Series 10 filming begins next week

Tuesday, 14 June 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Matt Lucas and Stephanie Hyam guest star in Series 10

The BBC have released details on forthcoming writers and guest appearances for the next series of Doctor Who, due to start filming in Cardiff from Monday next week.

Matt Lucas will be reprising his role as Nardole, which he played in last year's Christmas Special, The Husbands of River Song. Commenting on his return to Doctor Who, he said:

I’m chuffed to bits that Nardole is returning to the TARDIS for some more adventures. I loved acting with Peter and I’m excited to work with Pearl.

Steven Moffat, lead writer and Executive Producer, added:

Delighted and slightly amazed to be welcoming Matt Lucas back on to the TARDIS - and this time it’s not just for Christmas, he’s sticking around. One of the greatest comedy talents on planet Earth is being unleashed on all of time and space.

Moffat is writing the first episode in the new series, which will be directed by Lawrence Gough (who directed Pearl Mackie's introduction as Bill in Friend from the Future. Peter Bennett returns as producer, with Brian Minchin as executive producer. The second episode will also see the return of Frank Cottrell Boyce, who previously penned In The Forest Of The Night in the 2014 series.

Further writers announced for the series include Sarah Dollard who wrote last year's Face The Raven, Mike Bartlett (writer for the multi-award winning Doctor Foster, and veteran Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss.

In addition to Lucas, Stephanie Hyam has also been announced for a guest role in the new series; the actress appeared in the New Year's Day Sherlock as Jane, and also played Charlotte in Peaky Blinders and Lily Clarke in Jekyll & Hyde.

Today also saw the first read-through for the series take place:

NEW PIC!
Brought to you fresh from @Pearlie_mack's first read-through with Peter Capaldi for #DoctorWho series 10 👍 pic.twitter.com/ab2D70LtH9
— Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) June 14, 2016

FILTER: - Guest Stars - Production - Series 10/36 - Steven Moffat

Class - To Feature Gay Lead

Tuesday, 14 June 2016 - Reported by Marcus

Patrick Ness has revealed that Class is to feature a LGBT character in one of the lead roles.

The showrunner tweeted the news after attending a vigil held in Cardiff, remembering the victims of the Orlando massacre, where 49 people were murdered in a terroist attack against a gay nightclub.

Been asked if Class will have LGBT representation in it. Will a lead character with a boyfriend who he kisses & sleeps with & loves do?
— Patrick Ness ‏@Patrick_Ness June 13, 2016

The author added

We were keeping that secret, but today that secret doesn't seem very important. #lovewins
— Patrick Ness ‏@Patrick_Ness June 13, 2016

Class is a spin-off from Doctor Who, set in Coal Hill School, currently filming in Wales. The series will be released onto the BBC Three channel this Autumn, before being screened on BBC One later in the year.

SPACE in Canada has also confirmed it will also be screening the series.

FILTER: - Class

The Tenth Doctor #2.11

Sunday, 12 June 2016 - Reported by Marcus

This week sees Titan release a new comic featuring The Tenth Doctor.

The Tenth Doctor #2.11

Writer: Nick Abadzis
Artist: Eleonora Carlini
Colorist: Arianna Florean
Letterer: Comicraft
Covers Claudia Ianniciello, Will Brooks, Simon Myers

After near-deadly adventures in the Jazz Age, the Doctor, Gabby and Cindy have tracked the murderous Noctures to the Disco-era New York City, 1978. Quite aside from the fashions, how will Gabby and Cindy deal with being stalked through their hometown by terrifying creatures, decades before they were born?!

On Sale Wednesday 15th June 2016

FILTER: - Comics - Tenth Doctor

Lethbridge-Stewart: The Showstoppers

Saturday, 11 June 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books have released released further information about the second Lethbridge-Stewart release of 2016, The Showstoppers by Jonathan Cooper:

Lethbridge-Stewart: The Showstoppers (Credit: Candy-Jar Books)

LETHBRIDGE-STEWART’S LIFE WILL CHANGE FOREVER!

As well as introducing a new writer to the range, The Showstoppers plays out a major turning point in Lethbridge-Stewart’s life, as he is rewarded for all his hard work since the Doctor Who serial, The Web of Fear.

Range editor, Andy Frankham-Allen, says:

It’s something we’ve been working towards – a pivotal Lethbridge-Stewart moment.

Author, Jonathan Cooper, agrees:

It’s genuinely a massive honour to be given this responsibility; to dramatise the events leading up to something that most fans would certainly like to see. I wish I could say what it is, but that would ruin what’s going to be a big surprise.

