Doctor Who Time Vortex

Mark Sheppard joins Doctor Who Convention line-up

2012-02-01T19:30:00.001Z

A new set of guests including Mark Sheppard have joined the line-up of the first ever Official Doctor Who Convention which will be taking place in Cardiff next month.

Sheppard was an instant hit with fans playing the role of Agent Canton Delaware III in the opening episodes of Series 6 The Impossible Astronaut and Day of the Moon, helping the Doctor to eliminate one of his creepiest foes – The Silence.

Sheppard said: "I grew up watching Doctor Who, and the fans are a huge part of what really makes the show so very special. I can't wait to come back to Cardiff for this unprecedented behind-the-scenes event - a unique chance for fans to meet the amazing people responsible for so much of the show we all love and get to experience their talent and creativity in a totally new way"

Also announced as joining the Convention line up today are: Nick Briggs, voice of the Daleks; Neil Gorton, A Director of effects specialist MillenniumFX; Ian McNeice who appeared as Winston Churchill in the Doctor Who episodes The Wedding of River Song; The Pandorica Opens; Victory of the Daleks and The Beast Below; and Raquel Cassidy who played Cleaves in The Almost People and The Rebel Flesh.

They join a host of cast and crew appearing at the Official Doctor Who Convention including: Matt Smith; Steven Moffat; Arthur Darvill; Danny Hargreaves; Tom MacRae; Barnaby Edwards; Caroline Henry; Stephen Pehrsson; Michael Pickwoad; Andy Pryor; Gary Russell and Marcus Wilson with further announcements to follow in the next two weeks. The Convention is a full day event that will reveal the inner workings of Doctor Who, showing the journey from script to screen: Live special effects and pyrotechnic demonstrations; prosthetic masterclasses and in-depth Q & A sessions with the makers of the show will give an unrivalled glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of Doctor Who. For more information about the event and for tickets please visit: www.dwconvention.com.

The event will be held at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff on the 24th and 25th March 2012.

(Source: BBC Media Centre)

Doctor Who Magazine: Issue 444

2012-01-31T20:56:00.000Z

Tom Spilsbury has Tweeted the cover for next issue of Doctor Who Magazine which features William Hartnell and the Daleks.

Following the recently discovered 'missing' Doctor Who episodes, issue 444 goes on the trail of the remaining 106 that no longer exist in the BBC archives.

With production imminent on the 2012 series of Doctor Who, the magazine has all the latest news.

February's competitions include the opportunity to win the latest Revisitations box set.

There is a new comic strip The Chains of Olympus, and Dragonfire is under the spotlight in The Fact of Fiction.

Plus, all the regular features including news, reviews and the Time Team.

Doctor Who Action Figure Set - The Seeds of Doom

2012-01-30T20:23:00.000Z

The latest Doctor Who action figure set from Forbidden Planet is dedicated to the 1976 story The Seeds of Doom.

Two alien seed pods are found buried in the Antarctic permafrost. The Fourth Doctor, accompanied by Sarah-Jane Smith, realises that they are from a Krynoid, a form of voracious plant life that infects and transforms all animal life on planets upon which it becomes established.

One of the pods opens and infects a scientist at an Antarctic base but the developing Krynoid is destroyed by a bomb set to cover the tracks of two men, Scorby and Keeler, who have made off with the other pod for their boss, eccentric plant collector Harrison Chase.

The second pod infects Keeler and he also becomes a Krynoid, rapidly growing to giant proportions. UNIT are called in, and they arrange for the Krynoid to be bombed before it can spread its pods across the Earth.

Contents:
1 x Fourth Doctor action figure
1 x Krynoid action figure
1 x Cutlass accessory
1 x Open Seed Pod accessory
1 x Closed Seed Pod accessory

The set is due for release on 2nd April 2012 at the price of £24.99.

(Source: Forbidden Planet)

David Tennant wins BBC Audio award

2012-01-30T20:14:00.001Z

Former Doctor Who actor David Tennant won the best actor prize at the first ever BBC Audio Drama Awards last night.

Tennant, who hosted the event, gained the award for his work as Kafka in Kafka: The Musical.

The awards "celebrate and recognise the cultural importance of audio drama, on air and online".

The ceremony took place at BBC Broadcasting House in London, with guests including Richard Wilson (The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances) and June Whitfield (The End of Time).

(Source: BBC News)

The Doctor Who Experience prepares for final week in London

2012-01-30T20:02:00.000Z

The Doctor Who Experience is planning a series of events over the February half term to celebrate its final week in London before moving permanently to Cardiff in the summer.

Saturday 11th February sees the return of Doctor Who choreographer Ailsa Berk who will be giving visitors a chance to perfect their monster moves with special lessons on how to walk like a Judoon Trooper or a Cyberman.

Monday 13th February, the team from Millennium FX share their behind-the-scenes knowledge on the inspiration behind some of the show’s iconic characters, with live design and sculpt demonstrations, as well as drawing demonstrations on the 17th February.

Wednesday 15th February, visitors have the rare opportunity to come face-to-face with the Doctor’s terrifying adversaries, the Cybermen and the telepathic Ood.

Thursday 16th February you can become your favourite monster, as Doctor Who makeup technicians will be ready to transform you into your choice of a Silurian, Cyberman, Clockwork Droid or Weeping Angel.

The show comes to a close on Wednesday 22nd February where fans get the chance to bid a final farewell to the Doctor and some of the most recent monsters from the series, before its big move to Cardiff. So if you want to have Ood-les of fun this February half term, visit the Doctor Who Experience at London’s Olympia by the 22nd!

(Source: Doctor Who Experience)

Arthur Darvill in Gulliver's Travels

2012-01-29T20:25:00.000Z

Arthur Darvill will be lending his voice to a new adaptation of Jonathon Swift's Gulliver's Travels for BBC Radio 4.

The Doctor Who actor will feature in three one-hour episodes which tell the story of all four of Gulliver's epic voyages.

Gulliver's exploits in Lilliput have been told many times, but less well-known are his adventures in the other lands.

Brobdingnag, where as a miniature man Gulliver must fight for survival against rats the size of dogs and a dwarf who is 40 foot high. And then onto Laputa and Glubbdubdrib, where Gulliver encounters mad scientists and the ghosts of the great and good. Finally, he lands at The Land of the Houyhnhnms, governed by intelligent and gentle horses, where humans - the Yahoos - are vermin.

Gulliver's Travels is adapted for radio by Matthew Broughton. Other members of the company are Matthew Gravelle, Sam Dale, Bethan Walker, Judith Faultless, Richard Nichols, Chris Pavlo, Claire Cage, Lynne Seymour, Gareth Pierce, Ewan Bailey and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

The three-part series begins airing on BBC Radio 4 from Sunday 5th February at 3.00pm.

(Source: BBC Media Centre)

Eve Myles: "No Torchwood in 2012"

2012-01-28T19:49:00.000Z

In an interview with CultBox, Eve Myles has confirmed rumors that Torchwood will not return in 2012, and adds that the programme is currently "on hold".

"As far as I know at the moment, everything’s still very much on hold. Russell [T Davies] has things happening in his personal life.

"John [Barrowman] is very much on the same page as me, in that if and when they need us, they can just pick the phone up and we will be there before they’ve even put the phone down, because it’s something we love doing.

"Nothing’s going to happen in 2012, I know that much for sure. But who knows what will happen in 2013. Maybe a movie, to kinda draw a line under it.

"That’s the thing about Torchwood, every series we’ve changed our format. We’ve always had a gap in between, so fingers crossed, because we’ve got such an outstanding loyal fan base. They deserve Torchwood to go ahead with something else to draw a line under it, for the fans to have a bit of closure.

To read the full interview with the actress, visit the CultBox website.

Karen Gillan in We'll Take Manhattan

2012-01-26T16:00:00.002Z

National Television Award winner Karen Gillan stars as 1960s model Jean Shrimpton tonight in the one-off BBC Four drama We'll Take Manhattan. The programme is Gillan's first project since joining Doctor Who.

Winter 1962, and cockney photographer David Bailey and unknown model Jean Shrimpton are sent to New York for a prestigious Vogue photo shoot. This drama tells the story of a wild week, their love affair, terrible fights with their fashion editor - and how two young people with no such intention happened to change the world of fashion forever.

The drama airs tonight at 9.00pm on BBC Four.

Matt Smith and Karen Gillan win National Television Awards 2012

2012-01-25T22:03:00.000Z

Matt Smith and Karen Gillan have both won prizes at this year's National Television Awards which took place earlier tonight.

Matt Smith picked up the Drama Performance: Male award which was presented by actress Caroline Quentin.

Smith fought off competition from Martin Clunes (Doc Martin), David Threlfall (Shameless) and Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey).

On winning his first NTA, the actor commented: "Most of all thank you to everyone who watches and who makes the show what it is, so best of luck thank you."

Karen Gillan was also awarded the Drama Performance: Female gong for her role as Amy Pond in Doctor Who. The award was presented by Hugh Bonneville (Captain Avery, The Curse of the Black Spot).

Gillan was up against Eve Myles (Torchwood), Suranne Jones (Scott & Bailey) and Jaye Jacobs (Waterloo Road).

The actress said: "Oh my good God, thank you so much, this means so much to me, this is amazing but I am terrified right now!"

Doctor Who was nominated in the Drama category, but lost out to ITV1's Downton Abbey.

Steven Moffat and Arthur Darvill were also in attendance at the ceremony which was held at the O2 arena in London.

The awards were hosted by Dermot O'Leary and are voted for by the British public.

BBC commissions new Russell T Davies show "Aliens Vs Wizards"

2012-01-24T20:22:00.001Z

The BBC have commissioned a new twelve-part CBBC series Aliens Vs Wizards which has been created by Russell T Davies.

The series has been developed by Davies along with Phil Ford to replace The Sarah Jane Adventures, which ended last year following the death of Elisabeth Sladen.

From the dark side of the moon, aliens are scanning the Earth searching for magic and are prepared to destroy everything in their path to get it. All that stands in the way of Earth’s imminent destruction are two 16-year old schoolboys, Tom and Benny. It’s Ray Guns vs Wands; Science vs Magic and Aliens vs Wizards.

Russell says: “Writing for children is the biggest challenge of all and I think CBBC stands right at the heart of broadcasting. So I'm delighted to launch this show, a true nationwide collaboration - a Salford commission from a BBC Wales team. We're joining genres too - the show's a wild, funny, thrilling and sometimes scary collision of magic and science fiction.“

Tom Clarke lives a seemingly ordinary life with his dad and grandmother. However he hides a deep secret - Tom’s family are wizards and when the Nekross arrive, hungry for magic, they find themselves on the menu.

The Nekross may be equipped with ray guns, teleports and high-tech robots but they haven’t reckoned on Tom and his friend, science super-brain Benny. They form an extraordinary duo, using Tom’s magic and Benny’s science to battle the Nekross and save the Earth.

Russell adds: “Wizards have never met aliens before, and when they do, the result is spectacular! The mysterious Nekross know exactly what to do with magicians. Eat them! Let battle be joined!”

CBBC Controller Damian Kavanagh, who commissioned the new series, says: “This is going to be an incredible rollercoaster ride of an adventure. We believe children deserve the best and we’re delighted to be working again with Russell and the talented teams at BBC Wales and FME to bring the story to life.”

Faith Penhale, Head of Drama BBC Cymru Wales, says: We're so excited to be working with Russell again on this ground-breaking and hugely ambitious drama for CBBC. Filmed here in our brand new studios in Roath Lock, Cardiff, Aliens Vs Wizards promises to be spellbinding television drama for children."

