Here is a run down of some top stories of 2007. See you all in 2008.
In January
Simply Masterful
From the SUN ONLINE: DOCTOR Who chiefs are bringing back his arch-rival The Master.And favourite to play the renegade Timelord is Life on Mars star John Simm.The Master’s return will be the major twist of the third series, which starts in the spring. But he will not appear until the end.Bosses have held talks with John, 36 — who plays cop Sam Tyler in Life on Mars — and hope he will sign up soon. An insider said: “He’s brilliant and we would love to get him on board.”More soon.
Drawn In Time & Space
Reported by http://www.mirror.co.uk/ :HE'S travelled through space and time, and now Doctor Who is going into a different dimension - as a 2D cartoon hero.Pleased with the ongoing success of the sci-fi hit, the Beeb has gone and made an animated version of the show.Called Infinite Quest, it is one continuous story to be shown in 13 instalments alongside the next series during BBC3's Totally Doctor Who.David Tennant and Freema Agyeman will voice their characters, and the lovely Anthony Head will pop up in a brand new role (ie not Mr Finch the Krillatane from series two, Who fans).Writer Russell T Davies tells us: "The Doctor and his assistant Martha follow a trail of clues across wild and wonderful alien worlds, to find the location of the legendary lost spaceship, the Infinite." Bring it on!
February
Tardis a USB Hub?!
You know... I've seen some pretty kool products in my life time but this is just "Damn Kool" I want one! From what I read when you plug-in a device like a Webcam, flash drive, torch for laptop and so on, the light above will light up and you will here the sound effect of the Tardis materializing and dematerializing. Although there is abit of bad news. From the website - "Time / Space Travel is not guaranteed with this device unless the user is the Doctor... sorry." Well you can't have it all but you can at power your USB devices via the Tardis. For more information you can visit this site: FoxBox.com
March
Tennant in All of Series 4
David Tennant has signed a one million pound deal to appear in the entire fourth series of Doctor Who, according to the Daily Mirror (which contains a spoiler) today.The newspaper says: "Despite false reports suggesting the 35-year-old would bow out halfway through next year's run, insiders have revealed he will film the full 13 episodes."According to a source: "To be honest, David was never going anywhere. He loves to create an air of mystery about his role in Doctor Who, and when he might leave, so he's happy for people to speculate about his departure."But the truth is he's finished filming the third series and he's signed a contract to appear in the whole of the next series. That will see him filming throughout 2008. It's brilliant for the show and the fans."
April
The Doctor Going Strong
BBC has reported that 8.2 million people tuned in to the third season premiere of Doctor Who, which was also the premiere episode featuring Freema Agyeman as the Doctor's new companion, Martha. The plot of the show featured disappearing hospitals, and a new villain was introduced, the Judoon. The series airs Saturdays on BBC One.ITV1, the competition, has had a tough job of trying to up their viewing numbers against BBC's hit shows. They chose to air Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets against the Doctor Who premiere, and it brought in 4.7 million viewers
Torchwood in America
Exciting news from BBC AMERICA's press department hit the wires this morning: the entire channel is undergoing a "radical makeover" later this year. The channel will now "focus exclusively on bringing U.S. audiences the very best in contemporary British programs - including a greater emphasis on our world renowned news coverage," according to our new head honcho, Garth Ancier. Lots of great acquisitions to announce, including MI-5 (Spooks to you UKers), the long-running youth soap Hollyoaks (which I love), Hotel Babylon, the new Jennifer Saunders comedy The Life and Times of Vivienne Vyle, Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood, and new seasons of Hex, Life On Mars, and Doctor Who.
May
New Blake's 7
LONDON, December 11, 2006: UK-based independent media production company, B7 Productions, has announced the return of the cult television classic, BLAKE'S 7 as a series of original audio dramas.Taking full advantage of BLAKE'S 7 (circa 1978-1981) cult status and enduring popularity, B7 Productions has produced a series of original audio adventures based on the format and characters created by the late Terry Nation. The broadcast platform is currently under negotiation.In what the producers promise to be a radical new re-interpretation of Terry Nation's original series, DEREK RIDDELL (No Angels, Doctor Who) heads an all new cast as the eponymous rebel leader, Roj Blake. COLIN SALMON (best known for his film roles in James Bond, Alien vs. Predator and Resident Evil), assumes the iconic role of Kerr Avon with DANIELA NARDINI (This Life) as the rebel's arch nemesis Supreme Commander Servalan.Other cast members include CRAIG KELLY (Queer as Folk), CARRIE DOBRO (Babylon 5); MICHAEL PRAED (Robin of Sherwood), DOUG BRADLEY (Hellraiser) and INDIA FISHER (Doctor Who).BLAKE'S 7 will be produced as a series of all new 36 x 5-minute audio dramas based on the original cult series broadcast on the BBC in the 1970's. The audio adventures were recorded last week and will debut in spring 2007. A special ‘extended' CD edition will be released for retail the month following broadcast.
