TV Series Filming Update

Wednesday, 2 November 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon

Some new developments on the filming front for series two:
According to today's Sun, in addition to previously announced cast members, Shaun Dingwall will be returning to the series to play Pete Tyler, Rose's father, in the Cybermen two-parter. It has already been noted that the episodes take place on an alternate Earth, but nothing else besides these facts are yet known (including the episode titles).
Filming has taken place in London over the past few days, including at the Brandon Estate (where scenes were shot last year and early this year at Rose's flat) and on the Embankment. Our friends at UNIT News have a brief write-up about filming this morning at the Brandon Estate which included David Tennant, Billie Piper and Camille Coduri "onset for the filming of one scene involving The Doctor's reaction to an unseen entity. After the leads finished their scenes a number of shots of extras were filmed. These involved two sets of extras also reacting to the (same?) unseen force. Filming of one set of extras involved a large green screen suggesting that elements will be added in post production."
We also have a set report from London production yesterday as well, courtesy our Forum user "Fleetboy"; click on the spoiler tag for details.
Outpost Gallifrey has also received two new sets of location photographs. The first set of five images were shot at the Duffryn School last month for episode three, "School Reunion" and include a shot of K9 as well as Anthony Stewart Head posing with students and David Tennant with a school official (whose face has been removed as the person is not in the episode). The "School Reunion" shots also include a redress of the school sign, which notes that the school has now been renamed Deffry Vale High School. The second set of photographs, from Martin Cutbill, were shot on November 1 at the Embankment in London, where David Tennant, Billie Piper and Noel Clarke were on location shooting for the opening sequences of episode five. Click on each for a larger version.

Set Report, courtesy "Fleetboy":

Yes Doctor Who came to good old London Town today -- boy was I lucky to be able to witness it! Lots of interesting bits and some nice spoilers to boot.

Well a colleague of mine went out jogging at lunchtime and excitedly announced on his return that they were filming Doctor Who on the Albert Embankment, adjacent to Lambeth Bridge, diagonally opposite from the Houses of Parliament. Too good an opportunity to miss, my boss knowing my love for all things Who was cool about me nipping out and having a look for myself. So at 2.00 ish I walked quickly from work down to the said location only to find that the Tardis prop covered over and no signs of cast, and not many members of the crew around. I went back to work slightly disappointed but optimistic that there were no signs of things being cleared up. I then learnt from another colleague later in the afternoon (just before 3.00) that they had resumed filming. Armed with a notebook and two equally excited colleagues, trundled from work back to the location. You can imagine my excitement as I walked over Lambeth Bridge on seeing the lights from the film set and a gaggle of film crew all busying themselves.

About the location... for anybody that knows Lambeth Bridge and Albert Embankment the Tardis prop was sited on the raised green area outside of Lambeth Pier and its café opposite Lambeth Palace... more of which later.

On arrival lots of activity but no actual filming. DT was in his long fawn coat and brown suit; Billie in black trousers and a red top. Also in attendance was Noel Clarke and the director was non-other than Graeme Harper. Going by what has been speculated and reported on this site I concluded that we were watching filming from episodes 5 and 6. The next interesting thing that caught my eye was the poster display board not displaying its usual South Bank arts posters -- instead three other posters were in prominent position, two relating to the CYBUS COPORATION, one indicating 'CYBUS Property -- world leaders in commercial and residential development', the second advertising 'CYBUS Finance - Life package, we cover: (I couldn't make out the bullet points underneath). But most interestingly was the subject of the third poster -- none other than Pete Tyler! Pete was dressed in a wide boy suit holding a bottle and displaying a cheesy grin. The advertising hook was 'Trust me on this... New cherry and Vitex Lite'. Obviously excitement levels grew at this point. Soon after I spied these posters they removed the Pete Tyler one and replaced it with a Green Screen the same size as the poster. They then filmed our heroes approaching this Green screen -- my assumption that the poster contained some sort of technology not known in our current world.

