Doctor Who Time Vortex: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

Steven Moffat nominated for Broadcast Press Guild Award

This year's Broadcasting Press Guild nominations have been announced, with Doctor Who earning one nomination.

Steven Moffat is up for the 'Writer's Award' for his work on Doctor Who and Sherlock. Mark Gatiss and Steve Thompson, who have also scripted Doctor Who episodes, are also nominated for the prize alongside Moffat, for their contributions to the BBC's Sherlock.

They are competing with Jo Brand, Vicki Pepperdine, Joanna Scanlana and Julian Fellowes.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 25th March 2011.

(Source: The Doctor Who News Page)

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Doctor Who - Comic Relief Sketch 2011

Today's edition of the News of the World has published an article claiming that a Doctor Who sketch has been produced for Comic Relief.

According to the tabloid newspaper, the plot for the mini episode is top secret, but the six minute scene will feature two Amy Ponds.

Doctor Who has previously contributed to the charity, as Steven Moffat scripted a special episode 'The Curse of Fatal Death' back in 1999 and David Tennant co-presented the live show with Davina McCall in 2009.

Two years ago, a special episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures was screened, starring Elisabeth Sladen and Ronnie Corbett.

David Tennant is among the celebrities promoting this year's Red Nose Day campaign.

Richard Curtis, who wrote last year's Doctor Who episode 'Vincent and the Doctor', co-founded the charity in 1985.

This year's fundraising event will take place on Friday 18th March 2011, with the telethon being broadcast on BBC One from 7pm. Click HERE for details on how to donate and raise money.

(Source: Blogtor Who)

Nicholas Courtney in Doctor Who: Robot

Nicholas Courtney stars as the Brigadier in Tom Baker's first Doctor Who story, Robot.

This clip has been uploaded as part of the BBC's tribute to the late Nicholas Courtney.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol - Saturn Award Nomination

Doctor Who has earned a nomination in the 2011 Saturn awards.

The 2010 Doctor Who Christmas special 'A Christmas Carol' is nominated 'Best Television Presentation' category, following its broadcast on BBC America.

The Steven Moffat-scripted episode is competing with Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special, The Walking Dead, The Pillars of the Earth and Spartacus: Gods of the Arena and the BBC's Sherlock.

The winners will be announced in June in Burbank, California.

(Source: The Doctor Who News Page)

Nicholas Courtney in Doctor Who: Inferno

Nicholas Courtney appears alongside Jon Pertwee as the Brigadier in the 1970's 'Inferno', the actor's favourite Doctor Who story.

This clip has been uploaded as part of the BBC's tribute to Nicholas Courtney.

Friday, February 25, 2011

BBC confirms James Corden's return to Doctor Who

The BBC have confirmed that James Corden will be returning to Doctor Who later this year.

The Gavin and Stacey actor appeared as Craig Owens in last year's episode 'The Lodger'.

Following his stint on Doctor Who in 2010, Corden said: 'There's been no talk of my return. I'd love another adventure - it would be great! I'm sort of disappointed I didn't get to go in the TARDIS...'

Corden is expected to make a guest appearance in Episode 12 of the next series, which is penned by Gareth Roberts. Filming will reportedly begin next week.

The first half of this year's series (episodes 1-7) will be broadcast on BBC One in the Spring. The programme will return for a second installment (episodes 8-13) in the Autumn.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

BBC to launch Doctor Who multiplayer online game

BBC Worldwide have announced that a major deal has been struck with game developer Three Ring to create their first ever multiplayer online game based on Doctor Who.

The free-to-play game will allow fans from around the world to follow in the footsteps of the eccentric and brilliant Doctor by travelling through time and space, exploring new worlds and encountering many alien races, both friend and foe.

The game is called Doctor Who: Worlds in Time, and will see players to enter the TARDIS and be set a challenge by the mysterious Time Lord to help him defend civilized culture against infamous Doctor Who enemies.