Sander Schwartz, President, Kids & Family Entertainment, FME, comments: “This series has all the ingredients to become a global hit – the extraordinary battle between aliens and wizards is guaranteed to entertain kids around the world, not to mention the incredibly talented team behind the series, led by the wonderful Russell T Davies. We are thrilled to be partnering with CBBC once again on what will be a fantastic addition to FME’s ever expanding portfolio of family entertainment brands.”

Aliens Vs Wizards is being produced by BBC Wales in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises.

It is executive produced by Russell T Davies, Bethan Jones and Gina Cronk for the BBC and Bob Higgins and Sander Schwartz for FME. Brian Minchin acts as producer alongside co-producer Phil Ford.

The series is due to air on CBBC in Autumn 2012.

(Source: BBC Media Centre)

Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock - Trailer

2012-01-23T20:33:00.000Z

The BBC have unveiled some new footage from the upcoming console game Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock.

The game allows players to take on the role of the Doctor and River Song to travel across time and space to save Earth.

Gamers will learn how to time travel and solve puzzles from across the centuries.

A new storyline has been created in collaboration with BBC Wales.

The Eternity Clock, the first in a series of Doctor Who titles, will initially be available on Playstation 3, Playstation Vita and PC platforms from March.

Doctor Who: Dark Horizons - Hardback Novel

2012-01-21T19:54:00.000Z

J.C. Colgan has written Dark Horizons, a new Doctor Who hardback novel which will be published by Random House later this year.

"Now, you may or may not have noticed, but we appear to be on fire..." On a windswept Northern shore, at the very tip of what will one day become Scotland, the islanders believe the worst they have to fear is a Viking attack. Then the burning comes. They cannot run from it. Water will not stop it. It consumes everything in its path - yet the burned still speak. The Doctor is just looking for a game on the famous Lewis chess set. Instead he encounters a people under attack from a power they cannot possibly understand. They have no weapons, no strategy and no protection against a fire sent to engulf them all. Add in some marauding Vikings with very bad timing, a kidnapped princess with a secret of her own and a TARDIS that seems to have developed an inexplicable fear of water, and they all have a battle on their hands. The islanders must take on a ruthless alien force in a world without technology; without communications; without tea that isn't made out of bark. Still at least they have the Doctor on their side... Don't they? A thrilling new adventure starring the Doctor, as played by Matt Smith.

The 320-page book will be released on 11th September 2012.

(Source: Amazon)

Doctor Who: Masterpiece Collection - Genesis of the Daleks

2012-01-20T20:00:00.000Z

Titian Merchandise have produced a limited edition Dalek figure based on the design from Genesis of the Daleks.

After months of demand, Titan Merchandise are proud to debut the first in our limited edition, high-quality Doctor Who Masterpiece Collection Dalek range: the super-iconic "Genesis of the Daleks" design from the classic 1975 adventure (starring Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor) that introduced the Dalek's creator: Davros!

Taken from the original plans for this design, this 8" sculpt is exact in every detail and is a must-have item for all serious Doctor Who collectors.

The figure will be released on 30th April 2012 at the RRP of £59.99.

(Source: Forbidden Planet)

Doctor Who Adventures: Issue 252

2012-01-20T19:17:00.001Z

The 252nd issue of the weekly Doctor Who Adventures magazine is on sale until Wednesday, 25th January 2012.

This week's mag is packed with awesome facts about time and space! The Doctor keeps us aware of what's lurking in the sky, from Atraxi space ships to the number 200 bus.

You can find out what happened when the TARDIS scanned the Master, and take our Time Traveller's Quiz to see which era of history you belong in. Plus, try your hand at making a Cybermat and read about the cool pets that have appeared in Doctor Who.

As well as all that, there is an all-new Doctor Who comic strip story, Mrs Tinkle's latest adventures in AAAGH! and some tricky puzzles to try.

(Source: Doctor Who Adventures)

Karen Gillan "We'll Take Manhattan" Radio Times cover

2012-01-17T22:46:00.000Z

Karen Gillan is featured on the cover of the Radio Times for her role as Jean Shripmton in the one-off BBC Four drama We'll Take Manhattan.

Gillan has given and interview and taken part in an exclusive photoshoot for the TV listings magazine.

"I wasn't sure if I was going to meet him," Gillan tells Radio Times. "Then I got this call saying: 'You're doing a shoot with David Bailey.' Never in my wildest dreams did I think that was going to happen. And I'd done so much research on him that I thought I had an idea of what to expect."

She didn't. "He's a funny one, David Bailey. He plays mind games to provoke his subjects.

"He kept shouting, 'Surprise me! Do something!' He seems to build up your confidence but then knock it back down again. He kept on saying to me, 'You're pretty but pretty girls are like red buses.'... He meant being pretty is not enough to make an interesting portrait, essentially."

The 21-27 January edition of the Radio Times is on sale until Monday 23rd January.

We'll Take Manhattan will air on BBC Four at 9.00pm on Thursday 26th January 2012.

(Source: Radio Times)

Eve Myles cast in West End play

2012-01-16T20:44:00.001Z

Torchwood actress Eve Myles has been cast in the upcoming West End play All New People, it has emerged.

Myles will appear in the production alongside Zach Braff (Scrubs) and Susannah Fielding, who guest starred in the Doctor Who episode Victory of the Daleks.

"I'm delighted to have been cast as the character of Emma in such a well anticipated and funny play. Having concentrated on TV work recently I'm excited to be returning to the stage and I'm very much looking forward to working with Zach," Myles said on her casting.

The comedy play is directed by Peter DuBois, and opens at the Duke of York's theatre on Friday 24 February 2012.

(Source: Superbreak)

Doctor Who Dynamix Ultra Stylised Figure (David Tennant)

2012-01-14T21:33:00.000Z

Big Chief Studios have produced a limited edition nine-inch figure based on the Tenth Doctor, played by David Tennant.

Taking inspiration from the Doctor Who IDW comic series, Dynamix Ultra-Stylised Vinyl Figurines offer unique interpretations of your favourite characters from the world’s longest-running sci-fi TV show.

From his spikey hair, to his trademark flowing trench coat and pinstriped suit, the Tenth Doctor strikes a confident pose ready for his next time-travelling adventure.

Produced in a Worldwide Collectors Limited Edition of 3000, each figurine comes with a Doctor Who logo base and is packed in a window display box.

The figure will be released on 27th May 2012 at the price of £59.99.

(Source: Forbidden Planet)

Doctor Who: The Dæmons - DVD

2012-01-13T07:33:00.000Z

The 1971 five-part Doctor Who story The Dæmons, starring Jon Petrwee and Katy Manning, will be available on DVD later this year.

In the peaceful village of Devil’s End something very strange is happening. A professor is preparing to open a nearby burial mound and a local white has foresees death and disaster. Meanwhile, the new vicar looks suspiciously like the Master and he is using black magic to conjure up an ancient Dæmon.

Can the Doctor, Jo and UNIT stop their old enemy before he succeeds?

Special Features

• Commentary
• The Devil Rides Out Cast and crew talk about the making of the story.
• Remembering Barry Letts A look at the life and work of Barry Letts.
• Location Film A mute amateur 8mm film shot in the village of Aldbourne during the location filming.
• Colourisation Test The original colourisation test version of episode one from 1992.
• Tomorrow’s World An article on the technology used in the restoration.
• Radio Times listings
• Programme subtitles
• Production information subtitles
• Photo gallery
• Coming soon trailer
• Digitally remastered picture and sound quality

The DVD will be on sale from 26th March 2012.

(Source: Amazon)

Doctor Who Adventures: Issue 251

2012-01-12T20:30:00.000Z

The 251st issue of the weekly Doctor Who Adventures magazine is on sale until Wednesday, 18th January 2012.

Ever wondered what might make a Dalek blush or a Sontaran turn scarlet? Find out this week as we look at some extra-embarrasing monster moments.

There's also a brilliant Forest Walker maze puzzle that will keep you busy for ages, a look at a day in the life of Madame Kovarian, and loads of facts, puzzles and posters.

Plus, this week we give one lucky reader the chance to win all six Doctor Who box sets, and a brilliant portable DVD player to watch them all on.

(Source: Doctor Who Adventures)

Doctor Who Script to Screen competition returning for Olympics

2012-01-11T22:01:00.000Z

To coincide with the Olympic games, the BBC have announced that the Script to Screen competition will return later this year.

The competition, which allows School children to write a mini Doctor Who episode, was originally launched by Doctor Who Confidential in 2011.

Following the success of last year's competition, Blue Peter have resurrected the contest which will allow 9-11 year olds to write an Olympic-themed story for the Doctor, Amy, Rory plus one monster and a new human character.

Following the 2011 competition a survey found that 96% of teachers believed it was an excellent tool for teaching literacy and writing skills. Steven Moffat, Doctor Who's lead writer and executive producer, reflected, 'I come from a family of teachers, I was a teacher, my father's a teacher, my sister's a teacher. We go back teacher generations so it's hard wired for me to want the approval of teachers so I'm very, very thrilled that its gone down so well with the schools that took part.'

Caroline Skinner, executive producer of Doctor Who, looked forward to the return of Script to Screen and commented, 'It's so exciting to be able to challenge young writers in this way. Doctor Who is such an amazing show to work on. It really sets the imaginations of viewers alight, and it's a thrilling prospect to see where young members of our audience would like to see the Doctor go this time!'

Matt Smith will be launching the competition during tomorrow's (12 January) episode of Blue Peter which will be broadcast on CBBC at 5.15pm.

Entries (1 per school) can be submitted via the BBC website until 16th March 2012.

(Source: BBC Doctor Who)

Original Sarah Jane actress revealed

2012-01-10T21:37:00.000Z

April Walker was the actress originally cast to play the role of Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who, it has been revealed.

In 1973, Doctor Who producer Barry Letts gave the role of Sarah Jane to April Walker, who has starred in Fawlty Towers, The Two Ronnies and Yes, Minister.

However during rehearsals for The Time Warrior, Letts thought there was a lack of chemistry between Walker and co-star Jon Pertwee and re-cast the role to Elisabeth Sladen.

According to Elisabeth Sladen: The Autobiography, Pertwee did not get along with Walker.

The news was revealed on the DVD release of Sarah Jane's second story, Invasion of the Dinosaurs.

(Source: Radio Times)

Doctor Who Action Figure Set - Attack of the Cybermen

2012-01-09T22:28:00.000Z

An action figure set dedicated to Attack of the Cyberman is the latest Doctor Who exclusive from Forbidden Planet. The set includes Peri and a Cyberman.

When something disturbs the TARDIS in flight, the Sixth Doctor is determined to find out the reason why. Landing in London, 1985, he and Peri are shocked to find the Cybermen are hiding in London’s sewers! Becoming their prisoner, the Doctor is forced to take the Cybermen to their home planet, Telos. There he discovers the inhuman monsters have captured another time vessel and plan to change history. They want to redirect Halley’s Comet so it crashes into Earth in 1985 – the year before their original home planet, Mondas, was destroyed. Peri Perpugilliam Brown, known as Peri, was an eighteen year-old American Botany student holidaying in Lanzarote with her step-father, when the Fifth Doctor and Turlough landed nearby. Turlough rescued Peri when she tried to swim to shore from her uncle’s boat, and took her inside the TARDIS to recover. The TARDIS took off with Peri still on board. Headstrong and argumentative, Peri stayed with the Doctor and helped him through his most difficult regeneration to date. Peri’s fate is unclear.

Contents:1 x Peri action figure.1 x Rogue Cyberman action figure (with detachable faceplate).1 x Cybergun accessory.

The product is expected at Forbidden Planet's warehouse on 24th February 2012.

(Source: Forbidden Planet)

Doctor Who Magazine: Issue 443

2012-01-08T21:14:00.000Z

The two covers for the 443rd issue of Doctor Who Magazine has been unveiled on Twitter. The covers feature Tom Baker in either Terror of the Zygons or The Seeds of Doom.

