Doctor Who News, Articles, Cast and Crew Interviews

[Alan]

Twice Upon A Time - Synopsis
Saturday, 16 September, 2017 - Reported by Marcus

http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2017/09...-synopsis.html

BBC Worldwide has issued the press synopsis for the Doctor Who Christmas Episode Twice Upon A Time.

The episode will be the last story to star Peter Capaldi as The Doctor and will feature David Bradley in the role of the First Doctor.

Pearl Mackie returns as Bill Potts, alongside Lily Travers and Jared Garfield who recreate the first Doctor's companions Polly and Ben. Mark Gatiss also joins the cast as The Captain

Two Doctors stranded in a forbidding snowscape, refusing to face regeneration. And a British army captain seemingly destined to die in the First World War, but taken from the trenches to play his part in the Doctor’s story. This is the magical last chapter in the Twelfth Doctor’s epic adventure. He must face his past to decide his future. And the Doctor will realise the resilience of humanity, discovering hope in his darkest frozen moment. It’s the end of an era. But the Doctor’s journey is only just beginning.

The information was released by the BBC Shop in the United States who have posted details of the DVD release of the story.

[DigiFluid]

DAVID BRADLEY RETURNS TO THE TARDIS IN DOCTOR WHO – THE FIRST DOCTOR ADVENTURES!

Materialising in time for the New Year, The First Doctor Adventures features David Bradley reprising his role in a new set of stories for a very familiar, yet very new, Doctor.

Following his stellar portrayal of William Hartnell in BBC Two’s An Adventure in Space and Time, David Bradley (Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Broadchurch, Captain America) is set to star as the First Doctor in this year’s BBC One Doctor Who Christmas Special alongside Peter Capaldi. And now Big Finish Productions, in arrangement with BBC Worldwide, are giving this reimagined First Doctor another chance to explore the cosmos!

Joining David Bradley are his co-stars from An Adventure in Space and Time reprising their roles as the iconic first TARDIS team. Jamie Glover (Elizabeth, Waterloo Road, Holby City) plays Ian Chesterton, Jemma Powell (Alice in Wonderland, Angel, Foyle’s War) plays Barbara Wright, and Claudia Grant (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) plays Susan – the Doctor’s granddaughter and the original ‘Unearthly Child’.

“The adventures of the First Doctor are all about discovery,” says script editor and writer Matt Fitton, “finding out what this infinite universe contains, and also who our fellow travellers are. As we journey with Ian, Barbara, Susan and the mysterious Doctor, we come to see what they are capable of when confronted with the strange, the unjust and the dangerous.”

Executive producer Nicholas Briggs: “Having worked with David twice now on TV, it’s great to be working with him again. Matt and his team of writers have come up with such a beautifully authentic set of scripts. We forget how different Doctor Who was, back in those early days – and here it all is, painstakingly recreated. I find that rather thrilling.”

Nick adds: "What's fascinating about the cast and their performances is that they're not impersonating William Hartnell and his TARDIS crew. They're playing those parts as written in the scripts. No one can replace the brilliance of those original performances. What we're presenting here is a kind of reinvention of that era, completely in the spirit of the original. They are new but entirely faithful interpretations of these characters."

“I’ve always been a great admirer of David Bradley’s work”, says executive producer Jason Haigh-Ellery, “and thought that he was an excellent choice to play William Hartnell in An Adventure in Space and Time. After his brilliant performance, we immediately thought about bringing David in to play the First Doctor for Big Finish – it took us a while – but we got there in the end! I’m so looking forward to seeing David in the Christmas Special and then listening to his further adventures with us.”

This series of adventures pays homage to the beginning years of Doctor Who, and each of the four episodes in each story will be given an individual title. Two of the four stories are historical, focusing on tales from Earth’s history pre-1963. Back in its first few years, Doctor Who was intended to be an educational programme using time travel as a means to explore scientific ideas and famous moments in history, while still captivating the minds and imaginations of generations to come.

Not only will the Doctor be exploring our history, but he will also encounter strange new life forms – the Dalmari and the Ashtallans.

And in a Big Finish exclusive, the First Doctor will encounter his greatest foe, the first incarnation of fellow Time Lord, the Master, played by James Dreyfus.

Available in January, the stories in The First Doctor Adventures - Volume 1 consist of:

1.1 The Destination Wars by Matt Fitton

1.2 The Great White Hurricane by Guy Adams

And to follow in July 2018, Doctor Who: The First Doctor Adventures – Volume 2:

2.1 The Invention of Death by John Dorney

2.2 The Barbarians and the Samurai by Andrew Smith

Doctor Who: The First Doctor Adventures – Volume 1 is available for pre-order now at £23 on CD or £20 on download from Big Finish and will remain at this price until general release when it will be available for £35 on CD or £30 on download.