The next piece of filming I saw was of our three heroes looking at a copy of the Evening Standard. During the lull DT came close enough to us Who watchers to be asked for an autograph. He was very obliging and seemed a thoroughly nice chap. I'd already eaten into more than enough of my work's time and sadly was forced to depart.

However on my way home I was pleasantly surprised to find (at 5.45 -- night fall) that they were still at it! The activity first of all centred on scene dressing -- mainly hosing down the path to make it look like it had been raining. My eye was next caught by the arrival of non-other than Shaun Dingwall- resplendent in a suit. The other noticeable thing about him was his close-cropped hair. My eye was next caught on Phil Collinson reviewing the rushes of the day so far. The scenes consisted a shot looking up at the Tardis with Lambeth Palace in the background, a scene of DT, Billie and Noel jumping down from the raised grass area (obviously exiting the Tardis) and picking up the Evening Standard, and the scenes centred on the Poster Display board.

Other people I noticed on set included Andrew Hayden-Smith and the arrival later of Julie Gardner. They then started filming some additional scenes, curiously with our main players in different costumes. The first scene was Billie hugging Pete -- looks like a tear jerker -- possibly a farewell scene -- she was wearing what I can only describe as a Lyons Corner House Tea girls outfit?! The next scene that I saw being filmed was Billie with DT (DT in a tuxedo) being joined by Noel and Andrew H-S. At this point Noel handed DT his usual outfit all neatly folded up. DT's face lit up at this point. The last scene I was able to catch before I was forced to leave was what appeared to be a farewell scene with Mickey, with DT playfully tapping his face in an endearing way.

So what do I deduce from all of this. Well indeed episodes 5-6 do appear to be set on an alternative earth, evidenced by the appearance of Pete Tyler. The posters bearing the words CYBUS appear to point to the Cybermen? And it looks like Mickey will be staying in the alternative Earth? Don't know if Andrew H-S joins the crew though?




FILTER: - Production - Series 2/28

Casting: Hayden-Smith

Friday, 28 October 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
CBBC presenter Andrew Hayden-Smith confirmed today that he has been cast as a guest star in the upcoming second series of Doctor Who, as announced on CBBC ONE at 5.35 this afternoon. Hayden-Smith, who played Ben in the CBBC drama "Byker Grove" and who has presented, among other items, the CBBC special Best Of Byker, CBBC's The Saturday Show and Live And Kicking, CITV's Diggit and Sky's Fish, will be playing the role of Jake Simmonds; he begins filming next week, when the two-part Cybermen story is set to be recorded.
Update 1700 GMTCBBC News confirms that Hayden-Smith's character will be in episodes 5 and 6 with the Cybermen. Says the actor, "I am so excited about joining one of the most famous programmes on TV. I am a real fan of David Tennant and can't quite believe I am going to be in the show. It's an absolute dream job for me. I can't wait to get started." The CBBC site says that he will be away for a week while he participates in filming. The official Doctor Who site now also mentions the casting news.




FILTER: - Guest Stars - Series 2/28

Casting: Lloyd-Pack, Oberman

Thursday, 27 October 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
The Mirror last night announced the casting of Roger Lloyd-Pack in Series Two as a new villain, John Lumic, a human who becomes the Doctor's opponent in several episodes with the Cybermen (likely episodes 5 and 6). The 61 year old actor plays Trigger in the classic BBC comedy "Only Fools and Horses" and Owen Newit in "The Vicar of Dibley" and can also be seen as Barty Crouch in the forthcoming "The Goblet of Fire"; ironically, David Tennant plays his son in the film, Barty Crouch Jr. "We're really thrilled to have signed Roger," a BBC insider told the Mirror. "It's a great coup for the show and the viewers will love him. The character is a million miles from Trigger."
The Mirror also noted the casting of Tracy Ann Oberman from "EastEnders," who plays a villain named Yvonne Hartman. "It's a great role," added the Mirror's 'insider'. "Yvonne is a sophisticated sort of baddie. In fact, I don't think she's really that bad - but then I didn't think Chrissie was either." Oberman goes before the cameras next week, as filming continues on the Cybermen two-parter. BBC News,CBBC and the official Doctor Who website also confirmed the information this morning. (Thanks to Steve Tribe, John Bowman, Lloyd Ellis)




