March 2004

New BBC CD Releases Posted by Nigel on Wednesday, March 31 2004 at 4:26PM BST

The BBC have confirmed the CD release of the following titles; First up, will be a special edition of Death Comes to Time, the BBC's first exclusive webcast which featured Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor, and guest starred Stephen Fry and John Sessions. This MP3-CD release, will also bring CD-ROM elements, meaning that for the first time the original BBCi webcast animations will be available. The release will also include cast video interviews, outtakes, spoofs, biographies, full-colour illustrations, initial artworks, a TARDIS themed web viewer and excerts from other Doctor Who CD's. The two disc set will be available in May and will retail for £13.99 - You can pre-order this title now from Amazon.co.uk Secondly, July will see the release of two volumes of MP3-CD stories, Tales from the TARDIS Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, each retailing for £19.99 offering a total of almost twenty hours of narrated stories. Volume One will contain; The Curse of Peladon read by Jon Pertwee Kinda read by Peter Davison Attack of the Cybermen read by Colin Baker Out of the Darkness (three original short stories) read by Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant Short Trips (seven short stories) read by Nicholas Courtney and Sophie Aldred Volume Two will contain; The Planet of the Daleks read by Jon Pertwee Warriors of the Deep read by Peter Davison Vengeance on Varos read by Colin Baker The novel of the 1996 TV movie read by Paul McGann Earth and Beyond (a trio of short stories) read by Paul McGann These MP3-CD's are enhanced for use in CD-ROM drives, as you then have the added bonus of a special TARDIS-themed viewer screen, images from the original TV series, excerpts from other Doctor Who CD releases, web links and additional features.

- Thanks to BBCi

New Blackpool Exhibition Posted by Nigel on Wednesday, March 31 2004 at 2:09PM BST

Blackpool once again becomes invaded with Daleks, Cybermen and Sea Devils, when the town see's the opening of a new Doctor Who exhibition. Blackpool was last home to one of the most successful Doctor Who exihibitions ever held, when it ran from April 1974 to October 1985. The new, permanent Doctor Who exhibition - which opens on Friday 9th April 2004 will be 5,500 square feet in size and is to be located in the Golden Mile Centre on the Central Promenade in Blackpool. This is situated next door to the Sea Life Centre and very close to the site of the original attraction. David Boyle, Blackpool businessman and long-term sci fi fan is delighted to be hosting the exhibition. He said; "It's perfect timing ... It's exactly 30 years since the original Doctor Who exhibition opened here in Blackpool and interest in the series is as strong as ever. We are confident we have a fascinating exhibition, guaranteed to appeal to all the family, with animated characters, clips and sequences from the show playing on monitor screens and lots of buttons to press!". These include the ability to stand inside a Dalek and speak through a voice modulator to send everyone scurrying behind the nearest sofa! Meanwhile, BBC Worldwide's Head of Licensing, Richard Hollis said; "The recent announcement that Doctor Who is returning to our screens means there will soon be a whole new generation of fans, and this exhibition will be the only one in the world to bridge the gap between the old series and the new ... We hope it will give visitors an insight into the history of this extraordinary and uniquely British programme and why it has such enduring appeal. It's bound to become one of Blackpool's top tourist attractions!" The exhibition will be open daily between 10.00am–6.00pm. Admission prices for Adults £6.00, Children & OAP's £4.00, family ticket (two adults and two children) £18.00. Children under three are free.

- Thanks to BBCi

Film Four Free Weekend Posted by Nigel on Wednesday, March 31 2004 at 8:17AM BST

For anyone who has access to the 'Film Four', 'Film Four+1' and 'Film Four Weekly' Pay Channels on Sky, NTL or Telewest platform, they will once again be holding a 'Free Weekend' from Friday 2nd April - Sunday 4th April, meaning anyone will be able to tune in and watch during this unencrypted period, which is aimed to raise the awareness of the channel. The reason I mention this, is because on Saturday 3rd April at 10:00pm (and at 11:00pm on FF+1), you'll be able to catch both Paul McGann and Richard E. Grant in their 1987 cult black-comedy classic Withnail & I. Also worth a mention (whilst not anything related to the good Doctor!) is the fantastic Dark Water. A Japanese pschological horror directed by Hideo Nakata, the chap responsible for the original The Ring. This shows on Friday 2nd April at Midnight (ie Early Saturday morning - and again at 1:00am on FF+1). As it's free, it's well worth setting the video for if you've never seen it.

