Doctor Who News, Articles, Cast and Crew Interviews

[Alan]

Doctor Who Magazine: Issue 592
Thursday, 22 June 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0...issue_592.html

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 592 is now available.

Highlights of the new issue include:

• A 20-page supplement featuring Four Hours of Doom’s Day – a new comic-strip adventure including Autons, Cybermen and lots of surprises!
• A giant double-sided poster.
• Voice of Doom – Sooz Kempner, aka Doom the assassin, discusses playing the lead character in the new cross-media adventure Doom’s Day.
• Day of Reckoning – the complete guide to Doom’s Day, with insights from the people who have created the stories.
• Letter from the Showrunner – Russell T Davies looks forwards to the new episodes of Doctor Who, and recalls the revived series’ launch back in 2005.
• The Doctor’s Wife – actor and author Elizabeth Morton on being the wife of the Fifth Doctor, Peter Davison, and the mother-in-law of the Fourteenth, David Tennant!
• Working Wonders – colleagues and family recall the pioneering visual effects created by the late Peter Day.
• The DWM 60th Anniversary Poll – the analysis of the results continues, with this issue looking at the rankings of the Seventh and Ninth Doctor’s adventures.
• Memory Worm – Dalek writer Robert Shearman puts his knowledge of his Doctor Who career to the test.
• Production Diary – script editor Scott Handcock files his latest report, direct from Doctor Who’s HQ.
• Quick Draw – John Erasmus reveals what it’s like to work as a storyboard artist on the new series of Doctor Who.
• Liberation of the Daleks Part Nine – the adventures of the Fourteenth Doctor continue in the epic comic-strip adventure written by Alan Barnes and illustrated by Lee Sullivan.
• 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 concludes it exploration of the Second Doctor’s encounter with the Cybermen aboard The Wheel in Space.
• Gallifrey Guardian – all the latest official news, including cast announcements.
• 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 592 is on sale Thursday 22 June from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £10.99 (UK).

Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £9.99.

[Alan]

Season 20 Gets Blu-ray Release
Thursday, 13 July 2023 - Reported by Marcus

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

The BBC has confirmed that Season 20 of Doctor Who will be the next season released as a box set on Blu-ray.

The season, starring Peter Davison as the Fifth Doctor, was originally broadcast in 1983. It will be released as a limited edition 9-disc box set, containing each story from season 20 as well as the 20th Anniversary story The Five Doctors.

Doctor Who – The Collection: Season 20

• ARC OF INFINITY
• SNAKEDANCE
• MAWDRYN UNDEAD
• TERMINUS
• ENLIGHTENMENT
• THE KING’S DEMONS
• THE FIVE DOCTORS

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the programme, these stories feature the return of old friends, enemies, and even past Doctors! Over seven stories, the Fifth Doctor, Nyssa (Sarah Sutton), Tegan (Janet Fielding) and Turlough (Mark Strickson) face off against the Black Guardian, Omega, the Mara, the Master, Cybermen and the Time Lords themselves!

All episodes have been newly remastered from the best available sources including original film elements for The Five Doctors – these classic adventures have never looked or sounded so good on home media.
The Collection: Season 20 Blu-ray box set also includes extensive Special Features including:

THE FIVE DOCTORS – 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
A brand new version of the 90-minute anniversary special, with updated special effects, Dolby Atmos & surround sound, plus an exclusive new commentary with Peter Davison, Janet Fielding and Mark Strickson.

UPDATED 2023 SPECIAL EFFECTS
Exclusive to Blu-ray, on Snakedance and Enlightenment.

BEHIND THE SOFA
Seven new episodes with Peter Davison, Colin Baker (The Doctor), Sylvester McCoy (The Doctor), Sarah Sutton, Janet Fielding, Mark Strickson, Katy Maning (Jo) and Sophie Aldred (Ace).

BLU-RAY TRAILER
A brand new episode of classic Doctor Who.

IN CONVERSATION
Interviewer Matthew Sweet chats to Janet Fielding and Sarah Sutton.

