 9:30pm on New Year's Day.

Source: BBC Press Office, with thanks to James Lindsay @ PS Forum

NEW SERIES
BBC confirm Christmas schedule
posted Tuesday 5th December 2006 at 18:40

The BBC have confirmed that the Doctor Who Christmas special, The Runaway Bride, will air at 7pm on BBC1 on Christmas Day.

Also airing on Christmas Day will be a special episode of Doctor Who Confidential, entitled Music and Monsters.

Finally, the BBC have also confirmed that The Sarah Jane Adventures will kick off on New Year's Day on BBC1 at 4:50pm, with the hour long special, Invasion of the Bane.

Source: BBC Press Office

PUBLISHING
DWM #377 & DWA #19
posted Tuesday 5th December 2006 at 18:40



Click the thumbnail above
for a larger version.
 

Doctor Who Magazine have released futher details and the cover of the next issue, which will be on release from Thursday 7th December. Details below:

"The Christmas Doctor can't be bogged down in angst," says Russell, "cos that'd hardly make for an interesting adventure on Christmas Day.

"That's why Donna arrived as she did, at the end of Doomsday, suddenly, so the Doctor doesn't even have time to mourn. Gosh, you'd think I'd planned it!"

Other highlights in the new issue include an in-depth interview with writer Gareth Roberts; a preview of The Sarah Jane Adventures Christmas Special; the results of the 2006 Season Survey; a review of the past year in the Doctor Who universe; a preview of the new Doctor Who radio series for BBC7 and the Watcher's Christmas Quiz.

 



 

Doctor Who Adventures have released futher details and the cover of the next issue, which will be on release from Wednesday 13th December.

The issue includes interviews with David Tennant and the cast of The Sarah Jane Adventures, a free Dalek trainer bag & set of four badges, a bonus pull-out poster section featuring all your favourite monsters!a Robot Santa mask to wear on Christmas Day, a guide to make monster Christmas tree decorations and more.

 

Source: Official BBC Doctor Who website

SPIN-OFFS
The Sarah Jane Adventures
posted Tuesday 5th December 2006 at 13:00

  The first publicity photo from upcoming CBBC Doctor Who spin-off series The Sarah Jane Adventures has just been released by the BBC. Pictured from left-to-right are Porchsha Lawrence Mavour (Kelsey), Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane Smith), Yasmin Paige (Maria Jackson) and Thomas Knight as The Archetype/Luke. It has been stated that the first installment will air on New Year's Day, with an hour long special. A small selection of publicity photos are available to view here.

Source: SiHart @ PS forum with thanks to UNIT News

PUBLISHING
Doctor Who Radio Times updates
posted Tuesday 5th December 2006 at 13:00

The Christmas/New Year edition of long-running TV listings guide Radio Times will include a free CD containing the first part of the Doctor Who audiobook The Feast of the Drowned, written by Stephen Cole & read by David Tennant. On sale Saturday 9th December.

<<< Next week's edition (dated 16-22 December) will feature David Tennant on the cover. On sale tomorrow (Tuesday 6th December). Click the image for a larger version.

Source: Radio Times with thanks to James Lindsay @ PS forum

PEOPLE
Anneke Wills plans autobiography for 2007
posted Tuesday 5th December 2006 at 13:00

Anneke Wills, who played Second Doctor companion Polly during 1966-67, is planning her autobiography for release in 2007. From her official website:

So, OK, I hear you - I have finally been persuaded to pen my autobiography. With some help from Tim Hirst, I plan to self-publish the book in the summer of 2007. The decision to self-publish is one I have considered carefully - I want to have complete control over the content, the images and the feel of the book.............it's time to tell it how it WAS!

The book will be partly funded by pre-orders, visit her website for more information.

Source: The Official Anneke Wills Website

DVD AND VIDEO
Torchwood Series 1, part 2 - release date?
posted Tuesday 5th December 2006 at 13:00

Play.com have Torchwood: Series 1 - Part 2 up for pre-order, with a release date of Monday 26th February. This has not yet been confirmed by any official source. This release will most likely feature the second five episodes of the BBC3 Doctor Who spin-off.