Doctor Who: The First Doctor Adventures – Volume 1 can also be purchased as a bundle with Doctor Who: The First Doctor Adventures – Volume 2, to be released in July 2018, at the price of £45 on CD and £40 on download (all CD purchases from the Big Finish website unlock a download exclusive from the Big Finish website and app).

[Alan]

5½ Reasons Why EVERYBODY should watch The Sarah Jane Adventures
Friday 22 September 2017, 13:04

The Doctor Who Team


http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho...b-df02872c45c8

As three of the best Sarah Jane Adventures are repeated on CBBC on Sunday, celebrating the show's tenth anniversary, we look back on the popular Doctor Who spin-off…

Jon Pertwee, who played the third Doctor Who, famously said that there was nothing scarier than coming home and finding a ‘Yeti on your loo’. In other words, the scariest situations are ones that mirror our everyday lives with just a tiny twist of terror. It’s a story-telling basic that The Sarah Jane Adventures took and ran with for five seasons that began - gulp - ten years ago.

The show’s essential premise was simple. Take one former companion of the Doctor. Add some young sidekicks; season with familiar foes like Sontarans and the Slitheen and for good measure, throw in the Doctor himself for a couple of stories. Then stir them all together in two-part adventures where the planet’s in peril but our heroes still have time for a few one-liners and a group hug at the end.



Except, of course, it’s not as easy as that. SJA worked because it hit just the right blend of alien scares and human drama. The childless Sarah Jane gets a family. Her alien son learns what it means to be human. The cocksure Clyde Langer finds there’s more to this world than he ever imagined… Just like Doctor Who, it was a show that revelled in adventure but always found time to explore and celebrate its characters without patronising its audience.

If you never watched SJA or you want to introduce it to younger viewers who weren’t around when it first aired ten years ago – another gulp - CBBC are running the first two-parter, which introduces/re-establishes characters like Sarah and Clyde, plus two faves from its later years: The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith features the Tenth Doctor, Nigel Havers and a heart-wrenching plotline while The Curse of Clyde Langer is thought-provoking, funny, scary and above all, bold. These three stories are the perfect intro to SJA!



Need five more reasons to visit the gang on Bannerman Road? Or want to convince your kids to give SJA a go? Allons-y…

Sarah Jane Smith
One of the Doctor’s most popular companions shines as she takes centre-stage. The late Elisabeth Sladen somehow made her most famous character both wise and faintly naïve. Peace-loving, but always ready to fight for justice on her own terms. Sarah Jane may have been an intrepid reporter, but this Lois Lane proved she didn’t need Superman to save the day.



Here be Monsters!
SJA had a rogues gallery to rival the Doctor’s… Sontarans, Slitheen and the Graske all made it from the Time Lord’s travels to Sarah’s streets but new foes like the chilling Nightmare Man, sinister Shansheeth and the gun-toting Mona Lisa (no, really) were all fabulous baddies. Special mention to the terrifying Elijah Spellman played by Bradley Walsh. Whatever happened to him, eh?



Forget DC Darkness
Recent heroes have needed a good psychologist more than a trusty sidekick (yes, Batfleck we’re looking at you…) and although SJA did touch on real world issues (see below) it was full of banter, jokes and plenty of wry observation. Basically it was #LOL before #LOL was a thing.



Freel
Sure, SJ and her gang had to deal with the Things from Outer Space but there were other real-world problems that kept the programme grounded. Maria Jackson watches her parents grow apart, Rani dealt with jealousy and a nagging fear of letting her parents down and The Curse of Clyde Langer offers a surprisingly moving and unsweetened take on homelessness.



Doctor, Doctor!
Yes, this show was owned by Sarah Jane and her gang, but nobody complained when the Doctor himself showed up! David Tennant guested in The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith and Matt Smith materialised in Death of the Doctor. Fun fact! SJA got a big ratings boost when the Doctor rocked up but newbies loved the show so much they stayed with it even after the TARDIS was long gone!



Love a good wedding?
Okay, this is only half a reason because to give you the whole thing would be spoilerific BUT the closing moments of The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith deliver more feels than most long-running dramas manage in 57 episodes. The Tenth Doctor’s farewell to his old companion is a real tear-jerker that has extra ‘awww…’ if you’re a long-time fan, and Sarah Jane’s journey is shown to be… Well, you’ll just have to watch to find out!



You can watch all three adventures on Sunday on CBBC from 2.10pm!
Or catch Revenge of the Slitheen, The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith and The Curse of Clyde Langer on BBC iPlayer from Sunday afternoon.

[Alan]

Trevor Martin 1930-2017
Saturday, 07 October, 2017 - Reported by Marcus

http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2017/10...1930-2017.html

The actor Trevor Martin, the first actor to play The Doctor on stage, has died at the age of 87.

Trevor Martin first appeared in Doctor Who in 1969, playing a Time Lord in the final Second Doctor story The War Games.