LET’S GO DUTCH!
The TARDIS crew travel to Amsterdam to revisit locations and reminisce about Season 20 and their time on the programme.

LOOK WHO’S DRIVING
Join Peter Davison, Janet Fielding and Sarah Sutton on an hilarious European Road Trip.

WHEN JANET MET MARTIN
Janet Fielding chats to Martin Clunes, 40 years on from his appearance in Snakedance.

MAKING THE KING’S DEMONS
The regular cast return to the castle location and reminisce.

MAKING THE SEASON 20 TRAILER
A look behind the scenes

LONGLEAT CELEBRATION FOOTAGE
A previously-unreleased look at the iconic 1983 convention, plus panels featuring Peter Davison, Tom Baker, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee and many more.

STUDIO FOOTAGE
Hours of material going behind-the-scenes on production of Arc Of Infinity, Snakedance and The Five Doctors.

LOCATION FILM RUSHES
From The Five Doctors.

RARE CONVENTION FOOTAGE
Including Australian interviews with Peter Davison and Janet Fielding shot during production of this season.

ONCE UPON A TIME LORD
A rare US documentary from the 1980s.

NEW 5.1 SURROUND SOUND MIXES
On Snakedance and The Five Doctors. Plus Dolby Atmos mixes on The Five Doctors.

ARCHIVE TREATS
Hours of rare and previously unreleased material from the BBC Archives.

HD PHOTO GALLERIES
Including many previously unseen images.

INFO TEXT
Behind-the-scenes information and trivia on every episode.

PDF ARCHIVE
including scripts, exclusive unseen BBC production files, the Radio Times 20th Anniversary Special and other rarities.

This nine-disc box set also includes hours of special features previously released on DVD including Documentaries, Featurettes, Audio Commentaries, The Five Doctors Special Edition and more.

The box-set is available for pre-order on Amazon

[Alan]

Missing adventure ‘The Underwater Menace’ to be animated in 2023
August 11, 2023

https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-fe...imated-in-2023

The Second Doctor’s partially missing adventure will be animated with four new episodes in colour and high definition, releasing on DVD and Blu-ray.

BBC Studios continues to offer Doctor Who fans the opportunity to extend their at home collection by announcing the latest release Doctor Who: The Underwater Menace on DVD and Blu-Ray. The two-disc box set contains the fourth series story as well as special features. This classic series stars the Second Doctor Patrick Troughton and co-stars Anneke Wills as Polly, Michael Craze as Ben and Frazer Hines as Jamie McCrimmon.

Doctor Who: The Underwater Menace is available to order on DVD, Blu-ray or Blu-ray Steelbook from Amazon, Rarewaves, and HMV .

The original 1967 master recordings of all except episodes two and three of The Underwater Menace were lost soon after the programme's original transmission. However, audio-only recordings of the missing two episodes have survived and have been used to create a brand new fully animated presentation of this lost classic.

This story sees these characters navigate through their adventures in the underwater city of Atlantis where they meet with Professor Zaroff, who plots to destroy the Earth by draining the oceans. Fans can expect a super jam-packed series bursting with unseen exclusive content. All episodes have been animated in colour and black and white, whilst including original film elements.



DISC ONE (Main Feature)

• Episodes 1-4 - Animation - Colour
• Episodes 1-4 - Animation - Black and White

DISC TWO (Special Features)

• Episode 1 - Reconstruction
• Episodes 2 & 3 - Original 1967 Episode
• Episode 4 - Reconstruction
• A Fishy Tale - Making of Documentary
• Australian Censor Clips
• The Man from Miditz
• Frazer Hines Introduction for Episode 2 as per the original VHS release
• BBC News Report (South Today)
• BBC Radio Solent Piece (audio only)
• Photo Gallery
• Animation Gallery
• PDF material including camera script

Doctor Who: The Underwater Menace will be available for fans to buy from November 2023.

