New companion to be announced during Match of the Day on Saturday

Thursday, 21 April 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Match of the Day: Everton vs Manchester United F.A. Cup Semi-Final, 23rd April 2016 (Credit: BBC One)

The BBC have announced that they plan to reveal who will playing the latest sidekick to join Peter Capaldi in the TARDIS in Doctor Who this coming Saturday, 23rd April, during the half-time interval of the F.A. Cup Semi-Final match between Everton and Manchester United that will be shown live on BBC One from 4:50pm.

With kick-off due at 5:15pm this is likely to feature just after 6:00pm.

FILTER: - BBC - Leading News - Publicity - Series 10/36

BBC Books: In The Blood

Friday, 8 April 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Books have released details on next month's novel featuring the tenth Doctor and Donna, In The Blood, the latest to be written by Jenny T Colgan.

In The Blood
Written by Jenny T Colgan
Published 12th May 2016

They feed on your anger. They need your despair

All over the world, people are venting their fury at one another on social media. Dropping their friends, giving vent to their hatred, and everyone behaving with incredible cruelty. Even Donna has found that her friend Hettie, with her seemingly perfect life and fancy house, has unfriended her. And now, all over the world, internet trolls are dying...

As more and more people give in to this wave of bitterness and aggression, it's clear this is no simple case of modern living. This is unkindness as a plague.

From the streets of London to the web cafes of South Korea and the deepest darkest forests of Rio, can the Doctor and Donna find the cause of this unhappiness before it's too late?

An original novel featuring the Tenth Doctor and Donna, as played by David Tennant and Catherine Tate.

FILTER: - BBC Books - Books - Merchandise

LEGO TARDIS at Sydney Royal Easter Show

Monday, 14 March 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

LEGO TARDIS at the Sydney Royal Easter Show (Credit: BBC Worldwide)

A full-size LEGO® replica of the TARDIS will feature at this year's Sydney Royal Easter Show, which takes place in the Australian city every year.

The item will be installed outside of Showbag Hall on Riverina Avenue to promote the first ever Doctor Who showbag at the event. The exclusive showbag, licensed by Bensons Trading, will contain a variety of merchandise, including a TARDIS design back pack, tin case, beanie hat, notebook and lanyard, and a Doctor Who tote bag. The showbag will be available to purchase for $26 (normal retail value $64.70).

Doctor Who Showbag (Credit: Bensons Trading)

Brigid Roberts, Business Manager, Licensing and Sponsorship, BBC Worldwide ANZ, said:

We’re delighted to able to offer Whovians in Australia another chance to see the LEGO® TARDIS, and get their hands on a showbag full of treats for aspiring Time Lords.

Rebel Ruby, Product Development, Bensons Trading Co, said:

Bensons are very excited to release the brand new Doctor Who showbag at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show. We have worked closely with BBC Worldwide ANZ to come up with a fantastic pack that will have Doctor Who fans flocking to the show.

The LEGO replica, previously seen at last year's Doctor Who Festival, will be in place throughout the whole of the Royal Easter Show, which takes place between the 17th and 30th March at Sydney Olympic Park. Fans are encouraged to share their photos with the TARDIS on social media using the #legotardis hashtag.

(with thanks to BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand)

FILTER: - Australia - BBC Worldwide - Special Events

Doctor on Demand in South Korea

Monday, 29 February 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Worldwide have announced a new deal to provide Doctor Who via video-on-demand in South Korea. The series will be provided by SK Broadband through their IPTV service B TV.

Doctor Who forms part of a package that will include a number of dramas like the recent War and Peace, and documentary series like Africa and Life Story. Soojin Chung, GM of BBC Worldwide in Northeast Asia said:

We are committed to bringing great quality programming to viewers in Korea. SK Broadband is a valued partner and we are excited to be working with BTV to bring award winning and the best programmes from the BBC to their VOD subscribers, to watch them at their convenience.

Doctor Who is currently available to watch in the country in English via BBC Entertainment, and in Korean through KBS.

Editorial: details on broadcasts from around the world can be found via This Week in Doctor Who; however, whilst we monitor a wide variety of broadcasters we know there are more out there that we don't currently include. If you are aware of Doctor Who or one of its spinoffs, or any other documentary, feature or interview relating to the shows that aren't being covered, please do let us know at twidw@doctorwhonews.net.

