Doctor Who Magazine: Issue 602Bookmark and Share

Thursday, 28 March 2024 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who Magazine:  Issue 602 (Credit: Panini)

Issue 602 of Doctor Who Magazine is out today

Inside this issue!

  • In the run-up to the new series, Millie Gibson talks to DWM about playing companion Ruby Sunday – her most in-depth interview yet!

  • We examine a long-lost interview that First Doctor William Hartnell gave to the Scottish press – including some forthright opinions!

  • Davina McCall shares her love of Doctor Who and reflects on her role in last year’s Christmas Special. 

  • Script to screen: find out what processes went into bringing creepy puppet Stooky Bill and his family to life in The Giggle.

  • To tie-in with the release of Season 15 on Blu-ray, we present an interview with model-maker Bill Pearson.

  • We visit the set of Henry House – a new series starring many familiar faces....

  • A report from from LA super convention Gallifrey One!

  • Letter from the Showrunner – Russell T Davies on celebrating milestones out of sequence!

  • Time-Space Visualiser – this month: the Trods! 

  • Who & Me – DWM contributor Beth Axford on how she became hooked on Doctor Who.

  • Loose Ends – exploring the mysteries of the Sixth Doctor!

  • The Fact of Fiction – a deep dive into the plot of Twelfth Doctor story The Woman Who Lived.

  • The adventures of the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday continue in the comic strip!

PLUS!

  • Gallifrey Guardian – packed with all the latest news about the upcoming series!

  • Reviewed – the new Season 15 Blu-ray Collection and all the latest audio releases.

  • Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe.

  • Win Blu-rays and the latest audio releases!

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 602 is on sale Thursday 28 March from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £7.99 (UK). 

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

 




FILTER: - DWM - Fifteenth Doctor

New Trailer ReleasedBookmark and Share

Friday, 22 March 2024 - Reported by Marcus
2023 Logo (Credit: BBC Studios)

A new trailer has been released featuring Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor.

The time vortex has been opened with a new trailer for Doctor Who’s upcoming season ahead of its simultaneous global premiere this May.

Audiences will journey the cosmos with the Fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, and Ruby Sunday, portrayed by Millie Gibson, onboard the TARDIS — exploring the groovy sixties, the Regency era in England, war-torn futures and more!

Featured in the global trailer is a first look at Indira Varma’s character The Duchess,  who will be causing chaos in Ncuti Gatwa’s first season. Also seen for the first time is Callie Cooke who will be featured in an upcoming adventure.

Additional guest stars who can be seen include Anita Dobson, Yasmin Finney, Michelle Greenidge, Bonnie Langford, Jinkx Monsoon, Jemma Redgrave, Lenny Rush and Angela Wynter.

The trailer also features scenes from last year’s Christmas special The Church on Ruby Road, where audience first met the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday which is available to watch in the UK on BBC iPlayer and on Disney+, where available.

Viewers can also expect some more reveals coming very soon with Easter treats being lined up…

 

SEASON 1 TRAILER | Doctor Who





FILTER: - Series 14/20 - Production

Welcome to the SixtiesBookmark and Share

Friday, 22 March 2024 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who (Credit: BBC Studios)

Doctor Who (Credit: BBC Studios)

The BBC has released new imagery promoting the upcoming series of Doctor Who

It’s time to strap into the TARDIS and journey back to the sixties with The Doctor and Ruby Sunday as some new images are released from the new season of Doctor Who, which is due to simultaneously premiere globally this May.

New glimpses at the time travelling duo donning some iconic sixties style can be seen in the new images which highlight an episode set in the sixties.

This episode shows off the Doctor and Ruby’s distinctive style as they come face to face with the young Beatles.





FILTER: - Series 14/20 - Production

Steven Moffat Returns to Doctor WhoBookmark and Share

Tuesday, 19 March 2024 - Reported by Marcus
Steven Moffat (Credit: BBC Studios)

Former Showrunner Steven Moffat is making a return to the new series of Doctor Who as he writes an episode due to air in Ncuti Gatwa’s first season as the Fifteenth Doctor.