The Showstoppers taps into the booming television industry of the 1960s, in particular the popular super-spy thrillers such as The Saint, Danger Man and The Avengers, blending it with more than a hint of the b-movies of the 1950s, all revolving around a secret Nazi plan left over from World War II.

Jonathan Cooper continues:

It was initially inspired by the film Dr Strangelove. At the pitching stage we even had Strangelove as the primary villain, along with a neat little twist to tie the Kubrick film into the world of Lethbridge-Stewart. But we soon moved beyond that, which gave the book a wider scope and allowed me to have a lot more fun with it. There’s still a couple of sly references in there though – including one bit towards the end that I hope readers are going to find
particularly chilling.

The book also features an introduction by David George, son of Dr Strangelove writer Peter George, focusing on the conspiracy theories that tie Dr Strangelove to the Kennedy assassination.

A fourth lead character of the range is also introduced in this novel. Head of Publishing, Shaun Russell, says:

From day one it has always been our intent to build up something of an ensemble cast of characters, with four main characters leading the way. That started with our licensed characters, Lethbridge-Stewart and Anne Travers, complimented by our very own Corporal William Bishop, who first appeared in our initial release, The Forgotten Son. Now we’re very pleased to introduce Samson Ware to our readers. A very different character to any seen in the range before, and someone quite unique for a series set in the late-‘60s, early-‘70s, a man of Bajan origin.

Jonathan Cooper is no stranger to Doctor Who, having once served as Doctor Who correspondent for The Mirror and The Independent online papers. He has previously written two novels for Space: 1889 series, co-writing one with Lethbridge-Stewart range editor, Andy Frankham-Allen.

Andy Frankham-Allen says:

Jon first came to my attention back in 2007 when I was running the eZine, Pantechnicon. He submitted one of the best short stories I have ever read, and ever since then I have tried to give him as much work as possible. The world can never have too much of Jon’s writing. His sense of humour, and great instinct for twisting a tale on its head, has always been a hallmark of his writing, and it’s this skill that he brings to Lethbridge-Stewart.

The Showstoppers is now available to pre-order from Candy Jar Books, and those who do so will also receive the free digital-only short story, The Band of Evil, by Roger J Hammond and Shaun Russell.

FILTER: - Books - Candy Jar Books - Lethbridge-Stewart - Merchandise

Dame Harriet Jones MP

Saturday, 11 June 2016 - Reported by Marcus

Actress Penelope Wilton has been created a Dame in the 2016 Queen's Birthday honours list.

Wilton played Harriet Jones, MP for Flydale North, and sometime Prime Minister, in four episodes of Doctor Who. She is best known for playing Isobel Crawley in the ITV period drama, Downton Abbey and for playing Ann Bryce in the 1980's situation comedy Ever Decreasing Circles.

Wilton has had a long career on the stage and screen receiving six Olivier Award nominations for West End appearances. Her film roles include parts in The French Lieutenant's Woman, Cry Freedom, Iris, Calendar Girls, Shaun of the Dead, Pride and Prejudice, Woody Allen's Match Point and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Wilton is made a Dame Commander Of The Order Of The British Empire in the honours list, which is published today to mark the official 90th birthday of the monarch.

The citation reads

Penelope Wilton is one of Britain’s most popular and sought-after actresses, whose career has spanned acclaimed performances on stage, screen and television. A household name for her comedic performances starting with 1980s sitcom Ever Decreasing Circles, she has subsequently starred in a diverse range of roles in works including Five Days, Half Broken Things and The Passion for television and Calendar Girls and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on film. Her celebrated stage work is varied and she has won numerous awards including Critics Circle Awards for Much Ado About Nothing (1981) and The Deep Blue Sea (1993); an Evening Standard Theatre Award for The Chalk Garden (2008); and a Best Actress Olivier for Taken at Midnight (2015)

Also honoured is actor Brian Blessed who is made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Arts and charity, and Janet Ellis who is made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to charity and broadcasting.

The awards are made by Queen Elizabeth on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

FILTER: - Awards/Nominations - People

BBC Audio: Target Adaptations Update

Thursday, 9 June 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Audio have released details of the audio adaptions of Target novelisations due to be published for the rest of the year, including the confirmation of Richard Franklin reading this month's Doctor Who and The Claws Of Axos, and Jon Culshaw reading next month's Doctor Who and The Sontaran Experiment.