Doctor Who: The Underwater Menace is available to order on DVD, Blu-ray or Blu-ray Steelbook from Amazon, Rarewaves, and HMV.

[Alan]

Redacted Podcast Returns for Second Series
Monday, 11 September 2023 - Reported by Marcus

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

The Doctor Who podcast will return next week with six new episodes to celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary.

The second series of Doctor Who: Redacted, made by BBC Studios for BBC Sounds, will be available from 18th September.

Juno Dawson returns as the lead writer, alongside stars Charlie Craggs, Lois Chimimba and Holly Quin-Ankrah.

Series two welcomes a host of guest stars from the world of Doctor Who and beyond including: Freddy Carter, Anjli Mohindra, Dervla Kirwan and Alexander Armstrong.

Lead writer Juno Dawson says:

I’m so excited that Doctor Who: Redacted is back for a second series, it feels particularly special to be a part of such a big year for the show. We’ve got a stellar returning cast and welcoming guest stars, both old and new, into Cleo, Abby and Shawna’s corner of the Doctor Who universe has been brilliant. I can’t wait for fans to hear the series and see what is next in store for the trio.”Following on from last year’s debut series, Cleo (Charlie Craggs), Abby (Lois Chimimba) and Shawna (Holly Quin-Ankrah) are still hosting their podcast called ‘The Blue Box Files’, about their attempts to track sightings of a mysterious blue box that crops up throughout history, usually coinciding with some huge, apocalyptic events.

Last year the podcast led them to save the world from a killer-psychic-virus, with the help of a mysterious alien called The Doctor. But now, only Cleo has any memory of those events. She knows there’s something out there, which is why she’s going spare – yes, she’s repaired her relationship with her mum, but her life hasn’t caught fire. Meanwhile her best friends, Abby and Shawna, have coupled up and Cleo can’t help but feel like the third wheel. She’s focusing on the important questions in life such as, ‘are giant rats invading East London?’

Then an enigmatic spaceman lands into Cleo’s life, and it’s not The Doctor this time. Apex Costa has it all; style, good looks, teleportation device. But is he all he seems?

Doctor Who: Redacted will be available weekly on BBC Sounds from 18th September.

[Alan]

Doctor Who Magazine: Issue 595
Thursday, 14 September 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/0...issue_595.html

Doctor Who Magazine, Issue 595 features returning companion Bonnie Langford on the cover.
Highlights in the magazine include:

• Highway to Mel – in her first major interview with DWM since her return to Doctor Who was announced, Bonnie Langford talks exclusively about reprising the role as Melanie Bush opposite Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor.
• Letter from the Showrunner – Russell T Davies shares his reactions as he watches the finished version of The Star Beast, the first of this year’s Doctor Who Specials.
• We Need to Talk About Mel Bush – a compelling argument as to why Mel is the most underrated companion of all time.
• Dread Right Hand – what makes a great sinister assistant in Doctor Who, and how do they get their dirty work done? DWM investigates…
• Web Slingers, Surfers and Time Lords – acclaimed comic-book writer Dan Slott on his debut Doctor Who graphic novel, Once Upon a Time Lord.
• The Butterfly Effect – DWM talks to Emily Cook and finds out how a virtual event during lockdown snowballed into something that would change the course of Doctor Who history.
• Game designer Gavin Verhey and art director Matt Cavotta reveal how they combined fantasy trading card game Magic: The Gathering with Doctor Who.
• Production Diary – script editor Scott Handcock files his latest report, direct from Doctor Who’s HQ.
• Welcome to Aladdin’s Cave – brand asset manager Jonathan Davies on how it feels to have 60 years’ worth of Doctor Who props, costumes and assets at his fingertips.
• Liberation of the Daleks Part Twelve – the adventures of the Fourteenth Doctor continue in the epic comic-strip adventure written by Alan Barnes and illustrated by Lee Sullivan.
• 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 unlocks the secrets of the Sixth Doctor’s final episodes, The Trial of a Time Lord Parts Thirteen and Fourteen.
• Gallifrey Guardian – all the latest official news.
• 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 595 is on sale Thursday 14 September from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £7.99 (UK).
Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £6.99.