FILTER: - Asia Pacific - BBC Worldwide - Broadcasting - International Broadcasting - Online

Competition Roundup

Tuesday, 23 February 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

A roundup of further competitions from Doctor Who News that readers may enter:

The Fourth Doctor Adventures: The Labyrinth of Buda Castle

The fourth Doctor continues his adventures alongside Romana and K-9:

The Doctor and Romana land in Budapest, intent on enjoying another holiday, but shortly after landing they find themselves too late to save the life of a man who has seemingly been attacked by a vampire. As they learn that this is the latest in a series of violent attacks, it becomes clear that they have stumbled onto something that needs investigating. Aided by a vampire hunter who is searching for Dracula, they look into the nearby Buda caves, currently being used for storage by the military - and find that the soldiers have problems of their own. Stalked through the tunnels by a monster, and up against an ancient evil, the race is on to escape alive - and foil the dastardly schemes of the maniacal Zoltan Frid.

The Labyrinth Of Buda Castle (Credit: Big Finish)

To be in with a chance to win a digital download of the audio adventure courtesy of Big Finish, simply answer the following question:

In which televised story did the Doctor first encounter "Dracula"?

Please send your answer along with your name and the email address you have registered with Big Finish, plus where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-bf4d@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "Everything at stake". The competition is open worldwide, closing date 6th March 2016. Note: entrants must have an active registration with Big Finish in order to be eligible to receive the prize - new registrations can be easily created on the website for free and with no financial obligation.

BBC Books: 365 Days of Memorable Moments and Impossible Things

BBC Books are to publish a book examining notable events in Doctor Who during the course of a year next month:

For over half a century, Doctor Who has entertained and enthralled fans with the time-travelling adventures of the Doctor and his companions. From that first glimpse of a police telephone box in a Totter's Lane junkyard, to meeting terrifying villains such as the Daleks or the Weeping Angels, to the fall of the Doctor's home planet Gallifrey, the beloved series has provided a near-inexhaustible list of indelible memories. This book is a unique and captivating day-by-day chronicle of those memories. In this fascinating compilation of fictional and historical events from the world's longest running science-fiction show. Doctor Who expert Justin Richards revisits iconic characters, thrilling plot twists and memorable battles, as well as sharing bonus behind-the-scenes secrets from both the classic and new series.

365 Days of Memorable Moments and Impossible Things (Credit: BBC Books)

To be in with a chance to win the book courtesy of BBC Books, simply answer the following question:

The Doctor has on occasion chronicled his own adventures, making reference to them a number of times during his earlier incarnations, but what did he use to do so?

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-365days@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "One day I shall read back". The competition is open to UK readers only, closing date 6th March 2016. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

BBC Audio: The Space Museum

The next classic novelisation adaptation for 2016 sees the first Doctor catch a glimpse of his own possible future in The Space Museum:

The TARDIS materialises on what, at first sight, appears to be a dry and lifeless planet serving only as a graveyard for spaceships. The Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Vicki discover a magnificent museum housing relics from every corner of the galaxy. These have been assembled by the Moroks, a race of cruel conquerors who have invaded the planet Xeros and enslaved its inhabitants. Upon further exploration the TARDIS crew seem to stumble upon the impossible: for suddenly, facing them in an exhibit case, they find...themselves!

Doctor Who: The Space Museum (Credit: BBC Audio)

To be in with a chance to win the audiobook courtesy of BBC Audio, simply answer the following question:

Having been grabbed by Xeron rebels, the Doctor promptly escapes them by hiding in an an unusual way - what does he do?

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-target@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "The Xerons are revolting". The competition is open worldwide, closing date 6th March 2016. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

FILTER: - BBC Audio - BBC Books - Big Finish - Competitions

365 Days of Memorable Moments and Impossible Things

Tuesday, 16 February 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Books publish a new non-fiction book bringing together a day-to-day collection of key points in Doctor Who's history and narrative; 365 Days of Memorable Moments and Impossible Things is written by Justin Richards and is released on the 10th March:

365 Days of Memorable Moments and Impossible Things
Written by Justin Richards
Published by BBC Books, 10th March 2016 [pre-order]

For over half a century, Doctor Who has entertained and enthralled fans with the time-travelling adventures of the Doctor and his companions. From that first glimpse of a police telephone box in a Totter's Lane junkyard, to meeting terrifying villains such as the Daleks or the Weeping Angels, to the fall of the Doctor's home planet Gallifrey, the beloved series has provided a near-inexhaustible list of indelible memories.

This book is a unique and captivating day-by-day chronicle of those memories. In this fascinating compilation of fictional and historical events from the world's longest running science-fiction show. Doctor Who expert Justin Richards revisits iconic characters, thrilling plot twists and memorable battles, as well as sharing bonus behind-the-scenes secrets from both the classic and new series.