Doctor Who and The Claws Of Axos (Credit: BBC Audio)

Doctor Who and The Claws Of Axos
Written by Terrance Dicks, read by Richard Franklin
Published by BBC Audio 2nd June 2016 [order from Amazon UK]

An unabridged reading of this classic novelisation of an adventure featuring the Third Doctor, as played on TV by Jon Pertwee.

'Axos calling Earth, Axos calling Earth...’

The creatures stood before them, offering friendship and their priceless Axonite, in return for - what? Only the Doctor remains suspicious. What is the real reason for the Axon’s sudden arrival on Earth? And why is the evil Master a passenger on their spaceship? He very soon finds out...

Duration: 3 hours 40 mins

Doctor Who and The Sontaran Experiment (Credit: BBC Audio)

Doctor Who and The Sontaran Experiment
Written by Ian Marter, read by Jon Culshaw
Published by BBC Audio 7th July 2016 [pre-order from Amazon UK]

An unabridged reading of this classic novelisation of a Fourth Doctor TV adventure from 1975.

Landing on Earth - now a barren, desolate planet - Sarah, Harry and the Doctor are unaware of a large, watching robot. The robot is the work of Styre, a Sontaran warrior, who uses all humans landing here for his experimental programmes. What has happened to the other space explorers who have come here? Why is Styre so interested in Earth, and in brutally torturing humans, including Sarah Jane? Will the Doctor be able to prevent an invasion, and save both Earth and his companions?

Duration: 4 hours approx

Doctor Who: The Macra Terror
Written by Ian Stuart Black, read by Anneke Wills
Published by BBC Audio 4th August 2016 [pre-order from Amazon UK]

An unabridged reading of this novelisation of a classic 1967 TV adventure featuring the Second Doctor, as played by Patrick Troughton.

In the far future a group of humans is living an idyllic existence on a distant planet. Their colony is run like a gigantic holiday camp, and nothing seems to trouble their carefree existence. When one of them claims that the colony is being invaded by hideous monsters, no-one takes him seriously. But the Doctor's suspicions are immediately
aroused. What is the terrible menace that lurks at the heart of this apparent paradise? Why are the colonists unaw are of the danger that lies before their very eyes? And what is the Macra Terror?

Duration: 3 hours 5 mins

Doctor Who and The Invasion Of Time (no reader announced) (Credit: BBC Audio)

Doctor Who and The Invasion Of Time
Written by Terrance Dicks, read by John Leeson
Published by BBC Books 1st September 2016 [pre-order from Amazon UK]

John Leeson reads this exciting novelisation of a classic Fourth Doctor adventure, set on Gallifrey and featuring the Sontarans.

Can the Doctor really be in league with the evil Vardans, spearheading a treacherous invasion of his home planet, Gallifrey? Or is he playing a deadly double game, saving the Time Lords by appearing to betray them? But the Vardans themselves are not the only pawns in the game, and the Doctor faces and old and deadly enemy as he battles to foil the invasion of Time.

Duration: 4 hours approx

Doctor Who: The Time Meddler (no reader announced) (Credit: BBC Audio)

Doctor Who: The Time Meddler, reader tba
Written by Nigel Robinson
Published by BBC Books 6th October 2016 [pre-order from Amazon UK]

An unabridged reading of this classic novelisation featuring the First Doctor, and featuring the Meddling Monk.

When the TARDIS materialises on an apparently deserted Nothumbrian beach, Steven disputes the Doctor’s claim that they have travelled back to the eleventh century. The discovery of a modern wristwatch in a nearby forest merely reinforces his opinion.

But it is 1066, the most important date in English history, and the Doctor’s arrival has not gone unnoticed. Observing the appearance of the TARDIS is a mysterious monk, who recognises the time-machine for what it is. He also knows that the Doctor poses a serious threat to his master plan – a plan which, if successful, could alter the future of the entire world...

Duration: 4 hours approx

November sees the release of the third Doctor novelisation Doctor Who And The Day Of The Daleks, written by Terrance Dicks. Also in November comes Tales From The TARDIS Volume 1, a CD boxed set of the adaptations The Curse of Peladon (read by Jon Pertwee), Kinda (read by Peter Davison), Attack of the Cybermen (read by Colin Baker), the anthology Out Of The Darkness (read by Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant), and other short stories (read by Nicholas Courtney and Sophie Aldred), originally released on MP3-CD back in 2004.