[Alan]

New Trailer Released
Saturday, 23 September 2023 - Reported by Marcus

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

The BBC has released a new trailer for the three 60th Anniversary Specials which will be broadcast later this year.

Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials | Doctor Who

Destiny isn’t done with them just yet… The Doctor and Donna return for three special episodes ❤️❤️➕???? 
The brand new trailer features Neil Patrick-Harris waltzing onto the scene, as it is now revealed that he will play the Toymaker, an all-powerful enemy last seen in 1966 - but what is it that brings the Doctor face-to-face with this enemy from his past?

Also shown, UNIT is back with a bang! Jemma Redgrave reprises her iconic role as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart alongside David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor.

Russell T Davies, Showrunner said:

This is just the start, as the fever starts to burn. We’re heading for a November full of Doctor Who surprises, for fans and new viewers alike. Stay alert!

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 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]

Doctor Who: Unleashed
Wednesday, 27 September 2023 - Reported by Marcus

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

The BBC has announced a new behind-the-scenes series on Doctor Who is coming to BBC Three this autumn.

Doctor Who: Unleashed is a brand new access all areas show giving viewers an unmissable insight into the world of Doctor Who.

The 30-minute factual entertainment series is produced by Bright Branch for BBC Studios for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.

Host Steffan Powell (BBC Gaming Correspondent and former Radio 1 Newsbeat Presenter) has been given the keys to the TARDIS and, after every episode of Doctor Who, viewers can switch over to BBC Three or iPlayer as Powell takes viewers on a journey showing them just how this out of this world drama is made.

With exclusive interviews with the stars in front of the camera, as well as those behind it, Unleashed is described as the ultimate companion to Doctor Who.

Russell T Davies, Doctor Who Showrunner says:

Over the years, I meet so many people who were inspired to find careers in TV, because of the behind-the-scenes material the BBC would show. And now it’s back, in the grand old tradition of Doctor Who Confidential, but in a brand new form, Unleashed! So a whole new generation – and faithful fans of old – can see what the stars and the crew get up to behind the cameras.

Steffan Powell, Host of Doctor Who: Unleashed says:

When you’re told Russell T Davies is asking for you to present a show, you say, ‘when does he want me?’ Doesn’t matter, I’ll be there…There’s a really fun and fascinating group of people bringing Doctor Who to life - I can’t wait for the audience to meet them. I’m so chuffed to have been trusted to help tell, in all its glory, the story of what goes into making the magic happen.

Jo Pearce, Bright Branch Creative Director and Doctor Who: Unleashed Executive Producer says:

This series gives audiences access to all areas, led brilliantly by Steffan Powell, viewers are invited to see what really goes into the making of Doctor Who. It’s been such a privilege to create this show and we’re so grateful to the cast and crew who welcomed us in and allowed us to tell the story behind the drama.

Fiona Campbell, Youth Audience (BBC iPlayer and BBC Three) says:

Doctor Who is a show that needs no introduction, so it goes without saying that BBC Three and iPlayer are thrilled to introduce this incredible new series that invites viewers into the world of Doctor Who, showing them just what really goes on.

The series is the first regular show to delve behind the scenes of Doctor Who since Doctor Who Confidential was canceled in 2011.

[Alan]

60 Years of Doctor Who on iPlayer
Tuesday, 10 October 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/1...n_iplayer.html

To mark the 60th Anniversary of Doctor Who, the BBC is to make over 800 episodes of the series and its spin-offs available on iPlayer.

The episodes will be released on iPlayer from the start of next month, with each one having subtitles, audio description, and sign language available. It will be the biggest collection of Doctor Who ever available on the iPlayer with hundreds of episodes available with multiple accessibility features for the first time.
With the Anniversary Specials due to hit our screens, next month, viewers will have the opportunity to travel back in time with any of the Doctors through the show’s 60-year history with the classic series, as well as explore the vast world of Doctor Who with spin-offs like the Sarah Jane Adventures, Torchwood and Class, or step behind-the-scenes with every episode of Doctor Who Confidential – all available in one place - BBC iPlayer.

