Jenna Coleman to leave Doctor WhoBookmark and Share

Friday, 18 September 2015 - Reported by Harry Ward
Jenna Coleman and Clara (Credit: BBC/David Venni) The BBC has officially confirmed the departure of Jenna Coleman from Doctor Who. The actress revealed the news exclusively on BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show. She told presenter Nick Grimshaw: "I have left the tardis - it's happened, I've filmed my last scenes." ITV has also confirmed she is to play a young Queen Victoria in their new drama Victoria. Coleman said: "I am delighted to be cast as Queen Victoria in this ambitious drama of her life. She is a vivid, strong, inspirational and utterly fascinating woman in British history and I can't wait to tell her story." The series will be produced by Paul Frift (In The Forest Of The Night, Last Christmas).

Adventures to last me a lifetime. Thank you @bbcdoctorwho. But as they say 'It ain't over till it's over' - Jenna Coleman on Twitter.

Coleman made her first appearance in Doctor Who with a surprise role in 2012's Asylum of the Daleks, where she played the fateful Oswin Oswald, a Junior Entertainment Manager on the starliner Alaska. She returned later that year in The Snowmen, this time playing a Victorian barmaid/governess. Again, her character didn't survive the episode... Her first regular companion role came in 2013's The Bells of Saint John, which started the "Impossible Girl" story arc.






FILTER: - Doctor Who - Jenna Coleman

BBC keeping quiet on Jenna Coleman's futureBookmark and Share

Wednesday, 16 September 2015 - Reported by Harry Ward
Jenna Coleman as Clara (Credit: BBC / David Venni) Jenna Coleman's involvement with Doctor Who beyond 2015 is in doubt again after the Mirror reported the actress has "quit" the show to play a young Queen Victoria in a new ITV drama. The article states: "She is thought to have already filmed her final scenes, and will bow out before the Christmas special."

This year's Christmas special will feature Alex Kingston back as River Song but there has not been an announcement of Jenna's involvement. She is also missing from November's Doctor Who Festival guest lineup.

The news that Jenna Coleman has "quit" has been published in other British papers including The independent, The Telegraph and The Guardian. The BBC has reported the story on their news website but the Doctor Who production team have declined to comment.

The Mirror previously reported that Jenna Coleman had quit and would leave at the end of Last Christmas. Steven Moffat wrote in Doctor Who Magazine 484 that Death in Heaven was to be her last episode but she had changed her mind:
That was her last episode. And then she asked me if she could be in Christmas? So I said, 'Okay, I'll write you out in Christmas.' She came to the read through and did the 'write out' version - and again changed her mind.

But the truth is I never wanted her to go. I didn't really want Death in Heaven to be her last episode. And with Last Christmas, I'd already written the alternative version where she stayed, and I preferred that version. For Christmas Day it's a bit nicer. Frankly, I didn't want to lose her. She's an amazing actress, and she never stops working to make Clara better. I was very happy to go the extra mile to make sure we could keep her.




FILTER: - Doctor Who - Jenna Coleman - Press

Series 9 interviewsBookmark and Share

Tuesday, 8 September 2015 - Reported by Harry Ward
The BBC have released interviews with the main cast of the 2015 series of Doctor Who; Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman, Michelle Gomez and executive producer, Steven Moffat.

Cast interviews

Doctor Who is back, how has the dynamic of the series changed since series 8?
Peter Capaldi returns with his second series as the Doctor - it’s the glory years of the Doctor and Clara. They’ve been through the angst, the Doctor has been through his fear of not being a good man, and Clara has been through her fear that this might not be the Doctor. They’re on equal footing with a new dynamic between them and are relishing the Universe. They’re linking hands and running towards a brand new world of epic adventure on a cinematic scale. They are clearly heroes and loving every minute!

How is the series different from last year?
It’s a big, mad and exciting series. You’ll be grinning a lot more and there’s more comedy mixed in with some of the darkest stuff we’ve done - the Doctor’s first big entrance sets the tone.