On this day in Doctor Who:

8th January: Leela joins the fourth Doctor in the TARDIS
1st February: The Cybermen disrupt Jackie Tyler's 40th birthday
25th February: The Sontarans invade Gallifrey
6th March: Rose Tyler joins the ninth Doctor in the TARDIS
10th March: Davros creates the Daleks
10th April: The Titanic sets sail with the ninth Doctor on board
30th April: The War Doctor ends the last Great Time War
3rd July: Steven Taylor joins the first Doctor in the TARDIS
7th September: The seventh Doctor is born
23rd November: The first Doctor appears in the first ever episode of Doctor Who
3rd December: Agatha Christie solves a mystery with the tenth Doctor
15th December: The fourth Doctor meets Sarah Jane Smith

FILTER: - BBC - Books

Most Loved Shows on iPlayer

Monday, 15 February 2016 - Reported by Marcus

Doctor Who has been voted number four a list of most loved shows on the BBC iPlayer.

The list has been collected from audience members clicking on the heart button on the BBC iPlayer. The button was introduced in March 2015, and allows the audience to instantly show love for a programme.

Top of the list was the soap opera EastEnders with children's drama The Next Step, which charts the lives of a group of young dancers as they make their way through dance school, coming second.

Two of the most popular dramas of the last year Poldark and War And Peace make the list alongside established audience favourites Sherlock and Casualty.

EastEnders
The Next Step
Match of the Day
Doctor Who
Strictly Come Dancing
Casualty
The Great British Bake Off
The Apprentice
Poldark
Sherlock
Council House Crackdown
War and Peace

FILTER: - BBC

BBC Audio: release schedule

Saturday, 13 February 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Audio continue their range of audiobooks based upon the original Target novelisations of Doctor Who stories, with the original, unabridged readings made by well-known actors associated with the series. The release schedule over the next few months cover the first five Doctors:

January: Doctor Who and the State of Decay, written by Terrance Dicks and read by Geoffrey Beevers

Geoffrey Beevers reads this exciting novelisation of a 1980 TV adventure featuring the Fourth Doctor, as played by Tom Baker.

The Doctor, Romana and K9 - and a young stowaway called Adric - are trapped in the alternative universe of E-Space. Seeking help, the land on an unknown planet. There they find a nightmare world where oppressed peasants toil for the Lords who live in the Tower, and where all learning is forbidden: a society in a state of decay. What is the terrifying secret of the Three Who Rule? What monstrous creature stirs beneath the Tower, waking from its thousand year sleep? The Doctor discovers that the oldest and deadliest enemy of the Time Lords is about to spring into horrifying action.

John Leeson provides the Voice of K9.
February: Doctor Who: The Space Museum, written by Glyn Jones and read by Maureen O'Brien

An unabridged reading of this novelisation of a classic 1965 TV serial featuring the First Doctor, as played on TV by William Hartnell.

The TARDIS materialises on what, at first sight, appears to be a dry and lifeless planet serving only as a graveyard for spaceships. The Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Vicki discover a magnificent museum housing relics from every corner of the galaxy. These have been assembled by the Moroks, a race of cruel conquerors who have invaded the planet Xeros and enslaved its inhabitants. Upon further exploration the TARDIS crew seem to stumble upon the impossible: for suddenly, facing them in an exhibit case, they find...themselves!
March: Doctor Who: Death to the Daleks, written by Terrance Dicks and read by Jon Culshaw

An unabridged reading of this classic novelisation, based on a BBC TV adventure featuring the Third Doctor.

A mysterious power loss strands the TARDIS on Exxilon, a sinister fog-shrouded alien planet. The Doctor meets the survivors of a beleaguered expedition from Earth, while Sarah finds a mysterious super-city and becomes a captive of the savage Exxilons. Worst of all, the Doctor's greatest enemies, the Daleks, arrive on a secret mission of their own. The Doctor and Sarah must risk their lives time and again in a desperate attempt to foil the Daleks and save millions of humans from a horrific plague.

Nicholas Briggs provides the Voice of the Daleks.
April: Doctor Who: Cybermen - The Invasion, written by Ian Marter and read by David Troughton

An unabridged reading of an exciting classic novelisation, based on a TV adventure featuring the Second Doctor, as played by Patrick Troughton.

Materialising in Outer Space, the TARDIS is attached by a missile fired from the dark side of the moon. Back on Earth, the newly-formed United Nations Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT), led by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, is disturbed by a series of UFO sightings over Southern England. Meanwhile, a large consigment of mysterious crates is delivered to the headquarters of International Electromatix, the largest computer and electronics firm in the world. These three seemingly unconnected events are in fact the preparations for a massive Cyberman invasion of Earth, with one aim: the total annihilation of the human race.