With over 800 episodes of Doctor Who programming on iPlayer, Russell T Davies, Showrunner said:

I’d like to thank the BBC for all the hard work, to get this massive back catalogue under one roof, at long last. I'm so excited for new viewers - imagine being 8 years old, spending winter afternoons exploring the 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. And we’re determined this won't be a dusty museum - we have exciting plans to bring the back catalogue to life, with much more to be revealed!

Dan McGolpin, Director of iPlayer and channels, said:

Doctor Who has captivated countless millions of viewers on the BBC for 60 years and in celebration of this special moment we are bringing classic series to BBC iPlayer for the first time. Fans will be able to enjoy many of the Doctor’s earliest adventures with William Hartnell right through to the very latest series and the soon to be released and tremendously exciting new anniversary specials with David Tennant. We want everyone to be able to enjoy this breath-taking back catalogue, so we are making each episode on iPlayer as accessible as possible, with subtitles, audio description, and sign language all available for the first time.

As the companion to the back catalogue, the BBC will simultaneously launch an extensive online archive from the show’s history at bbc.co.uk/doctorwho, with everything from interviews with cast to written documents, long unheard audio, and behind-the-scenes photos. Together, they tell the story of the ground-breaking series through 60 archive gems for the 60th anniversary.

The archive invites fans to delve even deeper into the show with curated journeys such as the genesis of Doctor Who, where audio from former Head of Drama, Sydney Newman alongside documents with his original handwritten notes guide you through the origins of Doctor Who.

In its beginning stages, this new site will feature curated journeys through the archive to bring the show’s extensive history to life for fans – with items like interviews with cast members, news pieces, audio, imagery, and written documents.

Over time, more content will be added to the archive including a special collection of photos that have been scanned at 8k resolution from an estimated total of 25,000 prints, negatives, slides and digital images, which will give an unprecedented insight into the show with access to all areas throughout the years.
The expanded archive will also feature additional gems from over 100,000 documents, including memos, correspondence, designs, and audience research, alongside orchestral scores of sheet music.

Also being added is a selection of audio clips about Doctor Who, including radio programmes, documentaries, interviews, and music.

BBC iPlayer’s back catalogue and the online archive will launch on 1st November before David Tennant returns as the Fourteenth Doctor for three special 60th-anniversary episodes.

[Alan]

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 596
Thursday, 12 October 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/1...issue_596.html

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 596 is out today

Highlights include:

• Meet the Meep – Miriam Margolyes, who voices the Meep in the first 2023 Special The Star Beast, talks exclusively to DWM about her lunch with David Tennant, her affection for Tom Baker, and why she’s the Fourth Doctor’s companion who never was.
• Noble intentions – Jacqueline King and Karl Collins – who play Donna’s mum, Sylvia Noble and her husband, Shaun Temple – on their imminent return to Doctor Who after 13 years.
• Letter from the Showrunner – Russell T Davies on important dates for your diary!
• The Beast Unleashed – go behind the scenes on the brand-new making-of show Doctor Who Unleashed.
• Star Makers ¬¬¬– comic book legends Pat Mills and Dave Gibbons – and two of their biggest fans, Russell T Davies and David Tennant – tell us why it’s The Star Beast’s time to shine.
• Drawn Upon a Spin Off… – episodes of Doctor Who have inspired everything from comics and novels to audio dramas and video games. But what about those times when the inspiration has gone the other way?
• Memory Worm – The Worm deletes your past – and it’s loose! DWM continues to test Doctor Who contributors for signs of contact with the creature. This issue: Jamie actor Frazer Hines.
• Production Diary – script editor Scott Handcock files his latest report, direct from Doctor Who’s HQ.
• Effective Management – Matt Nathan, VFX editor on the forthcoming special episodes and the next series of Doctor Who, reveals how he manages the magic we see on screen.
• “Nothing in the World Can Stop Me Now!” – with an animated reconstruction of 1967's The Underwater Menace on the way, DWM reassesses at Joseph Furst’s baroque performance as Professor Zaroff.
• Liberation of the Daleks Part Thirteen – the adventures of the Fourteenth Doctor continue in the epic comic-strip adventure written by Alan Barnes and illustrated by Lee Sullivan.
• The Fact of Fiction unlocks the secrets of the Tenth Doctor and Donna’s first reunion episode, 2008’s Partners in Crime.
• 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.
• Gallifrey Guardian – all the latest official news.
• 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 596 is on sale Thursday 12 October
from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £7.99 (UK).

Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £6.99.

[Alan]

Talking Doctor Who
Tuesday, 24 October 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/1...octor_who.html

David Tennant is to host a documentary on BBC Four to mark the 60th Anniversary of Doctor Who.

In the programme, shown next Wednesday, Tennant time travels back through the BBC archives to tell the story of the Doctor’s classic era, with a selection of rarely seen interviews and clips covering William Hartnell’s first incarnation right through to the seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy.

On the way, Tennant compares some of his own experiences with the actors who came before him and shares special archive moments that reveal, amongst other things, how to film a regeneration, which actor was a master of modern gadgetry - including a collapsible caravan - and what the factors were that helped to decide how a Doctor selects his own individual and distinctive costume.

Viewers in the UK can see the programme on BBC Four on Wednesday 1st November at 7.30pm.

[Alan]

New Writers Announced
Wednesday, 25 October 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/1...announced.html

The new series of Doctor Who will feature an episode co-written by writing duo Kate Herron and Briony Redman, which will air once Ncuti Gatwa takes control of the TARDIS as the Fifteenth Doctor.

Both writers have made their mark, Herron as the Executive Producer and director of the entirety of the popular Marvel Studio’s series Loki, as well as directing on the critically acclaimed series Sex Education.
Redman is an actor, comedian and BAFTA Rocliffe winning writer, whose work includes the Welsh crime-comedy Pont Brec with Damian Evans, and the award-winning short film Forget-Me-Not, which screened across film festivals internationally.

The pair have collaborated on a range of work together including their comic, The Storkening, as well as TV and film projects including the sci-fi Miss Universe and the acclaimed short film Smear.

Now they have now teamed up once more to take viewers on an unforgettable adventure in the new series of Doctor Who.

Kate Herron said:

Clearly, I can’t get enough of time travel. It is an absolute honour to write for Russell and Ncuti. We had so much fun and can’t wait for you all to see it.

Briony Redman said:

As a big fan of Doctor Who and Russell T Davies, it’s been a dream to write on this show.

Doctor Who Showrunner, Russell T Davies said

This is when I absolutely love my job. Working with the stellar talents of Kate and Briony makes my whole world bigger and brighter, and a lot more fun. I was a huge fan of Loki and reached out to Kate to say so - she then introduced me to Briony, and it was all systems go! They've written a wonderful script which created unique challenges for cast and crew alike. The end result is gorgeous and thrilling and scary, and not like any other episode of Doctor Who.

[Alan]

Doctor Who Returns 25th November
Wednesday, 25 October 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/1..._november.html

Doctor Who will return to TV screens Worldwide on the 25th of November 2023.

The series will air in the UK on BBC One where it will be at the prime spot launching Saturday's evening entertainment just as it did in November 1963, 60 years ago.

With David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor and Catherine Tate reprising her role as Donna Noble the popular duo will make their spectacular return to mark the shows 60th anniversary with three special episodes running each Saturday.

Get set for three epic adventures starting with The Star Beast (25th November) where the Doctor and Donna will come face to face after all these years but just how, and why, is about to be revealed. Followed by Wild Blue Yonder (2nd December) and The Giggle (9th December) viewers are about to go on an otherworldly adventure through space and time.

