Doctor Who spoiler of the day Thread

[jimmyolsenblues]

Found this today. please don't shoot me for posting it.



A couple rumors [possible spoilers(?)] on the upcoming psuedo-season of Doctor Who movies, kicking off with the annual Christmas special. Details after the jump…
These came in an email, with an address that lends some credibility…but I have no idea how legit they actually are. Haven’t seen these anywhere else, yet, so posting some of the highlights. First one sounds really interesting.
- The Doctor will have a heroic Cyberman as one of his companions.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm2/plexd11/cyber-companion.gif
- One of the movies will take place almost entirely inside the Tardis, finally giving the audience a sense of its scope and scale.
- The Time War isn’t done with yet…
Thanks for the email, sir! I’m definitely down for the Cyberman companion…which reminds me, here’s a Hasbro Iron Man variant I really want:
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm2/plexd11/cyberleaderironman.jpg
no idea what its actual name is, but to me, it’ll always be Cyberman Iron Man.

[Randy G.]

Sounds interesting.
Yeah, that prototype Iron Man looks awesome.
I think I actually like toys more now, than I did when I was a kid.
They're much cooler now. :lol:

Have you seen all of the freakin' cool Doctor Who/Torchwood action figures, sets, & accessories? God, I wish I had the money to spend on this stuff. :p

[jimmyolsenblues]

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1036567/500-000-Mr-Spielberg-Sorry-Ive-got-date-Beeb-says-new-Dr-Who-writer.html

<script type="text/javascript">DM.has("lightBox");</script> £500,000 Mr Spielberg? Sorry, I've got a date with the Beeb, says the new Dr Who writer

The new man in charge of Doctor Who turned down a £500,000 movie deal with Steven Spielberg so he could take the job.
Bafta-winning scriptwriter Steven Moffat has quit a two-picture deal with the director and Lord Of The Rings film-maker Peter Jackson to fulfil a 'childhood dream' of working on the BBC sci-fi drama.
Moffat, who created hit BBC comedy series Coupling, had signed a £1million contract to write the first two scripts for Tintin, a £150million Spielberg trilogy based on the comic-strip hero.

Enlarge http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/07/19/article-0-0202B82100000578-708_468x541.jpg (http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/07/19/article-0-0202B82100000578-708_468x541_popup.jpg) David Tennant as the Doctor and Alex Kingston as Prof. River Song in Moffat's most recent episode
But instead the Scottish writer will take over as the creative force of Doctor Who after Welsh writer Russell T. Davies, who revived the series in 2005, decided to step down.
While some Hollywood movie executives are baffled by Moffat's decision, he was given a sympathetic hearing by Spielberg, who is a fan of the long-running drama currently starring David Tennant.
Moffat said: 'I know a lot of people won't understand it but I've been dreaming about writing for Doctor Who since I was seven.
'There are no bad feelings between Spielberg and me, but Doctor Who has to come before Hollywood.
'The show has enjoyed a renaissance. I am working on scripts to be filmed next year. Russell T. Davies is doing four specials next and then my shows will begin. The show is all-consuming.'
One Hollywood insider said: 'No one walks away from Spielberg and all that money for a show no one has heard of. I mean, what is this doctor show about? It sounds a little silly.'
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/07/19/article-0-0202B81A00000578-877_233x423.jpg Who's boss: Bafta winner Steven Moffat

In fact, the programme has an estimated global audience of 250million thanks to overseas sales.
Among the best-received episodes this year was a two-parter written by Moffat and featuring Alex Kingston in a guest star role.
Moffat told The Mail on Sunday: 'I was under contract to do the first two of the three Tintin films. I completed the first one and then the Hollywood writers' strike happened and I couldn't work.
'I was offered the Doctor Who job and accepted immediately. I hope you won't make what happened sound too dramatic.
'I talked to Steven and he understood completely.
'I could not work on the second Tintin film and work on Doctor Who. So I chose Doctor Who.
'Steven is a fan and he understood my passion for the series completely.'
Asked to confirm that he had walked away from £500,000, he said: 'I honestly couldn't tell you the financial implications. That is all handled by my agent. I know I've made a good decision.'
Some experts estimate his pay packet for Doctor Who could be 'not more than £150,000' a year.
Tintin, about a boy reporter, his faithful dog Snowy and their friend Captain Haddock, is Spielberg's pet project. He is due to start filming in September, sharing directing duties with Peter Jackson.

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[newbaggy]

Steven Moffat has already issued a "clarification" of the above story. In fact, he had been offered the Doctor Who job back in July 2007, when he had just started the screenplay for "Tintin 1". The plan at that stage was that he would complete both Tintin screenplays before moving on to Doctor Who. The delay caused by the writers' strike meant that he would not have time to complete work on "Tintin 2" before he took over as Doctor Who "showrunner", so he asked to be released from the second part of his Tintin contract. Spielberg isn't a Doctor Who fan (though Peter Jackson is), but he is aware of the series, and fully understood Moffat's reasons for wanting to be allowed to take up his new post rather than do the second movie.

So, slightly less dramatic than The Mail on Sunday would have everyone believe.

[Randy G.]

The papers do always tend to manufacture that "drama" vibe don't they? :lol:
Twisting a story and selling their papers seems to be bottom line.

Either way, kudos to Moffat for following his dream, & coming on board Doctor Who full-time. I sense great things to come. :p

[jimmyolsenblues]

http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/07/bbc-bringing-wh.html

The Doctor will land at San Diego's Comic-Con for the first time as BBC America sets up its first ever booth on the convention floor.
The Beeb is bringing along the successful Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood, and the new time-travel, man vs. monster sci-fi series, Primeval. (Look for interviews and a review of Primeval next week here on the Underwire.)
Doctor Who will kick off the San Diego festivities with a panel featuring the BAFTA winning executive producer and lead writer Steven Moffat and executive producer Julie Gardner. A Torchwood panel follows with actors John Barrowman, Gareth David-Lloyd and Naoko Mori.
Primeval comes to the stage Friday, July 27 with actors Douglas Henshall, Juliet Aubrey and Karl Theobald.
As a bonus, the Spaced national tour (http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/07/spaced-set-to-i.html) wraps up at Comic-Con with BBC America bringing in Simon Pegg, Jessica Hynes and director Edgar Wright to promote the show's new DVD set.
BBC America also set up an online preview (http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/07/www.bbcamerica.com/comiccon) of its convention events, featuring show profiles and interviews.
Of all the British shows, Doctor Who will have the strongest overall presence on the convention floor with new Character Group action figures on hand (above) along with Underground Toys, IDW Publishing, Inkworks and Weta Limited all bringing new Who items to the show.
As a tie-in note, BBC America made modern Who episodes available via iTunes for the first time.
Here is the official BBC schedule for Comic-Con:

Thursday, July 24

10:00-11:00am Doctor Who: Executive Producer and lead writer Steven Moffat signing at the BBC AMERICA booth (#3629).

12:00-1:00pm Doctor Who: Executive Producer and lead writer Steven Moffat (Doctor Who) and Executive Producer Julie Gardner (Torchwood) discuss their creative process and experience on working on the BBC’s Doctor Who - Britain’s most successful sci-fi franchise - with exclusive clips and a Q&A session. Ballroom 20

1:00-2:00pm Torchwood: Join Executive Producer Julie Gardner (Torchwood), actors John Barrowman, Gareth David-Lloyd and Naoko Mori to discuss their creative process and experience on working on BBC AMERICA’s highest rated show ever – Torchwood – followed by a Q&A session. Ballroom 20

2:00-3:00pm Doctor Who/Torchwood: Executive Producer and lead writer Steven Moffat, Executive Producer Julie Gardner and Actor Naoko Mori official Comic-Con signing. Autograph Area 2.