FILTER: - Guest Stars - Series 2/28

Brief Series Two Notes

Wednesday, 26 October 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
Billie Piper, at the National Television Awards, made a few comments about the Christmas special coming up in December, as reported in today's Media Guardian. While a bit innocuous, they're nevertheless enclosed in the spoiler tag below.
Also, several media outlets, including ITV's This Morning and Radio Forth, have reported another casting for this season:Tracey Ann Oberman, who plays Chrissie in EastEnders. According to Radio Forth, "She won't reveal whether she's a goodie or a baddie, but says she can't wait to work with David Tennant. Chrissie's just filmed her last scenes in Albert Square and will leave our screens next month." (Thanks to Paul Hayes, Luke McCullough, Peter McCleary, Neil Marsh)
From Media Guardian:
Piper, who won the best actress prize, one of three gongs for Doctor Who, was rather more forthcoming on other topics, not least the eagerly anticipated Doctor Who Christmas special. Fans who really don't want to know anything about the festive episode at all, should probably look away now. I said look away now. "It's got scary Christmas trees, Santa attacks, there's an invasion, and the Doctor stays in bed for a long, long time. I am carrying most of the show." Monkey's set the Sky+ already. As for her new co-star, Piper said the new Doctor Who, David Tennant, was a "lot lighter on his feet" than Eccleston. "He is a bit more child like and dances around a lot. I'm sure you will like him." You never know, if the second series gets nominated for an award, Tennant might even turn up.




FILTER: - Guest Stars - Series 2/28

Series Production Update

Monday, 17 October 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
In an article at the NewsQuest Media Group service said late last week, "A year after shooting snowy scenes in the centre of Monmouth, BBC's Dr Who has returned in the Tardis to film another episode in the Wye Valley," noting production for the second episode, "Tooth and Claw". Says the article: "[Tennant] and actress Billie Piper, who returns as Rose Tyler, were among the cast and crew spending a day at Treowen House in Dingestow last week to film for the new series to be screened next year. The episode is set in a Victorian castle in the Scottish Highlands. Film-makers said Treowen House, a 17th century Grade I Listed building owned by brothers John and Dick Wheelock, had been chosen as one of several South Wales locations in South Wales perfect to fulfil the role. Location Manger Gareth Lloyd said: 'We specifically required an ornate staircase to film a chase sequence and our designer Ed Thomas suggested Treowen after a colleague got married there. I went down to take some photographs and the director loved them. After that we looked to see what else we could use. We filmed scenes in the entrance hallway and one of John's reception rooms, which doubled as the corner of a study.' The crew's huge en-tourage arrived on Tuesday October 4 ahead of filming on Wednesday, parking their equipment at The Bridge Caravan Park in the village. Park owner Steve Holmes said: 'The site was rather full. They had at least seven lorries including the changing rooms and Winnebago-type motor caravans, as well as a double-decker bus which they used as a cafe and another catering truck, plus more than 30 cars. 'We met the cast, they were very pleasant, and my wife had her picture taken with the two main characters. 'It was all very nice, this sort of thing doesn't happen down here very much.' A BBC Wales spokesman on the set said: 'We are very proud of this project and are also very pleased to say that we have used a predominately Welsh crew. It's a great project for them to be involved in.'"
Regarding recent production, principal photography on Block 1 was finished on Saturday, October 8 (except for a second unit night-shoot in London happening in November), which included an "extended action sequence from 'New Earth'... [and] a couple of missing shots from 'The Christmas Invasion'." Block 2 production is said to be going well (it started on or around October 1) and it's confined almost entirely to the studio until the end of October, while there will be more location work going on in Block 3 starting in early November.
Some new casting according to the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine: "Tooth and Claw" features Ian Hanmore as Father Angelo, Michelle Duncan as Isobel, Jamie Sives as Reynolds, Ron Donachie as the Steward, Tom Smith as the Host, Ruth Milne as Flora and Derek Riddell as Robert. (Phil Collinson comments that the Steward here "is a very different Steward from the one seen in 'The End of the World' [... ] no doubt we're creating a tradition where every episode will have a Steward!") Also, "The Girl in the Fireplace" features Ben Turner as Louis (likely King Louis XV) and Jessica Atkins as Young Girl. DWM confirms both of those titles. As of DWM's press time, the production team were, according to Collinson, "editing the first episodes, filming Block Two, and prepping Block Three".
A few items from the charity dinner late last week: producer Phil Collinson was said to have said, "If you thought Simon Callow was good, wait till you see Pauline Collins," while Camille Coduri and Noel Clarke both said they were really excited about their respective character's direction this season. While auctioning off the model robot spider from "The End of the World," Russell T Davies commented that the spiders would be back in 'New Earth' and that the name 'Arthur Dent' is actually used in context in "The Christmas Invasion".
The Aint It Cool website purports to have an article with "inside information" about the new series; however, all this is, is a regurgitation of news that's been available for some time on Outpost Gallifrey (and in one case, making an altogether incorrect statement about episodes in a particular block).
Also, the Sun has a spoiler-laden rumor posted about the final episodes of the new season, which we've enclosed in thespoilertags. Naturally, we think that this likely comes from Internet sources (and the tabloids have taken rumors in discussion forums as gospel before); read at your own risk.
According to The Sun:

"TV chiefs are plotting a showdown between Dr Who's most fearsome foes Cybermen and the Daleks. The Timelord's robot enemies will confront each other for the first time in the BBC1 sci-fi hit's 42-year history. The Sun has already revealed the sinister white Cybermen are making a comeback in the next series. They return for a two-part adventure set on an alternative Earth. But we can also disclose that they are making a surprise reappearance during the last two episodes as well. And in those shows -called Army of Ghosts -the Daleks turn up too. An insider said: 'It's going to be an explosive end to the series and the fans will love it. It's war.' The Daleks killed the last Dr Who, played by Christopher Eccleston. He regenerated as Casanova actor David Tennant who stars in the new series next spring with sidekick Rose Tyler (Billie Piper)."




FILTER: - DWM - Series 2/28 - Press

Pauline Collins Returns to Doctor Who

Sunday, 2 October 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
Pauline Collins, who nearly 40 years ago played Samantha Briggs in the Patrick Troughton serial "The Faceless Ones" and was under consideration to become a series regular until she opted out and Deborah Watling joined the cast as Victoria, has returned to the Doctor Who fold for the new series, according to reports in tomorrow's Sunday Mirror. Collins plays the role of Queen Victoria in a forthcoming episode of the second series. Says the article, "Pauline, 65, will play Queen Victoria alongside the new Doctor David Tennant and Billie Piper as sidekick Rose. She first appeared in the series in 1967 when Patrick Troughton was the Doctor. It was before she found fame in TV drama Upstairs Downstairs and then film stardom in the romantic hit Shirley Valentine in 1989. An insider said: 'Pauline found it amusing that she played a fashionable young woman in the 60s, but now she's playing a very wrinkly Queen Victoria.'" Collins is likely appearing in the second episode, "Tooth and Claw" which according to rumor takes place in Scotland. (Thanks to William Duffy, Eric Venable)




FILTER: - Guest Stars - Series 2/28

Sophia Myles

Thursday, 29 September 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
Actress Sophia Myles has accepted a new role, according to her fan site sophiamyles.org: she'll be playing Madame Du Pompadour in a forthcoming episode of the second series, likely "The Girl in the Fireplace". At the moment we've received no official confirmation of the casting, but we expect this is correct. (Thanks to Maria at sophiamyles.org)




