Legend Photography have been commissioned to shoot a collection of high quality art portraits of Tom Baker. Taken in celebration of the actor who played the Fourth Doctor, award-winning fantasy portrait photographer Oliver McNeil said:
The art gallery quality 18"x12" prints are available to order from the Legend Photography website, and each are personally signed by the actor, who will also personalise the print on request.

Christopher Eccleston has won the International Emmy for Best Actor.

The Ninth Doctor, won the award for his role in Jimmy McGovern's Accused for BBC One, which also won best drama series. In the drama, shown last year, Eccleston played a plumber who found £20,000 in the back of a cab but was arrested after it turned out the money was forged.

The awards, which celebrate TV production outside the United States, were presented by the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences at a ceremony in New York on Monday evening.

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Eccleston is currently working on a new BBC One drama The Fuse.

Filming is currently taking place in Liverpool and Manchester for the four-part thriller which tells the story of a fictional council official (Eccleston) who realises he may have committed a murder during a drunken night out. An act of redemption eventually leads to him becoming a straight-talking mayoral candidate.

The Fuse is written by Bill Gallagher, who previously worked on Lark Rise To Candleford, and is made by Red Production Company (Single Father, Exile).

Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill will be signing copies of The Complete Series Six Boxed Set at HMV at the Westfield Shopping Centre, Stratford, London on Monday 21st November; the signing takes place from 1:30pm and entry will be by wristband for the first 250 people applying from when the shop opens at 8:30am. The stars will also take part in a Q&A session with former Radio 1 presenter and fan Jo Whiley in the Gallery Area from 4:00pm. [BBC Worldwide/2Entertain]

David Tennant and Karen Gillan will be among those who will have their portraits displayed at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh when it re-opens to the public on 1st December. The "Hot Scots" collection will also feature other notable Scottish names including Sean Connery, James McAvoy, Gerard Butler and singer Paolo Nutini. [Herald Scotland, 17 Nov 2011]

Karen Gillan will also be presenting the award for Design at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards this coming Sunday. [Standard, 18 Nov 2011]

Eve Myles is interviewed in Saturday's Western Mail magazine, in which she also talks about why she left Hollywood to return to Wales: "I came back from LA specifically to do Baker Boys. I made a commitment when I did the first series and I followed it through. It’s got a cracking cast and superb director in Gareth Bryn. In the first series I was playing someone who had an easy time of it, but series two is about Sarah’s struggle and it’s been a joy to play" [Wales Online, 18 Nov 2011]

Bernard Cribbins has lent his support to a campaign to help residents in Surrey that are suffering from fuel 'poverty': "This is a simple but very effective idea and am delighted to be supporting it. With the help of the Community Foundation, the money raised will quickly find its way to those needing help with their winter bills this year." [Epsom Guardian, 15 Nov 2011]

Simon Pegg (The Editor, The Long Game) responded to comments about him possibly playing the Doctor in the proposed movie: "Why is everyone speculating about who should play the Doctor in the Doctor Who movie? Matt Smith is the Doctor, he should play him!! It's nice to be thought of but I do not want the part and would not accept if it were offered to me. I did my Who time and I died. The end." [Simon Pegg, via Twitter, 16 Nov 2011]

Mark Sheppard talks about the development of his character Canton: "I think I read an article where [Steven Moffat said] he was under some pressure to create a gay character who wasn't mincing around the screen. I mean, no disrespect to Captain Jack or anyone else at all, I'm being extreme in my stereotype, but I'm saying to have a character where being gay wasn't the singular identifier of the character, where the primary focus of the character is not what he's doing about being gay. ... A kid came up to me in a convention and said 'you know, Canton is the second-smartest man in the room', and I said 'really, why is that?' He said 'because he realises that the doctor is the smartest man in the room' - and I always thought was a very good way to put it." [Stuff, 15 Nov 2011]

Writer and long-term Doctor Who fan Naomi Alderman was interviewed about her novel, Borrowed Time, and when asked about the lack of Jewish and women writers for the series responded: "Hah! Actually, one of my favorite stories, The Masque of Mandragora, was written by a Jewish academic, Louis Marks. And Doctor Who was partly created by Verity Lambert, an inspirational feminist TV producer. I think you have to not choke yourself really, especially when creating. After five minutes of going, 'Hmm, not many people like me have done this,' you have to put it out of your mind and just do the best job you can." [Jewish Daily Forward, 16 Nov 2011]

Colin Baker will be a guest on a popular cookery show during the festive period: "I am allowed to tell you this and no more - Celebrity Come Dine with Me over Christmas. Watch yours truly cooking and eating - ad nauseam" [Colin Baker via Twitter, 14 Nov 2011]