4:00-5:00pm Torchwood: Actor Naoko Mori signing at the BBC AMERICA booth (#3629).

Friday, July 25

12:30-1:15pm Spaced: Join Actor/Creator Jessica Hynes (Shaun of the Dead), Actor/Creator Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead) and Director Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz) as they recall the clever and edgy comedy series that started it all for the award-winning team behind Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz followed by a Q&A session. Room 6A

1:15-3:00pm Spaced: Actor/Creator Jessica Hynes, Actor/Creator Simon Pegg and Director Edgar Wright official Comic-Con signing. Autograph Area 6.

1:15-2:00pm Primeval: Join Actor Douglas Henshall to hear firsthand about his leading role in BBC AMERICA’s all-new U.S. premiere sci-fi series along with Actors Juliet Aubrey and Karl Theobald. When evolutionary zoologist Nick Cutter (Henshall) discovers prehistoric creatures alive and well in the present day, the natural world is turned on its head and humanity faces a threat to its very existence. Followed by a Q&A session. Room 6A

2:00-3:00pm Primeval: Actors Douglas Henshall, Juliet Aubrey and Karl Theobald official Comic-Con signing. Autograph Area 3.

10:15-11.45pm Spaced: To close the day, Simon, Jessica and Edgar are asking fans to pick three episodes for a special Comic-Con screening event in Room 6A.
Image courtesy The Character Group

[jimmyolsenblues]

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http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/07/ready-for-comic.html

http://blog.wired.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2008/07/24/04_2.jpg
With the first major Comic-Con Doctor Who panel just hours away, we offer a quick update on all things Who news -- some of which is sure to come up as show-runner Steven Moffat takes the stage.
Doctor Who is officially on hiatus for the next year -- with only four specials tying fans over to 2010. There's still no word from David Tennant as to whether the actor will return to the lead role come the next full season after those specials. Negotiations continue with multiple reports (http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/07/regenerating-do.html) citing offers north of £1.5 million ($3 million) on the table for Tennant.
Moffat himself turned down some extra walkin' around money and prestige when he walked away from a job offer (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1036567/500-000-Mr-Spielberg-Sorry-Ive-got-date-Beeb-says-new-Dr-Who-writer.html) with Steven Spielberg. Moffat had a two-picture deal with Spielberg and Peter Jackson to write the first two parts of a trilogy based on the comic strip hero, Tintin. But, though Moffat finished the first script, the Hollywood writers strike stopped him from writing the second. Now that he has his dream job on Doctor Who, he politely and respectfully told Spielberg and Jackson to pound sand.
Meanwhile, the old, disused BBC studios where the original series was shot from the 60s into the 80s are looking to receive special historic preservation status with English Heritage, the U.K.'s "statutory adviser on the historic environment." Why is Who getting such respect from the BBC these days? It could be argued that the show has never been more popular than it is right now. Official figures from the Broadcasters Audience Research Board reported that this past season's climactic episode (Journey's End) was the U.K.'s most watched television program of the week with 10.57 million viewers.
That's the only time in the series' 45-year history that happened. And those kind of numbers help to explain how the BBC pulled in a £118 million profit (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2273329/Doctor-Who-and-Jeremy-Clarkson-help-BBC-Worldwide-to-andpound118million-profit.html) over the last year. So there's a reason the Brit press calls Doctor Who the BBC's crown jewel.
With popularity that will only blend with anticipation during the hiatus, and with the clout of a man who turned down Spielberg, what can Doctor Who accomplish over the next couple of years? More viewership numbers beyond 10 million? Increased presence and popularity in the United States? A feature film? Comic-Con visitors might want to ask Moffat when they see him Thursday.
Image courtesy BBC

[TMLS]

O/T, but good to see Primeval being pushed. I was in Spain on business the start of this week, and was pleasantly surprised to see it was being shown on there Mondays at 9pm, which I'd consider prime-time - and a better slot than it gets here! It was the last episode of S2 too, so they're not that far behind.

[jimmyolsenblues]

Exclusive Interview With Doctor Who's Steven Moffat (http://io9.com/5028464/exclusive-interview-with-doctor-whos-steven-moffat)