Why did you decide to reintroduce two-parters?
We’re doing bigger stories and two-parters allow you all those massive cliff hangers. Forty five minutes has served us incredibly well, but it’s time to change it up a bit, change the rhythm. It’s not just about being longer, sometimes it’s about going deeper. And you won’t always be quite sure whether you’re watching a two-parter or not - how much longer the jeopardy will last. We’re aiming to be unpredictable.

Tell us about the guest cast.
We have a vast array of guest cast this year that means we can build on the depth of stories and develop intrigue and backstories even further. We have the magnificent, insane and comedic Missy returning; young outstanding Maisie Williams taking up a new role, as her character challenges the Doctor in unexpected ways; and of course Osgood is brought back from the dead. The Doctor might be in for a surprise with her, this time he might not be able to trust his number one fan.

Did you have any challenges writing for the series?

We always like a new challenge on the show: bringing adventures set on dangerous alien planets; urban thrillers; underwater ghost stories; journeys that take us from Vikings to the end of time itself. We’re pushing the boundaries once again with the most experimental episode Doctor Who has ever made. I’ve written a one-hander for the Doctor, I can’t tell you too much about this, but it’s certainly unique and a big first for the show!
Coming back to film your second series, how has the atmosphere been on set?
It’s been lovely to be back and everything’s been very positive. I think everyone’s been happy to be on set in Cardiff and the scripts are very good and strong. Everyone’s become enthused with the spirit of adventure that runs through the scripts, it’s been exciting!

How are you feeling about this new series? What can viewers expect?
I think they’ll find a lot of thrills, lot of mystery, a reckless Doctor in pursuit of adventure. It’s very thrill aired, hopefully full of spectacle and adventure - it’s not a sitting back, domesticated, reflective series, it’s the Doctor and Clara roaring through time and space in search of thrills. So I think it’s great, it should be a fun watch for audiences at home.

Can you tell us about the opening episode?
The opening episode of the new series is fabulous - the story is going to take us across the Universe in to all types of dark, terrifying and funny places. It’s a particular epic one to start, with lots of old favourites, Missy and the Daleks are returning and particularly for those who are nostalgic with the Daleks of the 60s, there are some special surprises in store.

Has the TARDIS changed?
There’s been a few changed in the TARDIS. As we came to know my Doctor a little bit more, we needed to reflect that more in the environment that he lived in. I don’t think my Doctor fits in with the whole idea of Edwardian time traveller, there’s a kind of resurge of that in the look of the TARDIS as it was, so I wanted to make it a little sharper. There are a few more elegant, 60s, classic design things knocking around, as opposed to Edwardian or Victorian.

How has the dynamic changed between the Doctor and Clara since series 8?
I think the Doctor and Clara are really having a good time. They’ve had some conflicts and challenges, but generally if you can weather the storms, you often find that your relationship is much stronger. That’s certainly the case with the Doctor and Clara.

They’re very bonded, they’re like a little gang. The Doctor has realised that he’s 2,000 years old and life is short, he wants to enjoy himself and enjoy having Clara around. She’s very good at trying to help him. He’s still rather impatient with human beings, which some people take as being socially inept, but he just can’t be bothered with them, he has better things to do. But she helps him a lot more, she tries to improve his manners and social skills. But they are very deeply bonded. It’s a very curious relationship, it doesn’t really have an equivalent in television. It’s a non-romantic, but deeply bonded pairing which is strangely full of affection, more deeply felt than simple romantic relationships.

What is his relationship like with Missy in the opening episodes?
I wouldn’t say their relationship has changed since he saw her last. Missy’s role is slightly different, but you’ll have to wait and see!

With a wealth of different sets and filming days on locations, would you say they enhance the look and feel of the episodes?
I think the design of the show is always really, really important - it gives a great cinematic feel to the show. It expands it, makes it not simply domestic, but quite cosmic and big. It’s good to have spectacular sets and locations, because it adds more physical texture to the show and opens it up more, it’s all pretty cinematic.

Have you got any favourite moments from playing the Doctor?
For me, obviously to get to play the Doctor, the whole things is a delight. Some of my favourite moments are when we reveal something of the Doctor’s more alien nature. For instance, in Kill The Moon when he’s able to look into time and read it, and communicate that, I think that was fun to do.