- Thanks to MediaBullett

The Leisure Hive DVD Posted by Stephen on Tuesday, March 30 2004 at 5:42PM BST

Steve Roberts of the Restoration Team has announced that the Tom Baker serial, The Leisure Hive is to be released on DVD with some interesting extras. The release will come with the usual production subtitles, photo gallery and an easter egg, with the added bonus of a Dolby Digital 5.1 remix and isolated (original mono) music score. The commentary comes from Lalla Ward (Romana II), Lovett Bickford (Director) and Christopher H Bidmead (Script Editor). There are several featurettes on the disc, including; A New Beginning - This looks at the changes made by the new producer, John Nathan Turner for Season 18. Including contributions from Tom Baker, John Nathan Turner, Christopher H. Bidmead, June Hudson, Lovett Bickford amongst others! It also contains behind-the-scenes footage from the studio session From Avalon to Argolis - Looking at the development of the scripts with Christopher H. Bidmead and David Fisher Synthesizing Starfields - An in-depth look at the creation of the new title sequence with Sid Sutton and Peter Howell Leisure Wear - June Hudson looks at the redesign of the lead costumes, plus those specific to 'The Leisure Hive' Blue Peter - A look round the spring-clean of the Longleat exhibition in 1980, plus the first on-screen interview with JNT According to Sendit.com (the new name for Blackstar.co.uk), The Lesiure Hive is due to be released on the 5th July and can be pre-ordered from them for £14.99. An full article on the release of this title, has now also been added to the Restoration Teams website.

- Thanks to Dr Who Restoration Team

Eccleston Interview Posted by Nigel on Saturday, March 27 2004 at 12:53PM GMT

Todays edition of The Sun, has an interview with the new Doctor, Christopher Eccleston, in which he talks about his upbringing and previous roles. On taking on the role of the Doctor her he says that "I've played a lot of characters who are very troubled and dark but I can't wait to get into the Tardis - it's going to be brilliant!" The entire article, in which Christopher comes over as a very honest and down to earth kind of guy, can be found over on The Sun website.

- Thanks to The Sun

TV Zone Special #56 Posted by Nigel on Friday, March 26 2004 at 6:26PM GMT

TV Zone Magazine release their latest "Dr Who Special" on the 1st April 2004. Sporting an Eccleston cover, the special includes the following features; The New Doctor, Christopher Eccleston has his previous work analysed to find out what qualities he will bring to the role and how he was received by the press Veteran 'Who' writer Terrance Dicks is interviewed and draws from his own past experiences and offers some words of advice for the new production team Sixth Doctor Colin Baker gives his memories of the series and offers his thoughts on the new series and the casting A retrospective look at the careers of new series producer Russell T. Davies and of the other four writers for the new season Time to retreat to safety behind the sofa! Discover the Top 20 Favourite Cliffhangers With the Telos Novella series drawing to a close with the return of the Daleks, TV Zone talk to the writers and review the books .. plus features from other shows including 24 This special will be on sale from 1st April for £4.99 ($9.99).

- Thanks to Outpost Gallifrey

Product Enterprise, Davros Scupppered Posted by Nigel on Thursday, March 25 2004 at 6:57PM GMT

Product Enterprise's website has returned following a period of downtime, with some bad news for collectors. The Talking Davros action figure, that was expected later this year has been cancelled with the following explanation from Product Enterprise; "We have no plans for the Talking Davros action figure to go into production at the present time. The simple reason is economics. Based on experience of other products in our range, the quantities we would sell would not equal the investment made. As much as we would like to produce the figure, at the end of the day, if we can not make a profit, it does not make good business sense. Please Note: We will not respond to e-mails on this matter. In addition, they have also announced that both the Dalek Roll-A-Matics and the Talking Cyberman action figure, have both been discontinued, so once the limited existing stocks are sold, there will be no more available. However, all is not doom and gloom, as the company have also revealed their range of popular Radio Control Daleks featuring powered rotating head, flashing lights and authentic voice commands, will be relaunched in September 2004 with new components, new improved radio control commands, new body tooling and new improved packaging. Additionally, the following month in October 2004, a new Gold Dalek will be added to the new range (shown opposite). Furthermore, these new versions have a retail price tag of £59.99, which is £10 cheaper than the previous versions, which incidentally have now been withdrawn. For more information on these and other offers, visit the Product Enterprise's website.