Source: Play.com

BIG FINISH
Big Finish Doctor Who range update
posted Tuesday 5th December 2006 at 13:00

Big Finish have released the cover and final blurb for their February 2007 release, Nocturne, starring Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred and Philip Olivier. In addition, the titles of two more adventures have been announced. April 2007 will see the release of a Sixth Doctor adventure, I.D. & Urgent Calls, which will be the first of Big Finish's split-CD adventures, featuring a three part story, and a one part story. Then, May 2007 will see the release of a Fifth Doctor story, Exotron & Urban Myths.

Details of Nocturne are below:

On the human colony planet Nocturne, there is suffering and blight, tragic symptoms of an ages-old war. Never the less, Nocturne is also one of the Doctor's favourite places in all of time and space, because it is here that a late, great flowering of human art - the High Renaissance - is taking place.

He has been back here, many times. It is a place of music and art which he finds inspirational and uplifting. It is a place he wants to share with Ace and Hex. It's always been a safe haven for him, a world of friends and laughter.

But with strict Martial Law imposed on the front-line city, and the brutal scourge of interstellar warfare vicing the system, how safe can anyone really be?

There is a note of death in the wild, midnight wind...

Source: Big Finish website

BIG FINISH
Short Trips 2007 - a chance to write!
posted Tuesday 5th December 2006 at 13:00

Big Finish are offering the chance for new writers to have their work published in one of their 2007 Short Trips anthologies. The competition is open to anyone, of any age who has never had their work published for money before. The competition closes 31st January 2007. The conditions are as follows:

"Your story should be no more than 2,500 words in length. You can make use of any of the first eight Doctors. You can also use any of the "classic" television companions (up to and including Ace) and any of the Big Finish companions (Erimem, Evelyn, Hex, Charley and C'rizz – but not Lucie, please).

You cannot use either the ninth or tenth Doctors, nor their companions, nor any other of the Doctor's past friends and enemies. No Daleks, no Cybermen, no Time Lords, no Drashigs or Slitheen. Your story should be wholly original.

Send your story in the body of an email (no attachments please), with the title in the subject line, to who.writers@bigfinish.com by 31 January 2007.

One winner will work with an editor to get their story to publishable standard. They will receive the standard author's contract - and rates of pay - for their story, which will be published in one of the Big Finish Short Trips anthologies in 2007."

Source: Big Finish website

SPIN-OFFS
Bernice Summerfield - 15th Anniversary
posted Tuesday 5th December 2006 at 13:00

Big Finish have announced their plans for the 2007 Bernice Summerfield range, which marks the 15th Anniversary of the the character's creation.

The eighth series of Benny audios begins in February 2007, with the release of Daniel O'Mahoney's The Tub Full of Cats. April will see Nick Wallace's The Judas Gift, followed in June by Dave Stone's The End of the World. Next up will be Joseph Lidster's The Final Amendment in October. The year's releases will be topped off with The Wake by Simon Guerrier.

A few Benny books are also planned. October 2007 will see the release of an anthology of short stories, edited by Rebecca Levine, entitled Missing Adventures. This collection will be of stories featuring a 'Young Benny', and the stories will be penned by "the very best of Benny's authors, past and present". In addition, 2007 will see the release of Bernice Summerfield - The Inside Story, written by Ian Farrington and Simon Guerrier, and will chart Benny's adventures from her first appearance in DWM #192, through to the end of the upcoming Season 8 audios. Two more books will round off 2007's book releases - The Two Jasons, a novel by Dave Stone, and War Stories, a novella collection by Jonathan Blum, Kate Orman and Philip Purser-Hallard.

Source: Big Finish website

SPIN-OFFS
Torchwood tie-in novels announced
posted Tuesday 5th December 2006 at 08:00

BBC Books have announced the first in a series of tie-inbooks based on the Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood. Three novels, Slow Decay by Andrew Lane, Border Princes by Dan Abnett and Another Life by Peter Anghelides will be released on Monday 11th January 2007, RRP £5.99 each.