Robert Nashak, EVP Digital Entertainment at BBC Worldwide says, " Doctor Who: Worlds in Time will be a free-to-play multiplayer online game that invites players to save the universe by using their wits to solve time-bending puzzles and pulse-pounding challenges. Three Rings is the ideal team for this groundbreaking creative partnership. Not only are they visionaries in the online gaming space, they are lifelong Doctor Who fans with a passion for delivering the level of quality that our players will expect and deserve."

Daniel James, CEO Three Rings says, "Three Rings is delighted and honored to have the opportunity to create an online game based on Doctor Who. Our goal with 'Words in Time' is to capture the imaginative spirit and depth of the series, whilst being fun and easy to play for all ages."

The game is currently being developed and will be launched later this year.

(Source: BBC Press Office)

Doctor Who Action Figure Set - Revelation of the Daleks

Character Options have produced a new action figure collectors' set, based on the characters from the classic Doctor Who story 'Revelation of the Daleks'.

The Sixth Doctor and Peri arrive on the planet Necros where, in a facility called Tranquil Repose, presided over by Mr Jobel and his assistant Tasambeker, the wealthy can have their newly-deceased bodies cryogenically frozen until such time as medical science can cure whatever killed them.

In this exclusive sets we present Davros, a Necros Dalek, a Skaro Dalek and the Sixth Doctor in his blue mourning cloak.

The set is expected at Forbidden Planet's warehouse on 5th April 2011 at the price of £34.99.

Nicholas Courtney in Doctor Who: The Daleks' Master Plan

Nicholas Courtney makes his first appearance in the world of Doctor Who, as Brey Vyon alongside William Hartnell in the 1965 story 'The Daleks' Master Plan'.

Doctor Who Adventures: Issue 206

The 206th issue of Doctor Who Adventures magazine is on sale now.

This week's issue takes a look at the Sontarans, and has an interview with the potato headed monster.

The magazine comes accompanied with a very cool gift, in the form of a Fez!

It contains all the regular features, including posters, quizzes and competitions.

Also, the Doctor answers readers' questions, and he reveals how you can get him to answer your queries about life, adventure and the Universe.

(Source: Doctor Who Adventures)

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Nicholas Courtney dies, aged 81

Nicholas Courtney has sadly passed away, aged 81.

The actor was best known for his role as the long running character Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart in Doctor Who.

He first had a one-off appearance in the programme opposite William Hartnell, playing Bret Vyron in the 1965 story 'The Daleks' Masterplan'.

Courtney was later recast as Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart in 1968 story 'The Web of Fear'.

The character, promoted the Brigadier later that year in 'The Invasion', went on to make regular appearances alongside Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker up until 1975.

The actor later returned to the series in 1983 alongside Peter Davison and in 1989 opposite Sylvester McCoy. In 1993, he appeared in the Doctor Who charity special 'Dimensions in Time'.

Nicholas went on to play the character in numerous Big Finish Doctor Who audio dramas, alongside actors such as David Tennant and Paul McGann.

In 2008, Nicholas made his last on screen appearance as the Brigadier in the Doctor Who spin-off series 'The Sarah Jane Adventures'.

His other acting credits include: Only Fools and Horses, Yes, Prime Minister, All Creatures Great and Small and Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).

Nicholas Courtney (1929 - 2011)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Doctor Who: The BBC Radio Episodes box set

Several previously-aired full-cast Doctor Who BBC radio episodes will be released in a box set later this year.

A special slipcase containing each of the Doctor's full-cast BBC radio adventures: "The Paradise of Death"; "The Ghosts of N-Space"; "Exploration Earth - The Time Machine"; "Slipback". Also included is the 1975 made-for-LP audio adventure 'Doctor Who and the Pescatons' and the 1994 spoof 'Whatever Happened To...Susan?'. Jon Pertwee, Elisabeth Sladen, Nicholas Courtney, Tom Baker, Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant and Jane Asher are amongst the cast.

The set will be released on 7th April 2011 at the RRP of £59.99.

(SOURCE: Amazon)

2011 Census - Make 'Time Lord' an official religion

A series of Facebook groups have been created in an attempt to make 'Time Lord' an official religion.

One page, entitled '2011 Census - Our religion is Time Lord', aims to get 1% of the population to answer 'Time Lord' when asked about their religious views in the 2011 census.