- Thanks to Product Enterprise Ltd

Eccleston up for BAFTA Posted by Nigel on Tuesday, March 23 2004 at 6:22PM GMT

Christopher Eccleston has been nominated for a BAFTA award for his role as Steven Baxter in the two-part ITV drama The Second Coming, which also happened to be written by new series writer, Russell T. Davies. His nomination is in the 'Best Actor' category, alongside David Morrisey, Jim Broadbent and Bill Nighy - who had been widely rumoured recently as being a favourite for the role of the Ninth Doctor. The awards are being helf at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on the 18th April and we wish Christopher the very best of luck!!

- Thanks to BBCi

Comments Round Up Posted by Stephen on Tuesday, March 23 2004 at 6:21PM GMT

Julie Gardner, one of the executive producers behind the new series was interviewed on regional news in Wales yesterday, talking about the new series and the casting of Christopher Eccleston. "It's a brilliant casting, and we couldn't have done better. He loved the scripts and he was a fan of the program." "Fear," she said in response to what was a key component of the original program, while she also mentioned that they were working hard to bring the new series to our screens for early next year. Steven Moffat, one of the series writers, talked to Outpost Gallifrey about the casting. "It's a fantastic casting," Moffat told us. "Not just because he's a brilliant actor, though clearly he is, but because he'll bring people to the audience, who wouldn't touch the show with a barge pole otherwise. The morning of the announcement, I went into the Coupling rehearsals, and the cast - trendy lovelies that they are, hardly the natural Who audience - were bouncing around about the news. Clearly rather more excited about that than the fact that a good friend of theirs was now writing it. So I sacked them all." Meanwhile, another scripter, Paul Cornell said "I think it's wonderful that we've got such a high calibre actor in the role," said Cornell. "Along with everyone else, it was great to get the rush of a 'new Doctor day' again. My Dad called to read me out a news item about it, just like he always used to. Chris is going to have to get used to being beloved by parents and small children everywhere!". News about the new Doctor wouldn't be complete without a statement from one of the previous Doctors. Here with some insightful knowledge is Tom Baker. "I've never heard of him," he told the Sunday Mail, "but I wish him well." There have also been some small comments from the new Doctor, Christopher Eccleston. "Dr Who? And Russell T Davies! Tell me which way to Cardiff because I can't wait." More comments from exceutive producer, Russell T Davies, producer Phil Collinson and Eccleston himself will appear in the next issue of DWM.

- Thanks to Outpost Gallifrey

Rumours Round Up Posted by Stephen on Tuesday, March 23 2004 at 5:55PM GMT

With the announcement of the new Doctor to be played by Christopher Eccleston, the press has had a field day reporting various details about stories, contracts, budgets and reports of a 2nd season. The Daily Mail has reported that a story will revolve around of Joan of Arc, with reports that the producers want French actress Audrey Tautou (Amelie) to play Joan, with Alfred Molina also due to appear in the same story, with location filimg lined up in Normandy. This report should be taken with a huge pinch of salt because said article couldn't even get the name of the new Doctor right. It's also been reported that Tautou is currently in Normandy shooting a film version of Joan of Arc. The Daily Express reports that Eccleston has signed a three year contract to play the Doctor, and that there's a budget of £1 million for each episode. This seems to be speculation, as does the report in the Daily Record, which mentions that a second season will be broadcast in 2006.

- Thanks to Daily Mail, Daily Express, Daily Record, Planet Who and Outpost Gallifrey

BBC Books Future Posted by Stephen on Tuesday, March 23 2004 at 5:39PM GMT

It is reported that there will be some changes occuring on the BBC Book front. It looks set that the books will continue at the same time as the new series on BBC1, but the adventures featuring the 8th Doctor, Paul McGann, look set to be absorbed into the past Doctor range at some point next year. There has been no word on whether there will be a book range featuring the new Doctor, or whether the books will go back to two a month. More information on this subject is likely to come in the next Doctor Who magazine, when range consultant, Justin Richards will give the latest on the future of the book line.

- Thanks to Outpost Gallifrey

The Feast of the Stone Posted by Stephen on Tuesday, March 23 2004 at 5:34PM GMT

Almost forgotten amongst the excitement of the new Doctor, BBCi are continuing the adventures of the apparently official 9th Doctor, Richard E. Grant and his companion Alison. The short story, written by established Big Finish writers, Cavan Scott and Mark Wright (Project Twilight and Project Lazarus) is entitled The Feast of the Stone. You can find it over on BBCi, by clicking this link.