What was it like to battle Daleks from the different decades in episode 2? Any favourites?
I don’t have a particular favourite, but I do like to see the little old ones, they’re very sweet as they’re quite small. But actually they’re still strangely brutal, nasty little pieces of work, but are rather handsome and classy. They were great fun and do what is expected of them, you get a whole group of them together in the opening episode. I think we had about 20 of them in the studio so that was very exciting. Once you had them all moving, it was very funny watching Hettie (Macdonald) directing them, because she was directing them like actors - ‘you’re getting upset at this moment, have a look at your friends’ - and they’d look at their friends and then she’d say - ‘you need to look nervous now’ - and they’d actually be able to convey nervousness - it was actually very, very clever. It was like being in a Dalek theme park, with a free ticket, so that was fun.
How are you feeling about this new series?
Really excited, a lot of the stories are self contained two-parters; it’s a lot more space-bound and it’s all about adventures and time travelling. The amazing benefit of doing them is not only do you get more time to explore the story, but also at the end of the first part you get to create a huge cliffhanger. Clara and the Doctor are united, they’re strong together and are just enjoying travelling and doing and seeing as much as possible. It’s very adrenaline-fuelled and full of reckless adventure, with them throwing themselves head first in to it.

Clara seems to be more determined and focused on time travelling, do you see that she’s moved on since the last series?
She’s cutting ties with earth more and more. Since losing Danny her perspective has changed on life and in a way she’s lost fear of her own mortality. When that happens there’s a sense of freedom - going into adventures there’s nothing holding her back. But as much fun as it is, it can be dangerous - I think there’s definitely something in that for Clara, in losing herself.

It seems like the Doctor and Clara are more alike than ever before, would you say that’s true?
There’s an ease between them, a shorthand, and she is becoming more and more like him. I think they’ve always been a lot more similar - perhaps other Doctors and companions have been. I think she quite wants to be like him, but the more time they spend together the more doctorly she’s getting, and more independent of him. There are quite a few stories in this series where you see us parting ways, where we’re covering different bases, and then you see us coming back together - they’re a proper team. I think they’ve been through so much together and they know each other so well that they’re entwined.

Working with guest cast in each block, how does the dynamic change on set for yourself and Peter?
The two of us are always behaving as stupidly as we do, and it’s been lovely having Michelle back, she’s always a laugh. Maisie is wonderful, I was a really big fan of hers before she came to Doctor Who, she fits right in so it’s been really great having her join us. One of the most wonderful things about the show is every episode feels so different, it feels like a whole new show in a way.

What has been your favourite episode from this series and why?
Episode 11 will be really unique and the Viking episode was so much fun to film. The scripts for episodes 7 and 8 are really strong, Peter Harness has done such a good job with those. They feel like quite different Doctor Who episodes - tense, very relevant, thought-provoking, and clever.

You have great looks this series - do you have any input in to what you wear?
My idea for Clara is very much a school teacher who rides a motor cycle, in a retro 60s style, but also sci-fi. The aim was to merge all those elements together for Clara’s look.

In episode 1 the Doctor is lost and you’re contacted by your greatest enemy Missy. How do Clara and Missy work together to save the Doctor without killing each other?
The peril that the Doctor’s in is so great that the only thing to do is to put differences aside and work together. I think in a way, Clara’s quite fascinated by Missy, but disgusted at the same time. That’s partly to do with how Michelle Gomez plays her, she’s so magnetic that you can’t help but like her, even though you’re supposed to hate her. It’s one of the really clever things she does. Clara and Missy actually end up getting on, but remembering they don’t like each other again.

Having two females that are very close to the Doctor is interesting for Clara to witness, because the Doctor and Missy are enemies, but they are also very ancient friends. They have a past and history that they cannot even touch upon, or even understand how you can like or be in love with somebody that has repeatedly tried to kill you throughout time and space.

I also think it’s interesting for Clara to operate under a female Time Lady, she’s so used to running with the Doctor that to be with a time lady is quite a new experience for her. Somebody who is so maniacal is quite fun. You think you’re safe and within 30 seconds you’re literally being pushed down a cliff.