FILTER: - BBC Audio

DWM Essentials 8 - Adventures in History

Thursday, 9 June 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Panini have announced the latest in their ongoing Doctor Who Essentials series of special magazines:

The Essential Doctor Who #8 - Adventures in History (Credit: Doctor Who Magazine)

The Essential Doctor Who Issue 8: Adventures in History

Panini’s acclaimed bookazine series The Essential Doctor Who continues, with a lavish 116-page issue about the Doctor’s journeys into Earth’s past.

Adventures in History includes interviews with:

Artist Jeff Cummins (Doctor Who Discovers)
Story editor Gerry Davis (The Highlanders)
Actor Bernard Kay (The Crusade)
Costume designer Odile Dicks-Mireaux (The Visitation)
Writer John Lucarotti (The Aztecs)
Writer Jamie Mathieson (The Girl Who Died)
Actor Ian McNeice (Victory of the Daleks)
Director Saul Metzstein (Dinosaurs on a Spaceship)
Writer Marc Platt (Ghost Light)
Story editor Donald Tosh (The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve)
Artist George Underwood (The Doctor Who Dinosaur Book)
Actress Anneke Wills, who played Polly in The Smugglers and numerous other stories.

Elsewhere in this packed issue, Andrew Pixley reveals Donald Cotton’s notes for the 1965 story The Myth Makers, timelines chart the Doctor’s adventures from the creation of the Earth through to 1963, and 15 trips into history are revisited, from the era of the First Doctor right through to that of the Twelfth.

Editor Marcus Hearn says:

History in Doctor Who is about much more than the purely historical stories that were made in the 1960s. We decided to follow the Doctor’s entire journey through Earth history, with some of our best writers and designer Peri Godbold as our guides. We’ve never done anything quite like this before, and some of the rare pictures we’ve uncovered are amazing.

The Essential Doctor Who: Adventures in History is on sale now at WHSmith and all good newsagents.

FILTER: - DWM - Magazines - Merchandise

Dalek sells for Record £38K

Wednesday, 8 June 2016 - Reported by Marcus

A rare 1960's Dalek has been sold at auction for a record-breaking £38,000, equivalent to $55,000.

The Dalek was originally used in the 1966 feature film Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.. It was one of 3 Daleks given away by Sugar Puffs in their promotional competition for the film. It was one of 67 items of Film and Television Memorabilia sold by a single collector, at an auction on Wednesday, organised by Bamfords in Derby.

The Dalek drew considerable attention, with around 30 bidders contesting the sale. The price of £38,000 is believed to be the highest price paid for such a prop and was much higher than the estimated sale price of £15,000. The successful bidder lives in London, defeating interest from America, Australia, New Zealand and Belgium.

The seller's wife told the BBC the collection was being sold as the couple needed to downsize

There's no way that we can accommodate all of these things. The last thing I want is a Dalek in the bedroom. Everything has to go. We don't want any of it back. I'm locking my husband in a straitjacket in the garden shed so he can't bid on any of it again.

The entire collection sold for more than £90,000. It included a Cyberman from classic story Earthshock, that sold for £2,000, and a TARDIS from the Doctor Who stage show that fetched £1,000.

FILTER: - Auctions

BBC Audio: a collection of Tales

Wednesday, 8 June 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Audio have released details of three collections coming later this year, collating previously released audio tales featuring the Tenth Doctor, Eleventh Doctor and Torchwood:

Tenth Doctor Tales
Published by BBC Books 4th August 2016 [pre-order from Amazon UK]

David Tennant, Catherine Tate and Michelle Ryan read this exclusive collection of original audio adventures. Join the Tenth Doctor on these seven adventures in Time and Space, written specially for audio:

Pest Control by Peter Anghelides, read by David Tennant
The Forever Trap by Dan Abnett, read by Catherine Tate
The Nemonite Invasion by David Roden, read by Catherine Tate
The Rising Night by Scott Handcock, read by Michelle Ryan.
The Day of the Troll by Simon Messingham, read by David Tennant
The Last Voyage by Dan Abnett, read by David Tennant
Dead Air by James Goss, read by David Tennant

With thrilling music and sound design, these seven adventures are based on the hit BBC TV series.