FILTER: - Guest Stars - Production - Series 2/28

Set Report and Photos 1: Rhossili

Thursday, 29 September 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
The first of two set reports today (after a conspicuous absence) from Outpost Gallifrey correspondent Ruth Gunstone features details of location work done in Rhossili, the western edge of the Gower Peninsula, over the weekend, including photographs which could be considered spoilers. The text is included in the spoiler tag; click on the images for larger versions.
Travelling to Swansea from Sheffield is a grueling 5-hour drive, so at the time of booking my place at "Regenerations 2005" I had decided to spend an extra day in Swansea so I could see something of the area.

Chatting to a fellow fan during Saturday's lunch-break, I mentioned that I was intending to do some sightseeing, and was recommended by the chap (so sorry, I didn't get his name), to visit the bay and headland of Rhossili, about one hour west of Swansea.

So, on Monday morning, after refuelling myself with a "Full English", I duly headed west, found Rhossili, parked my car, and walked out toward the "Worm's Head" - a spectacular outcrop of land joined to the headland by a causeway which can be walked at low-tide. Unfortunately, it wasn't low-tide, so after taking some photo's of the breathtaking scenery and fairly wild sea, I started back toward the car-park, intending to to get a quick cup of tea, and then drive on to somewhere else.

Walking around the cliff path, I noticed a group of people on the skyline, one of whom was holding a boom-mic. As I approached, I spoke to a lady who was sitting watching the proceedings. "What are they recording?" I asked, expecting something along the lines of a current affairs insert on the erosion of the coastline or somesuch. To my absolute astonishment, she replied "Doctor Who!", with a grin as wide as the Gower peninsular itself! I looked closer, and saw a lighting crew wrestling with a large fixture, and several other techy people wearing headsets and speaking into walkie-talkies. "Look" said my new acquaintance, pointing, "There's Billie - and there's David Tennant". "Haven't you seen the TARDIS?" she added, pointing back along the path. And there it was! Just on the horizon - I could make out the top half of the oh-so-familiar blue box!

"Give me a day like this!" I exclaimed, trying hard not to be too loud and disturb the shooting.

It was amazing! What were the chances of stumbling into this, the day after attending my first 'Who' convention? And even better - I had my new camera in my kit-bag, together with extra rechargeable batteries and a half-gig memory card. Bingo!!

I approached the filming area quietly, and managed to catch the eye of one of the crew. I mouthed and gestured a sort of "Am I o.k. to sit here?". He winked and smiled, so I took that as a "yes", sat down on the grass (being careful to avoid rabbit and sheep poo!), and got my camera ready.

The day was windy - /really/ windy, and Billie and David were having trouble with their costumes. Billie's hair was being blown about, as was David's long brown coat. The shot seemed to consist of the two of them lying on the ground (almost as if sunbathing!), and after some conversation, getting up, David putting on his coat, and the two of them walking off toward the TARDIS. David seemed to have real problems putting on his coat as the wind kept threatening to take it (and David!) over the cliff edge!

I was there for a good half-hour or so, and got some really good shots of Billie and David, as they rehearsed and recorded a scene.

A break for lunch was called. I took the opportunity to do the same, pausing on my way back to the car-park only to take a snap of the TARDIS, which looked surreal, sat there on this cliff-top.

After a very welcome pot of tea, and even more welcome steak-pie, peas and chips, I walked back along the cliff path. By this time, shooting had recommenced, but now the action was immediately outside the TARDIS, and involved a scene with Rose and the Doctor emerging from the TARDIS, and the Doctor telling Rose where and when they had landed.

*** Spoiler alert! *** As I mentioned earlier, it was a /very/ windy day (the sound guys were having problems with the noise), but I did manage to overhear something along the lines of "This is the year five billion and twenty-five, and it's the galaxy...".