However, he is best remembered for playing The Doctor in a stage play based on the series, Doctor Who and the Daleks in the Seven Keys to Doomsday, which ran in London's Adelphi Theatre for four weeks at the end of 1974.

The play, by Terrance Dicks, was set just after the regeneration of the Third Doctor, with Martin playing an alternate version of the Fourth Doctor, who made his TV debut in the form of Tom Baker, during the run of the play.

The Doctor's companions were played by Wendy Padbury and James Matthews. In 2008 the play was adapted for Audio by Big Finish with Martin once more taking the lead role.

Away from Doctor Who Trevor Martin was a regular face on British Television, first appearing in the play Tomorrow Mr. Tompion! And About Time Too! in 1958. Appearances followed in Three Golden Nobles, Orlando, Jackanory, The Tragedy of King Richard II, Z Cars, Armchair Thriller, Inspector Morse, Coronation Street and The Bill.

An interview with Trevor Martin is due to be released on October 16th as part of the Myth Makers series.

[Alan]

Forty Years of K-9
Sunday, 08 October, 2017 - Reported by Marcus

http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2017/10...rs-of-k-9.html

It was Forty years ago today, on Saturday 8th October 1977, that we first met the Doctor's 'Tin' Dog, when K-9 made his debut appearance in Doctor Who.


K-9 was the invention of writers Bob Baker and Dave Martin, who created the character for their fourth Doctor story The Invisible Enemy. Although originally intended to appear in that one story, the character was retained after producer Graham Williams saw its potential appeal to younger fans of the series.

K-9 was voiced by John Leeson, who had been contracted to provide the voice of the Nucleus for the story and was also asked to voice the robot Dog. Apart from Season 17, when the character was voiced by David Brierley, Leason has voiced the character ever since.

Making the character a permanent member of the crew was not without its problems for the production team. The radio controlled model was prone to operational problems in the studio and Directors found it difficult to compose a shot comprising the lanky frame of Tom Baker and the squat shape of K-9. However, the character did prove popular with the audience and rapidly became an icon of the series,

A new improved model was introduced at the start of season 16, with improved electronics, but the character still had its limits, being written out of some stories altogether.


When John Nathan Turner took over as the producer in 1980, he decided to have the character written out, and at the end of the story Warrior's Gate, K-9 finally left the Doctor. Just a year later the character was back, alongside former companion Elisabeth Sladen, in a one-off adventure K-9 and Company. The first television spin-off from the main series of Doctor Who.

K-9 made a final classic series appearance in the twentieth-anniversary story The Five Doctors.

It was in 2006 that the character returned to the screen in the revamped version of Doctor Who in a story by Toby Whithouse. School Reunion also brought Sarah Jane Smith, in the person of Elisabeth Sladen back into Doctor Who, an appearance that would lead to the commissioning of The Sarah Jane Adventures, also featuring the Robot Dog.

In 2010 an Australian produced series, featuring a redesigned K-9, was broadcast, consisting of 26, 30-minute episodes. The series was produced independently of the BBC, so no BBC owned characters could appear. The series was shown on Channel 10 in Australia and Channel 5 in the UK.

Forty years after his first appearance, K-9's character is still in production, with original co-creator Bob Baker, along with Paul Tams working on a feature film, K9: TimeQuake which will feature the robot dog up against classic Doctor Who villain Omega.

[Alan]

Shada Gets Animated Completion
Tuesday, 10 October, 2017 - Reported by Marcus

http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2017/10...ompletion.html

BBC Worldwide is to release the Douglas Adams Doctor Who story Shada, using animation to complete the story.

Shada was planned to be the celebratory end to the seventeenth series of Doctor Who. Acclaimed writer Douglas Adams had completed the script, Tom Baker’s Doctor was at the height of his popularity, and the series had bigger audiences than ever before.

The story was also due to be the final story produced by Graham Williams, before handing over to new producer John Nathan Turner, who would introduce a new look to the series. But it was not to be. Strike action at the BBC in November 1979 meant the final studio recording sessions were cancelled, and the story was never completed.

A video was released in 1992, with Tom Baker providing linking material to camera for the missing scenes, re-released as a DVD in 2013. A web version of the story was also produced for the official Doctor Who website to mark the programme's 40th Anniversary in 2003. It used basic Flash animation alongside a new audio track produced by Big Finish and starring Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor. In 2013 an unofficial fan version, directed by Ian Levine, was completed using animation to fill in the missing scenes. In this version, although a number of original cast members revoiced their parts, the Fourth Doctor was voiced by another actor.

Now, thirty-eight years on from the planned transmission, BBC Worldwide has announced that a new official version of Shada is to be completed, combining the original, remastered footage, with new colour animation. The animation will feature the newly-recorded voices of the original cast, including Tom Baker as the Doctor and Lalla Ward as Romana, performing the original script.

Tom Baker says

Shada was one of my favourite Doctor Who stories. I have many fond memories of shooting the location scenes in Cambridge, and it was disappointing not to finish the story in studio. I’m so glad that BBC Worldwide have found a way to bring fans a complete visual version.