visit Blake's 7.com
June
Paul McGann Speaks
Eight Doctor Paul McGann has given an interview to BBC News Online.
In it he was asked:
You played the eighth Doctor Who in 1996. What do you think of the recent BBC series of the show and the current doctor who is played by David Tennant?I watched one episode and I liked it. I liked him actually, very much because he's so into it. He's such a fan as well as being a brilliant actor, so I think it's in safe hands. I'm just glad to see it back. The fans are thrilled to bits.Is Doctor Who something you would have wanted to continue with?At the time I would have liked to have continued it when we did the telly pilot, but you know when enough's enough, when it's over, it's over.You broke rather a long standing tradition when Doctor Who kissed his companion. Were you surprised at the fans reaction?I never saw the kiss and I wasn't really into the history of it. I wasn't really aware when I read the script that for him to kiss anybody was such a big thing, but I still get letters about it.Why did you turn the part down originally?I didn't want to do it as I didn't think I was suitable at all. I thought they were having me on.At the time it was comic actors and comedians being touted for the job so I was just curious why they were asking me, I'm no comic actor. I managed to resist it for about a year and then took the job.
Read it all here.
July
Weta Items Revealed
The Weta Collectibles line will incorporate key moments from both the new and classic series of Doctor Who. The initial series will consist of four pieces, which all capture a nostalgic scene from Doctor Who. Here are more details on the New series pieces:The first selected piece from the new series is titled 'Dalek', taken from the episode screened in 2005, with the same title. This piece is from the ninth Doctor Who series, starring Christopher Eccleston.
The second piece in the range is titled 'Cybercontroller'. This piece has been taken from episode ‘Age of Steel’ in the new series, which aired in 2006. The ‘Age of Steel’ episode is from the tenth series (Part 2 of a two-part story), starring David Tennant as the Doctor.Each piece will be made at 6th scale, be free standing, and made out of high quality polystone. Weta Sculptors Ben Hawker, Dan Cockersell and Eden Small created the pieces in collaboration with Weta Model Maker David Tremont.More details to come, including larger images and detailed reports on the Statues - bookmark WetaHolics!
Ood to Return
One of the New Series' most popular monsters, the Ood, are scheduled to reappear in the Fourth Series, according to the Times Online and confirmed on the Official Site. The Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) and Donna (Catherine Tate) will encounter the fearsome aliens in an episode called "Planet of the Ood". Show runner Russell T. Davies commented: "We're delighted the Ood are making a welcome return to Doctor Who. They were last seen falling into a black hole back in series two and we think it's only fair for the viewers to find out what the Ood have to say for themselves. Donna is certainly in for a shock."
Geoffery Palmer Casting
The Sun has reported today that Geoffrey Palmer has been lined up to guest star in the 2007 Christmas special, Voyage of the Damned. It reports that he will be playing the Captain of the Titanic, although it is unclear whether this character is based on the real Captain of the liner, Edward Smith.Geoffrey Palmer is best known for his roles in the comedy series As Time Goes By and Butterflies, as well as his appearances in a variety of films, including Mrs Brown, The Madness of King George and Tomorrow Never Dies. He has previously made two appearances in Doctor Who in the Jon Pertwee stories Doctor Who and the Silurians and The Mutants. His son Charles Palmer directed four recent episodes of Doctor Who: Smith and Jones, The Shakespeare Code, Human Nature and The Family of Blood.
August
No Who Movie for McGann.