The Doctor and Rose then laughed, and ran along the cliff-top, hair and clothes being pummeled by the wind.

The crew were obviously battling with the light - it was very overcast, and getting darker by the minute. The "Big Bertha" lantern was brought into play as they then set for another scene. This involved another actor, whom I didn't recognise. His make-up and costume were - "interesting"! Somehow I couldn't help but be reminded of Leo Sayer!

By this time, the weather was really starting to hamper the proceedings. The light was very low, and crew members dashed in with umbrellas and coats to try to protect the actors from the rain, which was now starting to fall. Electronic equipment was hurriedly covered in plastic sheets while the last few shots were recorded. Eventually a 'wrap' was called - much to the delight of one or two of the tech's who were starting to get thoroughly soaked!

I saw Billie dash for cover (with a good-humered scream!), and the crew started to dismantle the equipment. To my amazement, the roof of the TARDIS was carried to the truck, and I got a great view of its internal lighting arrangements!

As I walked away, back up the cliff-path, I looked back and saw the TARDIS lying horizontal on the ground, its roof absent. Now there's something you don't see very often!
Set Report and Photos 2: Gelligaer Common
September 29, 2005  •  Posted By Shaun Lyon
The second of our set reports is from location work done at Gelligaer Common, about an hour north of Cardiff in central Wales, courtesy our correspondent Steve Gerrard; the photos were taken during the filming of the second episode. Also included is a brief spoiler about episode one, "New Earth"; both are included in the spoiler tags. Click on each image for a larger version.
OUT ON THE WINDING WINDY MOOR . . . Blimey, I had a day yesterday. First of all I was late for my job centre appointment and then, after having it re-booked I was told to wait an extra half hour after I should have been seen. Anyway, not in the best of moods, I went home and heard a rumour that the new series of Doctor Who MAY be filming just five miles away from me. Not one to shirk responsibility, I put on my anorak - come on, we all have one - and went, along with my dad and the dog, to Gelligaer Common, approximately five miles from the Welsh town of Merthyr Tydfil, and about one mile from where the old Doctor Who series, The Green Death was filmed. You know, THE ONE WITH THE GIANT MAGGOTS....

Well, we parked the car and walked up to where we thought the Beeb may be filming. Couldn't mistake it really, not with those bloomin' great vans everywhere. We walked right up to where the cameras were, taking our time and care not to slip over any of the copious amounts of electrical leads strewn around the site. And there it was... The one constant thing about the entire programme... Standing proud, but dejected, atop one of the most bleak places in Wales - and let's be fair, Wales is pretty bleak at the best of times - the TARDIS! FANTABULOSA!!! There it was... In the flesh... Not quite in the flesh, but you get my drift. Any road out, I asked a production chappie if I could stand and watch, and as the site is a public area he said it should be okay. But I WASN'T TO STAND IN FRONT OF THE CAMERAS!!!! As if... Ahem, anyway... So, for the next ten minutes I saw a part of Series Two being made. What happened....? If you want to know the bits about the Doctor, skip the next few paragraphs as I ramble on and on about the minutae of what happened on that fateful day... Don't worry, I'll let you know in plenty of time... Oh, to hell with it - hoist up your skirts and let's go...

First of all, there was a black carriage - originally my dad thought it was a hearse - with some horses reined to it. There were some officious, and rather gallant looking foot soldiers with rifles pointing them at the Doctor and Rose. The sargeant atop the lead horse asked the Doctor who he was and this is what was said:

Soldier: (Thick Scottish accent) Who are you? And who is that half-naked strumpet? (At least that's what it sounded like to me)
Doctor: (Thick Scottish Mockney accent) I am Doctor Jamie McCrimmon. I studied under Doctor Bell. (The Doctor shows him his psychic paper)

As the wind was really blowing, I couldn't quite make out what they said next. Rose looked cold. Then all of a sudden there was a booming voice saying "Cut! Lunch!" and they were gone. I do remember an assistant saying "All the soldiers go in the van!"