Joining David Tennant and Catherine Tate is a stellar cast including, Yasmin Finney as Rose Noble, Miriam Margolyes as the voice of the Meep, Jacqueline King as Sylvia Noble, Karl Collins as Shaun Temple, Ruth Madeley as Shirley Anne-Bingham, Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart and Neil Patrick Harris as the Toymaker, set to cause all kinds of mayhem.

All before Ncuti Gatwa gets the keys to the TARDIS over the festive season.

Viewers outside of the UK will be able to accesss the episodes on Disney+

The first episode of Doctor Who: Unleashed will follow The Star Beast on Saturday 25th November. After every new episode of Doctor Who, viewers can switch over to BBC Three or BBC iPlayer to watch the access all areas show that gives viewers an unmissable insight into the creation of Doctor Who.

[Alan]

60th Anniversary Specials Available to Pre-order
Thursday, 26 October 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/1...pre_order.html

Doctor Who fans will be able to add the 60th-anniversary specials to their home entertainment collection from December on Steelbook, DVD and Blu-ray.

Following the Fourteenth Doctor’s TV specials to celebrate Doctor Who’s 60th Anniversary, all three episodes will be available for Doctor Who fans to add to their home entertainment collection in December 2023.

The three-disc release, which includes exclusive additional content, will be available for fans to own on Steelbook, Blu-ray and DVD from 11th December with pre-orders available today.

As well as David Tennant starring as the Fourteenth Doctor and companion Catherine Tate returning as fan-favourite Donna Noble, other guest stars include Neil Patrick Harris, Yasmin Finney, Miriam Margolyes, Jemma Redgrave and many more.

The release will feature all three-anniversary special episodes: The Star Beast, Wild Blue Yonder and The Giggle.

Additional content (Exclusive to the 60th Anniversary specials release)

• Rachel Talalay's Scene Breakdown
• Chanya Button's Scene Breakdown
• Tom Kingsley's Scene Breakdown

Special Features:

• The Star Beast Behind The Scenes
• The Fourteenth Doctor Reveal
• Wild Blue Yonder Behind The Scenes
• The Giggle Behind The Scenes
• The Giggle In-vision Commentary
• The Star Beast In-vision Commentary
• David and Catherine's Flashbacks
• Yasmin Finney Introduces Rose Noble
• Designing the Fourteenth Doctor
• Set Tour with Yasmin Finney
• The Star Beast - Behind The Scenes Trailer
• Wild Blue Yonder - Behind The Scenes Trailer
• The Giggle - Behind The Scenes Trailer
• The Cast Introduce the Villains in ‘Wild Blue Yonder'
• Behind The Scenes Fun with David and Catherine
• Video Diary with David Tennant's Stand-in
• TARDIS Set Tour with David Tennant and Phil Sims
• Ruth Madeley Introduces Shirley Bingham
• Neil Patrick Harris Introduces the Toymaker
• Becoming the Toymaker
• 60th Specials Recap with David Tennant

Pre Order here

[Alan]

Tales of the TARDIS Launches on The Whoniverse
Monday, 30 October 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/1...honiverse.html

This week marks the launch of The Whoniverse, the place where British Doctor Who fans can find resources on every era of the programme.

From the 1st of November, The Whoniverse will become the official name, and dedicated home, for all shows within the orbit of Doctor Who which will live on BBC iPlayer. With over 800 episodes of Doctor Who content already in the back catalogue, The Whoniverse will launch with a brand new logo, and every piece of Doctor Who content will carry a brand new ident, instantly bringing all the Doctor Who worlds together in one place and it will continuously expand.

One story likely to be missing from The Whoniverse will be the first-ever story of Doctor Who, An Unearthly Child. A dispute between the BBC and the estate of Anthony Coburn, the credited writer of the story, means that the four episodes of this story will not, for now, appear on the service.