- Thanks to BBCi

DWM #342 Preview Posted by Nigel on Monday, March 22 2004 at 6:41PM GMT

The next issue of Doctor Who Magazine (#342), hits the shelves on the 1st April, sporting a 'hot-off-the-press' Christopher Eccleston cover. Features this month include; Comments from Christopher Eccleston on landing the prized lead role, as well as notes from writer/executive producer Russell T. Davies and producer Phil Collinson Following on from last months announcement, the first part of the Marco Polo Telesnaps begins Alan Barnes talks about The Evil of the Daleks in 'The Fact of Fiction The Time Team take a look at the recently discovered episode of The Daleks' Masterplan, with added commentary by archivist Andrew Pixley Part Three of Andrew Pixley's Scheduled for Success column Comic Strip Bad Blood reaches its conclusion Plus all the latest news, reviews and previews DWM #342 is released 1st April 2004 and is priced at £3.40 Furthermore, DWM editor Clayton Hickman has announced that due to circumstances beyond DWM's control, the first volume of collected comic strips from Panini Books, The Iron Legion, has been delayed by several weeks and should now hit stores around the 15th April.

- Thanks to Shaun Lyon, Outpost Gallifrey

BBC Press Release Posted by Nigel on Monday, March 22 2004 at 6:35PM GMT

The BBC have today issued an official Press Release confirming the appointment of Christopher Eccleston as the new Doctor. The entire report appears below; :: BBC Press Release : 22.03.04 :: Christopher Eccleston to play Doctor Who Acclaimed British actor Christopher Eccleston is to play Doctor Who in the forthcoming 13-part drama series for BBC ONE, it was announced by Jane Tranter, BBC Controller of Drama Commissioning. Eccleston, star of Flesh & Blood and The Second Coming, will take Doctor Who into the 21st century – travelling through time and space, fighting monsters on all fronts, in a fresh and modern approach to the popular science fiction series. He said: "I am absolutely delighted to be playing Doctor Who. "I am looking forward to joining forces again with the incredible writer Russell T Davies and taking both loyal viewers and a new generation on a journey through time and space – which way is the Tardis? I can't wait to get started!" Jane Tranter says: “We are delighted to have cast an actor of such calibre in one of British television's most iconic roles. "It signals our intention to take Doctor Who into the 21st century, as well as retaining its core traditional values - to be surprising, edgy and eccentric. "We have chosen one of Britain's finest actors to play what, in effect, will be an overtly modern hero." Executive producer/writer Russell T Davies adds: "We considered many great actors for this wonderful part, but Christopher was our first choice. "This man can give the Doctor a wisdom, wit and emotional range as far-reaching as the Doctor's travels in time and space. "His casting raises the bar for all of us. It's going to be a magnificent, epic, entertaining journey, and I can't wait to start!" Filming in Cardiff later this year for transmission in 2005, Doctor Who is produced by Phil Collinson. The writers are Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss, Paul Cornell and Robert Shearman. Executive producers are BBC Controller of Continuing Drama Series, Mal Young; Head of Drama, BBC Wales, Julie Gardner and Russell T Davies.

- Thanks to the BBC Press Office

Newspaper Scans Posted by Nigel on Saturday, March 20 2004 at 10:25AM GMT

Shown above are a couple of scans that I have taken from todays UK editions of the newspapers The Mirror and the Daily Express, covering todays confirmation of Christopher Eccleston's appointment to the role. Click each image for a full scan.

- Thanks to The Mirror & The Daily Express

Christopher Eccleston CONFIRMED as the 9th Doctor Posted by Nigel on Saturday, March 20 2004 at 10:23AM GMT

The wait is over, all rumours can finally be put to bed - The BBC have this morning confirmed that Christopher Eccleston has been successful in securing the role as the 9th Doctor Who when the new 13 part series returns to BBC1 screens next year. 40 year old Eccleston has featured alongside Nicole Kidman in The Others and also appeared in several movies, including; 28 Days Later, Shallow Grave and Gone in 60 Seconds. He has had a starring role in the previous TV serials, Flesh & Blood, The Second Coming and Our Friends in the North. The BBC have said that the Salford-born actor would take a "fresh, modern approach" and the BBC Controller of Drama Commissioning, Jane Tranter added; "We are delighted to have cast an actor of such calibre in one of British television's most iconic roles ... It signals our intention to take Doctor Who into the 21st century, as well as retaining its core traditional values - to be surprising, edgy and eccentric." Russell T. Davies, the shows new Executive Producer and writer has said; "Christopher was our first choice .. His casting raises the bar for all of us. It's going to be a magnificent, epic, entertaining journey, and I can't wait to start." Obviously, news is coming in thick and fast and we will update you as this becomes available. In the meantime, you'll find weblinks to other news and press sites below, to read more; Updated as links become available BBC Entertainment News BBC News (2) BBC Official Dr Who Cult Site Sky News The Scotsman - PA News Teletext The Sun The Mirror Reuters The Telegraph The Guardian Digital Spy Ananova.com FilmForce.ign.com To read more about Christopher Eccleston himself, check the following; IMDB.com Database Christopher Eccleston Homepage BBC Drama Profile