<!-- google_ad_section_start --> http://io9.com/assets/images/io9/2008/07/s4_00_wal_11-1.jpgSteven Moffat (http://io9.com/tag/steven-moffat/) has written most of the best episodes of the re-launched version of Doctor Who (http://io9.com/tag/doctor-who/), the BBC's action-adventure show about a time-traveling alien. And he's taking over as show-runner in 2010. We were lucky enough to get a one-on-one interview with Moffat about his vision for the show. And Moffat settled your most hotly debated question about the show — and that was just in the first thirty seconds. After that, things got really interesting. (And there's one spoiler for the end of season four.)
http://io9.com/assets/images/io9/2008/07/s4_00_wal_03.jpg
We've been debating on our site endlessly: Is Doctor Who a kids' program?
Yes. Debate over. It's good to fix those things quickly.
Even though it has a huge adult following? It's not aimed at both?
It's aimed at kids and adults. And why should anyone care about this? If you watch it, then it's for you. It shouldn't matter. I mean the specific thing about it being a children's program, is that it follows the imperatives and narrative rules and the joy of children's fiction. If you watch Doctor Who at 9 pm at night [as you do in the United States] it's going to seem a bit odd. It's energetic. The Doctor walks straight out of the TARDIS and into trouble, and you accept it. The Master becomes Prime Minister of Britain, and you accept it. It's got all the brio and vigor of Harry Potter, Narnia and Star Wars. That doesn't mean it doesn't appeal to adults. Star Wars, the most successful film franchise ever, is explicitly for children, but adults love it. Doctor Who is my favorite thing in the world. If you're in Britain, we'll show you the sticker books [and] the lunchboxes. In the schoolyard on Monday, they're all talking about Doctor Who. That doesn't mean it's childish. It's very sophisticated.
http://io9.com/assets/images/io9/2008/07/s4_00_wal_05.jpg
And of course England has a tradition of children's literature that's quite nasty, like Roald Dahl.
It's naughty... It's all fear. death and screaming women. It's innocent people being melted in the first 5 minutes of every episode. Why should there be a debate? If they watch it, it's their program. We're very happy they watch it every single one of them would enjoy it more if they watched it with an eight-year-old. You really see it then... Literally, the whole family sits down to watch Doctor Who: mum and dad, granddad, the two kids... Mum's fancying David Tennant (http://io9.com/tag/david-tennant/), dad's thinking the spaceships are really cool, the granddad is saying it was better when it was William Hartnell.... and they're all thinking it's aimed at them.
[B]Have you seen Wall-E?
I haven't seen Wall-E. It looks fantastic.
I was really blown away by it. It's a kid's movie, but it deals with some incredibly weighty issues.
The misconception about children's ficition is that it's lightweight or fluffy. It's about really big and important things. It's adults who like light and fluffy. Everything is big and imprtant to a child, [so] their stories are about big and important events.
When the show re-launched, original showrunner Russell T. Davies talked about being influenced by Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Is the show still being influenced by Buffy?
I think when you start on a show like that... You are looking around [for things to compare it to]. Where does it sit now? What is like this now? What can I give as an example of this? Buffy is a good example: it's young-skewed, adventurous, funny and irreverent. But the moment you start making the show, you stop thinking of Buffy [and] you start thinking of Doctor Who. Doctor Who is a huge, fantastic, important show now.
So are there any shows happening now that you're more influenced by?
[You watch things, and inevitably you're influenced by things you like.] A show like Doctor Who has always been eclectic and kleptomaniac. You start grabbing bits of shows. Doctor Who switches shows all the time. You want to do a bank robbery episode of Doctor Who? You can do a bank robbery episode of Doctor Who.
http://io9.com/assets/images/io9/2008/07/s4_00_wal_19.jpg
So are we going to get something off the wall, like a bank robbery episode, in season five?
I won't say much about series five. It's two years off. Even giving tantalizing hints, those things will become so old. [People would be analyzing and debating them to death.] In two years [when] series five comes out, I want it to be the freshest thing in the world.
I won't ask for series five spoilers then. Except, any chance we'll be seeing River Song again?
The Doctor will certainly see her, and we know he will some day. But as to whether we will? (Shrugs)
So speaking of River Song, one of the most intriguing things in your recent two-parter was all the mentions of the future super-Doctor, who can open the TARDIS by snapping his fingers. Is that a sign of things to come?
If you've got a bluetooth key for your car, you can practically do that anyway. Having the Doctor be able to open his door is not a big deal. You've seen him change his face. What's really important to Doctor Who — I was discussing this with Russell the other day — is that he's got the biggest gob in the universe, and [he can talk people into anything]. Underneath it all, he's a bloke. He 's a man. He's just a man with a time machine who is brilliant at convincing people of things... and it's a great bluff. When [River Song] whispers his name in his ear, he freaks, and you see him collapse back into himself, and being just a bloke. David Tennant does a brilliant job. David shows him [building back up] and shouldering the burden of being the Doctor again. He's the man who never gives up, and that's his super-power.
http://io9.com/assets/images/io9/2008/07/s4_12_wal_18.jpg
[B]But there are hints in other episodes of the Doctor being sort of a god. And in the end of that Paul Cornell two-parter last year, we see him inflicting these godlike super-punishments on people, freezing them or trapping them in mirrors.
You see a very collapsed version of those events. He does things. He's not magic... It would be a very boring legend if you discovered that, at the center of it, it's actually a legend. You want it to be a legend about a man. It becomes dramatically interesting, because he is a man. I'm surprised people are worried about that. There's a lot, in the rest of the series, where we play a very human Doctor. He's prone to jealousies, he's prone to falling in love, his heart can be broken. And he's thinking, "How can i keep doing this?"
Speaking of Paul Cornell, he wrote a Doctor Who internet audio starring Richard E. Grant called "Scream Of The Shalka," where we see a Doctor who's much more weary and self-loathing. Will we ever see that side of the Doctor on television?
I shouldn't think that. I don't think that's something that we could sell to a mainstream audience, a Doctor who loathes himself. A bitter, sad Doctor. You're not going to get the audience for that. You want to think, this man is having the best life ever. This is not a piece of art-house cinema. You get glimpses of the great sadness and the loneliness, that's just the occasional colour. [Even in the "Shalka" storyline, it was just an arc within that story.] Most of the time he's going to be running and running.
http://io9.com/assets/images/io9/2008/07/o_TIME_CRASH.JPG
You're obviously influenced by the Peter Davison era, and you wrote "Time Crash," where he met David Tennant's Doctor. How does that inform your approach to a more human Doctor?
I really enjoyed Peter's Doctor. I said sometimes, he's underrated as the Doctor — although not after "Time Crash," that's for sure. I think he's a brilliant Doctor... He paved the way for the younger, more reckless Doctors... He is the [first] modern Doctor... , he was always the father figure, and suddenly the Doctor became your reckless mate... The Doctor always doesn't know what he's doing, he just hopes he can get away with it.
[B]So for now we're seeing a human side of the Doctor, but are we eventually going to see him turning into the super-Doctor River Song describes? Maybe in series ten?
He's an incredible man, and we want him to do things that seem like magic. How must it have seemed to the court of Versailles, when he crashed through the mirror on a horse? How must it have looked to them? [Whereas] we know there was a horse on the spaceship, and there was a portal, and it was a trick.
[B]Your episodes of Doctor Who are among the scariest, and you also worked on the fantastic [I]Jekyll. What are your horror influences?
I'll be honest. The horror influence on me is Doctor Who. I haven't watched a lot of scary movies. I watched The Ring, that's bloody terrifying. Gareth Roberts, who wrote "The Unicorn And The Wasp," has a theory: You write Doctor Who as you remember it. He remembers it as funny and clever, so he writes that kind of Doctor Who. I remember it as being scary.
In the Batman comics, the idea that Batman creates his own villains used to be a subversive undercurrent, but recently it's become more like the official story. Similarly, there's the idea that the Doctor creates more problems than he solves, and he's a destructive force. This comes up in the most recent season finale, with Davros saying the Doctor dare not look back at the damage he's caused. Is this view of the Doctor becoming more prevalent?
I would hate that to be true. I think that's Davros winding him up. I want to think the universe is held in balance by this one good man. I think he does more than that, he inspires people to great acts of heroes of heroism. That's what Davros sees, becuase he's a mean-spirirted old twat, but the Doctor is more special and lovely than that.
http://io9.com/assets/images/io9/2008/07/s4_12_wal_09.jpg
One of the great innovations of the Russell T. Davies era was the idea of the companion being connected to her home and family, and keeping the family as a supporting cast. How do you keep that fresh with a succession of new companions?
You change everything, all the time. Even that element of the show has changed radically over the past four years... You don't worry about doing things radically, in an a new way... [You] do what tells the story... It was very important that Rose, Jackie and Mickey were clear, developed characters. [When the show started] the Doctor was a ridiculous guide. [Audiences didn't] understand who he is and what he's supposed to be. But [now] it's very different, because the Doctor is the most familiar character in the show. [Originally] we knew Rose much better than the Doctor, and now we know the Doctor better than we know Rose. And now we see Rose from the Doctor's point of view, instead of seeing the Doctor from Rose's point of view. You have to stay alive and stay lively, and Doctor Who is about change. Change is part of Doctor Who's formula. It must change.

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Doctor Who signing ban at Hamlet
<!--Smvb--> <table> <tbody><tr> <td valign="bottom"> <!--Smvb--> <!--Emvb--> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<!--Emvb--> Doctor Who and Star Trek fans have been banned from having sci-fi merchandise signed by David Tennant and Patrick Stewart while they star in Hamlet.
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) says only programmes and other Hamlet merchandise can be autographed at the stage door.
Tennant and Stewart are starring in the RSC production at the Courtyard Theatre, in Stratford.
The first preview begins later, and the play opens on 5 August.
Hamlet director, Gregory Doran, recently said fans arrive at the stage door with "bags" of Doctor Who merchandise for Tennant to autograph.
Disappointment
In a statement, the RSC said the level of interest in Tennant and Stewart meant "limits" had to be imposed.