The first edition of 2012 comes accompanied with a free audio episode which sees Tom Baker make his Big Finish début.

Writer Robert Banks Stewart discusses his classic Doctor Who stories and his new audio adventure, The Foe from the Future.

There is a feature on the recently recovered 'lost' 1960s Doctor Who episodes, including the first review and reactions from actors Frazer Hines and Annke Wills.

Doctor Who director Richard Senior talks about the making of his 2011 episode Let's Kill Hitler.

Issue 443 takes a look at the making of The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe and there is chance to win the Christmas episode on DVD.

Plus, all the regular features including news, reviews and the Time Team.

Video: Karen Gillan on The Graham Norton Show

2012-01-07T20:20:00.000Z

Karen Gillan was a guest on The Graham Norton Show last night where she discussed her exit from Doctor Who and revealed some details about her upcoming BBC Four project, We'll Take Manhattan.

Watch highlights from the interview below, or UK viewers can watch the full show in the BBC iPlayer.

Doctor Who Action Figure Set - Emperor Davros & Destroyed Imperial Dalek

2012-01-07T16:45:00.000Z

The latest Doctor Who action figure set exclusive to Forbidden Planet is dedicated to Remembrance of the Daleks and includes Davros and an Imperial Dalek.

The TARDIS arrives in London in November 1963, where the Seventh Doctor and Ace discover that two rival factions of Daleks - one loyal to the Dalek Emperor and one to the Dalek Supreme - are seeking the Hand of Omega, a powerful Time Lord device that the first Doctor hid there during an earlier sojourn on Earth. The Daleks are focusing their search around Coal Hill School - the school that the Doctor's grand-daughter Susan attended - while a human military unit led by Group Captain Gilmore is attempting to resist their incursions. The Imperial Daleks eventually capture the device. The Dalek Emperor is revealed to be Davros, now with only the last vestiges of his humanoid form remaining. The Doctor begs him not to use the Hand but is ignored. However, this is just the final ruse in a complex trap laid by the Doctor. The Hand of Omega utterly destroys the Dalek home planet, Skaro, and then returns to destroy their forces orbiting Earth.

Contents:1 x Dalek Emperor Davros action figure.1 x Destroyed Imperial Dalek action figure.

The set is expected at Forbidden Planet's warehouse on 9th March 2012 at the price of £29.99.

(Source: Forbidden Planet)

Freema Agyeman and Peter Davison in Law & Order: UK

2012-01-06T07:00:00.001Z

The police and legal drama Law & Order: UK returns to ITV1 tonight, with Freema Agyeman as Junior Crown Prosecutor Alesha Phillips and Peter Davison as Henry Sharpe.

DS Sam Casey, a young officer with a strong sense of justice, is brought in to investigate the shooting of Devlin outside the Old Bailey, and is surprised to learn the gunman was specifically targeting police officers. The case sees the whole team emotionally spent, with the trial itself at risk of being derailed by a politically driven defence lawyer (Colin Salmon) with an axe to grind. Crime drama, starring Bradley Walsh, Freema Agyeman and Paul Nicholls, who joins the cast.

The seven-part series begins tonight at 9.00pm on ITV1.

(Source: Radio Times)

Noel Clarke cast in Star Trek 2

2012-01-05T20:39:00.000Z

Noel Clarke has joined the cast of the next Star Trek movie, it has been announced.

The actor, widely known for his role as Mickey Smith in Doctor Who, will star in the second instalment of JJ Abrams Star Trek reboot, which is due to be released next year.

Additional cast members of the sci-fi film include Simon Pegg, who appeared in the 2005 Doctor Who episode The Long Game.

It has also been confirmed that Benedict Cumberbatch, who is currently starring in Steven Moffat's Sherlock, will play a villain in Star Trek 2.

The movie is scheduled for release on 13th May 2013.

(Source: BBC News)

Doctor Who: The Art of Death - Audiobook

2012-01-03T19:54:00.000Z

BBC Audio have commissioned The Art of Death, a new Doctor Who audiobook written by James Goss which will be released later this week.

Raquel Cassidy reads this exclusive audio adventure featuring the Eleventh Doctor, Amy and Rory as they encounter one of the wonders of the universe. 'Don't be alarmed!' the Doctor cried through gritted teeth, 'It's simply sucking the life out of me. Nothing to worry about...' When the Doctor falls through a crack in time he finds himself in the Horizon Gallery. But it's no ordinary art gallery, because this one has the best view of the most impossible wonder of the universe - the Paradox. Tour parties are eager to see this stunning, hypnotic portion of sky that's beyond description, and it's Penelope's job to stop people staring up at it for too long. For the Paradox's beauty drives people mad. The Doctor, Amy and Rory are about to discover that the Paradox also contains a giant and frightening creature with a taste for death...

Written specially for audio by James Goss," The Art of Death" features the Doctor, Amy and Rory as played by Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill in the acclaimed hit series from BBC Television. It is read by Raquel Cassidy, who played Miranda Cleaves in the 2011 TV episodes "The Rebel Flesh" and "The Almost People".

The story will be available from Thursday 5th January 2012 at the RRP of £10.20.

(Source: Amazon)

10.8 million watch Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe

2012-01-02T20:38:00.001Z

BARB have released the consolidated viewing figures for this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special - The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe.

Official figures show that a colossal 10.8 million viewers tuned into Doctor Who, which was broadcast on BBC One on Christmas Day.

The initial figures indicated that the episode was watched by 8.9 million viewers.

Unlike the 'overnight' data, the official figures measure the exact timeslot and take into account viewers who record the episode and watch it within seven days of transmission. The official figures do not, however, include viewers who have watched the story online via the BBC iPlayer.

Opposite Doctor Who in ITV1, the Vernon Kay-fronted All Star Family Fortunes was seen by a consolidated audience of 6.63 million.

Doctor Who was the third-most watched programme of Christmas Day and the week. ITV1's Downton Abbey was watched by 11.60 million while BBC One's EastEnders attracted 11.33 million.

The figures were posted on Twitter by Doctor Who Magazine editor Tom Spilsbury.

Doctor Who and Torchwood - National Television Awards 2012

2012-01-02T20:06:00.000Z

Doctor Who and Torchwood have been shortlisted in several categories for this year's National Television Awards.

Doctor Who faces some tough competition from ITV's Downton Abbey along with BBC One's Waterloo Road and Merlin for the Drama award.

Matt Smith (Doctor Who) and John Barrowman (Torchwood) are up for Drama Performance: Male award alongside Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) and David Threlfall (Shameless).

Meanwhile, Karen Gillan (Doctor Who) and Eve Myles (Torchwood) have both been shortlisted for the Drama Performance: Female prize alongside Jaye Jacobs (Warterloo Road) and Suranne Jones (Scott & Bailey).

Votes can be submitted via the official National Television Awards website until midday on Wednesday 25th January. The results will be held on the same day and broadcast live on ITV1 from the O2 Arena in London.

The Sarah Jane Adventures: Series 5 - DVD

2011-12-31T18:16:00.000Z

The fifth and final series of The Sarah Jane Adventures, starring the late Elisabeth Sladen, will be released on DVD next year accompanied with a range of special features.

Investigative journalist Sarah Jane Smith and her young sidekicks are back in the final ever episodes of The Sarah Jane Adventures.

The gang soon find themselves up to their necks in alien trouble: discovering an explosive foundling baby; getting drawn into the middle of a war between Fleshkind and Metalkind; being divided by a curse delivered through an ancient totem-pole; coming face-to-face with alien light sculptors, the one-eyed Scullion – and Rani and Clyde getting married – just to save the world…

This DVD features the following two-part stories:

Sky

The Curse of Clyde Langer

The Man Who Never Was

Special Features:

Goodbye Bannerman Road – Remembering Elisabeth Sladen

A tribute to Elisabeth Sladen with contributions from those who worked closely with her, including the Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith.

The DVD will be available from Monday 6th February 2012.

The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe statues at the Doctor Who Experience

2011-12-30T20:34:00.001Z

The Wooden King and Queen as seen in the recent Doctor Who Christmas Special have arrived at The Doctor Who Experience.

The statues are on show in a specially created viewing area alongside a series of Doctor Who monsters including the Daleks, Cybermen, Silurians and the Silence.

The brainchild of Steven Moffat, who was haunted by the wooden creations as a child, the Wooden King and Queen are hatched from the baubles hanging from the branches of whispering Christmas trees and reside in a tower grown from trees where they lie in wait to entrap their rescuers.

The Experience is open at the Olympia Two venue in London until 22nd February 2012. It will be re-located to Cardiff later in the year.

(Source: Doctor Who Experience)

Doctor Who Shada Novelisation

2011-12-29T22:49:00.000Z

The "lost" Doctor Who story Shada, written by Douglas Adams, has been novelised by Gareth Roberts and will be published in 2012.

The Doctor's old friend and fellow Time Lord Professor Chronotis has retired to Cambridge University - where nobody will notice if he lives for centuries. But now he needs help from the Doctor, Romana and K-9. When he left Gallifrey he took with him a few little souvenirs - most of them are harmless. But one of them is extremely dangerous.

The Worshipful and Ancient Law of Gallifrey isn't a book for Time Tots. It is one of the Artefacts, dating from the dark days of Rassilon. It must not be allowed to fall into the wrong hands. And the sinister Skagra most definitely has the wrong hands. He wants the book. He wants to discover the truth behind Shada. And he wants the Doctor's mind...

Based on the scripts for the original television series by the legendary Douglas Adams, Shada retells an adventure that never made it to the screen.

The novel will be available from the 15th April 2012 at the RRP of £16.99.

(Source: Forbidden Planet)

Doctor Who: The Face of Evil - DVD

2011-12-28T23:14:00.000Z

The 1977 four-part Doctor Who story The Face of Evil, starring Tom Baker and Louise Jameson, will be available on DVD from next year.

When the TARDIS arrives on a jungle planet, the Doctor encounters two warring tribes, the Sevateem and the Tesh. The Sevateem worship a god called Xoanon and the Tesh are supposedly keeping Xoanon prisoner…

But why do the Sevateem call the Doctor the Evil One? And what are the invisible creatures in the jungle? The Time Lord, with the help of a girl called Leela, is about to find out.

Special Features
• Commentary
• Into the Wild Cast and crew talk about the making of The Face of Evil
• From the Cutting Room Floor Film trims provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the film shoot.
• Tomorrow’s Times – The Fourth Doctor A look at press coverage of Doctor Who during the Tom Baker era.
• Doctor Who Stories: Louise Jameson talks about her role on the programme in this interview shot for 2003’s The Story of Doctor Who.
• Swap Shop An extract from Louise Jameson’s appearance on The Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, interviewed by Noel Edmonds.
• Denys Fisher Toys Advert
• 1976 Typhoo Tea Doctor Who Promotion
• Radio Times listings
• Programme subtitles
• Production information subtitles
• Photo gallery
• Coming soon trailer
• Digitally remastered picture and sound quality

The DVD will be on sale from 5th March 2012.

(Source: Amazon)

Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe - DVD & Blu-ray

2011-12-26T20:47:00.000Z

This year's Doctor Who Christmas Special - The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe - will be released on DVD and Blu-ray next month.

Evacuated to a house in Dorset from war-torn London, Madge Arwell and her two children, Lily and Cyril, are greeted by a madcap caretaker whose mysterious Christmas gift leads them into a magical wintry world.

Special Features:
• Prequel
• 3 x The Best of Doctor Who 45-minute features, commissioned by BBC America and only seen in the US. Showcasing the favourite moments of all the series that feature Matt Smith as the Doctor.
> Best of the Doctor
> Best of the Monsters
> Best of the Companions

The episode will be available on DVD and Blu-ray from 16th January 2012.

(Source: Amazon)

Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000Z

Doctor Who returns to TV screens tonight with the Steven Moffat-scripted Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe.