- Thanks to Various sources - see links in above post

Tom-arch of the Glen Posted by Nigel on Monday, March 15 2004 at 2:21PM GMT

Tom Baker is to join the cast of BBC ONE's internationally acclaimed feel-good drama, Monarch of the Glen, it was announced recently in a BBC Press Release. Playing the role of Hector MacDonalds younger brother, Donald MacDonald, an unruly pensioner and former hell-raising racing driver who after living his life in the fast lane, accruing a catalogue of speeding offences along the way, is returning to his highland home after a 40 year absence. Tom is delighted to be joining the cast of Monarch of the Glen and says; "I think I'm made for the role of Donald MacDonald - he's quite clearly from another planet.. He's benevolently unstable and his release into the care of the MacDonald clan is going to be interesting because he's something of an old lunatic .. They'll have to keep their eyes open - Donald's a bloody menace". Tom goes on to add; "I'm looking forward to lots of laughs with Monarch and it will be wonderful to spend time in Scotland. I know the area quite well having toured with various theatre productions - it's a beautiful part of the country." Producer Rob Bullock says: "Tom Baker (and Simone Lahbib - another new member of the cast) bring anarchic comedy and glamour to the series which is exactly what viewers want from the show". Filming of the new 10 part series begins at the end of March.

- Thanks to BBC Press Office

Sheila Dunn Posted by Stephen on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 3:04PM GMT

The actress Sheila Dunn died peacefully on the 3rd March. Dunn, who was the wife of Doctor Who director, Douglas Camfield, appeared in three Doctor Who stories, all of which were directed by her husband. Dunn appeared as Blossom LeFavre in The Dalek Masterplan, the phone operator in The Invasion, but she was noted for her role as Petra Williams in Inferno. Our condolences go to Mrs Dunn's family and friends.

- Thanks to Outpost Gallifrey

BF Gallifrey Details Posted by Nigel on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 7:18PM GMT

Big Finish Productions have today released story details of all of the four Gallifrey mini-series, together with the cover art, which were designed by Lee Binding. Lalla Ward and Louise Jameson reprise their roles as Romana and Leela respectively and are joined in this series by Lynda Bellingham, returning to her role as the Inquisitor and Miles Richardson as Braxiatel. The details and covers are reproduced below; Gallifrey - Chapter 1 : Weapon of Choice ~ March 2004 The Time Lords of Gallifrey were the first to map the Web of Time. Now, under the reforming gaze of President Romanadvoratrelundar, the oldest civilisation is ready to shed its monopoly, sharing its secrets with a coalition of the Temporal Powers the Monan Host, the Nekkistani and the Warpsmiths of Phaidon among them. But the coalition is a fragile one, and despised in some quarters. When a team of Time Technology Assessors makes a horrific discovery on the barren moon of Kikrit, it seems their enemies are arming themselves to strike at the alliance. Has a terrorist group really acquired a temporal weapon so terrible the Time Lords forgot about its existence? In search of the truth, Romana sends the woman called Leela and the robot dog K9 to the enclave of Gryben, a reception centre for temporal refugees. But the truth is war's first casualty and the fallout could destroy them all Gallifrey - Chapter 2 : Square One ~ April 2004 In a climate of unease and mistrust, the great time-travelling powers of the universe are holding an historic temporal summit. The meeting will take place on a planetoid impervious to outside attack or internal subversion in any way. But while President Romana walks a knife-sharp political tightrope into dangerous territory, Leela and K9 find themselves attending the summit in unexpected roles. They are hunting for evidence of Free Time activity, but find instead terrors of a different kind time and time again. What impossibilty stalks the planetoid? Who is manipulating time? Can Leela and Romana discover the truth or will they find themselves sent back to square one for all eternity? Gallifrey - Chapter 3 : The Inquiry ~ May 2004 President Romana has been called to account for her actions. But the only evidence that she has responded to a real and present danger has disappeared. To clear her good name she is dependent on the testimony of the very people who want to see her publically humiliated and her power removed. While Leela tries to discover truths of her own, Romana is forced into an uneasy truce with her rivals at the CIA. But at least she can be sure the inquiry will be handled in a fair and proper manner. Or can she? When the investigation itself triggers danger and time is quite literally running out for all of Gallifrey's power and knowledge, just who can Romana trust? Gallifrey - Chapter 4 : A Blind Eye ~ June 2004 Earth, September 1939. With Europe sliding into war, a young Englishwoman, her loyalties torn, comes to a terrible decision. But what does the intergalactic secrets broker Mephistopheles Arkadian want with the fascist sympathiser Cecilia 'Sissy' Pollard on the last day of her life? Still searching for the facts about the Gryben debacle, President Romana makes a deal with the devil. So begins a chain of consequence that can only end in tragedy for the passengers aboard the Vienna to Calais Transcontinental Express, the woman called Leela included. By journey's end, the truth will out but at what cost to Romana and Leela? To Gallifrey's empire, even? All four titles from the mini-series are available to order now over on the Big Finish website