Moffat has been lauded for his work on Doctor Who, first writing on the show when Russell T Davies revived it in 2005. He then went on to succeed as Showrunner, leading the show during the Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi eras. Moffat is known for penning some of the most praised episodes in the history of the show as well as creating one of the most terrifying and iconic monsters, the Weeping Angels.

Outside of Doctor Who, Steven Moffat has been celebrated for co-writing and co-creating the multi-award-winning series Sherlock. His play, The Unfriend, recently completed a second West End run. 

Now he’s back, returning alongside Showrunner Russell T Davies, as he writes a whole new adventure for the upcoming season debuting this May.

Directing the adventure will be BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Julie-Anne Robinson, who also kicks off the season by directing the episode that succeeds The Church on Ruby Road that aired at Christmas. Robinson has previously directed some blockbuster television series including Bridgerton, Orange Is The New Black and Scandal, and is now jumping on board the TARDIS to front two of the episodes.

Speaking on his return to the Whoniverse, Steven Moffat says:

Yes, okay, fair enough - apologies to everyone I’ve very slightly misled - I am in fact writing an episode of the series of Doctor Who. Exactly like I said I never would. What can I tell you? There was begging, there was pleading but finally, Russell agreed to let me have another go - so long as I got out of his garden. Working with old friends and a brand new Doctor I couldn’t be happier. Sorry, I was a bit reticent on the subject for so long. It was all part of an elaborate plan that would have delighted millions but at the last minute I forgot what it was.

 

Speaking on directing episodes in the new season, Julie-Anne Robinson says: 

It was a tremendous honour to direct episodes of Doctor Who for the BBC and Disney+. This beloved franchise is 60 years old and still going strong. It is part of our collective memory as Brits. I’ve always admired Russell T Davies and Ncuti Gatwa is an unbelievably talented actor who has stepped into the role of the Fifteenth Doctor effortlessly, alongside the equally talented Millie Gibson. Steven Moffat gave me an intense challenge as a director. I asked him for a keyword to describe the overall tone of the episode he said: ‘Hitchcock’. I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks. I’m grateful to Bad Wolf, the BBC and Disney+. It was an incredible experience”

 





FILTER: - Production - Series 14/40

Doctor Who Returns 11 May 2024Bookmark and Share

Friday, 15 March 2024 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who - Series 14 (Credit: BBC Studios / Disney)

Doctor Who is set to make a return to screens worldwide on Saturday 11th May 2024.

Viewers inside the UK will be able to access two episodes from midnight on the BBC iPlayer, the first time episodes have made their premier on the 'on demand' service.  The episodes will be shown on BBC One later that day just before the annual Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final.

For those outside of the UK the episodes will be available on Disney+ from midnight UK time, 2300 GMT.

 

The new season of Doctor Who will see Ncuti Gatwa return as the Fifteenth Doctor, alongside Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday, it comes after they made their highly acclaimed debut on Christmas Day in The Church on Ruby Road

Within the upcoming series, audiences will see the Doctor and Ruby travel through time and space on adventures to unknown lands, to the Regency era in England, to outer space worlds and the sixties.

This season will also see the return of Michelle Greenidge as Carla Sunday, Angela Wynter as Cherry Sunday and Anita Dobson as Mrs Flood as well as featuring an array of special guest stars including Jinkx Monsoon, Aneurin Barnard, Yasmin Finney, Jonathan Groff, Bonnie Langford, Jemma Redgrave, Lenny Rush and Indira Varma with more to be announced soon. 

Russell T Davies, Showrunner said: 

At last, it’s my great delight to unleash a whole new season of the Doctor and Ruby’s adventures together.  Monsters!  Chases!  Villains!  Mysteries!  And a terrifying secret that’s been spanning time and space for decades.  Don’t miss a second!