It’s Christmas Eve, 1938, when Madge Arwell comes to the aid of an injured Spaceman Angel as she cycles home, in this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, starring Matt Smith as the Doctor.

He promises to repay her kindness – all she has to do is make a wish.

Three years later, a devastated Madge escapes war-torn London with her two children for a dilapidated house in Dorset. She is crippled with grief at the news her husband has been lost over the channel, but determined to give Lily and Cyril the best Christmas ever.

The Arwells are surprised to be greeted by a madcap caretaker whose mysterious Christmas gift leads them into a magical wintry world. Here, Madge will learn how to be braver than she ever thought possible. And that wishes can come true...

Madge Arwell is played by Claire Skinner, Lily Arwell by Holly Earl and Cyril Arwell by Maurice Cole.

The episode will be broadcast tonight on BBC One and BBC One HD at 7.00pm.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Video: Matt Smith on The Graham Norton Show

2011-12-24T15:51:00.000Z

Matt Smith was a guest on the Christmas Special of BBC One's The Graham Norton Show last night, where a new clip from The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe was shown.

Highlights from the interview can be seen below, while the full programme is available on the BBC iPlayer for viewers in the UK.

Video: Matt Smith and Steven Moffat Q&A - December 2011

2011-12-23T21:16:00.000Z

As part of the Doctor Who Adventure Calendar, the BBC have put some highlights of a question and answer session with Matt Smith and Steven Moffat online.

The Q&A took place earlier this month at the BBC Television Centre and was hosted by Richard Bacon.

Part 1...

Part 2...

Part 3...

Doctor Who: Revisitations 3 - DVD box set

2011-12-22T19:49:00.000Z

Three classic Doctor Who stories - The Tomb of the Cybermen, The Three Doctors and The Robots of Death - will be re-released as special editions DVD next year, forming the Revisitations 3 box set.

Special Editions of three classic Doctor Who DVD releases. Remastered. Repackaged. Reappraised. With exclusive new Special Features!

1. The Tomb of the Cybermen - Special Edition
2. The Three Doctors - Special Edition
3. The Robots of Death - Special Edition

The Tomb of the Cybermen - Special Edition
Starring Patrick Troughton. For centuries, the disappearance of the Cybermen from the universe has been a mystery. The Doctor, Jamie and Victoria arrive on Telos – once the Cyber home world – just as an Earth expedition uncovers the entrance to a long-lost control centre filled with baffling technology.

Special Features
• Morris Barry Introduction - The director’s introduction from the 1993 VHS release.
• Title Sequence - Tests and build-up elements for the Patrick Troughton title sequence.
• Late Night Line-Up - behind the scenes at the BBC Visual Effects department to interview Jack Kine.
• The Final End - The Evil of the Daleks is mostly missing from the BBC archives. A small taste of the climactic battle…
• Abominable Snowmen Audio Trailer
• Coming Soon Trailer
• Production Subtitles
• The Lost Giants - Cast and crew look back on the making of the story.
• The Curse of the Cybermen’s Tomb - Sir Christopher Frayling and Dr Debbie Challis examine the ancient Egyptian origins to the story.
• Cybermen – Extended Edition - A history of the Cybermen.
• The Magic of VidFIRE - A look at the technology behind the VidFIRE process.
• Sky Ray Advert - 1960’s Doctor Who themed promo for Walls Sky Ray ice lolly.
• Photo Gallery
• Radio Times Listings

The Three Doctors - Special Edition
Starring Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton & William Hartnell. The Time Lords are in crisis. A powerful force is draining their energy into a mysterious Black Hole - and they must recruit the Doctor to save them. But one Doctor isn’t enough for this mission...

Special Features
• Commentary
• Happy Birthday To Who - A brand-new look at the making of this anniversary story.
• Was Doctor Who Rubbish? - Raising a defence against criticism of the classic series.
• Girls, Girls, Girls – The 1970s Katy Manning, Caroline John (Liz Shaw) and Louise Jameson (Leela) on being a 1970s Doctor Who girl.
• Pebble Mill At One - Archival interview with the second Doctor Patrick Troughton and visual effects wizard Bernard Wilkie.
• Blue Peter Jon Pertwee introduces the Whomobile.
• BSB Highlights Cast and crew discuss The Three Doctors
• The Five Faces Of Doctor Who - The full trailer for the 1981 repeat season which included The Three Doctors.
• BBC1 Trailer
• 40th Anniversary Trailer
• Radio Times listings
• Production Subtitles
• Photo Gallery
• Coming Soon Trailer
• Digitally remastered picture and sound

The Robots of Death - Special Edition
Starring Tom Baker. The TARDIS, carrying the Doctor and his new companion Leela, arrives aboard a huge sandminer on a deserted world. The small human crew rely almost entirely on robots to carry out their every task and whim while they mine the planet’s rich minerals.

Special Features
• Commentary 1 - Original release commentary.
• Commentary 2 - New commentary with actors Tom Baker (the Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela) and Pamela Salem (Toos), and director Michael E Briant.
• The Sandmine Murders - Cast and crew look back at the making of the story.
• Robophobia - Toby Hadoke takes a humorous look at the history of robots.
• Studio Sound - Example of a studio scene before the robot voice effects were added.
• Model Shots Black and white time-coded recording of the original model insert film.
• Studio Floor Plan - Interactive view of the studio layout via the original floor plan drawings.
• Continuity - Off-air continuity for the first episode’s original transmission plus mute continuity slide.
• Radio Times listings
• Programme subtitles
• Production information subtitles
• Photo gallery
• Coming soon trailer
• Digitally remastered picture and sound quality

The five-disc set will released on 13th February 2012 at the price of £25.97.

(Source: Amazon)

Arthur Darvill joins Official Doctor Who Convention line-up

2011-12-21T19:53:00.000Z

BBC Worldwide have unveiled the names of guests who will be appearing at the official Doctor Who convention alongside Steven Moffat and Matt Smith in March.

BBC Worldwide is delighted to announce that Arthur Darvill, who plays the Doctor’s companion Rory Williams in the BBC’s hit sci-fi show, will be joining The Doctor Matt Smith and the series’ Lead Writer and Executive Producer Steven Moffat at the ultimate Doctor Who fan event in Cardiff’s Millennium Centre next March.

Further additions to the all-star line-up today include long term Casting Director Andy Pryor, Author and Screenwriter Tom MacRae, Director of Photography Stephan Pehrsson, Script Editor Caroline Henry - and actors Stuart Milligan and Simon Fisher-Becker.

The Convention is a full day event that will give Doctor Who enthusiasts an amazing chance to delve into the inner workings of the hit TV show and learn how it is created – a journey from script to screen. With unique access to the cast and production crew, this event offers fans a rare chance to see behind-the-scenes of the world’s longest running sci-fi show.

Tickets include three panel discussions with key cast and crew and Doctor Who production teams showing live pyrotechnics and prosthetic demonstrations, PLUS a chance to talk to the creators of some of the iconic costumes in the props and costume exhibit.

Tickets are on general sale now, priced at £99 and available at: www.dwconvention.com.
All tickets include:

• Official Doctor Who Convention souvenir ticket.
• Official Doctor Who Convention souvenir lanyard and pass.
• Official Doctor Who Convention exclusive behind the scenes images postcard pack.
• Official Doctor Who Convention bag.

(Source: BBC Media Centre)

New Doctor Who story from the BBC

2011-12-21T19:45:00.001Z

As part of the Doctor Who Adventure calendar, the BBC have published a new exclusive short story, Attack of the Snowmen, by Mark B. Oliver.

'Lost satellite reception...' Geoff Bluth glared at the GPS device on the dashboard of his car. It was late, he had been driving for hours and all he wanted was to find his hotel, have a nice hot shower and collapse into bed. And now it was snowing. Terrific. He pulled over to the side of the road and called the hotel.

Day Twenty of the Adventure Calendar has part one of Attack of the Snowman while day Twenty-One has the second part.

BBC Worldwide launch Doctor Who: Worlds in Time game preview

2011-12-20T20:59:00.000Z

BBC Worldwide have today launched an open preview of the previously-announced Doctor Who online multiplayer game Worlds in Time.

BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games today announced the open preview launch of Doctor Who: Worlds in Time, the new browser-based, free-to-play multiplayer online game. Developed in partnership with Three Rings, an award-winning developer of persistent online worlds, such as Puzzle Pirates and Spiral Knights, the game is the first-ever multiplayer game based on the Doctor Who television series.

Beginning today at DoctorWhoWIT.com, Doctor Who fans and gamers everywhere can enjoy the mystery and community of Doctor Who: Worlds in Time, which draws on the rich mythology, locations and excitement of the beloved television show.

“Our goal with Doctor Who: Worlds in Time is to expand engagement with the immensely popular Doctor Who brand and allow fans to deeply immerse themselves in that universe,” said Robert Nashak, executive vice president, BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games. “The game’s multiple worlds, its varied, wonderful characters and monsters, and changing story arcs will appeal to both Doctor Who fans and casual gamers alike.”

Doctor Who: Worlds in Time is designed for devotees of the show looking for a quick pick-up-and-play game, and life-long gamers and sci-fi enthusiasts seeking increased social engagement. Players choose among four races and endless possible character combinations to create their avatars. They can join together in missions identified by the mysterious Time Lord to defend civilization by undertaking interventions against infamous villains bent on creating chaos and destruction in the universe. Throughout the game, players will explore deep immersive worlds (e.g., Skaro, Messaline, The Library and New New York) featuring iconic monsters (e.g., Daleks, Cybermen and Weeping Angels), delivering the authentic experience of being part of the Doctor Who realm.

“As a huge Doctor Who fan, the chance to develop this game with BBC Worldwide was a dream opportunity,” said Daniel James, CEO of Three Rings Design, Inc. “We’ve worked to provide Doctor Who fans an experience that matches the quality and imagination of the TV show, and a forum to introduce casual gamers to this remarkable world with an experience accessible to players of all levels.”

While the game is free-to-play, revenue is generated through micro-transactions. Players can enhance their experience and accelerate their progress in the game through the purchase of Chronons, which will help them to complete missions, customize their avatars, build new contraptions and more.

Doctor Who, one of BBC Worldwide’s flagship brands, is the longest-running science fiction series in the world. It’s the story of the Doctor, the mysterious traveller in time and space, who has saved the universe so very many times. The Doctor is a Time Lord, one of a legendary race of powerful beings whose job it is to observe and record, but never interfere. The Christmas Special, “The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe,” will be shown at 8 p.m. on BBC One in the UK on Christmas Day.

Doctor Who: Worlds in Time will launch commercially in the first quarter of 2012.

The game can be previewed at http://www.doctorwhowit.com/.

(Source: BBC Media Centre)

Doctor Who Christmas Special: Steven Moffat on BBC Breakfast

2011-12-20T20:32:00.002Z

Steven Moffat talks to Sian Williams and Bill Turnbull about the Doctor Who Christmas Special and the return of Sherlock.

Video: Bill Bailey discusses Doctor Who Christmas Special

2011-12-18T21:06:00.000Z

As part of the Doctor Who Adventure Calendar, the BBC have produced a behind the scenes video of actors Bill Bailey and Arabella Weir on the set of the Doctor Who Christmas Special.

Doctor Who: The Sensorites - DVD

2011-12-17T16:20:00.000Z

The 1964 six-part Doctor Who story The Sensorites, starring William Hartnell and Carole Ann Ford, will be available on DVD from next month.

The Doctor (William Hartnell) and his companions land on a spaceship orbiting a distant and mysterious world, where a human crew lie frozen somewhere between life and death.

The planet is the Sense-Sphere, home of the Sensorites, beings of immense intelligence and power. Unable to leave, the Doctor and his companions must deduce the Sensorites’ intentions: are they friendly, hostile, or frightened? And what is the deadly secret at the heart of the Sense-Sphere?

