Doctor Who News, Articles, Cast and Crew Interviews

[DigiFluid]

Jodie Whittaker announcement via Twitter

edit; I see, as usual, Alan's beaten me to it

[BruTak]

Who?

[Alan]

MEET THE THIRTEENTH DOCTOR

[DigiFluid]

Who?

I haven't watched it, but I believe she's best known as Beth Latimer in Broadchurch.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2092886/

[BruTak]

I haven't watched it, but I believe she's best known as Beth Latimer in Broadchurch.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2092886/

I didn't watch Broadchurch either, not really my thing. But a quick look at her other acting credits shows the only thing I have seen her in, is the two recent St. Trinians movies.

[BigHonkinSpaceGun]

I've only seen her in Broadchurch, and she's a mediocre actress in that. She goes grieving mother and bereaved wife very well, but that's about it. She doesn't really come out of that mode at all in Season 3, which is focused on a different case. Based on that, she reminds me on Matt Smith in terms of lack of range. I was really tired of her by the end of Season 3, so I'm not at all looking forward to her as the Doctor.

If they had to go with a woman from Broadchurch, Olivia Coleman would've been a far better choice.

[Skydiver]

I"m fine with it. (and glad i'm not in the fandom when things like this happen)

We'll see how they and she handles it and next season will either be the beginning of something great or something mediocre.

Time will tell

[DigiFluid]

I"m fine with it. (and glad i'm not in the fandom when things like this happen)

We'll see how they and she handles it and next season will either be the beginning of something great or something mediocre.

Time will tell

Pun alert, pun alert

[Alan]

13 Questions for the Thirteenth Doctor
Sunday 16 July 2017, 17:37
The Doctor Who Team

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho...5-eb02ca44552a

We interviewed Jodie Whittaker about taking on the role of the Doctor…

1) What does it feel like to be the Thirteenth Doctor?
It’s very nerve-racking, as it’s been so secret!

2) Why did you want the role?
To be asked to play the ultimate character, to get to play pretend in the truest form: this is why I wanted to be an actor in the first place. To be able to play someone who is literally reinvented on screen, with all the freedoms that brings: what an unbelievable opportunity. And added to that, to be the first woman in that role.

3) Has it been hard to keep the secret?
Yes. Very hard! I’ve told a lot of lies! I’ve embroiled myself in a whole world of lies which is going to come back at me when this is announced!

4) Who was the first person you told when you got the role?
My husband. Because I was allowed to!

5) Did you have a codename and if so what was it?
In my home, and with my agent, it was The Clooney. Because to me and my husband, George is an iconic guy. And we thought: what’s a really famous iconic name? It was just fitting.

6) What does it feel like to be the first woman Doctor?
It feels completely overwhelming, as a feminist, as a woman, as an actor, as a human, as someone who wants to continually push themselves and challenge themselves, and not be boxed in by what you’re told you can and can’t be. It feels incredible.

7) What do you want to tell the fans?
I want to tell the fans not to be scared by my gender. Because this is a really exciting time, and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change. The fans have lived through so many changes, and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one.

8) What are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about becoming part of a family I didn’t even know existed. I was born in 1982, it’s been around longer than me, and it’s a family I couldn’t ever have dreamed I’d be part of.

9) How did Chris sell you the part?
We had a strange chat earlier this year where he tricked me into thinking we were talking about Broadchurch. And I started to quiz him about his new job in Wales, and asked him if I could be a baddie! And he quickly diverted the conversation to suggest I should consider auditioning to be the 13th Clooney.
It was the most incredible chat because I asked every question under the sun, and I said I’d take a few weeks to decide whether I was going to audition. He got a phone call within 24 hours. He would’ve got a phone call sooner, but my husband was away and there was a time difference!

10) Did he persuade you?
No. There was no persuasion needed. If you need to be persuaded to do this part, you’re not right for this part, and the part isn’t right for you. I also think, for anyone taking this on, you have to want to fight for it, which I certainly had to do. I know there will have been some phenomenal actors who threw their hats in the ring.

11) What are you going to wear?
Don’t know yet.

12) Is that your costume in the filmed sequence which introduced you as the new Doctor?
No.

13) Have any of the other Doctors given you advice?
Well they can’t because they haven’t known until now, but I’m certainly expecting a couple of calls – I’ve got a couple of mates in there. I’m mates with a companion [Arthur Darvill], I’m mates with a trio of Doctors. I know Matt Smith, Chris Eccleston and obviously David Tennant. Oh! And let’s throw in David Bradley! Four Doctors! So I’m hoping I get some calls of advice.

