Doctor Who News, Articles, Cast and Crew Interviews

[Alan]

Murray Gold returns to Doctor Who
Monday, 24 April 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0...octor_who.html

The award-winning composer Murray Gold is returning to Doctor Who this Autumn.

Murray Gold originally joined Doctor Who when Russell T Davies first revived the show in 2005. He composed the music for Doctor Who for over 12 years, throughout the eras of the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Doctors, scoring some of the most iconic moments in Doctor Who’s history.

From revamping the theme tune to creating the music for the Dalek and Cybermen to name just a few, Gold has been widely celebrated for his role in forging a new musical identity for the show.

Murray Gold will once again work with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, with his musical scores appearing when Doctor Who returns in November for three special episodes celebrating the show's 60th anniversary and starring David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor

He will score the fortieth season of Doctor Who when Ncuti Gatwa takes control of the TARDIS as the Fifteenth Doctor with his first episode airing over the festive period.

On returning to Doctor Who, Murray Gold says:

I’m so happy to be invited back for another joyful ride in the TARDIS. I didn’t think twice. Working with Russell and his team is just a pleasure.

[Alan]

Blue Peter Set Visit Competition
Tuesday, 25 April 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0...mpetition.html

Blue Peter has launched a new competition where one young superfan will win an exclusive VIP tour of the Doctor Who set. The competition, to mark Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary, will give one viewer the chance to win a unique money-can’t-buy experience.

Launching on Blue Peter this Friday (28 April) viewers aged between 5 and 15 will be asked to draw Doctor Who fan art and say why they would love the opportunity to win an exclusive set tour.

One talented winner will go behind the scenes to discover how the series is made and find out all about the work of the Production Design team.

The winner will also receive a rare collectable Doctor Who 60th Blue Peter competition winner’s badge. The limited-edition badge will be revealed on Blue Peter on Friday 28 April and will be awarded to the top 500 competition entries.

Gold Blue Peter badge holder, David Tennant, is returning as the Fourteenth Doctor later this year for three special episodes to coincide with the 60th anniversary. In a message to fans, he mentions the “brand new Blue Peter competition for Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary, the show that is – we all know The Doctor is well over 900 years old!”

Editor of Blue Peter, Ellen Evans, says

We’re celebrating two 60th anniversaries this year, for Doctor Who and for the Blue Peter badge. The two programmes have collaborated many times over the years so I’m thrilled to be able to offer such a unique and exciting experience.

The competition is open for entries from 5 pm on Friday 28 April when full details of how to enter, including rules and privacy notice, will be on the Blue Peter website

The competition closes at 5 pm on Monday 15 May 2023.

The competition winner and top runners-up will be announced in a Doctor Who takeover on CBBC and BBC iPlayer later in the year to mark the return of the series.

Viewers can also learn how to create a TARDIS for their bookshelves in a classic Blue Peter ‘make’ shown on the programme last Friday (21 April) and available on BBC iPlayer, and fans can also head to the Blue Peter website to create their own sonic screwdriver.

Blue Peter is the longest-running children's TV show in the world. The show has a long connection with Doctor Who, which has been featured regularly since the 1960s.

New episodes of Blue Peter are on CBBC and iPlayer every Friday at 5 pm.

[Alan]

Missy Returns to Titan Comics in Doom's Day
Wednesday, 26 April 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0...dooms_day.html
























Titan Comics has announced a two-issue comic series launching on July 5, 2023, as part of the Doctor Who multi-platform story Doom’s Day.

The comic series will feature fan-favorite character Missy on the trial of new character Doom, who makes her comic book debut.

It was announced last month that Titan Comics are participating in BBC Studios’ multi-platform Doctor Who story, Doom’s Day to celebrate Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary.

Doom’s Day is a standalone transmedia series across multiple platforms and will allow Doctor Who fans to follow Doom, the Universe’s greatest assassin, as she travels through all of time and space in pursuit of the Doctor to save her from her ever-approaching Death. She only has 24 hours and a vortex manipulator to save herself before her fate is sealed forever.

Available in comic stores and on digital devices at release, Titan’s Doctor Who: Doom’s Day #1 comic is an adventure starring Doom in her comic book debut – using her vortex manipulator, she'll do anything to find the tempestuous time traveller, the Doctor, including cavorting with the maleficent MISSY. Every hour a new adventure, every hour closer to death...