PUBLISHING
Previews of DWM issues #377-379
posted Monday 4th December 2006 at 21:40

Mile High Comics have published brief summaries of forthcoming editions of DWM:

DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE #377
"There's a festive feel to this issue, with a preview of the Doctor Who Christmas Day Special, The Runaway Bride, starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate. Also in this issue, executive producer Russell T. Davies chats about the upcoming new series in his Production Notes column; there's a look back over 2006; script editor Helen Raynor chats about her new Doctor Who story; the "Time Team" continue watching the Peter Davison era; and all the latest books, audios and DVDs are previewed and reviewed. Plus, the Tenth Doctor and Rose enjoy their final comic strip adventure together!"

DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE #378
"...there's a full review of The Runaway Bride and a look ahead to the new series coming in a few months time. There's a preview of the Master's DVD box set, an interview with writer Gareth Roberts on his new Doctor Who episode, and a brand new comic strip adventure begins as the Tenth Doctor runs into a very old friend!

DR WHO MAGAZINE #379
"This issue features: a chat with writer Stephen Greenhorn about his new episode; executive producer Russell T Davies discusses the new series in his 'Production Notes' column; get ready for the arrival of new companion Martha Jones; the Time Team enjoys Snakedance and Mawdryn Undead... and all the latest books, audios, and DVDs are previewed and reviewed. Plus, there's the second part of a new comic strip adventure for the Tenth Doctor and a very old friend..."

Source: Mile High Comics

DVD AND VIDEO
Region 1 DVD update
posted Monday 4th December 2006 at 18:30

It appears that recent Region 2 releases The Invasion and The Sontaran Experiment will get released in the US on 6th March 2007, according to shopping site Amazon.com. It is likely that both releases will see the same special features and extras as the UK versions. Both titles are available using the links below:

The Invasion - pre-order @ Amazon.com for $24.49

The Sontaran Experiment - pre-order @ Amazon.com for $10.49

Covers are below (click on image to see a larger version):

  

Source: Amazon.com, with thanks to Jeff Althoff @ PS Forum

NEW SERIES
Runaway Bride BBC1 Trailer
posted Monday 4th December 2006 at 01:00

The promotion of the 2006 Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Runaway Bride, has begun! Look out for the teasing trailer on BBC1... if you've not seen it yet, here's some pics.

Note: Just to confirm our stance here at the PS Doctor Who news page - if something has been officially released by the BBC, such as a publicity photograph or clips from a BBC1 trailer, we do not count as a spoiler. Any big spoilers can be posted on our forums, in a clearly marked thread.

PEOPLE
Craig Hinton
posted Sunday 3rd December 2006 at 21:30

It is with great sadness that we must report that notable author of Doctor Who novels and audios Craig Hinton has passed away, aged 42. Craig was found dead after police forced entry into his home today (3rd December 2006). Craig wrote for both the Virgin Missing Adventures and the BBC Past Doctor Adventures ranges, as well as penning both Doctor Who and Tomorrow People audios for Big Finish. The cause of his death is currently unknown, but we will keep you updated.

All of us at Planet Skaro offers our consolences to his friends and family.

Source: Outpost Gallifrey forums

PEOPLE
Tom Baker returns as the voice of texts
posted Sunday 3rd December 2006 at 21:30

Tom Baker will be returning as the voice of text messages on BT's text-to-landline service, over the holiday period. Tom stated: "I'm delighted to have been asked back by BT as the voice of text-to-landline. It's rather like being Santa Claus, delivering all your festive greetings. I only wish I could hear what I'm saying."

BT will be donating 2p to charity for every 10p text message that is received by it's text-to-landline service.

Source: BBC News

NEW SERIES
The Runaway Bride clip leaked
posted Sunday 3rd December 2006 at 21:30

A four-minute clip from this year's Doctor Who Christmas special, The Runaway Bride, has been leaked onto website YouTube.com. The clip was recorded by a member of the audience at the Children in Need concert on Sunday 19th November 2006, where the clip was first screened. The Doctor Who team have declined to comment.

Source: Newsround website

TELEVISION
Doctor Who Weakest Link Special at Christmas
posted Sunday 3rd December 2006 at 21:20

The Sun reports that a Doctor Who special of BBC quiz show The Weakest Link has been filmed for transmission at Christmas. The contestants are to be: John Barrowman, Noel Clarke, Tracey-Ann Oberman, David Tennant, Andrew Hayden-Smith, Camille Coduri, Nick Briggs, Claire Rushbrook and K9 (voiced by John Leeson).