Following rumours that a movie was in the works featuring the Eighth Doctor, Paul McGann has denied that he is to reprise his role.Speaking to SyFy Portal's Alan Stanley Blair at the recent Collectormania show, Paul officially denied the rumours with the following statement:"I've heard as well, yeah I've heard,". "Well they haven't called me, but often you hear it first through rumour. But you know... yeah I'd go back and do it ... as long as I don't have to wear a wig."
Martha on Torchwood
The BBC Press Office has released more information about the character of Martha Jones appearing on Torchwood, along with a photograph of Freema Agyeman with the rest of the Torchwood cast.Agyeman is quoted as saying: "Martha has grown up a lot since Doctor Who. She's now a fully qualified doctor and a bit hardened by life experiences. When she finds out that Captain Jack needs her help, she joins Torchwood for a while. She continues to develop her knowledge of alien intelligence, but this time keeping her feet on the ground."These will be invaluable skills to take back with her on future adventures with the Doctor. She outgrew the Doctor, in a sense, and so the next time they meet it will be in a more professional capacity. I'm so proud of her journey and who she has become."And for me as an actress, it's a great new challenge to be able to broaden and expand Martha as she develops in other directions for this more adult series. The Torchwood team are fabulous to work with and have made me very welcome."Agyeman will appear in three episodes of Torchwood, which will air early in 2008. The press release also mentions guest stars James Marsters, Alan Dale and Richard Briers; Briers' character is described as "Parker, a reclusive millionaire who is the keeper of alien secrets, much later in the series."
September
When in Rome...SPOILERS!
The Doctor and his new companion Donna are set to travel back in time to the Roman Empire for the fourth series of Doctor Who.In one of the most ambitious episodes to date, The Doctor, played by David Tennant and Donna (Catherine Tate) arrive in Pompeii in AD 79, on the eve of the historic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.The Time Lord and his companion are posed with an immediate dilemma; should they warn the residents of Pompeii of the forthcoming catastrophe or leave them to fend for themselves?"Arriving in Pompeii marks the start of another exciting adventure for the Doctor and Donna," said Doctor Who's Executive Producer and Head Writer, Russell T Davies. "Donna is stunned to find herself in the midst of history's most famous volcanic eruption. Viewers can expect many more ambitious storylines and a whole host of guest stars in 2008."The Thick of It actor Peter Capaldi guest stars as Caecillius. He's joined by Quadrophenia and Rose and Maloney actor Phil Davis as Lucius. Further guest stars include Howards Way and Born and Bred Actress Tracey Childs, who plays Metella.The filming of the episode took place at Cinecitta studios in Rome, which the Doctor Who team expertly transformed into Pompeii for a week of filming in September of this year.
October
Five & Ten
The BBC has confirmed that Fifth Doctor Peter Davison, who played the part in the classic series from 1981 until 1984, will reprise his role alongside current Doctor David Tennant in the forthcoming Children in Need scene. The mini episode, entitled "Time Crash", was written by award-winning Doctor Who writer Steven Mofatt, and will be transmitted as part of the Children in Need fundraising evening on Friday 16 November 2007."It is an honour for me to be able to make the connection between the Fifth Doctor and the Tenth Doctor," noted Peter Davison. "However, now is not the time for sound-bites. I can feel the hand of history on my shoulder, even if I can't do the buttons up!"
November
Verity Lambert - 1935 - 2007
It's with great sadness that we have to announce the first producer of Doctor Who, Verity Lambert has passed away.Verity produced Doctor Who when the series began in 1963.During her career, she also produced dramas including The Newcomers, Adam Adamant Lives!, Minder and Quatermass.In 1985, Verity formed her own independent television company, Cinema Verity. She produced the second series of Jonathan Creek and recently completed the second series of BBC One's Love Soup.In January 2002, Lambert was awarded an OBE in recognition of her services to film and television. Shortly before she died she was given the Working Title Films lifetime achievement award at the 2007 Women In Film And Television Awards.Russell T Davies, Lead Writer and Executive Producer of Doctor Who, said: "There are a hundred people in Cardiff working on Doctor Who and millions of viewers, in particular many children, who love the programme that Verity helped create. This is her legacy and we will never forget that."Jon Plowman, Executive Producer, BBC Comedy, said: "Verity was a TV giant. Her career spanned the eras, from first episodes of Doctor Who and Minder through to Jonathan Creek and the forthcoming series of Love Soup."She was extraordinary – very keen to get shows right and to encourage people, as she did for me in my early days. She never held back in her praise and was not jealous of anyone else's success – she enjoyed watching people grow up around her."Jane Tranter, Controller, BBC Fiction, said: "Verity was a total one-off. She was a magnificently, madly, inspirationally talented drama producer. During her long and brilliant career there was no form of drama that was beyond her reach and that she didn't excel at. From the early episodes of Doctor Who to the still to be transmitted comedy drama Love Soup, via Widows, Minder, GBH, Eldorado and Jonathan Creek (to name but the tiniest handful of credits) – Verity was a phenomenon. Today is the 44th anniversary of her first ever episode of Doctor Who."Menna Richards, Controller, BBC Wales, said, "In Doctor Who, Verity Lambert has left a legacy that lives on in the new productions BBC Wales has been making since 2004. We in Wales owe her a debt of gratitude for handing on such a treasure which continues to be enjoyed the world over."