Doctor Who fans have been inspired by dedicated Star Wars enthusiasts who, back in 2001, managed to make 'Jedi' an official religion after 390,000 people in England and Wales (0.70% of the population) stated this answer.

Today's edition of the i newspaper has reported on the unusual religions, including Doctor Who.

After nearly half a century on our screens, surely Doctor Who should become an official religion...

Monday, February 21, 2011

Doctor Who: The Ark tops DVD chart

The DVD release of the 1966 Doctor Who story 'The Ark' has topped the UK TV on Video chart, according to the Official UK Charts Company.

The story, which features William Hartnell as The Doctor, went straight to the top of the charts after its release last Monday, selling more copies than the popular TV series '30 Rock' (2), 'The Vampire Diaries' (3), 'True Blood' (4) and 'Not Going Out' (5).

Four weeks after its release on DVD, Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol charts at number 37, down five places from the previous week.

With thanks to The Doctor Who News Page.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

The Doctor Who Experience launches

The highly-anticipated Doctor Who Experience, an interactive exhibition which has special effects and newly-filmed scenes starring Matt Smith as The Doctor, along with original costumes and props used in the programme, has launched in London today.

The exhibition has a replica of the current TARDIS interior, along with a range of props and monsters from the past 47 years of Doctor Who including Daleks, Sontarans, a Tom Baker-era Tardis and Cybermen, Silurians and a Zygon.

Steven Moffat, Executive Producer for Doctor Who comments: “The Doctor Who Experience is a fan’s dream come true – a fully interactive adventure that will allow viewers of the show to get as close as possible to some of the scariest monsters from the series. It will also be the first time that Doctor Who artefacts from all the show’s 47 year history – classic and new – will be on display together, many of them being seen for the first time. And never mind that, this is the day the Doctor teaches you how to fly the TARDIS through time and space, and takes you into battle with all his deadliest enemies in a brand new adventure. So steady your nerves and bring your own sofa – the Doctor needs you!”

The exhibition is currently based at London's Olympia, before moving to a long-term home in Cardiff in 2012.

To purchase tickets, visit the official Doctor Who Experience website.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Doctor Who: David Walliams casting update

Earlier this month, David Walliams stated that he will be appearing in an episode of Doctor Who.

The BBC have now confirmed the casting, and have released some details regarding the episode.

Walliams commented: 'I am a huge fan of Doctor Who and am so looking forward to working with Matt Smith and running up and down some corridors with him.'

The actor, best known for his roles in Little Britain and Come Fly With Me, will be playing a character called Gibbis in a 'spooky' episode written by Toby Whithouse.

Whithouse has previously written the 2006 Doctor Who episode 'School Reunion' and last year's 'The Vampires of Venice'. He also contributed to the first series of Torchwood and has created the hit BBC Three series 'Being Human'.

Doctor Who will return to BBC One in April.

(Source: BBC - Doctor Who)

Friday, February 18, 2011

Doctor Who Adventures: Issue 205

The 205th issue of Doctor Who Adventures magazine is on sale now.

This week's issue takes a look at the monsters from the world of Doctor Who, and has a quiz, a Silurian wordsearch, spot the difference, new behind the scenes pictures and a brand new comic strip.

The magazine comes accompanied with eight free gifts, including a topper eraser and pencil set.

It contains all the regular features, including posters, quizzes and competitions.

There is also a chance to win the K9 series on DVD.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Doctor Who Maxi Busts - Third Doctor and Weeping Angel

Titan Merchandise have produced two additions to the Doctor Who Masterpiece Collection. The limited edition 8-inch maxi-busts, based on the Third Doctor and a Weeping Angel, will be released later this year.

- Weeping Angel
This beautifully-sculpted 8" maxi-bust of The Weeping Angel captures every detail of The Tenth Doctor's stone nemesis from the classic "Blink" episode.

- Third Doctor
This beautifully-sculpted 8" maxi-bust of Jon Pertwee's Third Doctor captures the most flamboyant incarnation of the Time Lord in all his velvet-jacketed, bouffant-haired glory.