You’ve done a few stunts in the series - can you tell us about them?
I’ve done a lot of hanging upside down this series! Upside down on a cliff in Tenerife was new, but surprising, it looks so easy but it’s not at all. It was tricky because we could only do it in minute spurts, filming the scenes. I also had a scene where I was hanging outside of the TARDIS too, so it seems to be one of my specialities this series.
You’ve re-joined the Doctor Who cast and reclaimed the role of Missy for series 9, what was it like being back on set?
It felt so good, especially as I thought it was all over for Missy at the end of series 8. But then of course she is The Master after all, so anything can happen, even dodging death. I'm still in a state of shock at actually being in a show I watched avidly as a child.

How did you feel when you were asked to return?
I was thrilled to be asked back, it's not every day one gets to travel through all of space and time. When they asked me I didn't have to think too hard about it, and I'd say yes again if it came to it. But nothing's a guarantee so I'm aware this year might be her last. But I sincerely hope not.

You appear in the opening episodes with Clara...

The dynamic between Missy and Clara takes on a whole new shape, and not one I had imagined. There is something not quite right about it that makes for slightly unnerving viewing. Missy gets bored very easily, you can imagine her and the Doctor in the classroom. She's using her intellect even then to cause mischief and disrupt.

Tell us about your relationship with Clara in these episodes
Our relationship shifts greatly from where we left off in the last series. Dare I say there might be a hint of respect there? Perhaps not quite respect. More a healthy dose of circumspect, from both I guess.

Shooting in a large cinematic location abroad in Tenerife, what did the location add to the scenes?
There’s a sense of opera about that strange volcanic landscape - grand and loud in its infinite vastness, which provided us with a perfect backdrop for our needs. It had a harsh but strange beauty, almost lunar. Which was kind of the point.

Tell us about your relationship with the Doctor in these episodes
They are still opposite magnets, mostly repelling, but at times they also attract. There is an undeniable shorthand that comes with a lifelong friendship. A friendship that at some point went very wrong. They are both from the same place eons ago, so the weight of that history they share is the bedrock of their relationship.

Can you describe your character ? Tell us how she’s developed since series 8.
Missy is a force of nature. She is a fearless, slightly psychotic killer whom you can't help but like just a little bit. She's very honest in her role as The Master. This is how she sees it - they both kill. The Doctor feels bad about it, she doesn’t. To her the Doctor hides behind his remorse while she thrives in the power to destroy. She has many tools to do this but so far we have seen but a few. Reading minds, hypnosis and moving obstacles just by thinking about it are to name but a few. She doesn't bake much. Well, not in the conventional sense.

Currently the Doctor Who team have a strong Scottish feel with Peter, Steven and yourself as part of the crew. What feedback have you received from your home town?
Go Scotland! When asked recently what does Gallifrey look like, I replied ‘Glasgow’, I'm sure that went down a storm. I think they are very proud. It's a Scottish take over with Peter, Steven and I all from Glasgow. The Weegies will take over the world.

You live in New York and there’s a big Doctor Who following in America - are you recognised when you’re in the US as much as the UK?
I’d say around the same amount. Which is not much at all. Missy and I have a very different dress sense so the fact I'm not wandering around in full Victorian garb means I get to walk around pretty freely.

What do you think Doctor Who means for British drama and its identity overseas?
It’s a product that reaches across the seas and touches people across the world. It ignites their imaginations with brilliant storytelling that all the family can enjoy. There aren’t too many of those shows around anymore, which makes it all the more special.




FILTER: - Doctor Who - Jenna Coleman - Peter Capaldi - Publicity - Series 9/35 - Steven Moffat

Neighbours From Hell starring Colin BakerBookmark and Share

Friday, 28 August 2015 - Reported by Harry Ward
Neighbours From Hell - Poster (Credit: Amber Pictures) Colin Baker is to star in a new horror/comedy feature film by Amber Pictures. Baker's character is described as "an ancient Demon intent on bringing about the apocalypse". The film also stars Suzanne Shaw and Chris R. Wright, with more cast members being announced over the coming months. The film is expected to be released in Autumn/Winter 2016.
On the brink of divorce from his wife Joanna, selfish slob Simon Fisher reluctantly agrees to attend a Halloween supper with his snobby next door neighbours, Phil and Pam. When Simon and Joanna arrive they meet the fifth guest, a mysterious old man. The stranger, is in fact a demon, intent on imprisoning them in the house until midnight, when he will decide which one of them to possess for the next one hundred years. A horror comedy that plays on the prejudices we have for the people next door. Best get to know your neighbours as you may need them some day.