David Tennant continues to film Nativity 2 with the actor spotted on location at Llanrhaeadr Waterfall, where a scene with him and co-star Marc Wooton involving a donkey didn't turn out so well ... [Powys County Times, 11 Nov 2011]

Freema Agyeman (Martha Jones) thinks it is possible to appear for the 50th Anniversary: "I’ve just heard rumblings and my agent was talking about it because there's a tight-knit of us. In terms of working with David and with Karen, we've all got the same sort of circle really, so a mention of things but nothing's really been in set in stone. But if they want to do a big group thing, I can't really envisage anybody in the Who family saying no because it's quite a marked occasion and a good opportunity to rekindle. For the fans, it's exciting for them as well and everyone gets together." [Independent, 14 Nov 2011]

On the other hand Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper) thinks otherwise: "I wouldn't have thought so. We have lots of adult themes running in Torchwood and I think it would be inappropriate for us to have anything to do with Doctor Who because it’s predominantly a family programme. I think that where Torchwood is, it deals with darker subjects and I think inter-mixing them, if they want to do that, then fine but I can tell you that I'm not involved in it – they won’t give me guns or a bazooka." [Independent, 8 Nov 2011]

Camille Coduri (Jackie Tyler) also talks about her likelihood of ever coming back to the series: "I think that's done now. We’ve been back to say goodbye at least twice. You have to leave it in the past sometime really. And we left five years ago really, so it's quite a long time. People have moved on. If anyone asked me, of course I would, brilliant. It would be a great story to go back, but I think it's done and I think we need to leave it where it is, really." [Gay Times]

Peter Kay (Abzorbaloff, Love & Monsters) regrets playing an alien as part of his career: "I loved making it but when I saw it, I thought, 'Oh my God. I'm big green lizard running around Cardiff? Is that it?' It's nice to have been in Doctor Who but that is regarded by fans as the worst episode ever. In 10 years' time, I'll be able to do the Doctor Who conventions and charge people a tenner for a photo!" [Express, 13 Nov 2011]

Bill Pullman (Danes, Miracle Day) will be performing excerpts from "The Healing Wars", a project he has developed with his wife, on the 8th December in Denver as part of a benefit for Visionbox, a professional actors training studio he conceived in 2010. [Denver Post, 13 Nov 2011]

John Barrowman is to present an edition of the BBC's comedy musical quiz show Never Mind The Buzzcocks, to be recorded on 30th November; though the brodcast date is unknown at present, it seems likely to be the tenth episode of the series due the following week on 5th December. [John Barrowman website]

Karen Gillan has been nominated as a Screen Nominee for the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards; other nominees in this section include documentary filmmaker Mark Cousins, producer Christopher Young, and writer/director Lynne Ramsey. [Glenfiddich]

Alex Kingston attended the Pearson Teaching Awards that took place at Downing Street on 2nd November, where she presented the award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year; photos from the event can be found on Flickr. [Number 10, 30 Oct 2011]

Bernard Cribbins has presented with his OBE by the Princess Royal at a Windsor Castle investiture ceremony. The 82-year-old actor indicated that retirement wasn't on his mind: I love it, I can't stop, why should I? I'm still able to read and write." [BBC News, 3 Nov 2011]

Speaking at a book signing, Steven Moffat talked about the success of Sherlock: "We didn’t know Sherlock would be such a hit. It felt like a vanity project. I always thought it would be good and get good reviews, I never thought it would be an instant monster. That never happens – having good reviews with a huge audience and all the awards – you couldn’t expect it to happen." [Express, 4 Nov 2011]

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David Troughton will be performing a series of Christmas readings with his wife during the O Magnum Mysterium Christmas concert at St Mary's Church, Warwick on 21st December, appearing with the acclaimed Warwickshire choir, the Saint James’s Singers (the singers also have a Doctor Who connection, having contributed their vocals to the Big Finish story Her Final Flight).

Tickets can be booked via the Bridge House Theatre and full details are available from the Saint James's Singers website.