 





FILTER: - Broadcast - Fifteenth Doctor - Series 14/40

Doctor Who Magazine: Issue 601Bookmark and Share

Thursday, 29 February 2024 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who Magazine:  Issue 601 (Credit: Panini)

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 601 is released today

 

Inside the issue

  • Costume designer Pam Downe discusses dressing the stylish new Doctor, as well as how she created looks for the Toymaker and the Goblin army.

  • Script to screen: An in-depth look at how the Goblin army developed, from the original concept to the finished product – blending masks and animatronics with digital effects.

  • A tribute to Michael Jayston who played the Doctor’s evil alter-ego the Valeyard.

  • Louise Jameson is among the interviewees in a special preview of the Season 15 Blu-ray collection.

  • Abdoul Ceesay – director’s assistant on Doctor Who – talks to DWM about his role and future aspirations!

  • Get cooking! A deep dive into the part food has played in the series over the years, with some recipes you can try at home!

  • A look at how other TV shows have found their way into episodes of Doctor Who.

  • Letter from the Showrunner – Russell T Davies sings in praise of companions of yesteryear as he recalls a week making Tales of the TARDIS!

  • Time-Space Visualiser – learn how fandom went mad for the Sixth Doctor! Rightly so! 

  • The Fact of Fiction – we examine the closing episodes of 1973’s Planet of the Daleks.

  • The adventures of the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday continue in the comic strip!

PLUS!

  • Gallifrey Guardian – new cast and directors revealed and an update on the Christmas ratings.

  • Reviews – covering books, audio dramas and the Fugitive Doctor action figure!

  • Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe.

  • Win Season 17 on Blu-ray, plus books and CDs!

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 601 is on sale Thursday 29 February  from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £7.99 (UK). 

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

 




FILTER: - DWM

Pamela Salem 1944-2024Bookmark and Share

Friday, 23 February 2024 - Reported by Marcus
Pamela Salem (Credit: BBC)

The actress Pamela Salem has died at the age of 80.

Pamela Salem appeared in three Doctor Who stories. In 1977 she played Toos in the acclaimed Fourth Doctor story The Robots of Death. Her voice was used as one of the voices of Xoanon in the previous story, The Face of Evil.   She returned to the series in 1988 playing Rachel Jensen alongside the Seventh Doctor in Remembrance of the Daleks. She later reprised her role as Jensen in the Big Finish audio spin-off series Counter-Measures and 1963: The Assassination Games. 

Pamela Salem was born in Bombay, India, and educated at Heidelberg University in Germany and later at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, England.

Film work included the role of Miss Moneypenny in the 1983 James Bond film Never Say Never Again, starring Sean Connery. 

Other television appearances included parts in EastEnders, where she played mafia affiliate Joanne Francis, and as the evil witch Belor in ITV's Into the Labyrinth.

Other television guest appearances have included roles in the third episode of  Blake's 7, The Onedin Line, The Professionals, Howards' Way, Ever Decreasing Circles, Tripods and All Creatures Great and Small

She later moved to the United States where she continued her career in series such as Magnum, P.I., Party of Five, ER and The West Wing where she played a British prime minister.

 





FILTER: - Obituary

Doctor Who: Chronicles 1971Bookmark and Share

Tuesday, 20 February 2024 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who: Chronicles 1971 (Credit: Panini)

The new 116-page bookazine from the makers of Doctor Who Magazine celebrates an unforgettable era in the show’s history.

 

The success of the first episodes starring Jon Pertwee saved the series from the threat of cancellation. A year later, the next phase of its reinvention introduced a new assistant for the Doctor and a debonair adversary to threaten him during his exile on Earth. The colourful formula for some of Doctor Who’s best-loved adventures was complete. 

This issue covers all the stories from 1971: Terror of the Autons, The Mind of Evil, The Claws of Axos, Colony in Space and The Dæmons. All-new content includes exclusive features, insightful commentary and rare behind-the-scenes images.