Colin Baker as Demon (Credit: Amber Pictures) Colin Baker (Credit: Amber Pictures) Suzanne Shaw (Credit: Amber Pictures)

Updates on production of the film can be found on the Neighbours From Hell Twitter and Facebook pages.
(with thanks to James Eaves / Amber Pictures




FILTER: - Colin Baker - Movies

Five Bafta Cymru NominationsBookmark and Share

Wednesday, 26 August 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who has been nominated in five categories in the 2015 BAFTA Cymru Awards, although missing out in the main Best Drama Category.

Peter Capaldi is nominated as Best Actor for his performance in Dark Water, while Jenna Coleman earns her nomination for Best Actress for her emotionally charged performance in Kill the Moon.

Nominated for Best Editing is Will Oswald, again for Dark Water. Oswald has been an editor on the series since 2007 and has won BAFTA Wales awards for editing in 2002 and 2009.

The production team have also been nominated for Best Special and Visual Effects for Last Christmas while the new title sequence earns a nomination for Best Titles and Graphic Identity.

The awards honour excellence in broadcasting and production within film and television in Wales. The winners will be announced on Sunday 27 September at the St David’s Hall, Cardiff.
ACTOR sponsored by Audi
  • RICHARD HARRINGTON as DCI Tom Mathias in Y Gwyll/Hinterland – Fiction Factory / S4C
  • PETER CAPALDI as the Doctor in Doctor Who: Dark Water – BBC Wales / BBC One
  • RHYS IFANS as Captain Cat in Dan y Wenallt – fFatti fFilms / S4C
ACTRESS
  • JENNA COLEMAN as Clara Oswald in Doctor Who: Kill the Moon – BBC Wales / BBC One
  • MALI HARRIES as DI Mared Rhys in Y Gwyll/Hinterland – Fiction Factory / S4C
  • RHIAN MORGAN as Gwen Lloyd in Gwaith/Cartref – Fiction Factory / S4C
EDITING sponsored by Gorilla
  • JOHN RICHARDS for Da Vinci’s Demons - Adjacent Productions/Phantom Four Films / FOX
  • WILL OSWALD for Doctor Who: Dark Water – BBC Wales / BBC One
  • JOHN RICHARDS for Jack to a King: The Swansea Story – YJB Films Ltd
SPECIAL AND VISUAL EFFECTS sponsored by University of Wales Trinity Saint David
  • Bait Studios for A Poet in New York - BBC Cymru Wales/Modern Television / BBC Two
  • PRODUCTION TEAM for Da Vinci’s Demons - Adjacent Productions, Phantom Four Films / FOX
  • PRODUCTION TEAM for Doctor Who: Last Christmas – BBC Wales / BBC One
TITLES AND GRAPHIC IDENTITY sponsored by AGFX
  • PRODUCTION TEAM for Doctor Who: Deep Breath – BBC Wales / BBC One
  • BAIT STUDIO for Jack to a King: The Swansea Story – YJB Films Ltd
  • SARAH BREESE for Y Gwyll/Hinterland – Fiction Factory / S4C




FILTER: - Awards/Nominations - Jenna Coleman - Peter Capaldi

People RoundupBookmark and Share

Monday, 17 August 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster
A roundup of recent news relating to Doctor Who cast and crew:
  • Matt Smith has begun filming for a new drama for Netflix, The Crown, due to be broadcast in 2016. The ten-part series, based on the play The Audience, will follow the relationship between Queen Elizabeth (Claire Foy) and the prime ministers who have served during her monarchy, with Smith portraying her husband, Prince Philip. [Northampton Herald and Post, 11 Aug]