"Due to the huge amount of interest in the RSC's current production of Hamlet, only Royal Shakespeare Company or production related memorabilia will be signed by members of the company," the RSC said. "It is very flattering that there is so much interest in this production, but the sheer volume of requests means that we need to set some limits which will be as fair as possible for everyone.
"We apologise if this causes any disappointment."
Signs outlining the no autographs policy have reportedly been erected in the window at the stage door.
Tennant's performance in Hamlet has been hotly anticipated, with tickets exchanging hands on the internet auction site eBay for up to £215 each.
<!--SvideoInStoryC--> <!--Semp--> <!--Swarning-->
<!--Ewarning--> <!--Eemp-->
David Tennant talked to Andrew Marr in June about his new role as Hamlet <!--EvideoInStoryC-->
The 37-year-old Scottish actor, who takes on the lead role of Hamlet, has played the Time Lord in Doctor Who since 2006.
His previous RSC credits include Antipholus of Syracuse in The Comedy of Errors.
Stewart is best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek, but has a string of critically acclaimed stage performances to his name.
He plays two roles in the RSC production of Hamlet - Claudius and the Ghost.

[jimmyolsenblues]

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http://io9.com/5029022/first-glimpse-of-doctor-whos-christmas-villain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBUTt9BQtmk&eurl=http://io9.com/5029022/first-glimpse-of-doctor-whos-christmas-villain

Other exciting revelations at the Doctor Who and Torchwood panels:
Moffat says his famous catch phrase "wibbly wobbly timey whimey" isn't a "get-out clause," because the time travel and manipulation still has to make sense in the story.
There were very vague hints about Neil Gaiman writing for Moffat's Who. At his reading, Gaiman said it would be okay to mention to Moffat that it would be nice. And Moffat agreed that it would be nice.
People kept asking John Barrowman if he'd read the end of the script for the season three finale, where it's revealed Captain Jack is the Face of Boe, and he hadn't read it yet. Finally, he did read it, and screamed and freaked out with glee.
Moffat said you have to give the Doctor credit for "dumping a sligthly clingy girlfriend" by sticking her with a clone.
Gardner and Moffat disagreed about whether to bring back Donna's kids at the end of "The Forest Of The Dead." Moffat didn't want to kill off kids in a kids' show, and Gardner thought it was a mistake to bring them back as River Song's kids at the end, because it would be confusing. But now Moffat's changed his mind and thinks it "was a loss of clarity and it makes no sense." Now, when he watches the episode he can't stand watching it after the moment where the TARDIS door closes. But Gardner has changed her mind too, and thinks it makes sense to keep the kids around.
It's deliberately vague as to whether River Song recognizes the "essence of the Doctor" or specifically the David Tennant Doctor. But in Moffat's mind, she's met the Tennant Doctor before, and that's not the only Doctor she's met.
Moffat thinks the "stunt value" of two Doctors meeting only lasts about eight minutes, and any plot just gets in the way of the wish fulfillment of seeing them chatting. He wouldn't do a longer story involving two Doctors, unless he had a way to get some energy from the fact that the same adventure was happening to this man at two different times in his life.
Asked about bringing back random old characters from the classic show, Moffat said it's most important to tailor the show for the new eight-year-old viewers. "We're not in the business of doing nostalgia, we're makking nostalgia for the future."
Also, asked whether his Who would be too frightening, he responded: "If your concern is that with me taking over Doctor Who, it's going to be really really frightening every week, then tough." (But Moffat also told (http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=1&id=58032) Sci Fi Wire that we shouldn't expect all of his episodes to be the same as "Blink," because he'll have to vary his style more when he's overseeing a whole season.)
The Doctor's daughter didn't die, as originally planned, because Moffat made an off-hand comment to Russell T. Davies that introducing the character and killing her in the same episode would be "what Star Trek would do."
BBC America officially announced that it's picking up the third season of Torchwood to air in the U.S. And the new Torchwood season starts shooting soon. Davies is working on scripts for it right now. <!-- google_ad_section_end -->

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http://io9.com/assets/images/io9/2008/07/christmasspecial2008filming4.jpg

[jimmyolsenblues]

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found this today

http://blogtorwho.blogspot.com/search/label/2008%20Christmas%20Special

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2473376/Doctor-Who-to-be-challenged-by-new-Cyberman-enemy.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00783/who-cyberman-460_783235c.jpg

Cybershade - who will appear in the Christmas Special this year - has been described by insiders on the long-running science fiction television show as "Cyberman gone bad".The insider added: "Like we did with the Daleks, we taken the original robot and made it a bit more sinister. They Cybershade is a mutant with some of the looks of the Cybermen - but it is a much darker creation.
"Fans always want something new. Just wheeling out Cybermen again would be tame."
Doctor Who has fought a long and often exhausting battle against Cybermen during his career on the world's most enduring television science fiction show.
They first appeared in 1966 as a fictional race of cyborgs. They were an organic species of humanoids from the planet Mondas. They began to implant more artificial parts into their bodies.
The evolution of the programme's villains has been a feature of the programme, which was first broadcast in 1963. For example, the most famous baddie the Dalek was often mocked for its inability to climb stairs. But in recent episodes Daleks have been seen hovering and flying using an energy thruster. They have even found the ability to fly through space.
Stephen Moffat, the Doctor Who writer, has promised several new villains in the Christmas Special.
"We're not in the business of being nostalgic. We're making nostalgia for the future," he said

[jimmyolsenblues]

================================================== =================
found this today....i don't claim it to be true, but you might enjoy reading it.......
================================================== ====
RUMOUR ROUND~UP (http://blogtorwho.blogspot.com/2008/07/rumour-roundup.html) <blogitemurl></blogitemurl> (http://blogtorwho.blogspot.com/2008/07/rumour-roundup.html) Here follows a list of info that has been forwarded to BLOGTOR TOWERS regarding the 2009 SPECIALS. The info we've included comes from sources who have been correct (or very nearly) in the past so these tidbits should be considered as SPOILERS. Of course, info/casting can change and the specials aren't being filmed until January so some points may not turn out as stated here.

DATES
• The first special is to be televised in April 2009. Running time is an hour.

• The second special will be broadcast on Christmas Day and, again, will be an hour.

• The other two specials will be 45 minutes each and hit the small screen sometime between Boxing Day and January 1st 2010. To clarify - the fourth '2009 Special' may actually be broadcast in 2010.


CASTING
• CATHERINE TATE and BERNARD CRIBBINS are to return as Donna Noble and Wilf respectively.

• JOHN SIMM is to return reprising his role as THE MASTER.

• BRIAN BLESSED (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000306/) is star in one of the specials. It is not clear if he is reprising the role of Yrcanos.

• GEORGIA MOFFETT is returning as The Doctor's daughter, Jenny.

• THE SEA DEVILS are making a return. They were last seen in the 1984 story WARRIORS OF THE DEEP (http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/classic/episodeguide/warriorsofdeep/).

• PAUL MCGANN has been said to return as The Eight Doctor by some sources though others (all trusted) say this is not the case but they haven't ruled it out either.


And lastly, another CHILDREN IN NEED special? Could be. Set to appear are: PETER DAVISON, SYLVESTER MCCOY and COLIN BAKER. This has not been sourced as thoroughly as the above bits of info so don't get too excited about it.

[Pesk]

:eek: Doctors 5, 6, 7 and 8 returning?

*wets self*

They should convince 4 and 9 to return too.

[jimmyolsenblues]

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/article17008.ece

Emigrate! Emigrate! Dr's US trip

Two of next year’s four specials to be filmed in America


<script src="http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/js/notw.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

By Dan Wootton, 24/08/2008
DOCTOR Who is filming two of next year’s four specials in AMERICA—in a move that will boost David Tennant’s career Stateside.