Doctor Who: Doom’s Day Home is written by Eisner-nominated Jody Houser (Stranger Things, Star Wars, Spider-Man) with art by Roberta Ingranata (Witchblade). The comic debuts with two covers for fans to collect: from celebrated artist Pasquale Qualano, and a photo cover variant.

Jake Devine, Editor, Titan’s Doctor Who Comics, says:

I'm so excited to be working with Jody and Roberta once more, and I can't think of a better team to introduce this dazzling new character to the world of Doctor Who comic books. Throw Missy into the fold and you've got one sensational adventure!

Doctor Who: Doom’s Day #1 ($3.99) is now available to pre-order globally from May’s Diamond Previews catalogue, ForbiddenPlanet.com and on digital device via Comixology.

[Alan]

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 590
Thursday, 27 April 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0...issue_590.html

Issue 590 of Doctor Who Magazine has an exclusive interview with Doctor Who composer Murray Gold.

People started saying, ‘We really need to speak to Murray,’ There was a director, Mark Tonderai [overseeing the 2023 Christmas Special]. I was like, ‘What can he possibly want?’ And then Ben [Chessell], who’s directing episode two… this was January 26th and he says, ‘I’m directing this episode and it seems to have a lot of music in it. Have you looked at it?’ Then another director. And another. Then it started to dawn on me: ‘There’s an awful lot of music in this series, isn’t there, Murray?’ I was speaking to myself now, not realising, of course, that my consciousness is just a fantasy. ‘And apparently Russell [T Davies] has entrusted all of it to me.’ And actually, that’s quite an honour. I love that man.”

Other highlights of the new issue include:

• A giant-double sided poster.
• A Big Finish download code for a complete audio adventure.
• The DWM 60th Anniversary Poll – the analysis of the results continues, with this issue looking at the rankings of the Third and Fourth Doctor’s adventures.
• Liberation of the Daleks Part Seven – the adventures of the Fourteenth Doctor continue in the epic comic-strip adventure written by Alan Barnes and illustrated by Lee Sullivan.
• Letter from the Showrunner – Russell T Davies on the casting of new Doctor Who cast member Jinkx Monsoon.
• Production Diary – script editor Scott Handcock files his latest report, direct from Doctor Who’s HQ.
• Gallifrey Guardian – all the latest official news, including cast announcements.
• Scarf Ace – acclaimed artist Dave Gibbons looks back at his work on the Doctor Who comic strip.
• Secret Service – Jacqui Stonebridge, who was in charge of Doctor Who’s press and publicity at the time of its launch in 1963, recalls her work on the early days of the series.
• The Running Man – Devante Fleming reveals what it’s like to work as a runner on Ncuti Gatwa’s forthcoming episodes.
• Writer of the Lost Ark – the life and times of writer John Lucarotti, whose original version of 1975’s The Ark in Space in set for release on audio.
• 60 Objects, 60 Years – the latest installment of the series that tells the story of one object from every year of Doctor Who’s history.
• The Fact of Fiction travels back to the coronation of 1953 and uncovers the secrets of the Tenth Doctor adventure The Idiot’s Lantern.
• Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe.
• Previews, reviews, prize-winning competitions, Time and Space Visualiser and more.

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 590 is on sale Thursday 27 April from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £7.99 (UK). Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £6.99.

[Alan]

Jonathan Groff Joins Doctor Who
Friday, 5 May 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0...octor_who.html

Award-winning star of stage and screen Jonathan Groff is set to appear in the new series of Doctor Who.

The casting was announced today by BBC Studios who said the actor will have a "key role" in the series.

Groff shot to fame when he landed the role of Jessie in the musical comedy drama Glee. He has since been internationally celebrated for his work on-screen, from starring as Eric in the box-office hit Knock at the Cabin, to playing Holden Ford in the critically acclaimed series ‘Mindhunter’. As well as having a leading role as the new Agent Smith in The Matrix Resurrections, Groff is renowned for his major voice acting roles in the ‘Frozen’ films

Groff has also made his mark on Broadway, dazzling audiences with his performance as King George III in Hamilton, where he was nominated for not only a Tony Award, but also a Primetime Emmy Award for the live stage recording.

On joining Doctor Who, Jonathan Groff said:

I am so thrilled to jump into the extraordinary mind of Russell T Davies and watch the incredible Ncuti Gatwa soar in this iconic role!