  • David Tennant will be portraying the character of 'baddy' Zebediah Killgrave in the television adaptation of the Marvel comic Jessica Jones. Jeff Loeb, Marvel's Head of Television, said: "In the same kind of way Vincent D’Onofrio owned his half of Daredevil, you’ll see David Tennant own his half of Jessica Jones… What you get out of Jessica is a sort of hold-your-breath tension as to what’s going to happen. When you see the dynamic between Krysten Ritter and David Tennant… that question of ‘What’s going to happen next?’ and ‘What could happen next?’ and how that’s driven by character is something that is so important to not just the scripts but also the way the show is shot, and the way that everyone reacts, and the way those two react with each other." [Science Fiction, 14 Aug]

  • Christopher Eccleston led this year's tribute in Manchester to mark the anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre, where 15 protesters were killed when troops charged a political meeting there in 1819. The actor read from a speech delivered by Henry ‘Orator’ Hunt from the day. [Manchester Evening News, 16 Aug]

  • Colin Baker will be on hand to officially unveil a display of copies of the Doctor Who scripts by the show's first writer Anthony Coburn at Spoon Web (The DVD Shop) in Whitstable, Kent on Sunday 23rd August. The event also coincides with a Kickstarter campaign aimed to provide funding for the ongoing maintenance, improvement and promotion of the police box replica for Herne Bay TARDIS for Children in Need. [Facebook]

  • Tom Baker may be about to take on a role in the Star Wars franchise. A guest at the recent Day of the Doctors convention, he is reported as saying: "I'm going to be in this new Star Wars thing, you know? I'm going down to record some voices for this new character they've created for me, very soon" [various, including Sci-Fi Fantasy Network, Inquistr, 15 Aug]

  • Frazer Hines has been appearing in Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, which this week reaches the Leeds Grand Theatre. Talking about portraying his character, Rogers, he said: "I suppose it’s my experience of being in the show business for over forty years that many could assume that Rogers, being just a butler, could be played just as a butler. But I worked out that he was in the First World War, in the army, so he has this straight-backed walk and respects the general in the play and respects the copper. So I’ve brought those little nuances into the character."

    He also mentioned that the most common question he gets asked is what was it like to work with second Doctor Patrick Troughton: "A lovely man. Some of the happiest years of my show business career were working with Patrick Troughton in Doctor Who. But they all ask me that and I wish I had a pound for every time I’m asked that question. He was a lovely, lovely man and we had great fun working together. If I had an idea he wouldn’t say, “I’m the Doctor, you just shut up and be the assistant.” He’d turn and say, “Frazer, what a marvellous idea. Let’s do it.” I’d worked with him before in 1964, before Doctor Who had started and I was the star of that show, Smuggler’s Bay, and he was playing the part of an old smuggler. But a year or so later he was the star of Doctor Who and I was just joining in as Jamie for four episodes so the role was reversed. It was great, we just gelled straight away." [(Entertainment Focus, 14 Aug]

  • Speaking of And Then There Were None, a new BBC One production of the play has been announced, whose cast will feature Burn Gorman as William Blore and Anna Maxwell Martin as Ethel Rogers. [BBC Media Centre, 10 Jul]

  • Jenna Coleman has revealed one of the tricks of the trade employed during filming scenes with her co-star Peter Capaldi: I have to stand on an apple box when we’re filming - it’s called ‘Jenna’s Box’ and it gets brought out when I need to fit into a particular shot." [Express, 15 Aug]

  • Sir John Hurt can be heard as the lead role in Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell, broadcast this weekend on BBC Radio 4; the play is described as "A dying Soho, seen through the eyes of the notorious columnist of The Spectator - plain-speaking drinker, gambler, wit and raconteur." It also features Nichola McAuliffe and Jeff Rawle. [BBC Radio 4, 15 Aug]

    Speaking of his recent diagnosis of having pancreatic cancer, the actor observed: I can’t say I worry about mortality, but it’s impossible to get to my age and not have a little contemplation of it. We’re all just passing time, and occupy our chair very briefly. But my treatment is going terrifically well, so I’m optimistic." [Radio Times, 15 Aug]