- Thanks to Big Finish Productions

BF Make Arrangements For War Posted by Nigel on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 7:07PM GMT

Shown below is the cover art and blurb for Big Finish Productions Sixth Doctor and Evelyn Smythe adventure Arrangements For War, due for release in May 2004. Onboard the TARDIS, nerves are strained. After escaping the Forge and the murderous clutches of Nimrod, the Doctor and Evelyn have things to talk about. The Doctor's attitude towards death is a subject that these days is too close to Evelyn's heart, and eventually she demands to be set down somewhere where she can be free of him for a while. And so they come to Világ, where the Doctor's meddling lands him in the middle of a truly dangerous liaison and Evelyn meets a man who wants to change the course of her life forever. Love is everywhere. But then war is too. Is it time for Evelyn to leave the Doctor? Or is the choice about to be taken out of her hands? And who is to say what is the beginning and what is the end of love? This story takes place between "The Trial of a Time Lord" and "Time and the Rani".

- Thanks to Big Finish Productions

Daemos Rising Posted by Nigel on Tuesday, March 9 2004 at 7:27PM GMT

The highly anticipated Reeltime Pictures drama, Daemos Rising is released on both DVD and VHS on the 15th March. Written by David J Howe and directed by Keith Barnfather, Daemos Rising is a chilling new Doctor Who spin-off drama featuring elements from the classic third Doctor adventure The Daemons and the independent Yeti drama, Downtime; Trapped in an isolated cottage, ex-UNIT operative Douglas Cavendish (Miles Richardson) thinks he is seeing ghosts. The only person who might understand and help is Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (Beverley Cressman) ... but when she arrives, she realises that Cavendish is key in a plot to summon the ancient Daemons back to the Earth. With time running out, Kate discovers that sometimes even the familiar can turn out to be your worst nightmare. Online retailer Tenth Planet are currently running an offer where if you pre-order a copy of the DVD now for £15.99, you'll receive a copy signed by cast and crew.

- Thanks to Tenth Planet

Green Death DVD Cover Posted by Nigel on Monday, March 8 2004 at 6:49PM GMT

Shown below is the final cover for the Pertwee favourite The Green Death, due for release on BBC DVD in May. A run down of the extra's on the release are as follows; Audio Commentary from Katy Manning (Jo Grant), Barry Letts (Producer) and Terrance Dicks (Script-Editor) Global Conspiracy - a twelve minute featurette looking into the mysterious events that occurred in Llanfairfach in 1973 .. and those that might still be occuring today. The feauture also includes archive material and interviews with those involved in the original incident and is hosted by Man Alive's environmental correspondent, Terry Scanlon Interviews with actor Stewart Bevan (Prof. Clifford Jones), writer Robert Sloman and Colin Mapson, the story's visual effects assistance, who demonstrates how to build a maggot! Picture Gallery featuring many rare and never-seen-before location and studio photographs Production Notes once again provided by Richard Molesworth The Green Death is released on 10th May 2004 and can be pre-ordered now from Blackstar.co.uk

- Thanks to Outpost Gallifrey and the Dr Who Restoration Team

The Wheel in Space Audio Cover Posted by Nigel on Monday, March 8 2004 at 6:47PM GMT