This story was originally broadcast on BBC1 between 20th June – 1st August 1964.

Special Features
• Commentary
• Looking for Peter – Toby Hadoke goes in search of the enigmatic Peter R Newman.
• Vision On – What exactly does a Vision Mixer do?
• Secret Voices of the Sense-Sphere – Clive Doig reveals the origins of the eerie Sensorite voices.
• Photo Gallery
• Coming Soon Trailer
• Radio Times Listings
• Production Subtitles
• Programme Subtitles
• Digitally Remastered Picture and Sound Quality

The DVD will be on sale from 23rd January 2012 at the price of £13.99.

(Source: Amazon)

Doctor Who: U.N.I.T Files - DVD box set

2011-12-17T16:09:00.000Z

Two classic Doctor Who stories - Invasion of the Dinosaurs and the Android Invasion - will be released on DVD next month as part of the U.N.I.T Files box set.

The Third Doctor faces ravenous prehistoric monsters in deserted London, while the Fourth Doctor battles robot duplicates in a strange village – but are the forces of UNIT friends or foes? Find out in these classic adventures!

The Android Invasion
Starring Tom Baker. When the TARDIS lands in the sleepy English village of Devesham, Sarah thinks the Doctor has finally got her back home. But all is not as it seems…

DVD Extras
• Commentary
• The Village That Came to Life - Cast, crew and local residents look back at the making of the story, in this documentary presented on location by Nicholas Briggs.
• Life After Who – Celina Hinchcliffe takes her father Philip on a trip down memory lane to recall his distinguished career in British television and film.
• Photo Gallery
• Weetabix Advert - TV advert for a Doctor Who themed promotion for this breakfast cereal.
• Easter Egg - A ¼” location sound rushes recording of some of the story’s scenes being performed.
• Coming Soon Trailer
• Radio Times Listings
• Programme subtitles & subtitle production notes

Invasion of the Dinosaurs
Starring Jon Pertwee. Returning to London the Doctor and Sarah find a city almost completely devoid of life. The civilian population has been evacuated in the wake of an unimaginable event: somehow Dinosaurs have returned to terrorise the Earth.

DVD Extras
• Commentary
• People, Power and Puppetry - Cast and crew look back on the making of this story
• Billy Smart’s Circus - featuring Jon Pertwee
• Deleted Scenes
• Now and Then Returning to the filmed locations
• Photo Gallery
• Easter Egg - Seek, locate and discover what happens when the Doctor meets the dreaded Floor Manager…
• Production Information
• Subtitles
Coming Soon Trailer
Radio Times Listings
Programme Subtitles

Digitally remastered picture and sound quality with Episode 1 in monochrome, and Episodes 2-6 in colour

The three-disc set will be available from 9th January 2012 at the price of £22.49.

(Source: Amazon)

Archive footage: Tom Baker turns on the Christmas lights

2011-12-17T15:57:00.000Z

As part of the Doctor Who Adventure Calendar, the BBC have delved into the archives to deliver a clip of Tom Baker turning on the Christmas lights in Northern Ireland during the 1970s.

Doctor Who Action Figure Set - The Image of the Fendahl

2011-12-17T15:48:00.000Z

The latest Doctor Who action figure set exclusive to Forbidden Planet is dedicated to the Image of the Fendahl and includes the characters of Leela and Fendhaleen.

An anachronistic twelve-million-year-old human skull has been discovered by archaeologists and is now being used by Professor Fendelman in his time scanner experiments at Fetch Priory in contemporary England. The skull is actually an artifact of the Fendahl, an ancient creature that feeds on the life force of others.

Drawn by the operation of the scanner, the Fourth Doctor and Leela arrive as the experiments reach a peak. The skull is exerting an influence over the mind of Thea Ransome, one of the scientists in Fendelman's team, and glowing with power each time the scanner is activated. Thea is eventually transformed into the Fendahl core, and a group of acolytes assembled by Maximillian Stael - another of Fendelman's team, who is trying to harness the creature's power for his own ends - are converted into snake-like Fendahleen.

The Doctor shows the remaining scientist, Adam Colby, and two locals, Martha Tyler and her son Jack, how to defend themselves against the Fendahleen using rock salt. By activating the scanner once more, he triggers an implosion that destroys both the Priory and the Fendahl core.

Contents:
1x Leela figure
1 x Fendhaleen adult
1 x Fendhaleen infant
1 x Skull
1 x Stand

The set is on sale from 23rd December 2011 at the price of £34.99.

(Source: Forbidden Planet)

Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill leaving Doctor Who

2011-12-15T22:23:00.000Z

Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill will be leaving Doctor Who next year, head writer and executive producer Steven Moffat has confirmed.

Steven Moffat announces: "The final days of the Ponds are coming during the next series. Then the Doctor will meet a new friend"

Moffat revealed that Amy and Rory will be written out of the show earlier today during the press screening for The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe.

Matt Smith commented: "The show will miss the Ponds brilliantly played by Karen and Arthur but the great thing about Doctor Who is its ability to change."

Steven Moffat also added that he thinks River Song will return to the series.

According to the official Doctor Who Twitter feed, more details will be disclosed tomorrow, Friday 16th December 2011.

Gillan and Darvill are expected to make a cameo appearance in the 2011 Doctor Who Christmas Special which airs on Christmas Day at 7.00pm on BBC One.

Matt Smith and Steven Moffat on BBC Radio 5 Live with Richard Bacon

2011-12-15T22:02:00.000Z

Matt Smith and Steven Moffat were on BBC Radio 5 live with Richard Bacon this afternoon to preview the Doctor Who Christmas Special. The full show is available on the BBC iPlayer, while a clip can be seen below.

Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe - Preview Clips

2011-12-14T19:27:00.000Z

Watch three new preview clips from the 2011 Doctor Who Christmas Special - The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe.

Clip 1...

Clip 2...

Clip 3...

Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe - TV Trailer

2011-12-13T19:36:00.000Z

In the run-up to Christmas Day, a new trailer for The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe is being airing across all BBC channels.

The Doctor Who Christmas Special will be broadcast on BBC One at 7.00pm on Christmas Day.

Video: Marcus Wilson talks Doctor Who Christmas Special

2011-12-12T22:58:00.000Z

As part of the Doctor Who Adventure Calendar, the BBC have released an exclusive video which features Producer Marcus Wilson discussing The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe.

Missing Doctor Who episodes recovered

2011-12-11T22:38:00.000Z

Two 1960s Doctor Who episodes missing from the BBC archive have been recovered from a film collector.

Up until the 1970s, the routine practice at the BBC was to copy episodes of TV shows onto film for sales overseas, while the original tapes were either reused for other productions or destroyed to save space.

This practice affected Doctor Who and as a result over 100 episodes no longer exist. Some missing episodes have been rediscovered over the years, mainly from overseas TV channels. The last missing episodes were found in 2004.

However the BBC have today announced that Episode 3 of the William Hartnell adventure Galaxy 4 and Episode 2 of Patrick Troughton's The Underwater Menace have been returned to the BBC archive by film collector Terry Burnett.

The collector purchased the material at a village fete near Southampton in the early 1980s. He had been unaware that the canisters contained material missing from the BBC.

According to the BBC, the episodes were originally from the ABC channel in Australia. The Australian censors cut a few scenes from the copy of The Underwater Menace. New scans of the missing material have been made by the National Archives of Australia and will be incorporated into the restored episodes ahead of a DVD release.

The newly recovered episodes were shown at British Film Institute's annual Missing Believed Wiped event at the National Film Theatre in London. The host of the event was Doctor Who writer and actor Mark Gatiss who commented: "Christmas has come early for Doctor Who fans everywhere. It's always wonderful when a missing episode turns up but it's been years since the last one so to have two is just brilliant. Add to that a proper bit of action from the legendary Chumblies (and the horrifying Rills!) plus the utterly mesmeric Patrick Troughton on great form. Well, what more could we all ask for?"

The episodes will be restored and released on DVD sometime in the future. 2|entertain will announce further details in 2012.

The Radio Times have an interview with the film collector who found the episodes, Terry Burnett.

The BBC have also released some footage from the episodes which can be viewed in the players below.

Clip from Galaxy 4, Episode 3...

Clip from The Underwater Menace, Episode 2...

(Source: BBC Doctor Who)

Doctor Who most-downloaded TV programme on US iTunes

2011-12-10T18:33:00.000Z

Doctor Who was the most-downloaded TV programme on iTunes in the US this year.

The British sci-fi programme was ahead of Modern Family, Dexter, Breaking Bad, True Blood, Top Gear, Glee, Entourage, Archer and The Walking Dead.

"This is incredibly exciting news," said Doctor Who lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat. "It's an honour to be on the same list as all those shows, let alone at the very top.

"And for a British show to have achieved this in the US is absolutely remarkable. Next, the universe!"

Doctor Who will return at Christmas with The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe.

(Source: Digital Spy)

Doctor Who Magazine: Issue 442

2011-12-10T12:41:00.000Z

The cover for the 442nd issue of Doctor Who Magazine has been posted on Twitter. It features the cast of The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe and is painted by Vince McIndoe.

The 100-page bumper edition has a preview of the Doctor Who Christmas Special, including exclusive photos and interviews.

The magazine explores the best of the Doctor's past Christmas adventures, along with brand new comic strip featuring the Doctor, Amy and Rory.

Plus, all the regular features including news, reviews and the Time Team.

The Christmas edition also comes accompanied with three free art cards.

Issue 442 will be published on Thursday 15th December at the price of £4.99.

Video: Katherine Jenkins performs Abigail's Song on This Morning

2011-12-10T12:13:00.000Z

Katherine Jenkins made an appearance on ITV1's This Morning earlier this week where she performed Abigail's Song which was featured in last year's Doctor Who Christmas Special.

BBC Worldwide to launch new Doctor Who game

2011-12-09T21:39:00.000Z

BBC Worldwide have announced that a new game, Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock, will be launched for Playstation and PC in early 2012.

Press release:

Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock will be the first of a series of Doctor Who console games developed by BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games marking a significant movement into gaming for this business. Two further Doctor Who console game titles are planned to follow this release with details to be announced next year. Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock is being created in full high definition for digital download platforms and is set for release in early 2012, initially on Playstation 3 ®; Playstation Vita ® and PC platforms.

Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock will immerse gamers in the universe of Doctor Who, allowing them to take on the role of the Doctor and River Song as they travel across time and space to save the Earth. Gamers must learn to master the complexities of time travel with exceptional time based game play, changes made in one time will impact another creating multiple possibilities and challenging players to solve puzzles across the centuries.

A wholly new storyline has been developed especially for this new Doctor Who console game franchise, written in collaboration with the BBC Wales team. Photo-real graphics, television quality scenes and highly realistic characters will bring the world of Doctor Who to life immersing fans completely in the twists and turns of an action filled plot. The stars of the series Matt Smith (the Doctor) and Alex Kingston (River Song) have recorded full voiceovers for their characters in Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock and motion capture has been used to create in-game characters that are incredibly realistic providing the ultimate Doctor Who gaming experience.
The game is being developed by Supermassive Games (www.supermassivegames.com), experienced Playstation and PC developers based in the UK who were a Develop Excellence Awards New Studio Finalist in 2011.

Robert Nashak, EVP of Digital Entertainment at BBC Worldwide said: “We’re creating these new games for Playstation 3 and Vita with adaptations that will bring the wonder, adventure and madness of Doctor Who to each platform. Working with a top-tier UK development partner like Supermassive Games demonstrates BBC Worldwide’s commitment to create world-class Doctor Who games for fans of the show and gamers alike.”

Preview...

Elisabeth Sladen tops Twitter trends of 2011

2011-12-09T21:05:00.000Z

Elisabeth Sladen was one of the most talked about topics on Twitter in 2011, the website has revealed.