The new feature-length production incorporates all of the live-action scenes from 1979, together with new animated material. Shada finds the Doctor in Cambridge working alongside companion Romana and retired Time Lord, Professor Chronotis, to defeat the evil alien Skagra who is attempting to steal the secrets to the prison planet, Shada.

Doctor Who: Shada is being produced by the team behind the highly successful and critically acclaimed animation of lost Doctor Who serial The Power of the Daleks and lost Dad’s Army episode A Stripe For Frazer. The team have had access to nearly seven hours of raw footage from the original 1979 Shada shoot from which they are editing the new production from scratch, with all the original location film negatives re-scanned in full HD and digitally remastered. It will not, however, be possible to create a full HD version of the new production, as the original studio video material is locked into its original SD format, and no higher resolution is possible.

Paul Hembury, Executive Producer, BBC Worldwide says

Fans loved The Power of the Daleks, so we’re delighted to be able to complete and bring them another lost Doctor Who classic.

Shada will be released as a digital download on Friday 24th November, and on DVD and Bluray on Monday 4th December.

The release is avaiable to preorder as a Steelbook, DVD and Blu-ray.

On Saturday 2nd December there will be a special screening of Doctor Who: Shada at BFI Southbank, London. Further information will be available from the BFI from Monday 23rd October. Tickets for BFI members will be available from Tuesday 7th November, and for the public from Tuesday 14th November.

Blu Ray/DVD - Bonus Material

• Taken Out of Time (25' 39")
  
• Now and Then (12' 45")
  
• Strike, Strike, Strike! (27' 50")
  
• Studio Sessions - 1979 (44' 38")
  
• Dialogue Sessions (14' 16")
  
• Model Filming (04' 36")
  
• Deleted Scenes (01' 22")
  
• Title Sequence Films (TBC)
  
• Live Action Reference Footage (02' 48")
  
• 1979 Gallery (04' 50")
  
• 2017 Gallery (02' 52)
  

Shada Teaser

[Alan]

Doctor Who Series 10 Complete DVD, Bluray and Steelbook
Thursday, 12 October, 2017 - Reported by Marcus

http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2017/10...plete-dvd.html

BBC Worldwide have released details on the release of Series 10, Peter Capaldi’s final series as the Doctor, as a complete set, available on Monday 13th November.

In Series 10, the Doctor is keen to show his new friend, Bill Potts, the wonders of the universe, and their travels bring them face-to-face with Ice Warriors and Cybermen. His adventures draw to a terrifying conclusion as a long lost face from the past returns.

The Complete DVD and Blu-ray will include the extras listed below:

• Becoming the Companion Travel with new companion Pearl Mackie from the London stage through the doors of the TARDIS to a once-in-a-lifetime role, or as Pearl says, “the most insane thing that's ever happened to me.” Featuring exclusive interviews with Pearl, Peter Capaldi, and Steven Moffat. Narrated by Ingrid Oliver.
• Out of This World As Pearl Mackie steps aboard the TARDIS for her first adventure as Bill Potts, Ingrid Oliver (Osgood in Series 8 and 9) looks back at the debuts of the Doctor’s recent companions. What can we learn from their first voyages on the TARDIS, coming face to face with their first monster, and their first encounters with the mysterious stranger called the Doctor?
• Smile Acclaimed writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce is back for Bill’s first big adventure into the future, and Frank provides a unique insight into the writing and filming of this chilling episode, along with the perks of the job! Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Pearl Mackie and Steven Moffat, and narrated by Ingrid Oliver.
• …Who’s There? We creep silently through this spooky adventure as writer Mike Bartlett and Director Bill Anderson reveal the secrets of how to make a truly scary episode of Doctor Who. And find out why they couldn’t have chosen a more terrifying location… Featuring interviews with David Suchet, Peter Capaldi and Pearl Mackie. Narrated by Ingrid Oliver.
• Rona Munro – A Modern Classic No writer has ever penned an episode of both classic Doctor Who and the new series – until now! Rona Munro, writer of the 1989’s Survival, explores the similarities between her classic and modern episodes. And Peter, Pearl and Steven turn their eagle eyes on an ancient mystery! Narrated by Ingrid Oliver.
• Doctor Who: The Fan Show – After Shows Join Christel Dee and a host of Doctor Who actors, writers and creatives to discuss the making of Series 10, and most importantly, assess the intensity of TARDIS crew’s hairstyles along the way, in this original companion show.
• Doctor Who: The Finale Countdown Interview with Pearl Mackie and unseen film footage from the Concert
• Knock Knock binaural sound The Binaural Sound edition of episode 4, ‘Knock, Knock’. Binaural Sound gives an immersive spatial sound experience for headphone listeners.
• Doctor Who Extra: The Return of Doctor Mysterio Behind-the-scenes of the Series 9 Christmas Special.
• The Doctor: A New Kind of Hero A short documentary that accompanied The Return of Doctor Mysterio, which lookss at the character of the Doctor and how he’s a unique hero.
• The Finale Falls Behind-the-scenes of the Series 10 finale.
• Inside Looks
• Deleted Scenes
• Audio Commentaries

The release is avaiable to preorder as a Steelbook, DVD and Blu-ray.