Showrunner, Russell T Davies said:

This is an incredible coup, and a great honour, to get such a huge star striding onto our set. So strap on your space boots, this is going to be a blast!

[Alan]

New Picture Released
Wednesday, 10 May 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0..._released.html

The BBC has released a new image from the next series of Doctor Who.

The image shows Hollywood star Jonathan Groff who has landed in Wales and has begun filming on Doctor Who.

It gives a first look at him in character in his mysterious key role alongside Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor and Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday.

Doctor Who returns in November 2023 with three special episodes with David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor to coincide with the 60th anniversary.

Ncuti Gatwa’s first episode as the Fifteenth Doctor will then air over the festive period.

Doctor Who will premiere exclusively on the BBC for the UK and Ireland. Disney+ will be the exclusive home for new seasons of Doctor Who outside of the UK and Ireland.

[Alan]

The episode titles for the 60th anniversary specials are revealed
Saturday, 13th May 2023

https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-fe...rsary-specials

“The titles are just the beginning of the Doctor’s biggest adventure yet...”

Moments before the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final came live from Liverpool in the UK, viewers were transported out of this world as an explosive new trailer gave viewers an exciting glimpse of what to expect later this year…

The TARDIS lands in time to celebrate its 60th anniversary, and the trailer exclusively revealed the titles of the three special episodes coming later this year.

• Special One: The Star Beast
• Special Two: Wild Blue Yonder
• Special Three: The Giggle

In the weeks leading up to the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final, three mysterious coded teasers were scattered through the UK’s BBC One schedule. Each teaser included a binary code which gave eagle-eyed fans clues to one of the three special episode titles. The teasers all pointed to a big reveal on the night of the Eurovision Grand Final when the new trailer announced the titles. If you missed them or were outside the UK, the teasers also went out on Doctor Who social channels, counting down to the Eurovision Grand Final.

Russell T Davies, Showrunner said: “The titles are just the beginning of the Doctor’s biggest adventure yet. Autumn is coming, with three hours of danger, Donna and disaster about to be unleashed!”

[epg20]

building the ood sphere

the icy Ood Sphere?

[Alan]

The Evil of the Daleks - New Novelisation
Tuesday, 23 May 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0...elisation.html

BBC Books has announced a new novelisation of one of the second Doctor's classic stories, The Evil of the Daleks, written by former companion Frazer Hines.

The new version is an inventive new retelling of one of Doctor Who’s all-time classic adventures first screened in 1967.

The Evil of the Daleks was the last story of Season Four, written by Doctor Who's original Script Editor, David Whitaker. An novelisation by John Peel was published in 1993, the last story of the original series to be published under the Target imprint.

This new adaptation of the adventure tells the story from the point of view of Jamie McCrimmon, companion to the second Doctor and played by Hines.

After defending a space station from a Cyberman incursion, the Doctor and Jamie learn that young astrophysicist Zoe wishes to join them on their travels. To give her fair warning of the dangers she may face, the Doctor places the TARDIS outside time and space and uses a mind projector to share one of their most harrowing adventures…

And so, Jamie is forced to relive his encounter with the Daleks at their most evil and calculating. In a complex plot that dragged him from modern-day London to Victorian times and finally, to the Dalekworld of Skaro, he endured ordeals that tested his courage, strength – and his friendship with the doctor – to the limit. He presents his own version of some of those events to Zoe; events that still anger him.

And while fact and fiction blur inside the TARDIS, a malevolent force watches from outside. Soon, Jamie finds himself lured from the safety of the ship into dangers that could end Zoe’s travels before they begin – and all their lives, as well.

The Evil of the Daleks by Frazer Hines (BBC Books, £20) is out in hardback on 26th October 2023.

[Alan]

Indira Varma is The Duchess
Wednesday, 24 May 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0...e_duchess.html

The BBC has announced that award-winning actress Indira Varma will join the next series of Doctor Who.

The actress first encountered the world of Doctor Who when she played Suzie Costello in Russell T Davies’ spin-off series Torchwood, It was a role she repeated for Big Finish Audio productions.

Varma now steps aboard the TARDIS in her new mysterious role as the Duchess.