(with thanks to Julian Shortman)

Karen Gillan commented on how she'd like to see her character Amy leave the series: "Death would be an option. I don’t want Amy to pop up again every so often, because for me it would take away from the big, emotional goodbye. Once she’s gone, she’s gone - I want people to remember the Amy Pond era as a good one." [Mirror, Daily Record, 31 Oct 2011]

Singer song-writer Mark Eitzel commented on hiring Arthur Darvill last year in his Brighton stage show: "Not many people know this, but aside from being a great actor, Arthur’s a fantastic musician. He gave my little production 120% all the time, and we even ended up playing in a band together when I performed at the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival in Minehead. It’s weird though seeing him running round fighting Daleks or whatever – I’m like, 'That’s the guy who sang in my play?'" [Western Mail, 31 Oct 2011]

John Barrowman revealed that he is often asked out to the jungle: "They ask me on I'm a Celeb every year and each year I politely say, 'No'. But I kinda want to do it. I think it'd be fun and some of the trials are pretty out there. But my partner, Scott, reminded me that there would be no way I could cope in the jungle. If I don't eat, I get grumpy. Happy John you see on the telly would soon turn into Grumpy John and I'd probably start snapping at the other contestants." [Western Mail, 1 Nov 2011]

The actor will also be performing at the Macmillan Centenary Gala, taking place at the London Palladium on the 28th November. The show, hosted by Graham Norton, will feature a variety of performers, including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Jimmy Carr, and Jimmy Osmond. [Theater Mania, 31 Oct 2011]

Peter Davison rates A Very Peculiar Practive amongst his best performances: "I think from my point of view it's right up there near the top I think in terms of personal enjoyment of it. I mean I loved doing it - I enjoy doing every show I do actually - but I think it just held a special place because the writing was so good. And it's one of those scripts you get where you just don't want to change a word . It really is terrific, the really well written scripts are easy to learn, they just flow and it makes the whole process so much easier. This show had it." [Bang Showbiz via The List, 31 Oct 2011]

Sylvester McCoy will be a guest at this year's Auckland Armageddon Expo, and appeared on New Zealand's NZTV's Good Morning to chat about the expo, rugby, his career, and NOT The Hobbit! (Other Doctor Who guests at the Expo include Louise Jameson, Mark Sheppard, and Morgan Sheppard) [TVNZ (video), 27 Oct 2011]

Sara Lloyd-Gregory (Carys, Torchwood: Day One) reflects on the highlight of her career: "Torchwood was amazing. It was brilliant to be working with creator Russell T Davies and the cast were incredible. I had a lot of fun playing Carys who seemed to spend a lot of time snogging people! In fact, I do spend a lot of time playing dark characters but I like that. It gives you the chance to challenge yourself, to let loose and push yourself." [South Wales Guardian, 1 Nov 2011]

Shane Rimmer (Seth Harper, The Gunfighters) has recorded an audio version of his autobiography, From Thunderbirds to Pterodactyls; the character actor reflects on his career that covers Doctor Who, James Bond, Coronation Street, Star Wars, Batman Begins, and of course the voice of Scott Tracy in Thunderbirds as well as many more. The 3CD set is due to be released on 31st November. [available from Big Finish]

Director Steven Spielberg paid tribute to Tin-Tin co-writer Steven Moffat and his other British contributors: "Steven wrote one of my favourite TV shows, which is Dr Who. Peter (Jackson) and I felt whoever did Dr Who would have a good sensibility for Tintin. And it so happens Steven had read Tintin since he was eight. Even when he had to leave the Tintin project to get on with making Dr Who, I got two other Brits — Shaun of the Dead's Edgar Wright and Attack The Block's Joe Cornish — to finish the job. They're two great British writers." [The Sun, 24 Oct 2011]

Matt Smith commented on his view of last year's protagonists the Silence: "What is wonderful is that they toy with your psyche. They mess with what you know and don't know and what you can and can't remember - they can influence your mind. They look horrendous and are really mean. So if you're under the age of ten, a good sofa to hide behind is essential. That's what Doctor Who should be about: 'I don't want to watch this, but also I do!'" [Press Association, 27 Oct 2011]

A pair of trainers especially signed by David Tennant are to be auctioned on behalf of the Accord Hospice in Paisley, a charity which his parents are closely associated with and where his mother was taken care of when she was ill. [Paisley Daily Express, 27 Oct 2011]

The actor is also involved in filming for a sequel to the film Nativity, playing twin teachers from rival schools (one under-achieving, one "posh") in competion with each other for a national competition. The film once again prominently features the city of Coventry, and Tennant visited local Blue Coat School alongside director Debbie Isitt to meet children potentially appearing in the film. [Coventry Telegraph, 19 Oct 2011; Variety, 28 Oct 2011]

Arthur Darvill (Rory) will be playing Pierre in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Softcops, taking place at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon on 30th October (11:30am). The play by Caryl Churchill was inspired by Michel Foucault’s theoretical book, Discipline and Punish, and explores the ways governments seek to depoliticise subversive acts. [Entertainment Focus, 25 Oct 2011]