Duration: 13 hours approx

Torchwood Tales
Published by BBC Books 1st September 2016 [pre-order from Amazon UK]

Eve Myles, Gareth David-Lloyd, Kai Owen and others read ten stories based on the hit BBC TV series. Written specially for audio, with additional sound design, the stories feature the original Torchwood line-up including Captain Jack, Gwen, Ianto, Owen and Toshiko, plus Rhys and PC Andy. The titles are:

Hidden by Steven Savile, read by Naoko Mori
Everyone Says Hello by Dan Abnett, read by Burn Gorman
In the Shadows by Joseph Lidster, read by Eve Myles
The Sin Eaters by Brian Minchin, read by Gareth David-Lloyd
Department X and Ghost Train by James Goss, read by Kai Owen
Army of One by Ian Edginton, read by Kai Owen
Fallout by David Llewellyn, read by Tom Price
Red Skies by Joseph Lidster, read by John Telfer
Mr Invincible by Mark Morris, read by Tom Price

Duration: 16 hours approx

Eleventh Doctor Tales (Credit: BBC Audio)

Eleventh Doctor Tales
Published by BBC Books 6th October 2016 [pre-order from Amazon UK]

Matt Smith, Arthur Darvill and Meera Syal are among the readers of this exclusive collection of original audio adventures. Join the Eleventh Doctor on journeys in Time and Space in the stories:

The Runaway Train by Oli Smith, read by Matt Smith
The Ring of Steel by Stephen Cole, read by Arthur Darvill
The Jade Pyramid by Martin Day, read by Matt Smith
The Hounds of Artemis by James Goss, read by Matt Smith & Clare Corbett
The Gemini Contagion by Jason Arnopp, read by Meera Syal
Eye of the Jungle by Darren Jones, read by David Troughton
Blackout by Oli Smith, read by Stuart Milligan
The Art of Death by James Goss, read by Raquel Cassidy
Darkstar Academy by Mark Morris, read by Alexander Armstrong
Day of the Cockroach by Steve Lyons, read by Arthur Darvill
The Nu-Humans by Cavan Scott & Mark Wright, read by Raquel Cassidy
The Empty House by Simon Guerrier, read by Raquel Cassidy
The Sleepers in the Dust by Darren Jones, read by Arthur Darvill
Snake Bite by Scott Handcock, read by Frances Barber

Duration: 15 hours approx.

FILTER: - BBC Audio - Eleventh Doctor - Tenth Doctor - Torchwood

Lethbridge-Stewart: The Band Of Evil

Monday, 6 June 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books has announced a new digital-only short story, The Band Of Evil, which is free to all subscribers to the 2016 range of Lethbridge-Stewart novels, and those who order the next novel, The Showstoppers:

Lethbridge-Stewart: The Band Of Evil (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce the release of their latest free digital-only short story, The Band of Evil.

Lethbridge-Stewart editor Shaun Russell has joined forces with Candy Jar author Roger J Simmonds to pen this story of rock music aliens on the rampage in Wembley.

Shaun said:

Although I’ve had a hand in establishing the direction of the series it’s been my goal to write a Lethbridge-Stewart story myself, but this has always proved difficult due to health and work commitments, so when the opportunity to work with Roger on this short story presented itself I jumped at it. The story is a classic ‘base under siege’ tale with a rock ‘n’ roll twist.

The book also contains a preview chapter of Roger’s autobiography Standing on the Sidelines. Roger’s life has been a rock ’n’ rollercoaster of a journey. Highlights of his remarkable career include playing the 2is club in Soho at the height of its popularity, being part of the only Welsh group to play The Cavern Club, working alongside the influential record producer Joe Meek, getting drunk with The Krays, and being present when Tom Jones got his name.

Roger J Simmonds, who was once of touring member of The Honeycombs, said:

I met some of the most influential performers during the ‘60s including George Harrison, Brian Jones, David Bowie and Tom Jones. My autobiography captures the glamour and sleaze, the hedonism and idealism and the sights and smells of the British rock scene. It was great to transfer these experiences to the world of Lethbridge-Stewart.

Hayley Cox, senior publishing coordinator at Candy Jar Books, feels that Roger was the perfect choice to collaborate with Shaun. She said:

Currently the Lethbridge-Stewart stories are set in the tail end of the swinging ‘60s and who better to draw upon these exciting times than someone who was actually there. I believe that Roger and Shaun have captured the rock music scene perfectly.

The Band of Evil will be given free to every person who pre-orders The Showstoppers by Jonathan Cooper, which is due out at the end of June. All subscribers will receive the short story automatically, as will those who purchase any of the bundles for the 2016 series.

The Showstoppers is now available for pre-order directly from the Candy Jar Books website.

In addition Candy Jar has created a Spotify Lethbridge-Stewart and Standing on the Sidelines playlist.

FILTER: - Candy Jar Books - Lethbridge-Stewart

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