  • Talking about his role in new film Pleasure Island, Samuel Anderson said: "I've played a lot of love interests - those kind of romantic roles, 'sweet boy' kind of thing - so it was brilliant to come in and just play an idiot. From when I read the script, I was hooked. Just the way Mike (Doxford, writer/director) had laid his characters out. You could feel it - each character was grounded and had a bit of weight to them. It was like, 'If I don't get the part, I can't wait to see the film'." [Digital Spy, 15 Aug]

  • On a possible return to Doctor Who, Anderson commented: "Maybe in an alternate universe? I wouldn't mind approaching him in a different way. Or maybe just come back as Orson Pink because then it changes the dynamic between him and the Doctor. If it's Orson Pink I think the relationship would be totally different because instead of a soldier – which is the kind of person the Doctor can't bear – you've got another scientist who could be quite interesting with their relationship. And then instead of it being a love interest with Clara and Danny, it would be a family affair with grandmother and grandson but at the same age." [Radio Times, 13 Aug]

  • Amidst speculation that he may be a future successor to Steven Moffat as the lead writer on Doctor Who, Toby Whithouse responded: "No-one at the BBC has ever had this conversation with me! No-one has asked me, no-one has approached me about if Steven leaves, when Steven leaves. These are conversations that happen purely among fans, not on any official level."

    On writing for the show in general: "There’s a reason I go back to Doctor Who every year, and that’s because I absolutely love working on it! There is something so magical, so ludicrous about that show! ... The appeal never fades: I’m 45 now, and writing: ‘Interior: TARDIS’ at the top of a scene is still really, really exciting. You also get to tell these extraordinary stories that you couldn’t write for any other show." [The London Economic, 11th Aug]

  • Many media publications focussed on the casting of Bethany Black as being the first transgender actress to appear in the show. The comedian herself reflected on filming for the new series: "It is genuinely the greatest job I could ever have imagined getting. Everything about it is magical. I'm enjoying every day of filming and cherishing it, because you never know if you'll ever get to do anything like this again. I only hope that I do the role and the show justice, and that you all enjoy it. For me it's the gig of a lifetime." [Facebook]

  • A new series of Who Do You Think You Are? has started on BBC One, which this year will also include the exploration of the family history for Sir Derek Jacobi, Anne Reid and writer Mark Gatiss.

  • Arthur Darvill will be playing Rip Hunter in DC's Legends Of Tomorrow, with the character described as "a time-traveler tasked with assembling a group of villains and heroes together after he sees a future that could destroy everything. This unlikely squad must now stop these devastating future events from happening, but it won’t be easy." [Hollywire, 12 Aug]

  • Darvill can also be seen in the forthcoming fictional account of Lenny Henry's early life, Danny And The Human Zoo, which also features Richard Wilson and Mark Benton.

  • Colin Morgan will star in a new drama for BBC One, The Living And The Dead. [BBC Media Centre, 10th Aug]

  • A number of names previously associated with Doctor Who have been making appearances at Roath Lock Studios of late and getting their photos taken alongside the TARDIS's current 'owner' Peter Capaldi, including Waris Hussein, Georgia Moffett, David Tennant and Russell T Davies.






FILTER: - Arthur Darvill - Colin Baker - David Tennant - Frazer Hines - Jenna Coleman - John Hurt

Meet the Cast-Event: Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman in BerlinBookmark and Share

Sunday, 19 July 2015 - Reported by Pascal Salzmann
Apple Event (Credit: Melanie Jäggle)Last Friday, Jenna Coleman and Peter Capaldi visited Berlin for a Q&A in the Apple Store. Fans could reserve a seat for free via the Apple Store App or the Apple Store website. Around 250 fans were lucky to get access to the event, as reservations were quickly gone.

Those who were there cheered and clapped excitedly when the two actors entered the stage. Hosted by US-born German TV presenter Steven Gätjen, the two stars of Doctor Who revealed that they are a bit jetlagged, as they just have been at Comic Con, then L.A. and now Berlin. This did not stop them from making jokes about Peter always looking for food, getting wet from disinfection liquid while filming at a power plant or more jokes about food.

It was also revealed that one of the upcoming stories in Series 9 will be "very much like a horror movie" with many "scares and thrills" and an "extraordinary direction". Peter praised the director, saying that it takes very special skills to film a horror movie.