John Barrowman commented on the continued success of his character, Captain Jack Harkness: "I can't believe it. I was only meant to be a five-episode character in Doctor Who and it's turned out to be a huge success in its own right with Torchwood and Captain Jack. The American audiences have taken to him. It's quite overwhelming and quite amazing to be a part of something like that to spread what I call the best of British television worldwide." [Coventry Telegraph, 25 Oct 2011]

Billie Piper (Rose) is to appear in Neil LaBute's play Reasons to be Pretty, due to open at the Almeida Theatre on 10th November. It has also been revealed by artistic director Michael Attenborough that the actress is expecting her second child: "She was upset and told me she was pregnant. She very generously offered to withdraw from the show; however, she was Neil LaBute’s and my first choice for the part — and fortunately the character is pregnant — so with a bit of judicious re-writing we’re all delighted she’ll be with us." [Daily Mail, 28 Oct 2011]

Michael Sheen (House, The Doctor's Wife) is to take on the role of Hamlet, played famously a couple of years ago by former Doctor David Tennant: "It’s the most dangerous play that exists, yet our culture has made it safe - what I want is to make it difficult and jagged again, unsettling and uncomfortable and disorienting for the audience." Speaking about the language of Shakespeare, he said: "We’ve debased our language in lots of ways now. We speak in not particularly expressive ways. The way people express themselves in Shakespeare’s plays is so rich and so tense. It takes more energy and uses more of yourself. It’s an investment and once you adjust to it, it becomes an incredible kinetic experience, really extraordinary. It works on your imagination and emotions just like music – you can be incredibly moved just because of the rhythms and notes." [Wales Online, 28 Oct 2011]

With speculation over Matt Smith's continuation as the Doctor after next series increasing since his comments to VH1, it is perhaps inevitable that potential contenders for the role would be discussed once more, including media favourites such as Paterson Joseph. [Indie Wire, 27 Oct 2011]

Peter Davison discussed the possibility of a 50th Anniversary appearance in Doctor Who: "I feel no need to turn my back on it, but I don't feel like it's the kind of thing they'd do. I'd be very surprised if they tried to do anything involving the old Doctors because it always takes a slight stretch of the imagination anyway to figure out why the previous Doctors look older - but I'm sure that can be done. But at the same time I'm not sort of longing on it. I'm perfectly happy to have played my part to go back to 'Time Crash'. I don't feel like I'm hanging on a phone call from the 'Doctor Who' offices saying let's do something special." [Contact Music, 21 Oct 2011]

John Barrowman also commented on his interest in the golden year of the series: "If I'm asked to go back I would love to go back - I think it would be great to be involved with the 50th Anniversary, since Jack was such a big part of the Who world. But, having said that, nothing's been said, so I don't sit and wait and I don't want fans to think that I don't want to do it because I would love to, but if I'm not asked I'm not going to push and bang down the door - I'll just move onto something else." The actor also suggested that should Torchwood return it was unlikely to commence filming before next September. [Scottish Daily Record via YouTube, 18 Oct 2011]

Catherine Tate (Donna Noble) will be returning to NBC's version of The Office, reprising her role of Nellie Bertram who appeared in the previous series finale back in May. The character is expected to appear in a multi-episode arc. [Theater Mania, 21 Oct 2011]

Kai Owen (Rhys, Torchwood) is encouraging local 'daredevils' to take part in a charity abseil down the West Orchards Shopping Centre's glass dome in Coventry, aiming to raise money for CLIC Sargent. The event takes place in the evenings of 29th and 30th October and is open to anyone aged 16 or over. [Coventry Telegraph, 19 Oct 2011]

Actor and writer Mark Gatiss was the guest on this week's edition of the long-running BBC Radio 4 programme Desert Island Discs; during the show he spoke about his life, growing up opposite a psychiatric hospital, his interest in the supernatural, and his successful career with The League of Gentlemen, Sherlock and of course Doctor Who. [Desert Island Discs, 23 Oct 2011]

Ray Brooks has recorded an audio version of his autobiography, Learning My Lines; the actor traces his career through rep, comedies, his various television appearances including famously the voice of Mr Benn, Big Deal, and Eastenders, and of course his role as David in Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150AD. Revealing the vulnerability of an actor's life, the candid account is full of down-to-earth humour and captivating honesty. [available from Fantom Films]

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Inadmissable Evidence has opened at the Donmar Warehouse, featuring Karen Gillan in her first theatre role; reviews of the play can be found at the Independent, Guardian, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Standard, The Stage; it was also reviewed in the BBC Radio 4's Front Row.