Jodie Whittaker Biography
Jodie Whittaker graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2005 with a gold medal in Acting. Since then she has worked continually in Film, Television and Theatre. Her TV credits include the critically acclaimed ITV drama 'Broadchurch' (for which she was nominated for ‘Best Actress’ for the RTS Television Awards), Emmy award-winning 'Black Mirror’, Sky 1’s 'The Smoke', BBC’s 'Cranford’, in which she starred opposite Judi Dench and Imelda Staunton, 'The Night Watch'(BBC), 'The Accused'(BBC), and 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' (BBC).

Jodie has recently finished shooting 'Journeyman' written and directed by Paddy Considine as well as the lead in the new BBC drama series ‘Trust Me’. Her other film credits include 'Venus', (which earned her nominations for 'Best Newcomer' at the 'British Independent Film Awards', 'Best British Newcomer' at the 'Critic's Circle Awards' and 'Best Actress in a Motion Picture' at the 'Satellite Awards'), 'Attack the Block', 'One Day', 'Black Sea', 'Good Vibrations', 'St.Trinian's', 'Get Santa' and most recently 'Adult Life Skills' which she Executive Produced as well as starred in which received a number of BIFA nominations.
Jodie made her professional theatrical debut at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in ‘The Storm’. Other theatre credits include playing the title role in 'Antigone' at the Royal National Theatre, 'Bash' at the Trafalgar Studios 'Awake and Sing' and 'Enemies' at the Almeida, both directed by the then Artistic Director, Michael Attenborough.

[The Flyattractor]

Haven't cared about this show since 2005 so I don't give a fuh about this.

[DigiFluid]

Some lovely reactions on Twitter!

Anneke Wills (Polly, companion of the First Doctor) :
Yes! Utterly brilliant. Love it. #DoctorWho13

Katy Manning (Jo Grant, companion of the Third Doctor) :
I am thrilled #JodieWhitaker DW13 a fine actress & a great gig xxx

Louise Jameson (Leela, companion of the Fourth Doctor & co-star of the Gallifrey Whoniverse spin-off audio series) :
Congratulations to the brilliantly talented #jodiewhittaker Fabulous that we have a female doctor. Squeeeeeeee

Janet Fielding (Tegan, companion of the Fifth Doctor) :
I was zooming round in the #Tardis the yr #jodiewhittaker was born. Never thought then I'd ever see a female #Dr. V excited. Yipppeeeee

Nicola Bryant (Peri, companion of the Fifth and Sixth Doctors) :
Holy moley! The BBC are brave enough! Jodie Whittaker is the 13th Doctor. I'm sure she will be brilliant [heart emoji] [applause emoji] [thumbs up emoji[ [two hearts emoji] Great choice @ChrisChibnall [heart emoji]

Colin Baker (the Sixth Doctor) :
Well I never the BBC really did do the right thing and let the Doctor be in touch with her feminine side. As a father of daughters - result!

Bonnie Langford (Mel, companion of the Sixth and Seventh Doctors) :
Wow xx

Sylvester McCoy (the Seventh Doctor) :
Congratulations Jodie Whittaker!!!!! One small step for Women, one Giant leap for Womenkind!!

Lisa Bowerman (Benny, audio companion of the Seventh Doctor & star of the Bernice Summerfield Whoniverse spin-off audio series) :
I shall be looking forward to next year's cosplaying gentlemen! Congratulations #jodiewhittaker #DoctorWho13

Richard E Grant (the "Shalka" Doctor) :
Hugest congratulations to #jodiewhittacker on becoming the 13th DR WHO.

Billie Piper (Rose, companion of the Ninth and Tenth Doctors) :
YES [rose emoji] xx

Noel Clarke (Mickey, companion of the Ninth and Tenth Doctors & star of series 4 of the Dalek Empire Whoniverse spin-off audio series) :
Yay! #jodiewhittaker #DoctorWho13

John Barrowman (companion of the Ninth and Tenth Doctors & star of Whoniverse spin-off Torchwood) :
CONGRATULATIONS Jodie Whittacker or should I say "Hello Doctor" History is made with bold moves. #DoctorWho13 #Doctor13 @ChrisChibnall JB