When being asked about a possible return of Caecillius, the character Peter Capaldi portrayed in the Series 4 episode The Fires of Pompeii, he carefully told the audience that this might actually happen in Series 9. "Or not", Jenna added.

The complete Q&A will be available on iTunes for free at a later point.

Earlier that day, Doctor Who News had the chance to interview Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman. Read the complete interview here.

UPDATE: The Q&A is now up on iTunes. Download it here.





FILTER: - Germany - Jenna Coleman - Peter Capaldi - Special Events

Colin Baker project is fully fundedBookmark and Share

Thursday, 16 July 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Sixth Doctor Colin Baker is set to return to his roots in Manchester to star in a new sci fi thriller being filmed in the city, following the successful funding of the project on Indiegogo

Baker is due to play a virologist in Last Man on Earth - a 20-min pre-apocalypse short film.

Speaking about the project Baker said
The idea and the writing intrigued and excited me. And the idea of going to Manchester to film it excited me even more because that's where I'm from
Joining Baker and the filmmakers on set are several Doctor Who fans who helped fund the film via crowd funding. As part of several perks on offer they will be sharing a scene with Colin Baker in the film.

Director Darren Langlands said
We're hugely excited to have someone of Colin's Sci Fi calibre on board - we can't wait to get started! We're honoured to have some of our contributors join the team on one of our shooting days. These are some of the people who made it all possible. So to have them be on set with us is a real thrill for us too.
The aim was to raise £10,000 for the project. To date over £10,300 has been raised, with the campaign closing on Friday. As well as the chance to appear in the film, a range of perks are available as an incentive to contribute including autographed scripts and t-shirts and a private message from Colin Baker. Each perk also includes a donation to cancer research charities.

For more information visit the film's Facebook site.






FILTER: - Colin Baker

Colin Baker's new sci-fi role seeks fundingBookmark and Share

Wednesday, 17 June 2015 - Reported by Harry Ward
Last Man on Earth (Credit: Alt Angle Films) A new sci-fi thriller starring Colin Baker is seeking to fund money on Indiegogo to help fund the production. Last Man on Earth is a 20 minute short film which starts filming in Manchester in late July. Just over £200 has been raised within the first day of the campaign launch, with 29 days left to reach their goal of £10,000.

A short synopsis has been posted by the film's producers:
Last Man on Earth is a short pre-apocalypse sci-fi thriller about a virologist who is recruited to a bio research conglomerate to help work on a cure for cancer. It's a film about decisions and their consequences. A story about the future told in the present day.

Baker, who will be playing a "renowned virologist who fronts a bio research conglomerate" said:
Jack Levy and Darren Langlands have written a brilliant script… I’m looking forward to filming it. I hope you enjoy watching it.

Director of the short film Darren Langlands commented:
We're hugely excited to have someone of Colin's Sci Fi calibre on board - we can't wait to get started!

The team behind the film are based in Manchester. Langlands added:
Manchester is such an exciting and vibrant place to be for indie filmmaking at the moment. Collectively, our team has had their films shown at film festivals all over the world. We're keen to showcase the film as a proof of concept - and the crowd funding is essential to helping us tell the story in the most impactful way possible.

As an incentive for contributors who donate their money, a variety of perks are available including autographed scripts, copies of the final film, a private message from Colin Baker and the chance to share the screen with The Doctor himself.






FILTER: - Colin Baker

Colin Baker in A Christmas CarolBookmark and Share

Tuesday, 9 June 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Colin Baker - A Christmas Carol (Credit: Anthony D.P. Mann)Colin Baker has just completed filming on a new production of A Christmas Carol and Doctor Who News is pleased to reveal an exclusive picture of Baker in the production.

The film, based on the novel by Charles Dickens, is being made Canadian Actor & Filmmaker Anthony D.P. Mann, whose previous productions include Terror of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes and the Shadow Watchers. Baker is narrating the production and will also appear as Dickens throughout the film.

The main photography on the film took place in February to April with Baker recording his contribution, in Niagara, earlier this month.

The film is expected to be released around Christmas 2015, and will initially be available on the production website.




FILTER: - Colin Baker