Shown opposite is the cover for the audio CD of the Troughton Cyber-Tale, The Wheel in Space, released on 3rd May 2004; The Cybermen return to menace the second Doctor Patrick Troughton, in this six-part story from 1968 - only two episodes of which survive in the BBC Television Archives. When the TARDIS materialises on the seemingly deserted Silver Carrier rocket, the Doctor is rendered unconscious by a Servo Robot. It's up to Jamie to contact the nearby Wheel space station for; however, the Wheel is soon under attack from the emotionless Cybermen. The Doctor's old enemies intend to use the Wheel as a beacon for a full-scale invasion of Earth. In their bid to halt the approaching Cyber-fleet, the recovered Doctor and Jamie are helped by the crew of the Wheel - which includes a plucky young astrophysicist named Zoe Herriot. But with the space station already infiltrated by Cybermats, and many of the humans under hypnotic Cyber control, the odds are stacked against them... This exciting adventure introduces Wendy Padbury to the series as new companion Zoe. The Wheel in Space can be pre-ordered now from Amazon.co.uk

- Thanks to Outpost Gallifrey

Two New Covers from the Stamp Centre Posted by Nigel on Sunday, March 7 2004 at 4:23PM GMT

Shown above are a selection of the latest covers to be issued by The Stamp Centre - click for larger versions. The first is titled The Invasion, coinciding with the story of the same name and features Wendy Padbury, Nicholas Courtney and a selection of Cybermen! This cover will be signed by both Wendy and Nick and will retail for £19.95 The second is titled The Troughton Trio, and features images of the three female companions who accompanied Patrick Troughton in his travels in the TARDIS through the 1960's. This again, will be signed by those it depicts, namely; Anneke Wills, Debbie Watling and Wendy Padbury. This cover will retail for £29.95 As both releases are from a strictly limited edition run of just 1000, it is recommended that you place your pre-order early! Furthermore, The Stamp Centre have announced details of their next Strand Signing Open Day, which will be on the 8th April between 10am - 3pm. Some of the stars present on the day are scheduled to be; Wendy Padbury, Anneke Wills, Debbie Watling, Nicola Bryant, Louise Jameson, Nick Courtney and Sophie Aldred. It is set to be their biggest event ever! For more information on this and other covers from the range, pay a visit to The Stamp Centre's website.

- Thanks to The Stamp Centre

Sunday Times Article Posted by Nigel on Sunday, March 7 2004 at 4:05PM GMT

Todays issue of the Sunday Times, contains an article entitled Drop the dead Daleks, it's Dr Who the sex machine written by Ben Dowell, in which he looks at some of the things that we might expect from the new series next year, together with comments from series producer and writer Russell T Davies. Rather than reprint the report here, you can read the article in full over on the official Times website; http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-523-1028585,00.html As with all newspaper reports, it's probably wise to take things with a pince of salt until officially confirmed by the offices within the BBC.