Nicholas Briggs provides the Voice of the Cybermen.
May: Doctor Who: The King's Demons, written by Terence Dudley and read by Mark Strickson

An unabridged reading of an exciting novelisation, based on a TV adventure featuring the Fifth Doctor, as played by Peter Davison.

It is 4 March 1215, and the TARDIS materialises in England during a jousting match held in the presence of King John. It soon becomes apparent to the Doctor that something is very wrong. Why does John express no fear or surprise at the time travellers' sudden appearance, and indeed welcome them as the King's Demons? And what is the true identity of Sir Gilles, the King's Champion? Very soon the Doctor finds himself involved in a fiendish plan to alter the course of world history, by one of his oldest and deadliest enemies.
June: Doctor Who and the Claws of Axos, written by Terrance Dicks

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...

The reader of this audiobook has yet to be revealed.
July: Doctor Who and the Sontaran Experiment, written by Ian Marter

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?

The reader of this audiobook has yet to be revealed.

Meanwhile, other audiobook adaptations of novels and original recordings include:

January: The Witch Hunters, written by Steve Lyons and read by David Collings

David Collings reads this original novel adventure for the First Doctor and his companions, set in the 17th Century during the Salem Witch Trials.

With the Doctor wanting to repair the TARDIS in peace, his companions Barbara, Ian and Susan decide to get some experience of living in the nearby village of Salem. But the Doctor knows about the horrors destined to engulf the village and determines that they should leave. Susan has her own ideas, and is desperate to return to Salem, whatever the cost. Yet her actions will lead them all into terrible danger, and cause the tragedy that is already unfolding to escalate out of control.

Featuring the First Doctor, as played on TV by William Hartnell.
March: Shadow in the Glass, written by Stephen Cole & Justin Richards and read by India Fisher

An unabridged reading of this original BBC Books novel featuring the Sixth Doctor, as played on TV by Colin Baker.

When an RAF squadron shoots down an unidentified aircraft over Turelhampton, the village is immediately evacuated. But why is the village still guarded by troops in 2001? When a television documentary crew break through the cordon looking for a story, they find they've recorded more than they'd bargained for. Caught up in both a deadly conspiracy and a historical mystery, retired Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart calls upon his old friend the Doctor. Half-glimpsed demons watch from the shadows as the Doctor and the Brigadier travel back in time to discover the last, and deadliest, secret of the Second World War.
April: The Memory of Winter, written by George Mann and read by Jemma Redgrave

Jemma Redgrave reads this brand new, original adventure for the 12th Doctor and Clara.

In 15th Century France the time travellers encounter a band of soldiers protecting a mysterious young woman. Joan of Arc is troubled by voices, telling her things she should not know about: things concerning the Doctor's own people, the Time Lords. Compelled to discover where she is getting the information from, the Doctor and Clara are drawn into danger.

Written by George Mann (author of The Engines of War and The House of Winter), the story is read by Jemma Redgrave, who plays Kate Lethbridge-Stewart in the TV series.
April: Amorality Tale, written by David Bishop and read by Dan Starkey

An unabridged reading of this original novel featuring the Third Doctor, as played on TV by Jon Pertwee, and his companion Sarah Jane Smith.

When gangster Tommy Ramsey is released from prison, he is determined to retake control of his 1950s East End territory. But new arrivals threaten his grip on illegal activity in the area. An evangelical minister is persuading people to seek redemption from their sins. A new gang is claiming the streets. And a watchmaker called Smith is leading a revolt against the Ramsey Mob's protection racket. When Tommy strikes back at his enemies, a far more terrifying threat is revealed. Within hours the city's air turns into nerve gas and thousands succumb to the choking fumes. London is dying...
May: Shakedown, written by Terrance Dicks and read by Dan Starkey

An unabridged reading of this original novel featuring the Seventh Doctor, as played on TV by Sylvester McCoy.

For thousands of years the Sontarans and the Rutans have fought a brutal war across the galaxy. Now the Sontarans have a secret plan to destroy the Rutan race – a secret plan the Doctor is racing against time to uncover. Only one Rutan spy knows the Sontarans’ plan. As he is chased through the galaxy in a desperate bid for his life, he reaches the planet Sentarion – where Professor Bernice Summerfield’s research into the history of the Sontaran-Rutan war is turning
into an explosive reality...
June: Scream of the Shalka, written by Paul Cornell

An unabridged reading of Paul Cornell's novelisation based on his animated drama of the same name.