The actress played Sarah Jane in Doctor Who since 1973 and landed her own CBBC spin-off series based around the character in 2007.

She passed away in April this year following a battle with cancer and fans took to social networking websites to pay their respects to the much-loved actress.

The star was included in the top ten list of actresses mentioned on Twitter this year.

Jonathan Ross, Edgar Wright, Neil Gaiman, John Barrowman and Stephen Fry all used their Twitter accounts to pay tribute to Elisabeth Sladen.

(Source: Radio Times)

Video: Merry Christmas from the Cast and Crew of Doctor Who

2011-12-09T20:38:00.000Z

Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe - Clips

2011-12-08T20:03:00.000Z

In anticipation of The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe, the BBC have released a showreel of clips from the highlights of their Christmas schedule, including some footage from the Doctor Who Christmas Special.

Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe - Prequel

2011-12-06T19:52:00.000Z

As part of the Doctor Who Adventure Calendar, the BBC has released a prequel for The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe, written by Steven Moffat and starring Matt Smith.

Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe - Press Pack

2011-12-05T22:23:00.000Z

The BBC have issued a press pack for the 2011 Doctor Who Christmas Special - The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe - which will be broadcast on Christmas Day at 7.00pm on BBC One.

The pack has an introduction from Steven Moffat along with interviews with actors Matt Smith, Claire Skinner and Alexander Armstrong.

Steven Moffat introduces this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special:

"The Doctor at Christmas - it always just feels so right. When I was a kid, Santa and the Doctor somehow lived in the same place in my head - two generous madmen that I loved so much. So now that the Doctor is a regular feature of Christmas the world is just that bit more right.

"This time we're in England in the 1940s, and recently widowed Madge Arwell hasn't told her children, Lily and Cyril, that their father has died flying his bomber home over the channel, because she doesn't want Christmas to become the day that broke their hearts.

"But when they're evacuated to a draughty old house in Dorset for the holidays, and meet a mysterious young caretaker in a bow tie, events take an unexpected turn. What could be inside that big blue parcel under the tree?

"Soon the Arwells find themselves in a battle for survival in a magical new land. As ever, at this time of year, the Doctor is trying to make things right, and as always it doesn't go according to plan. But maybe he's reckoned without the power of a determined mother.

"This Christmas, it might just be the lonely Time Lord who's shown the way home."

The full press pack is available on the BBC Media Centre.

BBC Christmas drama trailer - The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe

2011-12-05T22:08:00.000Z

A trailer promoting Christmas drama is currently being aired across all BBC channels and includes some brief new footage from this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special - The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe.

Radio Times - Christmas 2011

2011-12-04T12:10:00.001Z

The 294-page "legendary" double Christmas issue of the Radio Times is on sale now.

The TV listings magazine has coverage of the Doctor Who Christmas Special, including a preview of the Steven Moffat-scripted episode.

I’ll admit I hit the play button for my rough-cut preview somewhat gingerly, but I’m pleased to report that The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe is one of the most satisfying specials yet. Moffat has surpassed himself, and for once the storytelling formula is a gentle A to C to B to D, rather than his vexing Z to WTF via Q and A.

The magazine - which has two different covers - is available in some shops now but will be on sale nationwide from Wednesday 7th December priced £2.50.

(Source: Radio Times)

Steven Moffat on Doctor Who movie: "Not a Hollywood reboot"

2011-12-02T21:56:00.000Z

Steven Moffat has dismissed reports which have claimed that the planned Doctor Who movie will be a "reboot" and completely independent of the TV series.

Moffat said on Twitter: "To clarify: any Doctor Who movie would be made by the BBC team, star the current TV Doctor and certainly NOT be a Hollywood reboot."

Last month director David Yates announced that he was developing the project in conjunction with BBC Worldwide.

According to a report by Variety, Yates said that his movie wouldn't run directly on from the TV series but would be a complete reboot.

However Moffat took to his Twitter account to clarify Yates's comments: "David Yates, great director, was speaking off the cuff, on a red carpet."

And in an interview with The Sun, Moffat said: "There are no developed plans for a Doctor Who movie at the moment.

"It's an incredibly exciting idea to get that magic blue box flying across our cinema screens.

"But if and when the movie happens it will need to star television's Doctor Who - and there's only ever one of those at a time."

"The brilliant David Yates was talking off the cuff and a little prematurely."

(Sources: Radio Times, PA)

Video: Matt Smith discusses The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe

2011-12-02T21:39:00.000Z

As part of the Doctor Who Adventure Calendar, the BBC have released a video of Matt Smith discussing The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe.

Doctor Who Adventure Calendar 2011

2011-12-01T18:15:00.000Z

The BBC's online Doctor Who Adventure Calendar has returned for another year, providing a range of exclusive content in the run-up to Christmas.

Over the next few weeks, the official Doctor Who website will be delivering exclusive videos, interviews, games, wallpapers, cards, quizzes and "Christmas goodies galore".

The calendar begins today (1st December) with a new festive edition of The Game of Rassilon featuring clips and questions about The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe along with questions from the Doctor's past Christmas adventures.

Video: John Barrowman talks Doctor Who, Torchwood on This Morning

2011-11-30T23:01:00.000Z

John Barrowman was a guest on ITV1's This Morning earlier today where he talked about the future of Torchwood and Doctor Who's 50th anniversary.

BBC confirm Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe transmission details

2011-11-29T21:59:00.000Z

The BBC have confirmed the transmission details for this year's Steven Moffat-scripted Doctor Who Christmas Special

The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe is scheduled to air in its traditional prime time slot at 7.00pm on Christmas Day on BBC One. It will air against ITV1's All Star Family Fortunes.

Doctor Who will be preceded by The Gruffalo's Child at 6.30pm and followed by a festive episode of Strictly Come Dancing at 8.00pm.

The BBC have also announced that Matt Smith will be a guest on BBC One's The Graham Norton Show on Friday 23rd December at 10.35pm.

(Source: Radio Times)

Doctor Who Costume T-Shirts - Patrick Troughton, Paul McGann

2011-11-28T22:27:00.000Z

Titan Merchandise have produced two further exclusive T-shirt designs for Forbidden Planet. The highly-fashionable T-shirts are based on the second and eighth Doctors' costumes and are due for release next month.

Long before his 11th incarnation announced they were cool, the Second Doctor was already rocking a bowtie!

While it wasn't the most particularly fashionable period in his life, The Doctor was still as distinctive as ever, with a Beatles style haircut (it was the 60s!) oversized trousers and occasionally a huge fur coat.

Now you can share The 2nd Doctor's unique style with this great t-shirt. Recorder not included!

The 8th Doctor's look was certainly unique, unlike his predecessors slightly 'wacky' style, the 8th Doctor chose to wear a stolen Wild Bill Hickok costume which made him look like a Victorian gentleman.

Completing the look with shoes belonging to Dr. Grace Holloway's ex-boyfriend, this version of The Doctor was the first in a long line to not be adorned with question marks!

Now with this great t-shirt, you can share the Doctor's (stolen) sense of style!

The items will be on sale from 20th September 2011 and are now available to pre-order from Forbidden Planet at the price of £16.99 each.

Doctor Who: The Fanzine from the makers of SFX

2011-11-28T22:10:00.000Z

SFX have produced Doctor Who: The Fanzine which celebrates and pays tribute to the world's greatest TV programme which recently reached its 48th anniversary.

The magazine includes interviews with Matt Smith, Tom Baker and Arthur Darvill along with a rating for every episode.

So what’s in it? How about these treats for starters:

• Battle of the Superfans: we pit the show’s self-proclaimed biggest fanatics against each other to discover who deserves the title of Ultimate Superfan!

• New Matt Smith interview: the actor explains why playing the Doctor can be a solitary existence

• Arthur Darvill Fannish Inquisition: you quiz Rory Williams on dying, gerbils and series seven

• The Ten Greatest Doctor Who Moments You’ll (Probably) Never See: the most tantalising scenes from Who’s missing episodes, as imagined by the fabulous artists behind the Reign Of Terror DVD animation

• Full series six episode guide: 14-episodes examined minute-by-minute!

• A Hitch In Time: looking at Patrick Troughton’s other time travelling role

• Tom Baker & Louise Jameson interviewed: we put your questions to the Fourth Doctor and Leela

• The latest instalment in our rib-tickling cartoon strip Arthur “Dies Daily” Darvill Vs Murderous Moffat

• “Chasing Christopher Eccleston”: our (unsuccessful) attempts to grab a word with the Ninth Doctor!

Plus STACKS More! (No, really, including…)

• Interview with Who DVD head Dan Hall
• What happened when we went trolling on forums
• The most amazing memorabilia collection of them all
• Christmas special preview
• Results of our “draw the Doctor’s bedroom” competition
• The secret diary of a Doctor Who addict
• Eleven brilliant Who writers – including Tom Macrae, Toby Whithouse, James Moran and Matthew Graham – choose their favourite Doctor
• Every monster ever in our huge colour illustration
• The history of guns in Doctor Who
• The Doctor in The Sarah Jane Adventures
• In-depth interview with top artist Chris Achilleos – complete with two brand new illustrations

AND STILL MORE!

Terry Nation * Naughty spoofs * Target books * Radio Times covers * The “Inbetween” years * Toby Hadoke on tour * 20 things we learned from series six * Are you spoilerphobic? * Interviewing the audio makers * Geeky confessions * The Doctor Who Experience * Every Who episode EVER rated * The Who How * Back to Paradise Towers * 50th anniversary wishlist * What the general public think of Who * (And nothing at all about the Australian K-9 series!)

The magazine is on sale now.

(Source: SFX)

Doctor Who Action Figure Set - The Keeper of Traken

2011-11-27T21:38:00.000Z

The latest Doctor Who action figure set exclusive to Forbidden Planet is dedicated to The Keeper of Traken and includes the characters of the Doctor and the Master.

The Fourth Doctor and Adric learn from the wizened Keeper of Traken that a great evil has come to his planet in the form of a Melkur - a calcified statue. The Keeper is nearing the end of his reign and seeks the Doctor’s help in preventing the evil from taking control of the bioelectronic Source that is the keystone of the Traken Union’s civilisation.

The Melkur, via various deceptions, becomes the next Keeper. It is then, however, revealed to be the Master’s TARDIS. Its owner, still blackened and emaciated, hopes to use the Source’s power to regenerate himself. The Doctor manages to expel him and install a new Keeper in his place, but in a last minute ploy the Master traps one of the Traken Consuls, Tremas, and merges with his body before fleeing the planet.

Contents:
1 x The Fourth Doctor in Waistcoat action figure.
1 x The Master Decayed action figure.
1 x The Melkur Statue action figure.
1 x Master’s TARDIS as a Grandfather Clock
1 x Source Manipulator Sphere accessory.

The set is on sale from 15th December 2011 at the price of £39.99.

(Source: Forbidden Planet)

Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe - Radio Times cover

2011-11-26T21:21:00.000Z

This year's Doctor Who Christmas Special is featured on the cover of the latest issue of the Radio Times.

The magazine has a preview of The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe along with pictures and an interview with cover star Matt Smith.

The 3–9 December 2011 (week 49) issue of the TV listings magazine is on sale from Saturday 26th November to Monday 5th December.

There will be further coverage of the Doctor Who festive episode in the 17–30 December 2011 (weeks 51–52) Christmas double issue, which will be on sale from Saturday 3rd December (nationwide by Wednesday 7th December) to Monday 26 December.

(Source: Radio Times)

BBC Christmas 2011 trailer featuring Matt Smith and Karen Gillan

2011-11-25T20:19:00.000Z

The BBC have begun airing their Christmas TV trailer for 2011. It features a whole host of stars, including Doctor Who's Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Alexander Armstrong and a Cyberman.

Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe - Synopsis

2011-11-24T20:47:00.000Z

The BBC have published the synopsis for this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe.

It’s Christmas Eve, 1938, when Madge Arwell comes to the aid of an injured Spaceman Angel as she cycles home, in this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, starring Matt Smith as the Doctor.

He promises to repay her kindness – all she has to do is make a wish.

Three years later, a devastated Madge escapes war-torn London with her two children for a dilapidated house in Dorset. She is crippled with grief at the news her husband has been lost over the channel, but determined to give Lily and Cyril the best Christmas ever.

The Arwells are surprised to be greeted by a madcap caretaker whose mysterious Christmas gift leads them into a magical wintry world. Here, Madge will learn how to be braver than she ever thought possible. And that wishes can come true...

Madge Arwell is played by Claire Skinner, Lily Arwell by Holly Earl and Cyril Arwell by Maurice Cole.

The episode is expected to be broadcast on BBC One in its traditional prime time slot on Christmas Day, however the exact transmission details have yet to be confirmed.

(Source: BBC Media Centre)

Doctor Who Series 6 Soundtrack - Cover Art, Tracklist

2011-11-24T20:29:00.000Z

Silva Screen have revealed the cover art and tracklisting for next month's release of the Doctor Who Series 6 soundtrack.

The soundtrack features original music from Matt Smith's second series as the Doctor.

It is written by Murray Gold, conducted by Ben Foster and performed by The National Orchestra of Wales.

DISC ONE

The Impossible Astronaut / Day of the Moon

1. I Am The Doctor In Utah

2. 1969

3. The Impossible Astronaut

4. Trust Me

5. Help Is On Its Way

6. Another Perfect Prison

7. Greystark Hall

8. Apollo 11

9. Day Of The Moon

10. I See You Silence

The Curse of the Black Spot

11. You’re A Dead Man

12. Deadly Siren

13. Perfect Reflection

14. All For One

15. The Curse Of The Black Spot

The Doctor’s Wife

16. I’ve Got Mail

17. My TARDIS

18. Run, Sexy

19. Locked On

The Rebel Flesh / The Almost People

20. The Chemical Castle

21. Which One Is The Flesh?

22. Scanning Me

23. Ransacked

24. Always With The Rory

25. Double Doctor

26. Tell Me The Truth

27. Loving Isn’t Knowing (The Almost People Suite)

A Good Man Goes to War

28. River’s Waltz

29. Pop

30. Tell Me Who You Are

31. Melody Pond

DISC TWO

Let’s Kill Hitler

1. Growing Up Fast

2. The Blush Of Love

3. Terror Of The Reich

4. The British Are Coming

5. A Very Unusual Melody

6. When A River Forms

7. Pay Attention Grown Ups

8. The Enigma Of River Song

Night Terrors

9. Bedtime For George

10. Tick Tock Round The Clock

11. A Malevolent Estate

12. Night Terrors

The Girl Who Waited

13. Apalapucia

14. 36 Years

15. Lost In The Wrong Stream

The God Complex

16. The Hotel Prison

17. Room Of Your Dreams

18. Fear Enough

19. What’s Left To Be Scared Of?

20. Rita Praises

Closing Time

21. Stormageddon, Dark Lord Of All

22. Definitely Going

23. Over Your Shoulder

24. Ladieswear

25. Fragrance

26. My Time Is Running Out

The Wedding of River Song

27. Tick Tock (Vocal Track)

28. 5:02 PM

29. The Head Of An Enemy

30. My Silence

31. Brigadier Lethbridge – Stewart

32. Forgiven

33. Time Is Moving

34. The Wedding Of River Song

Day of the Moon

35. The Majestic Tale (Of A Madman In A Box)

The two-disc CD is due for release on 19th December 2011.

(Source: Silva Screen)

48 years of Doctor Who!

2011-11-23T17:15:00.000Z

Back in 1963...

Exactly 48 years ago today, the world's greatest TV programme, Doctor Who, was born...

At 5.15pm on 23rd November 1963, the first episode of the Doctor Who story An Unearthly Child went out on BBC One. It saw school teachers Ian Chesteron (William Russell) and Barbra Wright (Jacqueline Hill) discovering the TARDIS and a man named the Doctor (Willam Hartnell) along his granddaughter Susan (Carol Ann Ford) in a junk yard in London.

... now in 2011

Over the last 48 years, has been a huge success with 11 actors in the lead role, along with numerous companions, making up 223 stories with 783 episodes and a total of 32 series.

The current Doctor (Matt Smith) will return at Christmas in The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe.

Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe - New Images

2011-11-22T21:49:00.001Z

The BBC have unleashed three new images from this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special - The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe.

The pictures are available to download as desktop wallpapers from the official Doctor Who website.

Video: Matt Smith and Karen Gillan on BBC Radio 1 with Fearne Cotton

2011-11-21T20:17:00.000Z

Matt Smith and Karen Gillan made an appearance on BBC Radio 1 with Fearne Cotton this morning to promote the series six box set and answer 'nerdy' Doctor Who questions posed by listeners.

The interview was recorded on a webcam and has been uploaded to Radio 1's official YouTube channel.

Part 1...

Part 2...

Video: Matt Smith talks Doctor Who anniversary on BBC Breakfast

2011-11-21T20:03:00.000Z

Matt Smith was interviewed on BBC Breakfast this morning, to talk about the release of the Doctor Who series six box set and the programme's fiftieth anniversary.

Doctor Who: The Complete Sixth Series - On Sale Now

2011-11-21T19:56:00.000Z

The complete Doctor Who series six box set, containing A Christmas Carol and the thirteen episodes of this year's series, along with a range of special features, is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.

The Complete Sixth Series:

Starring Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Alex Kingston
A Christmas Carol, The Impossible Astronaut, Day Of The Moon, The Curse Of The Black Spot, The Doctor’s Wife, The Rebel Flesh, The Almost People, A Good Man Goes To War, Let’s Kill Hitler, Night Terrors, The Girl Who Waited, The God Complex, Closing Time, The Wedding of River Song.

SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:
5 X ‘Night And The Doctor’ Additional Scenes
2 X ‘Comic Relief’ Sketches
Commentaries
4 X ‘The Monster Files’
4 X Prequels
Trailers
14 X ‘Doctor Who Confidential’ Cut-Downs
‘Doctor Who Confidential: A Nights’ Tale’

The set has been released on DVD and Blu-ray in both regular and special edition.

(Source: BBC Shop)

Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe - Children in Need trailer

2011-11-19T12:43:00.000Z

The title of this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special was confirmed as "The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe" last night as part of the annual Children in Need appeal on BBC One.

A world exclusive trailer for the episode was shown, along with a sketch starring Matt Smith who put the Doctor's iconic costume up for auction in aid of the charity.

Trailer, sketch...

To donate to Children in Need and bid for the Doctor's costume (closes on 21st November) visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/.

Doctor Who: Children in Need 2011

2011-11-18T00:00:00.000Z

The annual Children Need telethon will be broadcast on BBC One tonight, and will feature a world exclusive preview of the Doctor Who Christmas Special, a special sketch written by Steven Moffat and your chance to get your hands on the Doctor's costume.

Viewers will see the first footage from this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special which sees the return of Matt Smith along with guest stars Claire Skinner, Alexander Armstrong and Bill Bailey. The title of the much-anticipated episode will also be revealed.

Earlier this week, Matt Smith recorded a Doctor Who sketch at the BBC Television Centre. It is directed by Richard Senior and written by Steven Moffat. The scene, to be shown tomorrow, will see the Doctor auctioning off his iconic costume.

Matt Smith said: "I hope people donate generously for BBC Children in Need because it's a wonderful cause- and we've got to beat last year's total. I saw Terry Wogan on TV the other night, and thought come on! Let's make more money! So hopefully we can raise a good amount.
"I'd say the tweed jacket or the bow-tie are the most iconic - although the boots are my personal favourite."

The highest bidder will receive Matt Smith's costume - consisting of a Tweed jacket, Shirt, Black jeans, Black boots, Braces, Bow-tie and Watch - as seen earlier this year in The Doctor's Wife. A copy of Steven Moffat's script, signed by Matt Smith, will also be going up for auction.

It all kicks off tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One.

The Children in Need appeal raises money to help disadvantaged children around the UK.

To donate, visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/donate/

Alex Kingston on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson - 16th November 2011

2011-11-17T23:26:00.000Z

Doctor Who: Christmas 2011 - First Look

2011-11-17T20:03:00.000Z

Ahead of tomorrow's Children in Need preview, the BBC have published the first image from this year's currently-untitled Doctor Who Christmas Special.

The picture features Matt Smith as the Doctor running through a "fiery" passageway holding the Sonic Screwdriver.

The 2011 Christmas episode is written by Steven Moffat and sees the Doctor land in World War II. It boasts a stellar line-up of guest stars including Claire Skinner, Alexander Armstrong and Bill Bailey.

The annual Children in Need telethon (tomorrow, 7.30pm, BBC One) will reveal the title of the special, along with a world exclusive preview of the episode.

The image can be downloaded as a desktop wallpaper from the official Doctor Who website.

Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill to attend Doctor Who signing

2011-11-16T21:18:00.001Z

Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill will be making an appearance at the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre later this month, to sign copies of the Doctor Who series six box set and take part in a Q&A session hosted by Jo Whiley.

Stars of BBC One’s phenomenally successful TV show, Doctor Who, will be landing in their TARDIS at Westfield Stratford City on Monday 21st November to celebrate the release of the Doctor Who Series 6 boxset on DVD and Blu-ray.

Matt Smith (the Doctor), Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) and Arthur Darvill (Rory Williams) will be at Europe’s biggest shopping centre, the recently opened Westfield Stratford City, to sign copies of the newly released boxset and take part in a Q&A hosted by celebrity Doctor Who fan Jo Whiley.

Fans of Doctor Who can get the chance to see the stars of the show at Westfield Stratford City in two ways:

DOCTOR WHO SERIES 6 BOXSET SIGNING

WHERE: HMV Westfield Stratford City

WHEN: Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill will be signing copies of the Doctor Series 6 Boxset on Monday 21st November at 1.30pm

HOW TO GET TICKETS: 250 wristbands will be issued in HMV on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event from 8.30am

DOCTOR WHO Q&A WITH JO WHILEY

WHERE: The gallery area at Westfield Stratford City

WHEN: Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill will be in conversation with Jo Whiley between 4 and 4.30pm

For more information please contact Emma Burch emma.burch@bbc.com 0207 612 3134

or Anna Hollaway anna.hollaway@bbc.com 0207 612 3136

(Source: BBC Media Centre)

Torchwood: Miracle Day (DVD & Blu-Ray) - On Sale Now

2011-11-16T21:03:00.000Z

Torchwood: Miracle Day, the fourth series of the Doctor Who spin-off, is now available to purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray.

One day, nobody dies. All across the world, nobody dies. Day after day, the phenomenon continues. And a secret British institution named Torchwood seems to hold the answers…
CIA agents Rex Matheson and Esther Drummond investigate the only two surviving members of the team – Gwen Cooper, who has retreated to a remote Welsh hideaway with her husband and new baby, and the mysterious, brilliant Captain Jack Harkness. But they soon find themselves on the same side, fighting the greatest threat to humanity ever known – humanity itself.

For Earth is filling up, fast. Resources are running out. And as history has shown, bad things happen when good people get desperate.

Special Features:
'Magical FX on Miracle Day' Special
Behind the Scenes
Motion Comic
Art Dept Tour
Audio Nav & Description

The DVD is now on sale now at the RRP of £30.63, while the Blu-Ray copy has a price of £35.73.

(Source: BBC Shop)

David Yates to direct Doctor Who blockbuster movie

2011-11-14T22:20:00.000Z

A blockbuster Doctor Who movie is in the works in Los Angeles, according to a report.