- Thanks to The Times Online and Outpost Gallifrey

The writers revealed Posted by Stephen on Thursday, March 4 2004 at 11:55PM GMT

DWM have also revealed the names of the writers that will be writing the new series of Doctor Who alongside the executive producer, Russell T. Davies. Davies will be writing eight episodes, the rest are: Steven Moffat - The writer of many British television series including Press Gang, Joking Apart, Murder Most Horrid, Chalk and the recently successful Coupling. Moffat's previous Doctor Who experience includes the Doctor Who skit The Curse of Fatal Death which starred Rowan Atkinson, Jonathan Pryce and Julia Sawalha. Moffat will be penning two of the episodes. Mark Gatiss - Writer of the Doctor Who novels Nightshade, St Anthony's Fire, The Roundheads and Last of the Gaderene alongside the audios Phantasmagoria and Invaders from Mars. He has penned for material for BBV, most notably the Probe Videos while he's served as the script editor on Little Britain. He's probably best known for being the writer, actor and co-creator of The League of Gentleman. Robert Shearman - An accomplished playwright and stage writer. He's also written drama for Radio 4 and is one of the writers on the BBC 1 drama Born and Bred. He has written Doctor Who audio dramas including The Holy Terror, The Chimes of Midnight, Jubilee, Scherzo and Deadline. Paul Cornell - Another accomplised writer for television. His credentials include episodes of Casualty, Children's Ward, Springhill, and Doctors. He also has written the novels, Timewyrm Revelation, Love and War, No Future, Goth Opera, Human Nature, Happy Endings and The Shadows of Avalon. For the audio range, he's contributed The Shadow of the Scourge and The Seasons of Fear. He has also written the recent webcast The Scream of the Shalka and the subsequent novelisation. Mal Young, one of the executive producers is quoted in Ariel as saying "I've never received so many requests from writers and actors to be involved in a drama series, as I have had for Doctor Who." One of the other executive producers, Juile Gardner added "Finding writers for the new series of Doctor Who has been one of the best jobs I've ever had. The talent available was exceptional." Russell T. Davies himself is quoted as saying that "the best people in the business now working on the best show. They'll be writing stories ranging across the whole of time and space. The Doctor and Rose already have the best allies on their journey - brilliant writers with brilliant scripts. It's an honour to work with these people who are so talented." The writers are working from basic ideas put forward by Davies rather than just working of outlines as was mentioned earlier and filming is apparently due to begin some time in the spring. Mark Gatiss, one of the writers was interviewed on the Radio 4 program Front Row and has given intriguing glimpse at the sort of program we'll get. He said that the new series was likely to be scary and that the atmosphere inside the TARDIS was going to be friendly. He stressed he didn't know who would be the Doctor, but his choice is said to be David Warner previously mentioned for the part by Paul McGann. Gatiss jokingly put himself up for the role in the middle of the interview.

- Thanks to Outpost Gallifrey and DWM

DWM reveal... Posted by Stephen on Thursday, March 4 2004 at 11:03PM GMT

For those of you wondering what DWM was waiting to tell you in the latest issue about an important find from the show's early years. The telesnaps for six episodes of Marco Polo have been found. They are snaps from episodes 1-3 and 5-7, all of which were directed by Waris Husein who had the telesnaps in his possession. Derek Handley contacted Husein about the telesnaps for Marco Polo and had all but episode 4 (which Husein did not direct). Previously, the show had only survived visually in behind the scenes photographs, but now the actual shows themselves have some form of visual representation. Doctor Who Magazine will be running the telesnaps from episode 1 in the next issue (DWM 342) and will be running the telesnaps over the next issue. Further details of the recovery can be found in the new issue of Doctor Who magazine.

- Thanks to DWM and Outpost Gallifrey

The start of Scales of Injustice Posted by Stephen on Thursday, March 4 2004 at 10:57PM GMT

BBCi have launched their next e-book, The Scales of Injustice. The book, written by Big Finish producer Gary Russell, features a proper departure for Liz Shaw alongside the Silurians and the Sea Devils. There are full notes from Russell himself, along with retro illustrations from Daryl Joyce.

- Thanks to BBCi

To the Slaughter Posted by Stephen on Thursday, March 4 2004 at 10:54PM GMT

Justin Richards has revealed to the new Doctor Who magazine that To the Slaughter will be the EDA to be released in January 2005. The book will be written by Stephen Cole, who previously wrote Timeless and The Ancestor Cell. The book concerns the crew arriving on Changing Rooms on a planetry scale. Meanwhile, there will be announcement on the future of the book line in the next issue of Doctor Who magazine

- Thanks to DWM and Outpost Gallifrey

Casting Director announced Posted by Stephen on Monday, March 1 2004 at 10:04PM GMT

The casting director for the new series of Doctor Who has been announced for by the newsletter of the PCR (Professional Casting Review). He is Andy Pryor who's previous credits include casting the films, A Beautiful Thing, Long Time Dead and Trainspotting. TV Credits include Linda Green and Cutting It. The article also mentions that shooting is anticipated to start in late spring, which means that production is further ahead than was previously believed.

- Thanks to Outpost Gallifrey and PCR

Who will be Who Posted by Stephen on Monday, March 1 2004 at 9:31PM GMT

There have been more rumous about who will become the new Doctor. An unlikely name has been out forward by the media. Magician, Paul Daniels has been thrown into the hat, but we would suggest that the report (courtesy of the People) is taken with a pinch of salt. The long rumoured link of Bill Nighy could be about to rule himself out. According to his wife, Diana Quick (who played Prime in The Scream of the Shalka), he was offered the role but has turned it down. However, Nighy recently gave a speech after picking up a gong for his role in Love Actually that he said he could only play men from a different dimension. He could be referring to his role as Slartibatfast in Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, but he could well have a certain role in mind.

- Thanks to Outpost Gallifrey and the People