[Alan]

New TARDIS team announced
Sunday, 22 October, 2017 - Reported by Chuck Foster

http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2017/10...017220008.html

The BBC have revealed details of the regular cast who will feature in the next series of Doctor Who, due to be broadcast in the Autumn next year.

When Jodie Whittaker takes over as the Thirteenth Doctor she will be joined by three regular cast members, consisting of Bradley Walsh as Graham, Tosin Cole as Ryan, and Mandip Gill as Yasmin. Also joining the series in a returning role is Sharon D Clarke.

The new series will consist of a ten-week run of fifty-minute episodes, due for transmission in Autumn 2018, and kicking off with a feature-length hour for the opening launch.

New showrunner Chris Chibnall says:

The new Doctor is going to need new friends. We’re thrilled to welcome Mandip, Tosin and Bradley to the Doctor Who family. They’re three of Britain’s brightest talents and we can’t wait to see them dive into brand new adventures with Jodie’s Doctor. Alongside them, we’re delighted that Sharon D Clarke is also joining the show.

Jodie Whittaker added:

I am so excited to share this huge adventure with Mandip, Tosin and Bradley. It's a dream team!

Bradley Walsh is best known in the UK for his appearances in the soap opera Coronation Street and for playing lead role of DS Ronnie Brooks in Law & Order: UK . He currently hosts the ITV game shows The Chase and Cash Trapped. Walsh said:

I remember watching William Hartnell as the first Doctor. Black and white made it very scary for a youngster like myself. I was petrified but even though I’d watch most of it from behind the sofa through my fingers, I became a fan. I then queued up for ages to get into the Carlton picture house in Watford to watch the great Peter Cushing appear as the Doctor in a full-length feature film made in glorious colour. Am I thrilled to be part of this whole ground breaking new dawn for the Doctor?? Oh yes!

Mandip Gill is known for playing Phoebe Jackson in the soap opera Hollyoaks, as well as appearances in Cuckoo, Doctors, The Good Karma Hospital and Casualty. She said:

I am over the moon to be joining the Doctor Who family. This is an iconic show with an amazing fanbase and I look forward to everything that brings. Certain roles seem unattainable and this is one of those, so much so I didn't believe it to be true for the first few weeks. To be working alongside the likes of Jodie, Bradley and my old friend Tosin is thrilling. This show is worlds away from the work I've done previously and that's the part that excites me the most.

Also joining the team is Tosin Cole, known for his roles in The Cut, EastEnders: E20 and Hollyoaks. He said:

I'm grateful and excited to be a part of this journey with the team. I'm looking forward to jumping in this Doctor Who universe.

Matt Strevens, Executive Producer, BBC Studios says:

I am thrilled to welcome Bradley, Mandip and Tosin to the new Who family. Working with three such talented actors is going to be a lot of fun. The Doctor is in fine company.

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama says:

The casting of Mandip, Tosin and Bradley is a mark of the new creative ambition Chris is bringing to Doctor Who. He's already made history with the casting of Jodie. These three new characters complete a new and utterly unmissable team aboard the Tardis.

Sarah Barnet, President of BBC America, added:

Doctor Who fans in America are in for an exhilarating ride as the Thirteenth Doctor and her new friends begin a quite amazing new chapter.

[BruTak]

Oh good grief...

[Alan]

New TARDIS team announced
Sunday, 22 October, 2017 - Reported by Chuck Foster

http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2017/10...017220008.html

The BBC have revealed details of the regular cast who will feature in the next series of Doctor Who, due to be broadcast in the Autumn next year.

When Jodie Whittaker takes over as the Thirteenth Doctor she will be joined by three regular cast members, consisting of Bradley Walsh as Graham, Tosin Cole as Ryan, and Mandip Gill as Yasmin. Also joining the series in a returning role is Sharon D Clarke.

The new series will consist of a ten-week run of fifty-minute episodes, due for transmission in Autumn 2018, and kicking off with a feature-length hour for the opening launch.

New showrunner Chris Chibnall says:

The new Doctor is going to need new friends. We’re thrilled to welcome Mandip, Tosin and Bradley to the Doctor Who family. They’re three of Britain’s brightest talents and we can’t wait to see them dive into brand new adventures with Jodie’s Doctor. Alongside them, we’re delighted that Sharon D Clarke is also joining the show.

Jodie Whittaker added:

I am so excited to share this huge adventure with Mandip, Tosin and Bradley. It's a dream team!