The shows will be the 37-year-old star’s last, then the Doc will regenerate into another actor.
Viewers will see David arrive in the US to save the world with a BIG-NAME American female assistant.
Series chiefs are also planning a Doctor Who movie—but it is not known who will be the lead.
A BBC source said: “Doctor Who already has a huge following in the States. It’s on the Sci Fi channel and is watched by millions of people there every week.
“But two specials in America, with a US setting and a US assistant, will take it to another level. David Tennant is already gaining a huge following and this will make him really hot property.” The four specials will also be the final episodes for show boss Russell T Davies.
He is handing the reins to producer Stephen Moffat for the next series, in 2010. The insider added: “Russell is determined to go out with a bang and the specials will be explosive.
“We’re spending much more money on them than normal.”
Moffat is working on a Doctor Who film—and would love to get legendary director Steven Spielberg involved.
He said: “It would be great to see it in the cinemas—as long as it doesn’t get in the way of the show.”

[Randy G.]

------> (* wipes drool from keyboard) :p

That IS great news! Thanks Charlie. :cool:

[newbaggy]

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/article17008.ece

Emigrate! Emigrate! Dr's US trip

Two of next year’s four specials to be filmed in America


<script src="http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/js/notw.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

By Dan Wootton, 24/08/2008
DOCTOR Who is filming two of next year’s four specials in AMERICA—in a move that will boost David Tennant’s career Stateside.

The shows will be the 37-year-old star’s last, then the Doc will regenerate into another actor.
Viewers will see David arrive in the US to save the world with a BIG-NAME American female assistant.
Series chiefs are also planning a Doctor Who movie—but it is not known who will be the lead.
A BBC source said: “Doctor Who already has a huge following in the States. It’s on the Sci Fi channel and is watched by millions of people there every week.
“But two specials in America, with a US setting and a US assistant, will take it to another level. David Tennant is already gaining a huge following and this will make him really hot property.” The four specials will also be the final episodes for show boss Russell T Davies.
He is handing the reins to producer Stephen Moffat for the next series, in 2010. The insider added: “Russell is determined to go out with a bang and the specials will be explosive.
“We’re spending much more money on them than normal.”
Moffat is working on a Doctor Who film—and would love to get legendary director Steven Spielberg involved.
He said: “It would be great to see it in the cinemas—as long as it doesn’t get in the way of the show.”

Don't get too excited, it's only in the "News of the Screws", the Sunday stablemate of "The Sun". Neither paper is known for the accuracy of its stories where "Doctor Who" is concerned.

[Randy G.]

Oh..... okay. :lol:

[TMLS]

Don't get too excited, it's only in the "News of the Screws", the Sunday stablemate of "The Sun". Neither paper is known for the accuracy of its stories where "Doctor Who" is concerned.

Oh I dunno, they have got it right on occasion - Billie leaving before S2 had even aired for instance.

But when they get it wrong, they get it VERY wrong - Billie leaving by being destroyed by an exploding planet for instance ;)

(And less said about The Sun's "The Doctor meets his oldest enemy, the Face of Boe" the better ;))

[newbaggy]

Oh I dunno, they have got it right on occasion - Billie leaving before S2 had even aired for instance.

But when they get it wrong, they get it VERY wrong - Billie leaving by being destroyed by an exploding planet for instance ;)

(And less said about The Sun's "The Doctor meets his oldest enemy, the Face of Boe" the better ;))

True, but I suspect that they have taken this story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/entertainment/7579332.stm

and simply distorted what was actually said, added a generous dollop of their own fabrication and then tried to pass it off as an exclusive from a "BBC source".

Note: visit a few British sci-fi and cult TV forums, and every one in a while you will come across someone claiming to be a "BBC insider" with exclusive Doctor Who information - they generally get rumbled by other users as attention-seeking frauds pretty quickly. I'm sure some of these people end up as "sources" for these tabloid stories.

[TMLS]

I *am* a BBC insider. Rani is in The Sarah-Jane Adventures. Bet you £100!

[jimmyolsenblues]

´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´ ´´´´
http://planetgallifrey.blogspot.com/2008/08/series-5.html
Everything I can find out about series 5 and the World of Who being ruled by Mr Moffat!


Showrunner
RTD is leaving after the 2009 Specials, and leaving Moffat to take over for series 5


Writers
There are rough ideas being put together for series 5 "as we speak"
Rumours abound that Neil Gaiman and Rob Shearman may be writing episodes for series 5. When asked what he knew about the rumour Rob Shearman replied "Only that it's news to me!"

Gaiman says on his blog that, hes had dinner with the Moff but "if it ever gets to the point where I know that I'm actually, definitely, for certain, writing an episode of Doctor Who, I'll post it here. In big red letters. Or green. You'll know when it happens, trust me."

SM started writing the first script in July '08 and its been reported that:

SM has a broad overarching plan for the season that he's currently refining.
Hes completed the first episode of the season, it was "the easy part, as I'd written it in my head many times before."
He has had emails from would-be DW writers, including some from "a few quite surprising names".According to an interview wiith Steven Moffat, SM expects to write 5 or 6 episodes. However, given RTD never managed to predict how many he would write, that could easily change.


Plots/Storylines
"THEY'RE BACK"... apparently. We don't yet know what "They" are, though.

SM confirms that there will not be a series of "Blink"-type stories, "You couldn't have a whole series like that... You can't have that as the first episode. It's just too grim. So it's different contemplating it from this position, very, very different."

The series will also continue to embrace a wide range of tones and genres, Moffat said. Rather than adapting the show to his particular writing style, he looks forward to experimenting with different voices to maintain the show's variety. SM also looks forward to "getting to write episodes that I wouldn't normally write, that wouldn't be expected of me."

SM has said he thinks the Doctor works best when solving problems rather than fighting armies, that the Doctor has always been a sexy, flirty character, albeit one who doesn't pursue love interests and that any fans hoping for a reduction in comedy, soapy stuff, gay jokes or the sonic screwdriver will be disappointed (and that he did these more than RTD anyway).


Filming Dates
Piers Wenger (in DWM) said filming for series 5 would start "in Spring" 2009. Rumors suggest that filming will follow it's usual pattern (so probably July 2009) And according to the Sun, filming will commence in "Autumn 2009"


Format & Scheduling
Moffat says he has fourteen episodes of Who to do. Since the special at Christmas 2009 will be an RTD special and Julie mentions a series return with thirteen episodes, the fourteenth episode is perhaps for Christmas 2010?

"the fifth series of the show - due to be shown on BBC1 in spring 2010"


Casting - The Doctor
SM rules out an older Doctor if and when DT steps down "It might kill someone over 60... I think I think he'll always probably tend to be around 40."

As of the moment, its still unconfirmed as to whether DT is staying or leaving after the 2009 Specials.

According to several people on the DWF, DT is returning for series 5 (July 2008) and a report from The Scotsman suggests that Auntie Beeb is ready to flash the cash to persuade DT to stay

RTD refuses to say whether Tennant will return for series 5; RTD says DT has made his decision and the BBC knows what it is. Julie Gardner says she doesn't know

In an interview with Mark Lawson RTD said that he "knows when David is leaving". However he then went on to say that he blatantly lies about the future of Doctor Who... (BBC4)

There is also a rumour that the last special is being filmed with two endings to allow DT maximum time to consider his return. (Note that filming of that special would be about four months before filming of the series).

Rumoured Supporting Cast

Kylie (Astrid) to return? Old rumours from early 2008
Negotiations in train to get back Alex Kingston (River Song) and Georgina Moffett (Jenny) for series 5
Tom Baker (unknown role) - originally reported in Comic Book Resources, and then in the Daily Star
Other rumours
Major rumours about a DW film came out of Edinburgh (23 Aug 08)
"As long as it was great and fantastic than yes, I'm not against the idea. But a film is on for 90 minutes and that is not as important as the series. But as long as it doesn't get in the way of the show we could do it."