Tracy Ann Oberman (Yvonne Hartman, Torchwood One boss in "Army of Ghosts," "Doomsday" and the Torchwood One Whoniverse spin-off audio series) :
#DrWho13 [thumbs up emoji] Good choice. A generation of young Whovians who will now know that as a female in the Universe you don't have to be the assistant

Eve Myles (Gwen, co-star of Whoniverse spin-off Torchwood) :
What an actress and what exciting times for all us fans!!!! I salute you [string of clapping hands emojis]

Kai Owen (Rhys, co-star of Whoniverse spin-off Torchwood) :
DELIGHTED WITH THAT!!!!! #Doctor13 #JodieWhittaker

Freema Agyeman (Martha, companion of the Tenth Doctor) :
B O O M [high five emoji] Change isn't a dirty word!!!! [blue butterfly emoji] #Doctor13

Karen Gillan (Amy, companion of the Eleventh Doctor) :
Jodie Jodie Jodie Jodie Jodie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [three party hat emojis]

Arthur Darvil (Rory, companion of the Eleventh Doctor) :
Yes Jodie.

Dan Starkey (Strax the Sontaran, of the Paternoster Gang) :
Bosh! Welcome, Jodie Whittaker! Looking forward to meeting the 13th Doctor!

Catrin Stewart (Jenny Flint, the human of the Paternoster Gang) :
Yes! Love HER!

Jenna Coleman (Clara, companion of the Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors :
Here she is #jodiewhittaker [high five emoji]

Peter Capaldi (the Twelfth Doctor) :
(Reported by PA Showbiz, as Capaldi is not on Twitter)
Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi says successor Jodie Whittaker has "huge heart to play this most special part" and will be "fantastic Doctor"

Pearl Mackie (Bill, companion of the Twelfth Doctor) :
Gwaaaaan #jodiewhittaker #doctor13 [four party hat emojis]

Matt Lucas (Nardole, companion of the Twelfth Doctor) :
responding to a tweet that said "No man could ever replace Peter Capaldi."
I couldn't agree more. Congratulations Jodie!!!!

[knowles2]

13 Questions for the Thirteenth Doctor
Sunday 16 July 2017, 17:37
The Doctor Who Team

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho...5-eb02ca44552a

We interviewed Jodie Whittaker about taking on the role of the Doctor…

1) What does it feel like to be the Thirteenth Doctor?
It’s very nerve-racking, as it’s been so secret!

2) Why did you want the role?
To be asked to play the ultimate character, to get to play pretend in the truest form: this is why I wanted to be an actor in the first place. To be able to play someone who is literally reinvented on screen, with all the freedoms that brings: what an unbelievable opportunity. And added to that, to be the first woman in that role.

3) Has it been hard to keep the secret?
Yes. Very hard! I’ve told a lot of lies! I’ve embroiled myself in a whole world of lies which is going to come back at me when this is announced!

4) Who was the first person you told when you got the role?
My husband. Because I was allowed to!

5) Did you have a codename and if so what was it?
In my home, and with my agent, it was The Clooney. Because to me and my husband, George is an iconic guy. And we thought: what’s a really famous iconic name? It was just fitting.

6) What does it feel like to be the first woman Doctor?
It feels completely overwhelming, as a feminist, as a woman, as an actor, as a human, as someone who wants to continually push themselves and challenge themselves, and not be boxed in by what you’re told you can and can’t be. It feels incredible.

7) What do you want to tell the fans?
I want to tell the fans not to be scared by my gender. Because this is a really exciting time, and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change. The fans have lived through so many changes, and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one.

8) What are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about becoming part of a family I didn’t even know existed. I was born in 1982, it’s been around longer than me, and it’s a family I couldn’t ever have dreamed I’d be part of.

9) How did Chris sell you the part?
We had a strange chat earlier this year where he tricked me into thinking we were talking about Broadchurch. And I started to quiz him about his new job in Wales, and asked him if I could be a baddie! And he quickly diverted the conversation to suggest I should consider auditioning to be the 13th Clooney.
It was the most incredible chat because I asked every question under the sun, and I said I’d take a few weeks to decide whether I was going to audition. He got a phone call within 24 hours. He would’ve got a phone call sooner, but my husband was away and there was a time difference!

10) Did he persuade you?
No. There was no persuasion needed. If you need to be persuaded to do this part, you’re not right for this part, and the part isn’t right for you. I also think, for anyone taking this on, you have to want to fight for it, which I certainly had to do. I know there will have been some phenomenal actors who threw their hats in the ring.

11) What are you going to wear?
Don’t know yet.