The busts are due for release on 28th August 2011 at the of RRP £59.99.

Doctor Who Magazine, Doctor Who Adventures circulation figures

ABC have published the figures for the circulation of magazines in the second half of 2010, including Doctor Who Adventures and Doctor Who Magazine.

Doctor Who Magazine, published by Panini, had an average circulation of 33,554 from July - December 2010. Despite a slight circulation drop of 5.5% compared with the previous half of the year, the publication is still above the popular sci-fi magazine SFX, which has an average of 31,360.

Meanwhile, Doctor Who Adventures, published by BBC Magazines, performed extremely well in the second half of 2010, with an average circulation of 56,648. This represents a huge 26.8% increase in readership from the average of 44,664 in 2009.

Jaynie Bye, Joint MD, BBC Children’s Magazine commented:
"In this digital age it is really heartening to see that our top brands continue to have huge appeal with the pre-teen audience. In particular, I am delighted with the performance of Doctor Who Adventures magazine – up by an impressive 26.8% year on year – demonstrating the continuing strength of the title and the increased interested generated by Matt Smith in his role as the Doctor."

(Source: The Doctor Who News Page)

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Doctor Who Framed Photos

GB Eye have produced a range of Doctor Who framed photos featuring The Doctor, Amy, the Weeping Angels and the Paradigm Daleks.

Forbidden Planet lists the following for release next month:

- Framed Photo: The Doctor, Amy & Weeping Angels
Relive your favourite adventures with this framed Doctor Who photo! Featuring the Doctor, his faithful companion Amy, and the fearsome Weeping Angels, this framed photo brings the adventure to your living room!

- Framed Photo: The Doctor & Sonic Screwdriver
Featuring the 11th Doctor and his trusty sonic screwdriver, this framed photo brings the adventure to your living room!

- Framed Photo: The Doctor & Amy Pond
Featuring the Doctor and his faithful companion. Amy Pond, this framed photo brings the adventure to your living room!

- Framed Photo: Daleks
Featuring the Doctor's greatest foes, the fearsome Daleks, this framed photo brings the adventure to your living room!

- Framed Photo: Amy Pond
Featuring the Doctor's faithful companion, Amy Pond, this framed photo brings the adventure to your living room!

- Framed Photo: The Eleventh Doctor
Featuring the 11th Doctor, this framed photo brings the adventure into your living room!

Stock is expected at Forbidden Planet's warehouse on 6th March 2011.

With thanks to the TARDIS Newsroom.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Free Doctor Who audiobooks in The Guardian and Observer

This weekend's Guardian and Observer newspapers will contain two free Doctor Who audiobooks featuring The Doctor and Amy.

Saturday's Guardian will come accompanied with 'Hounds of Artemis', read by Matt Smith. The Arthur Darvill-narrated 'The Ring of Steel' will come with Sunday's Observer.

Every day next week, The Guardian will have details on how to download the 'Hornets' Nest' series, which is narrated by Tom Baker.

The promotion begins in this Saturday's Guardian newspaper.

New Twitter Account

Doctor Who Time Vortex has a new Twitter account. I set up a personal Twitter account a while ago which has been largely unused and I therefore decided to delete it earlier this week.

Accidentally (and very stupidly) I deactivated the @DrWhoTimeVortex account, losing 2000+ tweets and 500+ followers. After finding no way to restore the account, I have replaced it with another one.

Follow @DoctorWhoVortex.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Doctor Who: Mara Tales - DVD

A 2-disc DVD box set containing the classic Doctor Who stories 'Kinda' and 'Snakedance' will be released next month.

Both 'Mara Tales' stories feature Peter Davison as The Doctor, Janet Fielding as Tegan, Sarah Sutton as Nyssa and Matthew Waterhouse as Adric.

Synopsis
In KINDA, the Tardis lands on the jungle planet Deva Loka, around the same time as an expeditionary vessel from earth. Leaving a temporarily disabled Nyssa (Sarah Sutton) behind, the Doctor (Peter Davison), Adric (Matthew Waterhouse), and Tegan (Janet Fielding) decide to explore the planet -- and, eventually, to solve the disappearance of several earth astronauts.