According to Variety, Harry Potter director David Yates is currently developing a Doctor Who movie with Jane Tranter and BBC Worldwide Productions.

"We're looking at writers now. We're going to spend two to three years to get it right," he said. "It needs quite a radical transformation to take it into the bigger arena."

"The notion of the time-travelling Time Lord is such a strong one, because you can express story and drama in any dimension or time," Yates said.

Doctor Who previously hit the big screen in the 1960s with two spin-off films starring Peter Cushing.

Yates says that his movie will be completely independent of the original TV series, with Matt Smith currently in the lead role.

"Russell T. Davies and then Steven Moffat have done their own transformations, which were fantastic, but we have to put that aside and start from scratch," he said.

The director and BBC Worldwide are currently looking for a scriptwiter in both the UK and US.

"We want a British sensibility, but having said that, Steve Kloves wrote the Potter films and captured that British sensibility perfectly, so we are looking at American writers too," he explained.

Doctor Who Magazine: Issue 441

2011-11-14T21:17:00.000Z

The cover for the 441st issue of Doctor Who Magazine has been posted on Twitter.

This month's edition takes a look ahead to the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special, including an interview with producer Marcus Wilson.

"This year's Christmas Special is Christmas turned up to 12: It's magical!"

There are features on Earthshock, The Parting of the Ways and the coundown to Doctor Who's 50th anniversary continues with a look at 1974's series twelve.

In addition, there is the climax to the latest comic strip, The Child of Time, a chance to win DVD box sets, along with all the regular features including news, reviews and the Time Team.

Issue 441 will be published on Thursday 17th November at the price of £4.50.

Doctor Who Quick Read: "Magic of the Angels"

2011-11-13T19:06:00.000Z

BBC Books will be publishing a new Doctor Who title in 2012, which forms part of the 'Quick Reads' series. The book features the Doctor, Amy and Rory who encounter the Weeping Angels.

'No one from this time will ever see that girl again...'

The Doctor, Amy and Rory round off a sight-seeing tour round London with a trip to the theatre. That's when things start to go wrong.

The Doctor wonders why so many young girls are going missing from the area. When he sees Sammy Star's amazing magic act, he thinks he knows the answer. Sammy's glamorous assistant disappears at the climax of the act - but this is no stage trick.

The Doctor and his friends team up with residents of an old people's home to discover the truth. And together they find themselves face to face with a deadly Weeping Angel.

Whatever you do - don't blink!

A thrilling all-new adventure featuring the Doctor, Amy and Rory, as played by Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill in the spectacular hit series from BBC Television

The 128-page Jacqueline Rayner-penned paperback will be published on 2nd February 2012 at the RRP of £1.99.

Official Doctor Who Convention coming in 2012

2011-11-12T22:07:00.000Z

The first official 21st Century Doctor Who Convention, featuring appearances from guests including Matt Smith and Steven Moffat, will be held in Cardiff next year, BBC Worldwide have disclosed.

Millennium Centre Cardiff will be transformed into a fans paradise 24th & 25th March 2012

BBC Worldwide today revealed details of the first ever official Doctor Who Convention since the series’ regeneration in 2005. The event will take place on the 24th and 25th March 2012 at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff, Wales – the current home of the show.

Billed as the ‘Ultimate Doctor Who Fan Event’, there are just 1500 tickets available for each of the days – the programme is the same on each day to give attendees the most in depth experience possible. Fans who manage to snap these up will gain unrivalled access to Eleventh Doctor star Matt Smith, Series Lead Writer and Executive Producer Steven Moffat and many more key members from the award-winning cast, crew and production team including Doctor Who Special FX Supervisor Danny Hargreaves, Production Designer Michael Pickwoad, Doctor Who Producer Marcus Wilson and the award-winning Millennium FX team.

The unique interactive programme will include theatre sessions and Q&As with cast and crew; behind the scenes sessions show-casing the script to screen process; discussions with episode directors and writers and demonstrations from Special FX and prosthetics experts that will illustrate the challenges and scale of their work on the world’s longest running sci-fi show. Autograph and photo opportunities will also be available with attending cast members and there will be official Doctor Who merchandise and collectables on sale.

Convention attendees will be let into the secrets of Doctor Who special effects as Danny Hargreaves and his talented team, reveal the tricks used to create the stunning physical effects that leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Watch them recreate a spectacular battle scene with live pyrotechnics, amazing explosions and laser effects.

Even more tricks of the trade will be unveiled by the award-winning Millennium FX team responsible for creating some of Doctor Who’s most iconic monsters including the Silence; the Silurians; the Weeping Angels and the Ood. The team will be giving a live demonstration of the skilful process involved in prosthetics application that fans can watch up-close and learn from the team how each stage is achieved.

Convention attendees will also be able to get up close and personal with rare costumes and props from the show where designers and experts will be on hand to answer questions about the origins and history of the items on show. The Millennium Centre itself has starred in several episodes – it was the setting for a hospital in New Earth in Series 2 run by the cat-like Sisters of Plentitude, in Tom McRae’s episode The Girl Who Waited in Series 6 the building featured as a principle location on Apalapucia – the kindness facility where people were quarantined, see if you can spot the top floor balcony where Amy fought with a Handbot!

Matt Smith commented on the convention’s announcement: “It’s brilliant that the first official convention is being held in Cardiff, the home of Doctor Who. I’m really looking forward to seeing the fans there, and remember – bow ties are cool!”

Steven Moffat said: “A whole weekend dedicated to all things Doctor Who, brilliant! We’re going to be celebrating the whole team behind the show, people who bring to life the Doctor’s craziest adventures and letting fans into some of our trade secrets. If you want to get under the skin of Doctor Who this is an unmissable event!”

Tickets are priced £99 will go on general sale on November 14th from 9am from: www.dwconvention.com.
All tickets will include:
• Official Doctor Who Convention souvenir ticket.
• Official Doctor Who Convention souvenir lanyard and pass.
• Official Doctor Who Convention exclusive behind the scenes images postcard pack.
• Official Doctor Who Convention bag.

(Source: Doctor Who Convention)

Doctor Who Adventures: Issue 243

2011-11-11T20:16:00.000Z

The 243rd issue of the weekly Doctor Who Adventures magazine is on sale until Wednesday, 16th November 2011.

Oh yes, we've another action-packed issue for you. We revisit the TARDIS's most terrifying moments and untangle River Song's life story - it's so timey-wimey! And meet the very first Dalek!

What's more, we go backstage to find out who is behind the show's strangest creatures. The Leader of the Cyber Fleet tells us about his day, the Doctor answers more of your bonkers and brilliant questions and we find out which of this year's gadgets wins the coveted Golden Eyepatch Award!

All this plus puzzles, posters, really very bad jokes and two awesome comic strips. Lawks, it's all rather brilliant.

(Source: Doctor Who Adventures)

Elisabeth Sladen: The Autobiography - On Sale Now

2011-11-09T19:53:00.000Z

The autobiography of the late Elisabeth Sladen was published earlier this week. The book gives an account of the actor's extensive life and career, from her humble beginnings in Liverpool to working on Doctor Who in TV's golden age.

"A poignant parting gift and, in the most unexpected way, one of the most revealing Doctor Who books ever written." (Marcus Hearn)

When Elisabeth Sladen first appeared as plucky journalist Sarah Jane Smith in 1973 Doctor Who story The Time Warrior, little did she know the character would become one of the most enduring and fondly remembered of the series’ long history. The years that followed saw Elisabeth traverse time and space alongside classic Doctors Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker, whilst a generation of children crouched behind the sofa, terrified but transfixed as their tea-time heroine found herself menaced by Daleks, dinosaurs, Cybermen, Egyptian mummies, extras in Bubble Wrap and even the Loch Ness Monster. By the time she quit the TARDIS in 1976, making front-page news, Elisabeth had become one of the most familiar faces of a TV golden age. But you don’t just walk away from Doctor Who. Elisabeth was asked to reprise the role many times, appearing in anniversary specials; an ill-fated 1981 spin-off with robotic sidekick K-9; radio plays; and for the BBC’s Children in Need. She toured the weird, wide and wonderful world of Doctor Who fandom and became one of the series’ all-time favourite companions. So when TV wunderkind Russell T. Davies approached her to come back again, this time to a Doctor Who backed by multi-million-pound budgets and garlanded with critical plaudits, how could she refuse?

This warm and witty autobiography, completed only months before Elisabeth died in April 2011, tells her remarkable story, from humble beginnings in post-war Liverpool, through an acclaimed theatrical career working alongside stage luminaries such as Alan Ayckbourn and Stephen Poliakoff, to Coronation Street, Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em and the furthest reaches of the Universe. A unique, insider’s view of the world’s longest running science fiction series, and of British television yesterday and today, Elisabeth’s memoir is funny, ridiculous, insightful and entertaining and a fitting tribute to a woman who will be sadly missed by millions.

The book is available in shops now at the RRP of £18.99.

(Source: Amazon)

You And Who - A new book from Hirst Publishing - read by Babelcolour

2011-11-08T19:34:00.000Z

Babelcolour:

In support of Children In Need comes 'You And Who' - a new book from Hirst Publishing, available to pre-order now.

It is a compendium of short personal essays on Doctor Who, about what it means to be a fan by the fans themselves, to which I have contributed. 100% of royalties are being donated to Children In Need.

This video reading is just a small extract from my contribution.

Pre-order from http://www.hirstpublishing.com/You_and_Who_edited_by_JR_Southall/p384445_4969072.aspx and help a good cause.

Doctor Who T-Shirt - The Eleventh Doctor's Costume

2011-11-06T18:49:00.000Z

A t-shirt based on the Eleventh Doctor's costume will be available exclusively from Forbidden Planet later this month.

After stealing clothes from the Royal Leadworth Hospital lockers, the newly regenerated 11th Doctor faced down the Atraxi in his new outfit featuring his now iconic bow-tie and tweed jacket.

Now you can can share the Doctor's sense of style with this cool costume t-shirt!

The t-shirt will be released by Forbidden Planet on 30th November at the price of £16.99.

Video: Doctor Who cast share Bonfire Night memories

2011-11-05T16:36:00.000Z

The cast of the latest Doctor Who Adventure Game, The Gunpowder Plot, share their memories of Bonfire Night.

Sadie Miller on BBC Breakfast

2011-11-05T16:28:00.000Z

Sadie Miller, daughter to the late Elisabeth Sladen, made an appearance on BBC Breakfast yesterday to discuss her mother's autobiography which will be published on Monday, 7th November.

Doctor Who Action Figures 2011 - Wave 2

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000Z

Character Options have produced second wave of 2011 Doctor Who action figures, based on the characters of a Silent, River Song in a spacesuit and two different versions of the Cybermen - as seen in the second half of this year's series.

Recreate scenes from Doctor Who with these incredibly detailed fully articulated 5" action figures.

Characters include the Eleventh Doctor and key villains from the hit TV show.

The figures are on sale now at the RRP of £9.99 each.

(Source: Forbidden Planet)

Doctor Who Adventures: Issue 242

2011-11-03T16:41:00.000Z

The 242nd issue of the weekly Doctor Who Adventures magazine is on sale from today, Thursday 3rd November 2011.

Wow! We've got an amazing gift for you this week - a brilliant 3-D drawing kit! Draw your scariest Doctor Who monsters, stick on your free 3-D glasses and see them jump out of the page at you! We've also got a brilliant 3-D poster of the Silence for your wall!

You can also find out what happened when Matt Smith popped in to visit an unsuspecting school, read some sneaky secrets abut the next series of Doctor Who, and see what happens when the Doctor, Amy and Rory meet some zombies with a difference in an all-new comic story! Plus, there's loads of facts, puzzles, quizzes and posters.

(Source: Doctor Who Adventures)