Contents include articles on:

  • The year’s most significant events in the Doctor Who universe (both on and off screen)

  • Stars Roger Delgado, Richard Franklin and Katy Manning

  • Writers Don Houghton, Bob Baker and Dave Martin

  • Doctor Who in the popular press

  • Special effects and production techniques

  • Classic Doctor Who comic strips and merchandise

  • … plus much more!

Doctor Who: Chronicles 1971 is on sale now, RRP £11.99 from panini.co.uk 

and selected branches of WH Smith while stocks last. 

It’s also available digitally from pocketmags.com priced £10.99.





FILTER: - DWM - Third Doctor

The Edge Of Destruction On Zoetrope Picture DiscBookmark and Share

Friday, 16 February 2024 - Reported by Marcus
 Doctor Who: The Edge Of Destruction (Credit: Demon Music Group)

To mark Record Store Day 2024, Demon Records are releasing the complete narrated TV soundtrack of the Doctor Who story ‘The Edge Of Destruction’.

This brand new audio presentation, making its debut in any format with this vinyl release, features unique linking narration by Carole Ann Ford.

There’s also a bonus interview with Ford herself, in which she recalls playing Susan, the Doctor’s granddaughter, in the original TV episodes.

The vinyl boasts a picture disc Side A, showing the Ship’s melting ormolu clock from a pivotal scene in the story, and an exclusive Zoetrope Side B, depicting the TARDIS swirling across space and time (best experienced using a smartphone running a third-party stroboscope app).

The 12” disc is presented in a stunning die-cut artwork outer sleeve.

Escaping from their previous adventure, the Doctor, Susan, Ian Chesterton (William Russell) and BarbaraWright (Jacqueline Hill) are inside the TARDIS when it appears to be taken over by an outside force.

2024 is the 60th anniversary of this two-episode story starring William Hartnell as the Doctor. First broadcast on the 8th & 15th February 1964

The disc will be released on 20 April 2024 on Record Store Day, the day when over 260 independent record shops all across the UK come together to celebrate their unique culture.





FILTER: - season 1 - First Doctor - Vinyl

Michael Jayston 1935 - 2024Bookmark and Share

Monday, 5 February 2024 - Reported by Marcus
Michael Jayston

The actor Michael Jayston has died at the age of 88.

Michael Jayston is best known to Doctor Who fans for playing the Valeyard in all fourteen episodes of the 23rd season The Trial of a Timelord. The script describes the character as an amalgamation of the Doctor's darker sides between his twelfth and final incarnations.

Jayston played the character opposite the Sixth Doctor as played by Colin Baker in the series that aired in the autumn of 1986. He later recreated the character in many Big Finish audios. 

Colin Baker today paid tribute to his old colleague

My dear dear friend, Michael Jayston has left us today. I am absolutely devastated. He was warm witty, clever naughty and a very fine actor & wonderful man. My thoughts and love go to his wife Ann and daughter Katie. Heartbroken Goodbye my friend

Michael Jayston was born in the town of West Bridgeford in the English Midlands. He trained as an accountant before switching careers and enrolling in the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

One of his best-known movie appearances was as Tzar Nicholas II in the film Nicholas and Alexander, the film that featured an unknown Tom Baker as the monk Rasputin, a role that helped Baker to win the role of The Doctor. 

He was a familiar face on television throughout the last 60 years. His first appearance was in 1962 in the series Suspence.  By 1970 he was taking leading roles playing Macbeth alongside Barbara Leigh-Hunt. He played Mr Rochester in the 1973 version of Jane Eyre and Peter Guillam in the acclaimed 1979 version of the spy novel Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

In 1975 he headed the cast of a detective series playing the title character Quiller. 

He has appeared in a number of long-running series including Coronation Street, EastEnders, Only Fools and Horses, The Bill, Heartbeat Casualty and Midsomer Murders. 

Michael Jayston's death was announced earlier today. A statement on behalf of his family said:

Michael Jayston sadly passed away this morning after a short illness.

Those who knew Michael will know he was full of love, laughs and happiness. He adored meeting his fans all over the world.

 





FILTER: - Obituary