(Much thanks to everyone who provided information from the DWF. We are indebted to you!)

[jimmyolsenblues]

============================
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article1659508.ece

<!-- Article Start --> CATHERINE Tate is being lined up for a shock Doctor Who comeback, TV Biz can reveal.

The 40-year-old comedy queen, who played the Time Lord’s dippy sidekick Donna Noble, will reappear in one of four Who specials planned for next year.
And fans will be delighted — and a bit scared — to learn Life On Mars star John Simm, 38, is also back.
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00574/SNN0801BBD_380_574831a.jpgLook Who else is back ... John Simm and Bernard Cribbins


He will reprise his sinister role as The Master — the Doctor’s sadistic rival Time Lord who was last seen dying in his arch-enemy’s arms.
Bernard Cribbins, 79, who played Catherine’s on-screen grandad Wilf will be back as well.
A show source said: “Fans will be delighted to see Catherine back. She was one of the wackiest companions of all time and she brought heaps of humour.
“And it’s great to have John back — he and David Tennant have a real nemesis chemistry.”
The last episode of this year’s BBC1 series saw the Doctor wipe Donna’s memory and return her to her family.
But our source said: “Anything can happen in Doctor Who. His assistants are always recurring and Donna is no exception. When you’re a Time Lord you can go back to any point in history and meet whoever you want.”
Next year’s specials replace the normal series, suspended so that Tennant, 37, could take time out for stage roles.




But we hear the wild-eyebrowed Scot is close to signing for a new full series of the sci-fi hit for 2010.
Our source said: “David loves filming Doctor Who. The upcoming specials have given him more freedom to work on other projects this year and now he’s ready to come back to film a proper series to go out in 2010.”

[newbaggy]

Confirmation of a couple of rumours about the 2008 Christmas Special, courtesy of preview extracts from Russell T. Davies new book "Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale"

- As well as Cybermen, there are "Cybershades" - described as Cyberman heads on black robed bodies "like wraiths". There may be a swordfight involving the Cybershades

- David Morrisey is playing "The Doctor", or a character that calls himself by that name. The real Doctor teams up with this new character and acts as his companion for the story. Whether Morrisey is supposed to be playing a future incarnation of The Doctor is unclear, but Davies admits to considering calling the story "The Two Doctors" or "The Next Doctor".

[jimmyolsenblues]

http://planetgallifrey.blogspot.com/2008/09/whisperings.html

What with everyone wondering if Tennant will stay for series 5, heres a mini post from ********** (http://www.**********.co.uk/cult/a131118/tennant-suffers-doctor-who-withdrawal.html) about his withdrawal symptoms.


David Tennant has revealed that he is missing his Doctor Who colleagues during his sabbatical from the hit show.
"I'm excited to be doing Hamlet," he told Doctor Who Magazine, "but I have got very at home in Cardiff. I love that crew. I love that set-up. I love the show, so I'm missing that. I miss Russell's writing. Shakespeare's all right, but he's lacking in spaceships"

(Full article can be seen here (http://www.**********.co.uk/cult/a131118/tennant-suffers-doctor-who-withdrawal.html))

And while we're on the subject of Hamlet and actors who are in it, some of the latest whisperings are that Patrick Stewart may be the 2nd big name to be cast for the 2009 specials (the first rumored to be Albert Finney)

This obviously depends on whether he has the time to to it, and whether he wants to accept the role. IF he does however, then according to the wonderful Eddie on the DWF:

There will be no facial prosthetics or heavy make up
There's a "killer" costume
Patrick is keen to play someone who is "not the good guy for a change" (although the character is "not all bad")
It's a significant enough character to be either moved, removed or revived later, depending on his availability
He's keen to work again with David Tennant and "have the relationship evolve"
So there we go! Obviously these are just rumors and aren't confirmed yet. But people have already began speculating about Time Lords and Gallifrey...
UPDATE: Now there are whisperings of Stewart playing the Meddling Monk - another renegade Time Lord (read about him here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meddling_Monk))
And Lee (DWF) also put in these words:

Daleks (a Moff written 2-parterto open series 5)
Ice Warriors
Zygons
Celtic companion. Non contemporary (female)
Again, theres nothing to confirm any of these. But still... Squee!

[jimmyolsenblues]

=========================
According to reports, the 37 year old is considering continuing as the timelord after saying he was planning to walk away from the BBC role after filming four specials next year.
However, considering pleas from BBC chiefs and fans, the actor is in contract negotiations with the corporation about a fifth series.
Mr Tennant, who is appearing as Hamlet for the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, has already filmed this year's Doctor Who Christmas episode.
Sources told the News of the World that BBC bosses are prepared to offer the actor a big increase on his current £1 million deal.
"The BBC is determined to make sure David doesn't go without a fight. He is an integral part of the series," the paper was told.
The actor has reportedly agreed to star as the Doctor in a full fifth series if a film role can be added to a new deal.
The BBC declined to discuss any contract negotiations with the actor.
The show devised by Russell T Davies has become a phenomenon, pulling in massive audiences and producing two spin-off series. Last year's Christmas Day special, which co-starred Kylie Minogue, was watched by more than 13 million people.
It was revealed last week that all seven surviving Doctor Who's are to feature together in a one-off television special for BBC charity Children in Need in a programme to be broadcast on November 14.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/3188684/Doctor-Who-David-Tennant-to-stay-till-2011.html

[jimmyolsenblues]

================================================
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7689906.stm

A two-minute teaser clip from this year's Doctor Who Christmas special is to be shown during the BBC's Children in Need charity evening next month.
Viewers will see the opening moments of The Next Doctor, which again features David Tennant in the title role, alongside guest star David Morrissey.
The snippet will be broadcast on BBC One on Friday, 14 November.
The festive schedule has yet to be confirmed but the Doctor Who special is usually screened on Christmas Day. <!-- E SF -->
Last year's edition - featuring singer Kylie Minogue - was seen by 13.3m people.
This made it the second-highest audience of the year, behind the EastEnders Christmas episode.
<!-- E BO --> Further guests and plot teasers are likely to be revealed in the run-up to the festive season.

[jimmyolsenblues]

==========
PLACE YOUR BETS!!!!!!
http://www.hertsandessexobserver.co.uk/hertsandessexobserver/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=365988

IS JAMES THE NEW DOCTOR WHO?

By Web Reporter

A BOOKMAKER is taking bets on a Hollywood star from Bishop's Stortford becoming the next Doctor Who - and the Observer is backing him all the way!

http://www.hertsandessexobserver.co.uk/hertsandessexobserver-news/images/James%2DFrain%2EjpgJames Frain's odds have shortened from 40-1 to 20-1 amid internet speculation that he has been approached to become the next Time Lord.

Intriguingly, an addition to the 40-year-old dark and brooding actor's Wikipedia page - made just after David Tennant's shock decision to quit the hit BBC show - indicated the star, who stole the show in a 1970s nativity play at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Great Hadham Road, Bishop's Stortford, had already accepted the part - but the entry has since been removed.

Former classmate and James's first leading lady, Observer chief reporter Sinead Holland, said: "James was so clever he skipped a school year and was still the smartest kid in the form.

"In our last year at St Joseph's we performed an alternative nativity called The Shepherd's Story and James was the lead. I played his nagging wife and at one point I had to chase him around the stage, threatening to beat him with a shillelagh, a traditional Irish club. I'd like to think the Cybermen and Daleks would hold no fears for him after that."