SNAKEDANCE: The malignant telepathic force Mara, last heard from in the 19th-season adventure KINDA, once again takes over the mind of Tegan (Janet Fielding), the travelling companion of the Doctor (Peter Davison). Under Mara's evil influence, Tegan hijacks the TARDIS and pilots the vessel to the planet Manussa -- where the denizens are celebrating the 500th anniversary of Mara's destruction.

The release also contains a number of exclusive special features, including a commentary with the cast and crew, documentaries and behind the scenes footage, a photo gallery and digitally re-mastered picture and sound quality.

The box set is due for release on 7th March 2011 at the RRP of £29.99.

(Source: Amazon)

Doctor Who: Bumper Activity Book

BBC Children's Books will be publishing the 80-page 'Doctor Who Bumper Activity Book' next month.

Join the Eleventh Doctor and companion Amy Pond, plus Rory and a whole host of aliens, on an action-packed activity adventure! This massive Doctor Who bumper activity book is bursting with puzzles, games, codes and conundrums – and brilliant stickers, too! Hours of holiday fun for 7-9 year old Doctor Who fans. Based on the hit BBC One television series, starring Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor.

The book is due to be published on 3rd March 2011 at the RRP of £5.99.

(Source: Amazon)

Sunday, February 13, 2011

David Tennant Royal Mail stamp

Former Doctor Who actor David Tennant will be featured on a Royal Mail stamp, celebrating 50 years of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Tennant portrayed Hamlet at the theatre company back in 2008, to much critical acclaim.

The actor graces one of the six RSC special edition First Class stamps, which will be released on 14th April 2011.

In other Hamlet-related news, a costume sale was held at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon over the weekend, where David Tennant's slippers were sold for £50.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Doctor Who: Kinda DVD - 'Dream Time' preview

2|Entertain have uploaded an exclusive preview clip from the documentary 'Dream Time', which will be included on the DVD release of the 1982/83 Doctor Who story 'Kinda'.

The cast and crew, including Janet Fielding, Nerys Hughes, Simon Rouse and Adrian Mills, discuss their work on the story.

'Kinda' will be released alongside 'Snakedance' as part of the 'Mara Tales' box set on 7th March 2011.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Lily Cole to appear in Doctor Who

British actress and model Lily Cole has been cast in the next series of Doctor Who, the BBC have said.

She will play a mysterious creature that haunts a pirate ship opposite Matt Smith Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill.

Cole commented: 'It is a great script and fun character and I'm glad to be involved!'

Lily Cole's other acting work include the hit movies St. Trinian's and Terry Gilliam's The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

Doctor Who will return to BBC One in April.

(Source: BBC - Doctor Who)

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Doctor Who: The Ark - DVD

Doctor Who: The Ark will be released on DVD next week. The four-part 1966 story features William Hartnell as The Doctor, Peter Purves as Steven and Jackie Lane as Dodo. The release includes a wealth of exclusive extra content.

Synopsis
The TARDIS arrives some ten million years in the future on a giant spaceship carrying all the Earth's surviving plant, animal and human life (much of it miniaturised and in suspended animation) on a 700 year voyage to a new home on the planet Refusis II. Dodo is suffering from a cold - an unknown affliction in this era - and as the human Guardians of the ship and their servant race the Monoids have no resistance, a plague breaks out.

The Guardians place the travellers on trial and Steven is forced to defend them against allegations that they spread the disease deliberately. Fortunately, the Doctor finds a cure. The TARDIS leaves the spaceship, which Dodo has nicknamed the Ark, only to arrive back there as it is approaching the end of its voyage. Partly as a result of the earlier plague, the Monoids have now grown strong and enslaved the humans.

They plan to make Refusis II their own but, with the help of the invisible Refusians, the Doctor is able to persuade the two races to live together in peace.

