Aftermath of the press launchBookmark and Share

Thursday, 22 March 2007 - Reported by DWNP Archive

There have been regular news items on the Series Three press launch and the confirmation of a fourth series on Wednesday night. Much of the attention focused on the introduction of new companion Martha Jones and newcomerFreema Agyeman's reaction to working on the series and the attention it brings. (Warning, links may contain spoilers.)

report by BBC Arts Correspondent David Sillito from the event was shown throughout Thursday on BBC BreakfastBBC News 24 and BBC World. BBC Breakfast also announced that Agyeman would be appearing on the show next week, and broadcast an 'exclusive' new trailer for the season at the end which contains the spoiler that several papers reported on today. (The programme also interviewed 'former assistant' Catherine Tate on her Comic Relief sketch with prime minister Tony Blair, and her thoughts on the trailer.) This second trailer can also be viewed at the BBC website, which has also been updated with a new front page and more pictures.

Meanwhile, children's news programme Newsround has also been covering the show, with a behind-the-scenesreport on the launch screening. Several clips from Smith and Jones were shown, but presenter Lizo was unsuccessful in his attempt to find out more about the mysterious Mr Saxon, although David Tennant did reveal that "he's more than a match for the Doctor".

BBC Wales Today covered the launch in their lunchtime programme, including an interview with presenter and confessed fan Jonathan Ross. The press launch was also mentioned in their evening bulletin, which can be viewedhere for one day. GMTV were also in attendance at the launch, and gave a very positive review, showing a variety of clips from Smith and Jones.

John Simm was interviewed by Simon Mayo on Five Live this afternoon. He confirmed he is playing a character called Mr Saxon, but wouldn't be drawn on the nature of the character. "There's a lot of secrecy about it," is the only comment he would make after repeated queries from Mayo. He was attracted to the show by its writer, he said, as he tends to be with all the roles he takes.

Among the papers taking an interest in the press launch was The Times, which focused on the attention Freema Agyeman is about to receive, saying that she "is about to become one of the most recognisable faces on British television". Martha will apparently be a "sassier sidekick", with a different dynamic in her relationship with the Doctor.

The Daily Mail also carried a report on the press launch, and focused on one particular aspect of the first episode.The Sun followed a similar angle, as well as a separate article highlighting the differences between Rose and Martha, and the hazards of stunt work. The Sun's exhaustive coverage includes a video clip and continues on the 23rd March, with a report on the confirmation of a fourth series, but that David Tennant declined to comment on his involvement (as has been his position since taking the role). The Western MailEvening Standard, and Daily Mirror also carried reports on the press launch.

Swansea fans will have the chance to see Smith and Jones a little early, as This is South Wales reported that the Swansea Odeon will be having an exclusive screening nine hours before the episode is broadcast.




FILTER: - Series 3/29 - Press