Mary Jackson, his A-level English teacher at Newport Free Grammar School, hoped a plum role and prime-time exposure in the UK would confirm the fame he has already secured in the United States.

She remembered the talented and artistic student, who was the eldest of eight children born to stockbroker dad Paul and teacher mum Geraldine, and has followed his career with interest.

The former Miss Muncie had just started teaching when she tutored James, who had been brought up in Stansted before the family moved briefly to Leeds and then back to Bishop's Stortford. She said: "James was a very good student, very intelligent and hard-working."

Mrs Jackson said James, who is now married to American dancer and writer Marta Cunningham, was greatly influenced by drama and English teacher Richard Kitchen and worked with him, researching, writing and performing a play about a Thaxted vicar.

He went on to study English and drama at the Univer-sity of East Anglia in Norwich before graduating from London's Central School of Speech and Drama, where he was discovered by Sir Richard Attenborough, who cast him in the film Shadowlands in 1993.

He has since starred in movies such as Elizabeth, Hilary and Jackie and Where the Heart Is, where he played opposite Natalie Portman, and secured roles in high-profile TV series 24, The Tudors and Law and Order: Criminal Intent, as well as giving acclaimed stage performances - including most recently The Homecoming on Broadway.

Mrs Jackson was intrigued by the idea that he could be the next Doctor: "I think it would be great. Although he has had a lot of very good parts, he has not yet had such a big role over here. It would be lovely to see him do something so much in the public eye - and have all his hard work rewarded."

Bookmaker Paddy Power has David Morrissey as 2-1 favourite for the role. An announcement is expected next year.

[TMLS]

For those outside the UK that have been unable to access the Children in Need site to see it, here's the first two minutes of "The Next Doctor":

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5NYRO-q4GTM

[dunlopc]

I quite admire David Morrisey as an actor hope he does turn out to be the next Doctor. As for the other actors rumoured to take the part I do not like any of them.

[jimmyolsenblues]

a lot of buzz is over the cover of radio times....

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/io9/2008/11/radiotimescover1.jpg

[TMLS]

Are they using The Force?

[cousteau]

Are they using The Force?

it certainly looks like cybermen now have a contract with ray-ban

[newbaggy]

Couple of spoilers from an article by Russell T. Davies in the Christmas edition of the "Radio Times":

1) One of the 2009 specials (possibly the first) will feature The Doctor travelling without the TARDIS.

2) Something called "The Gate" may feature at some point (possibly in the final special).

[TMLS]

Michelle Ryan's apparently spotted on set today, so hopefully it rules here out of the new companion rumours that I put on the "The New Doctor" thread yesterday.

First few set pics have gone up, but I'll leave that to jimmyolsenblues since he's the main source on here and I'm off to bed now :) (get posting!)

[Vindellavon]

Michelle Ryan's apparently spotted on set today, so hopefully it rules here out of the new companion rumours that I put on the "The New Doctor" thread yesterday.

First few set pics have gone up, but I'll leave that to jimmyolsenblues since he's the main source on here and I'm off to bed now :) (get posting!)

Holy cheese doodles! :eek: Where are ya Jimmy!?

[TMLS]

Here's the text from the pics site, don't think that's treading on toes:


Here are the first three location photographs from Scooty, they are filming at the National Museum of Wales, they used it for the Lazarus Experiment too! There is nothing much to see tonight as filming seems to be inside, however there is some news;

There are posters up that say Trail of the Incas, Egypts Lost Secrets, and Hidden Treasures of Pompeii. Michelle Ryan appears to be inside the building, so the stories are true! From outside you can see a series of ropes, pulleys and ballasts being used to swing an actress around, it looked like it could be Michelle Ryan, she was wearing an all black cat suit and was blond.

Major thanx to Scooty for the pics and report! :)

Obviously to elaborate what I said earlier, it rules her out as companion as 11's companion won't be introduced (storyline) until he's on screen.

[Vindellavon]

Here's the text from the pics site, don't think that's treading on toes:



Obviously to elaborate what I said earlier, it rules her out as companion as 11's companion won't be introduced (storyline) until he's on screen.

Thanks Dan! :D

[TMLS]

Oh and maybe my catsuit joke earlier wasn't far off (coincidence that). Ryan playing Emma Peel? ;)

[Vindellavon]

Oh and maybe my catsuit joke earlier wasn't far off (coincidence that). Ryan playing Emma Peel? ;)

:lol:

[TMLS]

Still no Jimmy?

Oh alright then, a confirmation and a bit of news on a casting that I'm not sure non-UKers will get: http://www.**********.co.uk/cult/a144151/ryan-evans-for-next-doctor-who.html

Lee Evans is a comedian. A very funny comedian mind, and he's done a good bit of acting.

[Vindellavon]

Still no Jimmy?

Oh alright then, a confirmation and a bit of news on a casting that I'm not sure non-UKers will get: http://www.**********.co.uk/cult/a144151/ryan-evans-for-next-doctor-who.html

Lee Evans is a comedian. A very funny comedian mind, and he's done a good bit of acting.

This sounds interesting.

[jimmyolsenblues]

Dan is right about the bionic women....
http://io9.com/5137648/look-whos-bringing-leather-jackets-back-to-doctor-who


It's official: Bionic Woman star Michelle Ryan co-stars in Doctor Who's Easter special, "Planet Of The Dead." And she's already begun her journey with David Tennant. Click through for tons of pics, with minor spoilers. According to the BBC, Ryan is playing Lady Christina de Souza, "a woman with a mysterious past who's going to have a huge impact on the Doctor." Her one-off appearance doesn't mean she can't return in 2010 as a regular companion, since Donna Noble already achieved a similar feat. (And those of you who saw Ryan's cringe-making Bionic performance should bear in mind, she's a better actor when she doesn't have to fake an American accent.)

[TMLS]

Well I did already confirm it ;)

Anyway, where are the pics? Didn't want to tread on your toes...

[TMLS]

Some new pics gone up of the second special that is currently filming, courtesy of Digital Spy (http://www.**********.co.uk/tv/blog/tubetalk)

The Doc and this story's companion, Adelaide, played by Lindsay Duncan:
http://images.**********.co.uk/09/10/550w_doctor_who_second_special_3.jpg

http://images.**********.co.uk/09/10/550w_doctor_who_second_special_1.jpg

And seems they've been on a nicking spree from Stagate SG-1:

http://images.**********.co.uk/09/10/550w_doctor_who_second_special_2.jpg

[Lexgirl33]

Wall-E? :lol:

[Pesk]

Didn't the clone doctor get the blue suit? Is this story set is rose's universe?

[Lexgirl33]

Yeah the clone doctor did get the blue suit. I have no idea about the episode.

[TMLS]

RTD said we wouldn't see the clone Doctor/Pete's world in the specials.

Of course, he's been proved to be a Big Hairy Liar™ before! But I'd say it's unlikely.

Very good preview for the specials in this month's SFX by the way, out this Wednesday in the UK (subscribers get it early) with 10 and The Bionic Woman on the cover.

[TMLS]

Big Spoiler for one of the specials (assumingly the two-part last one) that is not in tags below as this is a spoiler board. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
























Last chance, I'm warning you. It's a good'un.
























John Smith's Journal of Impossible Things exists in the present day and is released as a book by Verity Newman. Newman is played by Jessica Hynes/Stevenson, who of course played Joan Redfern in Human Nature. With the Journal containing lots of the Doctor's stories and history, who could use that against him now?....