Special Features
* Commentary by Peter Purves (Steven), Michael Imison (director), and Toby Hadoke (Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf)
* All’s Wells That Ends Wells A new documentary exploring the influence of H. G. Wells on Doctor Who
* One Hit Wonder What gives a monster staying power?
* Riverside Story Peter Purves returns to Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, home to numerous 1960s Doctor Who stories
* Radio Times Billings (PDF DVD-ROM – PC/Mac)
* Production Information Subtitles
* Programme Subtitles
* Photo Gallery
* Coming Soon Trailer

The DVD will be released on Monday 14th February 2011 at the RRP of 19.99.

(Source: Amazon)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

The Doctor Who Experience: Shop and Wi Fi

BBC Worldwide have announced groundbreaking retail and mobile plans for the Doctor Who Experience exhibition.

The commercial arm of the BBC has said that first ever official Doctor Who shop will accompany the much-anticipated exhibition. It will sell toys, games, books and licensed merchandise. The show is is staffed and designed by brand experience and retail specialists Brandnew Corporation. Doctor Who is the first TV programme that BBC Worldwide has devoted a stand-alone retail operation for.

And if this isn't enough, the Doctor Who Experience will be complimented by an exclusive Wi Fi service. Created by Brandnew, the platform will provide information about Doctor Who aliens, monsters and storylines. Visitors will also be able to redeem coupons to use in the Doctor Who shop.

Alex Johns, MD at Brandnew Corporation said, "After the exhilaration of the Doctor Who Experience the area of the shop and café provide an opportunity for fans to catch their breath. Inspired by what they'll have seen and experienced, our retail offer makes it both easy and pleasurable to turn their excitement into tangible rewards." He continued, "The Wi Fi platform will considerably enhance the immersive experience for all Doctor Who lovers while maximising footfall and sales in the shop. It is an important part of our 'from the till backwards' approach to retail planning"

The Doctor Who Experience will include special effects and newly-filmed Steven Moffat-penned scenes starring Matt Smith's Doctor, along with original costumes used in the programme. It will be based at London's Olympia and will open on 20th February 2011. Click HERE to purchase tickets.

Read the full press release at the BBC Press Office.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Classic Doctor Who Costumes

Forbidden Planet are listing the release of a new range of Doctor Who costumes.

The officially licenced costumes are based on the Fourth and Fifth Doctor's iconic clobber. Fans can also get their hands on costumes from companions Leela and Tegan.

- Fourth Doctor
Follow in the footsteps of fashion icon Tom Baker with this natty Doctor Who costume designed to meet all your time travelling need! The outfit comes in medium (38/40") and large (42/46").

- Fifth Doctor
Follow in the footsteps of fashion icon Peter Davison with this natty Doctor Who costume designed to meet all your time travelling need! The outfit comes in medium (38/40") and large (42/46").

- Leela
Every Doctor needs an assistant and who better than the very sexy Leela? This fab costume arrives all ready to pop into the TARDIS and go off adventuring! The outfit comes in small (UK size 6-8), medium (UK size 10/12) and large (UK size 14-16). Costume includes top, shorts, belt and gauntlets.

- Tegan
Every Doctor needs an assistant and who better than the lovely Tegan? This fab costume arrives all ready to pop into the TARDIS and go off adventuring! The outfit comes in small (UK size 6-8), medium (UK size 10/12) and large (UK size 14-16). Costume includes top, skirt and hat.

Stock is expected at Forbidden Planet on 11th July. The costumes are available to pre-order now at the price of £39.99 each.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Doctor Who Magazine: Issue 431

The cover for the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine, 431, has been posted on Twitter.

This month, the world's number one top-selling sci-fi monthly magazine features a Red Dalek Drone on the cover, and takes a look into the controversial redesigning of the monsters.

It boasts exclusive interviews with former companion Janet Fielding and Doctor Who scriptwriter Mark Gatiss.

The publication goes behind the scenes of the Doctor Who Experience exhibition, and has articles on 'Paradise Towers' and 'The End of the World'.

There is also a chance to win a copy of the 2010 Doctor Who Christmas Carol 'A Christmas Carol' on DVD.

The magazine will go on sale this Thursday (10th February) at the price of £4.50.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Doctor Who - SFX Awards 2011

The winners of the SFX awards 2011 have been announced, and Doctor Who has emerged as a big winner, picking up no less than 5 awards.