Bradley Walsh is best known in the UK for his appearances in the soap opera Coronation Street and for playing lead role of DS Ronnie Brooks in Law & Order: UK . He currently hosts the ITV game shows The Chase and Cash Trapped. Walsh said:

I remember watching William Hartnell as the first Doctor. Black and white made it very scary for a youngster like myself. I was petrified but even though I’d watch most of it from behind the sofa through my fingers, I became a fan. I then queued up for ages to get into the Carlton picture house in Watford to watch the great Peter Cushing appear as the Doctor in a full-length feature film made in glorious colour. Am I thrilled to be part of this whole ground breaking new dawn for the Doctor?? Oh yes!

Mandip Gill is known for playing Phoebe Jackson in the soap opera Hollyoaks, as well as appearances in Cuckoo, Doctors, The Good Karma Hospital and Casualty. She said:

I am over the moon to be joining the Doctor Who family. This is an iconic show with an amazing fanbase and I look forward to everything that brings. Certain roles seem unattainable and this is one of those, so much so I didn't believe it to be true for the first few weeks. To be working alongside the likes of Jodie, Bradley and my old friend Tosin is thrilling. This show is worlds away from the work I've done previously and that's the part that excites me the most.

Also joining the team is Tosin Cole, known for his roles in The Cut, EastEnders: E20 and Hollyoaks. He said:

I'm grateful and excited to be a part of this journey with the team. I'm looking forward to jumping in this Doctor Who universe.

Matt Strevens, Executive Producer, BBC Studios says:

I am thrilled to welcome Bradley, Mandip and Tosin to the new Who family. Working with three such talented actors is going to be a lot of fun. The Doctor is in fine company.

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama says:

The casting of Mandip, Tosin and Bradley is a mark of the new creative ambition Chris is bringing to Doctor Who. He's already made history with the casting of Jodie. These three new characters complete a new and utterly unmissable team aboard the Tardis.

Sarah Barnet, President of BBC America, added:

Doctor Who fans in America are in for an exhilarating ride as the Thirteenth Doctor and her new friends begin a quite amazing new chapter.

Very, very excited for this new TARDIS team!!! Can't wait to see them in action in 2018!!! Welcome to the Whoniverse Bradley, Mandip and Tosin!!!

[Alan]

Did you know that Bradley Walsh was already a part of the Doctor Who universe?
He was the Pied Piper!
By Cameron K McEwan
23 October 2017

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/doctor-...ne-adventures/

© Steve Meddle/REX/Shutterstock

Bradley Walsh, host of ITV quiz show The Chase, has officially been announced as one of the new companions in Doctor Who series 11, set to air in 2018.

He will star alongside Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor and fellow new companions Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole. Playing a character called Graham, Walsh will be seen in a series of ten 50-minute episodes (with the opener being a 60-minute special).

The 57-year-old entertainer is very much a Whovian and even watched the show during the First Doctor's era. "Am I thrilled to be part of this whole ground-breaking new dawn for the Doctor? Oh yes!"


© BBC Chris Chibnall

But did you know that this is not his first foray into the Whoniverse? Back in 2008, the Law & Order UK actor played a memorable role in the much-loved Doctor Who spin-off series The Sarah Jane Adventures.

The show was devised by writer Russell T Davies (then Who showrunner) and featured Doctor Who companion actress Elisabeth Sladen as the titular adventuress. Sarah Jane Smith made her Doctor Who debut in 1973, travelling with Jon Pertwee's Third Doctor and Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor before leaving in 1976.


© BBC

Such was the character's popularity, Sarah Jane returned for the very first spin off K9 & Company in 1981, two years later in 'The Five Doctors', and then again beside David Tennant's Tenth Doctor in the 2006 episode 'School Reunion'.

The Sarah Jane Adventures began the following year on CBBC, with Bradley appearing in the series 2 tale, 'The Day of the Clown', written by Phil Ford (who would go on to pen stories for Doctor Who).


© BBC

'The Day of the Clown' saw children in Ealing, London going missing, with the culprit being a man calling himself Elijah Spellman – enter Bradley Walsh.

But his robotic clowns gave away the fact that this guy was an alien.

Sarah Jane and her young chums soon discovered that Spellman was, in fact, an "energy entity" from the Jeggorabax Cluster. Feeding on fear, this particular one lured the children of Hamelin away from their parents after it crashed into Earth in the 13th Century, and was hence known as the Pied Piper.

We never knew Bradley had such a dark past. Here's hoping Graham is a friendlier proposition than Eljiah...

[Alan]

Doctor Who series 11: Everything you need to know about new companion Tosin Cole
He was in Star Wars too, you know...
By Cameron K McEwan
23 October 2017

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/doctor-...r-wars-movies/

© Getty Images Maarten de Boer


As announced late last night, Jodie Whittaker's 13th Doctor is to be joined by three new regulars in Doctor Who series 11, including former Hollyoaks star Tosin Cole.