Indira Varma has made her mark onscreen, from her recent role as Ingrid in the thriller series Obsession to her performance as Ellaria Sand on the multi-award-winning Game of Thrones. She now joins Doctor Who from across the galaxy after recently starring in Disney+’s record-breaking Star Wars series Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Varma has also been celebrated onstage, winning an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Liz Essendine in Present Laughter as well as starring in other major theatre productions including the acclaimed Man and Superman and Jamie Lloyd’s production of Chekhov’s The Seagull.

Speaking of joining Doctor Who, Indira Varma says:

I’m thrilled to be in Doctor Who and particularly excited to be crossing cosmic paths with Ncuti, as the Doctor, and look forward to creating interplanetary mischief with him. I loved playing Suzie Costello for Russell T Davies in Torchwood so am thrilled to be entering this world again.

Showrunner, Russell T Davies says:

I’m overjoyed to be reunited with Indira after our Torchwood days, and this part is truly spectacular! A whole new audience will be hiding behind the settee when the Duchess unleashes her terror.

[Alan]

Doctor Who Magazine: Issue 591
Thursday, 25 May 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0...issue_591.html

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 591 is now available.

Highlights of the new issue include:

• The Runaway Pride – showrunner Russell T Davies discusses the casting of Yasmin Finney as Rose, as DWM celebrates the most significant LGBTQ+ characters from the show’s history.
• Professor XXX – in her first major interview with DWM for many years, Alex Kingston remembers her time as River Song, the Doctor’s wife.
• Express Delivery – award-winning writer Jamie Mathieson looks back on his episodes: Mummy on the Orient Express, Flatline, The Girl Who Died and Oxygen.
• Letter from the Showrunner – Russell T Davies discusses the titles for the Fourteenth Doctor Specials.
• The DWM 60th Anniversary Poll – the analysis of the results continues, with this issue looking at the rankings of the Fifth and Sixth Doctor’s adventures.
• Liberation of the Daleks Part Eight – the adventures of the Fourteenth Doctor continue in the epic comic-strip adventure written by Alan Barnes and illustrated by Lee Sullivan.
• Memory Worm – a new series of articles begins, as actor Dan Starkey puts his knowledge of his Doctor Who roles to the test.
• Production Diary – script editor Scott Handcock files his latest report, direct from Doctor Who’s HQ.
• Location, Location, Vocation – Alex Moore reveals what it’s like to work as an assistant location manager on the new series of Doctor Who.
• Gallifrey Guardian – all the latest official news, including cast announcements.
• 60 Objects, 60 Years – the latest instalment of the series that tells the story of one object from every year of Doctor Who’s history.
• The Fact of Fiction explores the Second Doctor’s encounter with the Cybermen aboard The Wheel in Space.
• Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe.
• Previews, reviews, prize-winning competitions, Time and Space Visualiser and more.

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 591 is on sale Thursday 25 May from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £7.99 (UK). Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £6.99.

[Alan]

Doom’s Day: Story Details Revealed
Thursday, 25 May 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0..._revealed.html

The BBC has released story details for Doom’s Day the new multiplatform story celebrating Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary

Fans will follow Doom’s Day as she travels through all of time and space in pursuit of the Doctor to save her from the ever-approaching Death. She only has 24 hours and a vortex manipulator to save herself before her fate is sealed forever.

Sooz Kempner is the face and voice of Doom, and a number of characters will feature along her journey.
Doom’s story begins on 5th June on the Doom’s Day website and Doctor Who digital channels with the story’s first one-hour adventure, followed by the next four hours of Doom’s final day in Doctor Who magazine from 22nd June.

Titan Comics, East Side Games, Penguin Random House, BBC Audio and Big Finish then countdown as Doom’s search for the Doctor continues before the final instalment on Doctor Who digital channels in September.

More detailed story information about each hour of Doom’s Day is available now on doctorwho.tv/dooms-day

[Alan]

BBC Studios take Doctor Who to the Metaverse
Friday, 26 May 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0...metaverse.html

BBC Studios has teamed up with Reality+ to launch a collection of immersive experiences in the metaverse based on the BBC’s world-famous brands including Doctor Who.

BBC Studios has partnered with Web3 specialist Reality+ to create a metaverse experience in The Sandbox where fans will be able to interact with immersive content from their favourite brands, including Top Gear and Doctor Who, and enjoy a BBC events space.

The joint venture between BBC Studios and Reality+ marks the first time the BBC will have a home in the metaverse, following a handful of brand activation experiments with metaverse platforms. Part virtual real estate, part amusement park, The Sandbox fully embraces the idea of the metaverse as a continuous shared digital space, in which players and brands can build, own, and monetise their experiences on blockchain.