During his latest visit to the USA current Doctor Matt Smith spoke to VH1, who asked the actor about his future plans at that side of the Atlantic:


The interview suggests that Matt Smith may leave Doctor Who at the end of the next series; last summer newspapers such as the Sun and Mirror reported the actor was discussing potential projects with film companies during a visit to Los Angeles. Whatever his intention regarding the role of the Doctor in the future, however, it is unlikely any official announcement of his involvement in the series' fiftieth anniversary will be made until much nearer the time.

Readers in the United States can watch the full interview via the VH1 website.

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Matt Smith also appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson this week, during which he discussed winning his Scream Award, and campaigning for Craig to appear in Doctor Who!

Tom Baker will be visiting St Michael’s Hospice in Hastings on the 30th October; a keen supporter, the actor will be signing for £5 donations to the hospice. Community Fundraiser Amanda Hildreth said: "We’re extremely excited to be welcoming Tom to the hospice and providing an opportunity for his many fans to meet him. Tom is a great supporter of the hospice and this kind offer shows his commitment to both his fans and the work of St Michael's. Tom has a huge cult following and we’re expecting the signing to prove very popular not only with local fans, but also fans from all over the UK." [Hastings Observer, 9 Oct 2011]

David Tennant will be playing Robert Louis Stevenson in a two-part adaptation for BBC Radio Four; Stevenson in Love focusses on two of the writer's trips, to France and in America, and on the influence upon him of his future wife. It is broadcast on 26th and 27th October. [The Stage, 11 Oct 2011]

Paul McGann will be appearing on 17-18th November at the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Studio in Grotesque Chaos, a play about former politician Derek Hatton by local writer Michael McLean. Suzanne Bell, Everyman and Playhouse literary manager, said: "We are thrilled Paul will be involved with this challenging and interesting play. He was excited to take on the role of Derek Hatton having read Michael McLean’s script and is also bringing a great deal of knowledge to the project." [Liverpool Echo, 12 Oct 2011]

Colin Baker arrives at the Malvern Theatres for performances of the Wilkie Collins play The Woman in White; it runs between 18th and 22nd October. [Worcester Standard, 13 Oct 2011]

Karen Gillan's role as Shirley in John Osborne’s Inadmissible Evidence is attributed as the reason for its sell-out at the Donmar Warehouse. On the play, the actress said: "I think the writing’s really amazing, it’s so full of hate. It sounds like John Osborne ranting. It goes to a place that I haven’t encountered before. It’s all jagged, sometimes it doesn’t even fit together logically. You really have to investigate it to understand it.". And on taking on the role and the encouragment of her Doctor Who co-stars: "I’m completely terrified. But that’s what makes it exciting. When Matt and Arthur heard I had a part at the Donmar they were so pleased. They were, like, you’ve got to grab this with both hands. So that’s what I’m going to do." [Telegraph, 15 Oct 2011]

Speaking of the Donmar Warehouse, Sir Derek Jacobi (Professor Yana/The Master) has been nominated for their touring production of King Lear; the actor is up for Best Performance in the 2011 Theatre Awards. [BBC News, 30 Sep 2011]

Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper) talks about how Torchwood has done wonders for Wales: "Yeah, it's really put it on the map, massively. The Welsh tourist board can't be more grateful because Torchwood uses the shots of the coastline, the mountains - and all the aliens we have and all the deadly goings on. It's also shown who the Welsh are, making the Welsh as real as possible on telly. We are not this stupid comedy nation. We are a bunch of smart, proud, passionate people who love showing off their country." [New Zealand Herald, 13 Oct 2011]

Back in September, we reported that Arthur Darvill would feature in the Bush Theatre production Sixty Six Books; now, it has been revealed that Catherine Tate (Donna Noble) will kick off the theatrical event by playing God - a high tech, high heeled, pale suited Almighty accompanied by an angel with a laptop who dispatches her tweets to the Internet in author Jeanette Winterson's interpretation of Genesis. Artistic director Josie Rourke said: "It's a very funny piece, it's very bold. Catherine came naturally to mind for that. She just walks out onto a stage and recruits everybody into what she's doing - and that's absolutely what it needs." [BBC News, 14 Oct 2011]

Christmas kicks off early in Skegness, with Frazer Hines (Jamie McCrimmon) appearing as Muddles in a special preview of Snow White at the town's Embassy Theatre - the show was attended by its writers, pupils from Skegness Infants School. The pantomine will open on 14th December. [Skegness Standard, 14 Oct 2011]