Source: The Sun, with thanks to James Lindsay @ PS Forum

DVD AND VIDEO
New Beginnings DVD details
posted Sunday 3rd December 2006 at 21:30

BBC WORLDWIDE and 2|ENTERTAIN have released the slipcover and sleeve artwork, as well as details of extras for the January 2007 DVD release, NEW BEGINNINGS, which contains the final two stories of the Tom Baker era, The Keeper of Traken and Logopolis, as well as the first Peter Davison story, Castrovalva:

Extras are as follows:

The Keeper of Traken

* Commentary from actors Anthony Ainley, Matthew Waterhouse and Sarah Sutton, plus writer Johnny Byrne.

* Being Nice to Each Other (dur. 30' 04") - a new documentary looking at the making of this story through the eyes of the cast and crew. Featuring actors Sarah Sutton, Sheila Ruskin, Geoffrey Beevers, director John Black, writer Johnny Byrne and script editor Christopher H. Bidmead. Narrated by George Williams.

* The Return of the Master (dur. 08' 40") - Geoffrey Beevers, Christopher H. Bidmead and John Black talk about how they realised the return of the Doctor's arch-adversary.

* Sarah Sutton on Swap Shop (dur. 11' 14") - Noel Edmonds interviews Sarah Sutton, with questions phoned in from young viewers.

Logopolis

* Commentary from actors Tom Baker and Janet Fielding, plus writer Christopher H. Bidmead.

* A New Body at Last (dur. 50' 20") - a new documentary covering the transition from Tom Baker to Peter Davison. Featuring actors Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Matthew Waterhouse, Sarah Sutton and Adrian Gibbs, script editor Christopher H. Bidmead, directors Peter Moffatt and John Black. Narrated by Denis Lawson.

* Nationwide - Tom Baker (dur. 4' 30") - an interview with Tom Baker from the BBC news magazine show.

* Nationwide - Peter Davison (dur. 3' 40") - an interview with Peter Davison on his forthcoming role as the Doctor.

* Pebble Mill at One - Peter Davison (dur. 12' 00") - Peter Davison interviewed on the long-running BBC lunchtime show.

* News Items (dur. 1' 55") - a selection of BBC News items, including reports on Tom Baker and Lalla Ward's wedding, the announcement of Tom Baker's departure and Peter Davison's arrival.

Castrovalva

* Commentary from actors Peter Davison and Janet Fielding, plus director Fiona Cumming and writer Christopher H. Bidmead.

* Being Doctor Who (dur. 13' 29") - Peter Davison discusses his casting and time as the Fifth Doctor.

* Directing Castrovalva (dur. 11' 19") - Fiona Cumming talks about directing Peter Davison's debut story.

* The Crowded TARDIS (dur. 11' 25") - by the end of Tom Baker's tenure, the TARDIS crew had grown from the usual one companion to three. This featurette examines the reasons behind this change of direction. Featuring actors Tom Baker, Peter Davison and Sarah Sutton, director John Black and script editor Christopher H. Bidmead. Narrated by George Williams.

* Blue Peter - Peter Davison (dur. 9' 15") - Peter Davison interviewed on the popular children's magazine show.

* Swap Shop - Peter Davison (dur. 20' 40" ) - Noel Edmonds interviews Peter Davison, with questions phoned in from young viewers.

* Deleted Scenes (dur. 1' 34") - two deleted scenes from the story.

* Theme Music Video (dur. 3' 34") - a brand new remix of Peter Howell's version of the theme music for the series, exclusively remixed from the original multitrack master. Option to listen to the music in either stereo (default) or Dolby Digital 5.1 surround versions.

Each story will also feature Programme Subtitles, Subtitle Production Notes, TV trails and continuity announcements, Photo Galleries, isolated synchronous music, PDF Material - the 1982 Doctor Who Annual, Radio Times listings and the BBC Enterprises Season 18/19 sales literature as Adobe pdf files for viewing on PC or Mac.

Source: Official BBC Doctor Who website