When the Doctor lands his TARDIS in the Lancashire town of Lannet, in the present day, he finds that something is terribly wrong. The people are scared. They don't like going out onto the streets at night, they don't like making too much noise, and they certainly don't like strangers asking too many questions. What alien force has invaded the town? Why is it watching barmaid Alison Cheney? And what plans does it have for the future of the planet Earth? The Doctor is helped (and hindered) by his new military liaison Major Kennet and his Royal Green Jacket troop. His old enemy the Master also plays a small part. During the course of this adventure he encounters a brand new race of ferocious alien monsters, and strikes up a friendship with his latest companion, Alison.

While starting with a small community under threat, this old-fashioned, very traditional but very up to date Doctor Who adventure takes in the entire world, from New Zealand to India, Siberia to the USA, and cosmic expanses beyond.

The reader of this audiobook has yet to be revealed.
July: Illegal Alien, written by Mike Tucker & Robert Perry

An unabridged reading of this original novel featuring the Seventh Doctor, as played on TV by Sylvester McCoy, and Ace in an encounter with the Cybermen.

The Blitz is at its height. As the Luftwaffe bomb London, Cody McBridge, ex-pat American private eye, sees a sinister silver sphere crash-land. He glimpses something emerging from within. The military dismiss his account of events - the sphere must be a new German secret weapon that has malfunctioned. What else could it be? Arriving amid the chaos, the Doctor and Ace embark on a trail that brings them face to face with hidden Nazi agents and some very old enemies...

The reader of this audiobook has yet to be revealed.

FILTER: - BBC Audio - Merchandise

Target re-issues in 2016

Saturday, 13 February 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Books have announced that seven of the original Doctor Who Target novelisations are to be re-issued on 28th April, reflecting each of the seven Doctors from the range:

Doctor Who and the Zarbi by Bill Strutton
Doctor Who and the Web of Fear by Terrance Dicks
Doctor Who and the Dinosaur Invasion by Malcolm Hulke
Doctor Who and the Genesis of the Daleks by Terrance Dicks
Doctor Who: The Visitation by Eric Saward
Doctor Who: Vengeance on Varos by Philip Martin
Doctor Who: Battlefield by Marc Platt

All of the books feature cover illustrations by Chris Achilleos, who was commissioned to create new covers for the latter books in the range. He said:

I am delighted to be back on board after so many years. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, illustrating the jackets in the original old style – it felt just the same, and I am looking forward to signing them for the fans. I'm so pleased that people still want to revisit these books.

Albert DePetrillo, senior editorial director at BBC Books, said

The Target novelisations hold a special place in the hearts of Doctor Who fans. When we published our first set of reissues in 2012, the response was overwhelming, and we’re delighted to continue bringing these classic books to a new generation of readers.

The three original novels that launched the range back in 1972, Doctor Who and The Daleks and Doctor Who and The Crusaders by David Whitaker, and Doctor Who and the Zarbi by Bill Strutton, are also set to be re-released as hardback facsimile editions on 3rd November.

FILTER: - BBC - Books - Fifth Doctor - First Doctor - Fourth Doctor - Second Doctor - Seventh Doctor

BBC Books update

Monday, 1 February 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Books have announced its plans for Doctor Who publications over the coming months:

To celebrate the return of Alex Kingston’s popular character in the recent Christmas special, BBC Books will publish The Legends of Song: a collection of stories from River Song’s diary, and the first full-length book featuring River to be published by BBC Books. It will be released in e-format in February, followed by a hardback edition in June.

The Whoniverse: The Untold History of the Worlds of Doctor Who will be published in October. It is "a never-before-seen history of the Human Race", including "untold histories of other planets and lifeforms". The book will be packed with full-colour illustrations, maps, charts and photography.

The 10th doctor, David Tennant, reappears in Jenny Colgan’s latest novel In the Blood, due May. Tying in with audio innovations from Big Finish, BBC Books hopes the book will allow fans to "enjoy Tennant’s comeback" in as many formats as possible.

A host of Doctor Who figures, facts, dates and stats will meanwhile be uncovered in Doctor Who: 365 Days of Memorable Moments and Impossible Things, to be released in March. It is described as "a beautifully finished, day-by-day assortment of drama, humour, fright and fun from over 50 years of the shows history". Whographica, released in September, also features visualisations and infographics that explore the universe of the show "for new and long-term fans".

Lastly, BBC Books is publishing Doctor Who: The Official Cookbook in August. The "fun, family-oriented cookbook" is packed full of simple, achievable recipes that are both savoury and sweet - ranging from "Gingerbread Doctors" to a "Pandorica to a Dalek Cake".

FILTER: - BBC - Books

Previous 10 Stories

The Fourth Doctor Adventures: The Labyrinth of Buda Castle

BBC Books: 365 Days of Memorable Moments and Impossible Things

BBC Audio: The Space Museum

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