Return of the Sontarans
The BBC have officially released a promotional image of a Sontaran, the race of clone warriors from the classic series who are returning to the show in series four of the new series. The BBC News Online report, featuring the photo, also states that their return adventure will see new companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) meet Freema Agyeman's Martha Jones for the first time. Tate, Jones and David Tennant are all featured alongside the Sontaran in the promotional shot.The official website also has a report and images, one of which is included right. The image is BBC copyright, and used purely to promote the programme.
December
Voyage with the Doctor for 71 Minutes
The official BBC Doctor Who website has announced that the forthcoming Christmas special, Voyage of the Damned, will be 71 minutes long - longer than either of the two previous festive episodes, and the longest single episode of the programme since its return in 2005.The report also confirms the start time for the episode - 6.50pm on BBC 1 on Christmas Day, Tuesday the 25th of December - and a brand-new one-hour Doctor Who Confidential for BBC 3, starting at 8.30pm.The episode will also be repeated on New Year's Day at 2.15pm, and with in-vision signing for the deaf at 1.15am on December 27th.
First American Doctor Who Comic 500th Post!!
From IDWpiblishing.com: He's traveled through time and across the known universe. And yet, despite decades of popularity, he's never journeyed across the pond to debut his own new series in the United States. Next month, however, IDW Publishing will change all that, as Doctor Who's TARDIS lands on American shores for his first-ever U.S. miniseries, starring the fan-favorite Tenth Doctor from the BBC's new smash-hit TV series.Featuring all-new adventures written by Doctor Who story editor Gary Russell of the award-winning show, the comics will introduce American readers to the sci-fi series that has been wowing British audience for nearly 35 years."Doctor Who is finally coming to comics over here," says Chris Ryall, IDW publisher and editor-in-chief. "These are the first Doctor Who comics in the United States in three decades, and the first ever created just for the American market."Each issue-a stand-alone story just like a TV episode-will also have elements that carry over throughout the series. Along with his loyal friend and companion Martha Jones of London, the Doctor faces down threats to stop darkness and evil from spreading throughout the cosmos-and, while they're at it, they also hunt for the galaxy's best chocolate milkshakes. Unknown to them, however, forces have set their sights on the good Doctor: As the last of the Time Lords, he is, after all, highly collectible to the right people.Accompanying Russell on the creative team is a creative team consisting of artist Nick Roche of Transformers fame, Josep Maria Beroy, Stefano Martino, and more, with Roche supplying covers for each issue.
'Doctor Who' companions team up to save world
Rumor Mill (Take this with a grain of salt until confirmed.)Doctor Who's fourth season will reportedly feature an episode in which three former and current companions will join forces to save the TIme Lord.According to The Sun, Rose (Billie Piper), Martha (Freema Agyeman) and Donna (Catherine Tate) will seek to fend off an alien invasion together with the help of the Tardis - but minus The Doctor. An insider told the tabloid: "The chemistry between the three assistants is electric. It is so strong that we realised The Doctor could be in danger of getting in the way. So it is left to the girls to sort things out, having to save civilisation and The Doctor himself." An episode in each of the past two seasons has barely featured The Doctor, in order to ease the filming schedule for David Tennant. Earlier this year, Blink featured a new heroine called Sally Sparrow investigating sinister statues, while Peter Kay starred as the Absorbaloff in 2006 episode Love And Monsters - with only a brief appearance by The Doctor in both stories.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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