Current Doctor Matt Smith fought off competition from Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Downey Jr and former Doctor David Tennant for the title of 'Best Actor'. Smith commented: “Thank you so much to the readers of SFX for voting for me. I’m really proud to have won this award and it’s amazing to receive such fantastic support from fans of the show. I’d also like to thank the team at SFX who have continued to produce brilliant coverage on the show – the magazine’s 3D lenticular cover last April was incredible and a real highlight for everyone involved in Doctor Who.”

Karen Gillan picked up the 'Best Actress' award for her role as Amy Pond in Doctor Who, beating Chloe Moretz, Yvonne Strahovski and Zoe Saldana. Gillan thanked the readers of the magazine: “Wooah! I really wasn’t expecting that! I’m completely honoured that the cool cats who read SFX have voted me best actress! Basically I’m trying to say thanks to each and every reader who took the time to vote. I would also like to thank the Doctor Who production team who work so hard every day to make this show a success. And a big thank you to Matt and Arthur for making the TARDIS team such fun to be in. We are back on your screens this spring with some seriously scary stuff going down. So look out….”

Doctor Who itself was awarded 'Best TV Show', seeing of competition from Misfits, Supernatural and True Blood. The programme also picked up the 'Sci-Fi Phenomenon Award'.

The Eleven Doctors action figure set from Character Options won 'Best Collectable, Model Or Toy'.

The awards were voted for by the readers of SFX magazine.

Alex Kingston to star in 'Private Practice'

Alex Kingston, known for her role as River Song in Doctor Who, has been cast in ABC's 'Private Practice', it has emerged.

The actress will star in at least three episodes of the programme, as Marla, a shrink who will help Violet (Amy Brenneman). Her appearance will air on ABC later this year.

Back in the UK, Kingston is currently starring in 'Marchalnds', a five-part supernatural drama which is airing on Thursdays at 9.00pm on ITV1.

She is set to reprise her role as River Song in Doctor Who when the series returns in the Spring.

(Source: TVGuide.com)

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Doctor Who: The Daemons coming to DVD

2|Entertain have confirmed that the highly-regarded 1971 Doctor Who story 'The Daemons' has been commissioned for release on DVD.

The Christopher Barry-directed story features Jon Pertwee as The Doctor, Katy Manning as Jo Grant and Roger Delgado as The Master. It is written by Barry Letts and Robert Sloman.

Synopsis
For 200 years the secret of Devil's End village has lain dormant, as the burial mound, the so-called Devil's Hump, has remained sealed. Until now, at midnight on April 30th on the greatest occult festival of the year, as Professor Horner prepares to break it open. But just what evil treasures lie buried there? Will the local white witch's warnings of doom and destruction be fulfilled? Who or what is the mighty Azal? But even more disturbing for the Doctor and Jo, just how is the Reverend Magister, alias the infamous Master, involved in the mystery?

The DVD is currently in production and is expected to be released in late 2011 or early 2012.

Friday, February 4, 2011

David Walliams cast in Doctor Who

Well known actor David Walliams has said that he has been cast in the next series of Doctor Who.

While appearing on BBC Radio 2's Chris Evans Breakfast Show earlier today, Walliams said that he will be playing an alien and filming begins in a few weeks.

The actor, comedian and writer is probably best known for his role in the BBC One series Little Britain which he co-wrote and co-starred in with Matt Lucas. The programme's voice over was provided by Tom Baker, as Walliams and Lucas had been fans of Baker's Doctor. More recently, the duo produced the highly-successful 'Come Fly With Me', which was promoted by a Dalek.

Listen to Walliams' Doctor Who announcement in the player below. With tanks to Blogtor Who for uploading.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

David Tennant backs Red Nose Day 2011

Former Doctor Who actor David Tennant is among the celebrities backing this year's Comic Relief campaign.

Tennant can be seen in the picture above posing in a Red Nose and wearing an exclusive Vivienne Westwood-designed t-shirt.

The actor previously supported the charity back in 2009, when he co-presented the live BBC One show with Davina McCall.