Tosin will play Ryan during the 10-week run in Autumn 2018, kicking off with a 60-minute episode for the opening launch – introducing the new Team TARDIS of Whittaker, Cole, Bradley Walsh and Mandip Gill.

© BBC Chris Chibnall

Chris Chibnall, the new Doctor Who showrunner, says: "The new Doctor is going to need new friends," whilst he describes Tosin as one of Britain's "brightest talents".

The actor himself commented: "I'm grateful and excited to be a part of this journey with the team. I'm looking forward to jumping in this Doctor Who universe."

But what do you need to know about this up-and-coming actor?

1. He's a (slightly) older companion
Tosin was born on July 23, 1992 – that makes him 25. Though he'll be 26 when series 11 airs. Practically middle-aged compared to some Doctor Who companions!

2. He got his break in a web series
Tosin's first television role came in the 2010 BBC Two teen drama The Cut. It debuted online as 5-min episodes, and can be seen in the US on Hulu.

3. He played a major role in an EastEnders spin-off
Cole's second television role was a regular part in the EastEnders spin-off E20 in 2010 and 2011. This was another show which debuted online and also on the BBC Red Button.


© BBC

4. You might recognise him from Hollyoaks
Cole featured in over 80 episodes of Hollyoaks as Neil Cooper (and also Hollyoaks Later). Neil came to a grisly end in 2012 when he was left to die in a mini-bus explosion.

5. He's been in Star Wars too
Cole popped up in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as X-Wing resistance pilot Lieutenant Bastian – also known as 'Red Four'.

6. He's experienced in time-travel
In 2015, Tosin starred in an episode of BBC Two's historical romp Versailles, playing Kobina in series 1, episode 3, 'Mirror for Princes'.

7. He's got previous with some Doctor Who veterans
Tosin starred in a short film, Shelter, with Jessica Hynes, and directed by Reggie Yates. Whovians will know that Hynes has played two different characters in the show (Joan Redfern in 'Human Nature/The Family of Blood' and Verity Newman in 'The End of Time'), while Yates played Leo, the little-seen brother of Martha Jones.
Shelter is currently available to watch on the BBC iPlayer.


8. He's a Man Utd fan
Followers of his Twitter and Instagram accounts will know Cole is a Manchester United fan. He also loves (and plays) basketball.

9. You can check out his past work on Netflix
Earlier this year, Tosin starred in the Netflix film Burning Sands, which received its world premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.

[Alan]

Doctor Who series 11: Everything you need to know about new companion Mandip Gill
She died a dramatic death in Hollyoaks...
By Cameron K McEwan
23 October 2017

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/doctor-...-age-casualty/

© Getty Images Mark Cuthbert

Doctor Who fans across the world have been celebrating the news that the 13th Doctor, as played by Jodie Whittaker, will be joined by three new companions, including ex-Hollyoaks star Mandip Gill.

She will play Yasmin during series 11's ten-week run in Autumn 2018, kicking off with a 60-minute episode for the opening launch introducing the new Team TARDIS of Whittaker, Gill, Bradley Walsh, and Tosin Cole.

Mandip said: "I am over the moon to be joining the Doctor Who family. This is an iconic show with an amazing fanbase and I look forward to everything that brings."


© BBC Chris Chibnall

But what do you need to know about this up and coming actress?

1. Team TARDIS' combined age is almost 150
Like her co-star and Who newcomer Tosin Cole, Gill is on the older side for a companion. Born on January 5, 1988, the actress is 29 (and will be 30 when Doctor Who series 11 airs next year).

2. Her big break was Hollyoaks
Gill's debut television role was Phoebe McQueen in Channel 4's Hollyoaks. Her first appearance was in 2012 but, and again like her new Who co-star Cole, her character was killed off – first she was shot, then went into a coma, only to return from it to be poisoned by potassium chloride in her medical drip.
Poor thing.


© Lime Pictures

3. She thought her Doctor Who role was "unattainable"
Gill told the BBC that certain roles, like Doctor Who companion, seem "unattainable," adding, "so much so I didn't believe it to be true for the first few weeks."

4. You can catch her soon on BBC One
Mandip will be seen very soon as junior registrar Talia in BBC One's Love, Lies and Records from the brilliant Kay Mellor (The Syndicate, In The Club).

The series also features Extras' Ashley Jensen and The Thick Of It's Rebecca Front.

© BBC

[Above: Mandip in BBC One's Doctors]

5. Her fellow new companion is an "old friend"
Tosin Cole, who plays new companion Ryan, is described by Mandip as an "old friend". The two both starred in Hollyoaks, with their time on the show overlapping for just under a year.

6. She's a familiar face on primetime TV
Fans of The Good Karma Hospital and Casualty will recognise Gill, as will viewers of daytime show Doctors, where she made regular appearances as Shazia Amin in 2016.