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s110/Scootyboy/DSCF4236.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s110/Scootyboy/DSCF4256.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s110/Scootyboy/DSCF4233.jpg

Thanks to that Doctor Who Forum for that.

Wow.

[Pesk]

I assume the name 'verity' is a tribute to the late verity lambert. That's nice that they pay tribute to her like that.

[TMLS]

Yep, and "Newman" is a tribute to Dennis Newman, who created the show. Well, a lot of it anyway.

[newbaggy]

Yep, and "Newman" is a tribute to Dennis Newman, who created the show. Well, a lot of it anyway.

Sorry, but it's Sydney Newman (hence "John Smith's" comment in Human Nature that his mother was called Verity and his father was Sydney). Sydney Newman was the BBC Head of Drama who decided in 1963 that the BBC1 Classic Serial (a series of literary adaptations: "Oliver Twist", "Vanity Fair", etc.) should be moved from its Saturday teatime slot to Sunday and replaced by a new science fiction series more appealing to the 8-14 year-old target audience. Newman headed a team including his deputy Donald Wilson and BBC staff writer CE Webber that devised what became the original "Doctor Who" format.

[TMLS]

Damn, yes I know that - dunno where that came from. Who's Dennis Newman then? ;)

[newbaggy]

Damn, yes I know that - dunno where that came from. Who's Dennis Newman then? ;)

Google "Dennis Newman" and you get a load of websites dedicated to a bodybuilder. Are you a fan of pumping iron?

The only other name that occurred to me was Dennis Nilsen, the serial killer of the early 1980s - bit of a macabre thought though.

[TMLS]

Another pic from filming:

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s110/Scootyboy/DSCF5065a.jpg

[Pesk]

Wha?

They brought back donna's grandad? His storyline is over. He had a great end scene with the doctor. There's no reason for him to come back. And yet there he is.

I knew this show has always been trying to get ratings by throwing in as many gimmicks as possible, but I am really getting sick of the gimmick of having a character leave for good, then return for no reason other than ratings, over and over again.

Can I assume they're bringing donna back too?

[newbaggy]

There are rumours that the final two-parter may feature all the tenth Doctor's main companions (Rose, Martha, Donna). However, there is no confirmation as yet. The only other confirmed guest star for this story is David Harewood (the new Friar Tuck in Robin Hood), who can be seen in another pic from the same day's filming.

Incidentally, "Planet of the Dead" has just been confirmed as being shown on Easter Saturday at 6:45pm on BBC1 and (for the first time) BBC HD. The first TV trailer is rumoured to be showing tonight, just before the Apprentice at about 9pm.

[Pesk]

I'm looking forward to the new dr who, but I'm much more excited about the new red dwarf. :)

[TMLS]

This was put up just before the weekend...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3401448965_72068119a2.jpg?v=0

Well, we know about Wilf - but the blond guy? Sure you can recognise him if you look hard enough...

TIP: He's not normally blond, but he does travel in time - 1973's a favourite. Will we find out who took the ring?

[TMLS]

Now of course that may not be him in that last picture. But this is definitely her:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/fray101/825e8236f4b0361a1032f3b1b2423777.jpg

Oh, joy.

[newbaggy]

Interestingly, on BBC Breakfast News this morning, Russell T. Davies declared that Bernard Cribbins was going to play The Doctor's companion in the final two-parter, so Wilf is confirmed, but he is keeping quiet about Donna (or any other former companions).

Oher points:

- "Planet of the Dead" is a "romp", a fun story before events turn darker as the remaining episodes lead up the the Tenth Doctor's end.

- the second special is pencilled in for "Novemberish", with the final two-parter shown over Christmas.

Note: one interesting point about the specials is that - apart from the announcement of Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor - Steven Moffat hasn't had to say a thing about Series 5. Normally, we would expect to know who his fellow writers are, who the new producer is, we might even have been told he new companion's name - but, apart from the odd speculation about actressess who might be in line for the companion role, there has been nothing, zip, nada.

[TMLS]

I'm sure Moffat's plans won't be revealed until at least after the specials have completed filming - it's still RTD's toy until then. Still, anything for news...

[newbaggy]

There's a rumour that June Whitfield has been seen around the set of the final special. The report joked about her being a new regeneration of the Rani, but how about a love interst for Wilf?

[newbaggy]

Having wondered about the lack of Series 5 news, the BBC have just announced that Ashes to Ashes producer Beth Willis will join Steven Moffat and Piers Wenger to form Doctor Who's new trio of executive producers. In addition, two new producers have been named as permanent replacements for Phill Collinson and Susie Liggat. Former production manager, producer of "Planet of the Dead" - and possessor of the hand that picked up the Master's ring in "Last of the Time Lords" - Tracie Simpson will share the role with "Torchwood: Children of Earth" producer Peter Bennett. Sounds like Moffat and Wenger have gone for continuity and experience to ease the transfer to the new regime.

[Lexgirl33]

Does anyone know when the 2nd special airs?

[TMLS]

November, but Doc10 will be back before that in episodes 5 & 6 of The Sarah Jane Adventures that starts in September.

[TMLS]

Been a while. Want a big spoiler?





Well, more of a spoiler confirmation really.





And it's in the form of a photo.





It confirms the big bad for the final special (probably)...





...and also confirms the rumour of a special guest star for the same show.




Want to see it?





Really want to see it?





Oh go on then...






http://io9.com/5291509/your-first-look-at-doctor-whos-next-big-guest-stars





And if that's been taken down, here's the pic: http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/3562/threetimelordsi.jpg

[Syn]

He looks like tintin tbh.

[TMLS]

Somebody on another forum read in the new issue of DWM that the next series, which we have all been referring to as Series/Season Five, will officially be known as Series One!

It's a new production, so it's a reset as far as they're concerned. Now all you Nu Whoers who moan about us going on about the season number reset can see how we feel! ;)

[Pesk]

Somebody on another forum read in the new issue of DWM that the next series, which we have all been referring to as Series/Season Five, will officially be known as Series One!

It's a new production, so it's a reset as far as they're concerned. Now all you Nu Whoers who moan about us going on about the season number reset can see how we feel! ;)

I heard they will only be calling it season 1 internally, and it will still be season 5 to the public.

I'll be calling it season 6 anyway, I consider the 2009 stories as a season since traditionally a season = a year.

Or maybe I'll call it season 32.

[TMLS]

Well, we guessed it a few weeks ago if it's true:



A Doctor Who movie starring David Tennant will be announced at the Comic-Con event later this month, according to reports.

Speculation is growing that the BBC will confirm the big screen version at the five-day convention, which is held in San Diego, California. Tennant will be attending alongside departing executive producer Russell T Davies.

Previously, Tennant has revealed that he has signed up for an unidentified "sci-fi project", while Davies has hinted that an announcement of a "special project" would be coming soon, telling Doctor Who Magazine: "News as and when, but I can promise, it's worth waiting for."

Tennant's Doctor will regenerate at the end of three Doctor Who specials, the last of which airs early next year. Matt Smith will then assume the lead role.

A spokesperson for BBC Films has previously confirmed that a script for a Who movie is "in development".http://www.**********.co.uk/cult/a163578/who-movie-to-be-confirmed-at-comic-con.html

[Lori]

Well, we guessed it a few weeks ago if it's true:

http://www.**********.co.uk/cult/a163578/who-movie-to-be-confirmed-at-comic-con.html

So if there is a movie, when do you think it will take place/with what companion? or will they use the human tenth doctor they left in the other universe with Rose?