Three different Red Noses are available to buy from Sainsbury's and Oxfam. The t-shirts can be purchased from TK Maxx. Alternatively, you can order them from the Red Nose day shop.

This year's fundraising event will take place on 18th March 2011. For details on how to donate, visit the official Comic Relief website.

Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol - Tracklist & Cover Art

Silva Screen have published the cover art and tracklist for the Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol soundtrack CD. The release includes 'Abigail's Song', which is preformed by Katherine Jenkins.

1. Come Along Pond

2. Halfway out of the Dark

3. Pray for a Miracle

4. Geoff

5. You Didn't Hit the Boy

6. Fish

7. Kazran Sardick 12 1/2

8. Ghost of Christmas Past

9. Babysitter

10. Talk About Girls

11. Sonic Fishing

12. Just a Little One

13. Big Colour

14. I Can't Save Her

15. The Other Half's Inside the Shark

16. Abigail

17. He comes every Christmas

18. Shark Ride

19. New Memories

20. Holding Hands

21. Christmas Dinner

22. Goodlucknight

23. Goodnight Abigail

24. This Planet Is Ours

25. Ghost of Christmas Present

26. The Course of my Life

27. Ghost of Christmas Future

28. Abigail's Song (Silence is all you Know)

29. Everything Has to End Some Time

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

The soundtrack will be released on 21st March 2011.

(Source: Silva Screen Blog)

Doctor Who: Dalek Week - Day Four

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Lee Ross cast in Doctor Who

Former EastEnders actor Lee Ross has been cast in of Doctor Who, it has emerged.

The acting agency Gordon and French states that Ross will play a character called 'Boatswain' in an upcoming episode of the programme.

The actor played 'Owen' in EastEnders on and off from 2006 until the character was killed off in 2009. He has also had roles in Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes and The Catherine Tate Show, as well as appearing in BBC Two's Moses Jones, alongside Matt Smith. From 1989 to 1991, Ross played Kenny Phillips in Steven Moffat's Press Gang.

Danny Sapani, Sarah Smart, Marshall Lancaster, Elizabeth Berrington and Hugh Bonneville have been confirmed to be appearing in Doctor Who's sixth series.

(Source: Digital Spy)

Russell T Davies talks to BBC News

Russell T Davies has recently returned to Wales, to oversee filming on the next series of Torchwood. In an interview with BBC News, Davies says what viewers should expect from the ten-part series, which will be broadcast in the Summer.

Doctor Who: Dalek Week - Day Three

Margaret John dies, aged 84

The Welsh actress Margaret John passed away earlier today, aged 84.

She first appeared in Doctor Who back in 1968 as Megan Jones in the story 'Fury from the Deep', only to reappear 36 years later in the 2006 episode 'The Idiot's Lantern', where she played a victim of The Wire, Grandma Connolly.

She is probably best known for her role as Doris in the comedy series Gavin & Stacey. James Corden, co-writer of the series, wrote on Twitter earlier today: "All my thoughts are with the family of Margaret John who played Doris in G and S. A great actress and an incredible lady. She will be missed x".

Margaret John's other acting credits include: Coronation Street, Dixon of Dock Green, Z-Cars, Doctor Who, Little Britain, Emmerdale, Last of the Summer Wine, Crossroads, The Mighty Boosh, Skins, My Family and Casualty.

In 2009, the actress was presented with the BAFTA Cymru Lifetime Achievement Award.

Margaret John (1926 - 2011)

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Billie Piper returns in 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl'

Former Doctor Who actress Billie Piper returns to the small screen tonight, in the fourth and final series of ITV2's 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl'. Piper plays the lead role of Belle de Jour and her alter ego Hannah Baxter.

Series 4, Episode 1 - tonight, 10.00pm on ITV2.
Brand new series of the controversial drama. Belle has a lot on her plate as she mulls over a new business proposition, deals with an uninvited house guest and copes with a challenging client. Meanwhile, she still has not answered the all-important question of whether she should commit to a relationship with her best friend Ben. Her life has never been so complicated. With Billie Piper, Iddo Goldberg, Cherie Lunghi, Lily James, and Adam Astill.

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