So there I was, with the TARDIS. Of course, I had photos taken. Sad, but strangely wonderful. Then, thinking that the day was over, we took the dog for a walk around where they filmed THE ONE WITH THE GIANT MAGGOTS. Well, flap me sideways... The production crew were there, along with the extras, scoffing their faces outside the food van. I saw Ms Piper and, being brave, I asked her if I could have a photo, it "Being a fan thing...". Wow! She obliged, and it looks lovely. Thank you Ms Piper!

Anyway, I thought that was enough for the day, and so went home, only to be told by my mum that she wanted to see David Tennant, as she's a big fan of his other work. So, off we traipsed again...

Basically, we saw the same set up, only this time a lot more filming seemed to take place. This time there were more soldiers, given directions to look as if they "meant business", and they all stood pointing their guns at the Doctor and Rose. Those two intrepid travellers walk up to the coach and a coachman opened the door. Blow me down with a feather!! Inside was Queen Victoria. Again the Doctor shows his psychic paper. Queen Victoria leans forward and takes it from him and says:

Queen Vic (not the pub in EastEnders): I see, Doctor. But you failed to mention that it says that you are to be my protector.
The Doctor: Mumbles something I couldn't quite make out
Queen Vic: Very well, Doctor... You shall accompany me... Drive on.

There were numerous takes of this scene - first of all was the rehearsals, then the filmed rehearsals and finally the filming itself. Most ran very smoothly apart from when one of the horses decided he'd had enough and almost fell asleep, causing the carriage to judder violently, and shaking ol' Queen Vic and the camera crew up considerably. There were multiple takes of close-ups, medium close-ups, wide shots, etc. The actor playing the Sargeant had to walk behind the camera crew and then step up a ladder so that his voice - offscreen - could be heard, to give the other actors a reaction to act against. All through this set up, the extras stood around, looking rather stoical, including earlier some as Buddhist monks looking rather cold with their shaven heads nicely catching the suns rays. Mr Tennant and Ms Piper also stood around in the cold, but were immediately given warm anoraks - see, we all have them - to wear. Poor Ms Piper, her outfit as you can see was not practical for time travel in bleakest Wales, and I did feel sorry for her. A break was called and me and my mum had our photos taken with Mr Tennant - see photo.

When with Mr Tennant, I asked him two questions, his answers are as follows:

Me: Mr Tennant, are you enjoying yourself, playing the Doctor?
Mr T: I'm having A WHALE OF A TIME!!!

Me: Aren't you cold?
Mr T: My ears are freezing... I've never experienced anything like this before!

And then time was called, and he had to return to the shoot. As you can see, the photos also show various set ups including Queen Victoria's carriage, and if you look carefully enough, Her Maj 'erself.

All in all, it was an absolutely fantastic experience. I thoroughly enjoyed watching a bunch of old pros at work, and above all else, I thought that Mr Tennant and Ms Piper were kind and considerate enough to take time from their busy schedule to talk to a sad anorak like me. Thanks.

EPISODE ONE "New Earth" SPOILERS

Contrary to popular belief, the Catwomen are in Episode One and are 'Nuns' - The Matron, the Sister and the Novice, in charge of a 'Plague Farm' where humans are experimented on, several of whom break out. The Duke of Manhattan is an obese character similar to Fat Bastard in the Austin Powers movies, or perhaps Baron Harkennon from Dune.
Recent Locations
September 29, 2005  •  Posted By Shaun Lyon
Filming has occurred recently at Tredegar House in Newport... says an Outpost Gallifrey Forum correspondent, "My brother in law visited Tredegar House in Newport yesterday. This is a large house open to the public and only a short distance from the Newport studio. He says BBC Wales were building the Tardis in the basement but no one was allowed to see it." According to BBC Wales Southeast, "Ancestral home of the Morgan family and later the Lord Tredegars, this seventeenth century house is nestled just off the M4 near Newport. The Victorians re-modelled the original seventeenth century house so that they wouldn't have to receive guests straight into the Great Hall. They abandoned the main entrance, and turned the house on its side, building this new entrance in around 1850." Also, filming at the hotel building of the Headlands School in Penarth has taken place on September 29/30, with service vehicles located at the barrage car park ("Apparently, we will hear blank shots being fired!" says another of our Forum correspondents).