The first exclusive content to land in the Whoniverse will be Tales of the TARDIS a brand new six-part series that reunites beloved classic Doctor Who duos, as they board a very special TARDIS on a nostalgic voyage through space and time.

Reprising their roles as the Doctor and companions to go on a timey-wimey spin down memory lane in these unmissable adventures are; Maureen O’Brien and Peter Purves, Frazer Hines and Wendy Padbury, Katy Manning and Daniel Anthony, Peter Davison and Janet Fielding, Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant, and Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred.

These Doctor Who legends step back into character to reflect on their adventures and in the process they discover something new, leaving viewers with a new insight into the story of each timeless pair.

Over six parts, each episode of Tales of the TARDIS features a different duo, with brand new scenes woven together with classic episodes to create a feature-length omnibus episode.

With new scenes written by Showrunner Russell T Davies and previous Doctor Who writers Phil Ford and Pete McTighe, Tales of the TARDIS allows fans to rediscover the stories they love whilst inviting new viewers to explore the vast mythology of the Doctor.


Russell T Davies, Doctor Who Showrunner says:

“The word Whoniverse was invented by fans, so it’s time to give it official status. And Tales of the TARDIS is one of the greatest delights of my career - to see old Doctors and companions reunited, still fighting the good fight, is a perfect way to celebrate the Doctor’s 60th birthday!”

Dan McGolpin, Director of iPlayer and Channels added:

“I’m delighted to welcome Tales of the TARDIS exclusively to BBC iPlayer, the home of Doctor Who, which is consistently one of our most popular programmes every single week of the year. Tales of the TARDIS will sit within The Whoniverse and features brand new and incredibly moving scenes with well-loved characters; it will be a fantastic starting point for a new generation to discover some of the most classic episodes and a joyous way for longstanding fans to catch up with old friends.”

Viewers can discover Tales Of The TARDIS when The Whoniverse launches on 1st November, with the extensive back catalogue of Doctor Who.

[Alan]

The Daleks - In Colour
Thursday, 2 November 2023 - Reported by Marcus

https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2023/1...in_colour.html

The BBC is to broadcast a colourised version of the second Doctor Who story, The Daleks, to mark the show's 60th Anniversary.

As part of the celebrations, one of the show’s most renowned tales, the one that introduced the Daleks to the world, is to be screened on the 23rd of November, 60 years after Doctor Who began.

Originally transmitted from December 1963 to February 1964, The Daleks soon became one of the Doctor’s most formidable and enduring foes. The story follows the very first crew of the TARDIS as they land in a petrified forest on an alien planet. Determined to explore, the Doctor (William Hartnell) leads his companions into the metal city, where they discover danger at every corner and what will become his deadliest enemy, the mutant Daleks.

These seven original 25-minute episodes have now received a makeover, having been colourised and weaved together into a 75-minute blockbuster to appeal to today’s modern audiences.

With brand new sound, a brand new score - created by Mark Ayres - The Daleks has been gloriously updated, whilst ensuring the original classic story remains as thrilling as it was when it began in 1963. And, whilst viewers can enjoy watching the colourised version of The Daleks when it arrives on 23rd November on BBC Four, it will also sit within The Whoniverse where viewers can also watch the seven-part story in its original form.

Phil Collinson, Executive Producer says:

It’s been my absolute pleasure to spend this past 12 months working with such a talented team to breathe new life into this classic adventure - a story that is literally the foundation stone of all that Doctor Who has become. The original is a masterpiece of 1960’s television drama and this new version stands on the shoulders of the pioneering spirit of 1960’s Doctor Who.

The Daleks colourisation is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for BBC Four and iPlayer.

Executive Produced by Russell T Davies, Jane Tranter, Julie Gardner, Phil Collinson, and Joel Collins. Lead Colourisation Artist is Richard Tipple and Edited by Benjamin Cook.

This special episode is one of the many highlights set to commemorate Doctor Who’s outstanding 60-year anniversary,– shortly before David Tennant takes back the reigns of the TARDIS for three highly anticipated specials.