7. Mandip LOVES telly...
And she loves tweeting about it too! Gill's current favourite shows include ABC and Netflix's How To Get Away With Murder, ITV's Liar, and BBC Three comedies People Just Do Nothing and Fleabag.
An eclectic mix!

8. ... and the odd binge-watch!

9. She's a fan of X Factor's Grace Davies

10. She'll soon appear in a movie with Game of Thrones stars
2018 will see the release of The Flood in cinemas starring Gill alongside Game of Thrones regulars Lena Headey and Iain Glen, and The Missing's Arsher Ali.

11. HAIR!
Mandip shows off some sensational hair pics on Twitter and Instagram.

[Alan]

Doctor Who series 11 lands its first director as work gets under way on Jodie Whittaker's debut
Pre-production started this week.
By Ian Sandwell
27 October 2017

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/doctor-...-jamie-childs/


© BBC


Jodie Whittaker's first series of Doctor Who is getting under way, and it has landed its first director.

As spotted by a few eagle-eyed Doctor Who fans on Twitter, Jamie Childs' credits on his agency Independent Talent Group have been updated to include Doctor Who series 11, showing that he'll be working on an episode or episodes in the opening block.

It makes sense really, given that he was the one who directed Whittaker's reveal as the 13th Doctor that we've all seen countless times. Childs has also directed the likes of Poldark, ITV's Vera and Stan Lee's Lucky Man.

Pre-production on series 11 got going this week with new showrunner Chris Chibnall being joined by Broadchurch producer Sam Hoyle, who will executive produce alongside Matt Stevens.

We also now know who Whittaker's Doctor will be joined by in the TARDIS thanks to a photo on the official Doctor Who Twitter feed on Sunday night (October 22).


© BBC Chris Chibnall

The Chase's Bradley Walsh is a regular cast member, alongside Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill who have both been in Hollyoaks. "They're three of Britain's brightest talents and we can't wait to see them dive into brand new adventures with Jodie's Doctor," enthused Chibnall.

Doctor Who series 11 will premiere in Autumn 2018 on BBC One.

This year's festive special 'Twice Upon a Time', starring Peter Capaldi in his final appearance as the 12th Doctor, David Bradley as the First Doctor and introducing Whittaker as the 13th Doctor, airs during Christmas 2017's schedule.

[Alan]

Doctor Who’s David Bradley salutes “brilliant, fun” new Doctor Jodie Whittaker
The Game of Thrones and Harry Potter star, who plays William Hartnell’s First Doctor in the upcoming Christmas special, says he was “happily surprised” when his former Broadchurch co-star was unveiled as the new Time Lord

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-...die-whittaker/



By Huw Fullerton
Saturday, 28th October 2017 at 2:17 pm

This December’s Doctor Who Christmas Special is set to be just that – special – with all sorts of massive landmark moments set to turn up in Twice Upon a Time.

Featuring the return of Pearl Mackie’s companion Bill Potts, the return of the very first incarnation of time-travelling alien the Doctor (originally played by William Hartnell), star Peter Capaldi’s exit from the series AND sneaky cameos from writers of the series, the episode will also serve as the introduction to Jodie Whittaker’s new Thirteenth Doctor, one of the most significant TV moments this year and something eagerly awaited by fans the world over.

And as it turns out, one of the stars of the episode is just as excited for Whittaker’s debut as any rabid Whovian…

“As soon as I heard she was doing it I was really very surprised,” David Bradley, who plays Hartnell’s First Doctor in the special (alongside Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth incarnation) told press at MCM Comic- con London of his former Broadchurch co-star’s new success.

“But happily surprised, because I know that she’s got this great depth as an actress, anyone who saw Broadchurch saw the range that she had.

“And not only that, just hanging out with her you realise what fun she is, and she’s always up for a laugh. So she’s got everything needed for playing the part. I think she’ll be absolutely brilliant. So I was very excited when I saw she was doing it.”


Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who (BBC)

And later, at a panel where he answered questions from fans, Bradley was even more effusive about his fellow Time Lord, citing Whittaker’s “wicked” sense of humour and acting ability as reasons she’ll make a great Doctor.

“To me it seemed like a natural progression,” Bradley told the crowd.

“I’m glad they’ve chosen Jodie, because not only is she a brilliant actress with all sorts of emotional resources at her command, but also because she’s great fun offscreen and on.

“She’s got a wicked sense of humour, and I think it’s a perfect combo to play the Doctor. Because it requires someone with great range, which she’s got.”

Sadly, though, Bradley admitted he hadn’t had the chance to see Whittaker’s new Doctor in action just yet despite co-starring in an episode with her– though he was still very excited to see the latest addition to the long-running sci-fi series.

“Our paths didn’t cross,” he explained.

“Unfortunately when we finished filming the Christmas Special, I don’t think it’d been quite announced then.

“They filmed her separately to appear at the end of our episode. So I’m looking forward to seeing that.”

You and us both, David. You and us both.

Doctor Who will return to BBC1 this Christmas