FILTER: - Production - Series 2/28

New Series Update

Friday, 16 September 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
Some additional news about the next series in this month's issue of Doctor Who Magazine. On Zoe Wanamaker's return as Cassandra, DWM notes that next year's appearance differs from The End of the World in that the actress has actually been on-set this time to voice her lines and "react spontaneously with David and Billie". Also in Episode 1, there will be "a new race of villains to contend with at the same time [as Cassandra]". An interview with the producers of Doctor Who Confidential reveals that the second series has extra filming days that allow "filming five backstage days an episode this year", which should enable more behind-the-scenes coverage than in the first series. Production on Confidential has also "started earlier this year [...] This time we've been [in Cardiff] since the start", including footage of David Tennant on Blue Peter for the monster competition, which may be reflected in a Confidential episode examining "the close relationship Doctor Who and Blue Peter have shared over the years".
Additionally, regarding the three new books announced for next year (see yesterday's story), range consultant/editor Justin Richards explains that the selection of authors was determined by "the [same] reasons as last time around û we're people with a track record of writing to spec and to schedule for the right market, and who have been signed off for all the confidential material." He also states that "we're still waiting for all sorts of decisions from all sorts of people" on the future of the past Doctors range of novels. "The Past Doctor books have a future, I'm sure, but exactly what we'll be doing, and when, I don't know. We're taking the time to make sure we get it right." In a separate interview elsewhere in the magazine, Richards also mentions that "we'll give [the Ninth Doctor] as rest in 2006, and by 2007 we'll have a better idea of whether he fits into the past Doctor range, or whether we do a new range of books which are branded as 'new series', but which are about an old Doctor." (The comments about the Ninth Doctor 'fitting in' seem to be referring to considerations of marketing and general readership perceptions and reception, rather than artistic/fan considerations.)




FILTER: - Production - DWM - Series 2/28

TV Series Update

Thursday, 15 September 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
Issue 361 of Doctor Who Magazine, now on sale, confirms some TV series-related information:
Director Euros Lyn will work on two additional episodes, bringing his second series total up to four episodes, as the director of Block Four.
Zoe Wanamaker is indeed reprising her role as Cassandra in the first episode, still rumored to be titled "New Earth". She is joined by Michael Fitzgerald as Duke, Lucy Robinson as Clovis, Dona Croll as the Matron, Adjoa Andoh as the Sister, Anna Hope as the Novice, and Sean Gallagher as Chip. Additional casting updates: "The Christmas Invasion" will star Penelope Wilton as Harriet Jones, Adam Garcia as Alex Klein, Daniel Evans as Danny Llewellyn, Anita Briem as Sally, Chu Omambala as Major Blake, and Sean Glider. "School Reunion" features Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith, John Leeson as K9, Anthony Stewart Head as Mr. Finch, Eugene Washington as Mr Wagner, Joe Pickley as Kenny, Lucinda Dryzek as Melissa, Heather Cameron as Nina, Benjamin Smith as Luke, Clem Tibber Milo, Rod Arthur and Caroline Berry.
The issue confirms that Head will not play the Master, which Outpost Gallifrey reported some time ago (and contrary to reports on some other websites.)
Three new Doctor Who books will be released in the spring of 2006 featuring the Tenth Doctor as played by David Tennant. The novels include "The Genesis Casket" by Justin Richards, "The Ultimate Prophet" by Jacqueline Rayner and "Feast of the Drowned" by Stephen Cole. (Thanks to Nathan Baron and DWM)




FILTER: - Production - Magazines - DWM - Series 2/28