12) Is that your costume in the filmed sequence which introduced you as the new Doctor?
No.

13) Have any of the other Doctors given you advice?
Well they can’t because they haven’t known until now, but I’m certainly expecting a couple of calls – I’ve got a couple of mates in there. I’m mates with a companion [Arthur Darvill], I’m mates with a trio of Doctors. I know Matt Smith, Chris Eccleston and obviously David Tennant. Oh! And let’s throw in David Bradley! Four Doctors! So I’m hoping I get some calls of advice.

Jodie Whittaker Biography
Jodie Whittaker graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2005 with a gold medal in Acting. Since then she has worked continually in Film, Television and Theatre. Her TV credits include the critically acclaimed ITV drama 'Broadchurch' (for which she was nominated for ‘Best Actress’ for the RTS Television Awards), Emmy award-winning 'Black Mirror’, Sky 1’s 'The Smoke', BBC’s 'Cranford’, in which she starred opposite Judi Dench and Imelda Staunton, 'The Night Watch'(BBC), 'The Accused'(BBC), and 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' (BBC).

Jodie has recently finished shooting 'Journeyman' written and directed by Paddy Considine as well as the lead in the new BBC drama series ‘Trust Me’. Her other film credits include 'Venus', (which earned her nominations for 'Best Newcomer' at the 'British Independent Film Awards', 'Best British Newcomer' at the 'Critic's Circle Awards' and 'Best Actress in a Motion Picture' at the 'Satellite Awards'), 'Attack the Block', 'One Day', 'Black Sea', 'Good Vibrations', 'St.Trinian's', 'Get Santa' and most recently 'Adult Life Skills' which she Executive Produced as well as starred in which received a number of BIFA nominations.
Jodie made her professional theatrical debut at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in ‘The Storm’. Other theatre credits include playing the title role in 'Antigone' at the Royal National Theatre, 'Bash' at the Trafalgar Studios 'Awake and Sing' and 'Enemies' at the Almeida, both directed by the then Artistic Director, Michael Attenborough.

They are really asking tough questions aren't they lol.

[DigiFluid]

Trevor Baxter, who played Professor George Litefoot in The Talons of Weng Chiang and Big Finish's Jago & Litefoot audio series has passed away

https://twitter.com/TobyHadoke/statu...25426861453313

[Alan]

Trevor Baxter, who played Professor George Litefoot in The Talons of Weng Chiang and Big Finish's Jago & Litefoot audio series has passed away

https://twitter.com/TobyHadoke/statu...25426861453313

RIP Trevor Baxter. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.

[Alan]

Character Options renews its Doctor Who figure license after Thirteenth Doctor casting announced

http://downthetubes.net/?p=39091

July 17, 2017 John Freeman Rikesh Desai

Toy firm Character Options, who have held the master toy licence for Doctor Who since the show’s 2005 relaunch has renewed its deal with BBC Worldwide as UK master toy licensee for long-running SF TV series, following the announcement that Jodie Whittaker would take up the iconic role, as the first ever female Doctor.

“We are very happy that Character Options will continue to be the lead licensee for our Doctor Who merchandise,” commented Rikesh Desai, licensing director for merchandise and gaming, BBC Worldwide. “Their products excite and delight UK fans and we are looking forward to working closely with them over the tenure of new showrunner Chris Chibnall and the adventures of Jodie Whittaker as the new Doctor.”

Jon Diver, group managing director at Character added: “We are delighted to re-confirm the Master Toy License for Doctor Who with BBC Worldwide which has been one of Character Options’s key brands for over ten years. The global and loyal following for whom the ownership of toys is essential, complemented with the regeneration of the Thirteenth Doctor and Chris Chibnall being the new producer for series 11, we can be sure of an exciting few years ahead!”

The Character Group, which has offices in London, Manchester, Hong Kong and China and employs over 230 people, was founded in 1991 and designs, develops and distributes toys and games. In 2003, the Group made a decision to develop its own products to market along side those sourced from third party distributor partners. Today, over 75 per cent of all products marketed by the group are developed in-house and they’re sold in over 30 countries worldwide.

In the last 12 years, BBC Worldwide’s partnership with Character Options has seen over 10 million action figures and almost five million sonic screwdrivers sold worldwide. The deal will see a development of new products featuring the Twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi, and new items are expected to hit the shops later this year, with Thirteeth Doctor product becoming available in autumn 2018.

• Check out the Character Options Doctor Who range on amazon.co.uk