BBC Studios joins over 400 other entertainment brands who have entered The Sandbox to date, including Warner Music Group, Ubisoft, Gucci Vault, The Walking Dead, and Adidas.

Nicki Sheard, President Brands & Licensing, BBC Studios, said,

I’m delighted that BBC Studios is partnering with Reality+ and The Sandbox on this exciting venture. While the metaverse is still in its infancy, it may shape how we consume and experience entertainment in the future and I’m looking forward to seeing how fans interact with our brands in this space. This project forms part of BBC Studios broader ambitious plans to grow our brands into new categories, with innovative technology and platforms forming an integral part of this.

Tony Pearce, Co-Founder, Reality+ said,

We're excited to have extended our partnership with BBC Studios, not only to help them push the boundaries of what’s possible in the metaverse, but for the opportunity to deliver exciting new experiences for the fans of these world-renowned TV shows. We've already achieved so much with digital trading card game Doctor Who: Worlds Apart, and now with a fantastic platform like The Sandbox, there’s much more to come.

Sebastien Borget, COO and Co-Founder at The Sandbox, added,

We’re proud that BBC Studios chose Reality+, a certified metaverse agency partner working on The Sandbox platform, to enter the metaverse with top global brands like Doctor Who and Top Gear. The BBC has a history of pioneering content that leverages the latest technology and putting it into mainstream households. We think this venture is an important step to bringing British culture and fans into virtual worlds.

BBC Studios’ metaverse space in The Sandbox will launch later this year and further details will be released in due course.

Reality+ helps worldwide brands transition to Web3 with bespoke product, community and development strategies, backed by an award-winning technology platform. It has previously partnered with BBC Studios to develop the Doctor Who: Worlds Apart digital trading card game.

[Alan]

Mel Returns to Doctor Who
Wednesday, 7 June 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0...octor_who.html

Star of stage and screen Bonnie Langford will once again reprise her role as Melanie Bush as she returns to Doctor Who, this time starring alongside Ncuti Gatwa who plays the Fifteenth Doctor in the new series.

Bonnie first entered the world of Doctor Who in 1986 as the companion to the Sixth and Seventh Doctors played by Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy, before returning in a cameo role in Jodie Whittaker’s final episode as the Thirteenth Doctor.

Making her West End debut at just seven years old in ‘Gone with the Wind’ at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Bonnie has since gone on to lead an outstanding career. From her countless performances on both Broadway and West End, such as ‘Chicago’, ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Cats’, to her award-winning role as Carmel Kazemi on EastEnders.

Now Bonnie is back, as Melanie returns for another epic adventure.

Bonnie Langford said:

I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing Melanie Bush back. To be part of the exceptional cast, crew and production team led by the force of nature that is Russell T Davies is a career highlight. I’m so privileged and proud to have been a member of the Doctor Who family since the classic era and to be included in the new generation is phenomenal.

Showrunner, Russell T Davies said:

“Open those TARDIS doors wide, because Bonnie’s back! What an honour, delight and hoot to welcome back the character of Melanie, after too long away. And this isn’t just a cameo, Bonnie is right in the thick of the action, battling monsters and chaos and cliffhangers, right at the Doctor's side, just like the old days.”

[Alan]

Lenny Rush Joins Doctor Who
Thursday, 15 June 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0...octor_who.html

Award winning actor Lenny Rush is to appear in the next series of Doctor Who.

Having just won a BAFTA at the age of fourteen, Rush takes on the role of Morris in the 2024 series of Doctor Who, starring alongside Ncuti Gatwa.

Lenny Rush has starred in numerous shows including ‘Dodger’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’ but it was his starring role in Daisy May Cooper’s ‘Am I Being Unreasonable’ that won him the BAFTA for Best Male Performance in a Comedy Programme this year.

Now Rush is about to join the team travelling time and space as he takes on his new role as Morris.
Speaking about joining Doctor Who, Rush said:

It’s an absolute honour to be part of Doctor Who, one of the most iconic shows on television and wow what a dream come true!

Showrunner, Russell T Davies said:

This is what Doctor Who's all about, brand new talent from the next generation, and no one’s more talented than Lenny! He joins the TARDIS team just in time for the Doctor’s greatest nightmare, so hold on tight!