New Fourth Doctor Audio Adventures

Monday, 6 August 2018 - Reported by Marcus

John Leeson, Lalla Ward, Matthew Waterhouse Tom Baker (Credit: Big Finish)

Big Finish have confirmed that the Fourth Doctor, as played by Tom Baker, will be continuing his audio adventures until at least 2021.

Two new audio series featuring the enigmatic time-traveling bohemian have been confirmed, out for release in 2020 and 2021 with the Fourth Doctor being joined by some old friends.

In series nine of The Fourth Doctor Adventures, Tom Baker’s Doctor is reunited with Time-Lady Romanadvoratrelundar II, played by Lalla Ward. And joining them will be Adric, played by Matthew Waterhouse, in his first adventures back with Tom since his regeneration in 1981. John Leeson also reprises K9, the Doctor’s faithful robo-canine companion.

These stories are set in the beginning of Tom Baker’s last television series as the Doctor, season 18, in between the stories State of Decay and Warrior’s Gate. Trapped in E-Space, a pocket universe next to our own (N-Space), the Doctor acquires a new companion Adric, a 15 year old mathematical genius, who begins to travel with the Doctor and Romana.

Volume 1 of Series 9 of The Fourth Doctor Adventures is out for release in January 2020:

9.1 Purgatory 12 by Marc Platt
9.2 Chase the Night by Jonathan Morris

And Volume 2 of Series 9 follows in February 2020:

9.3 The Planet of Witches by Alan Barnes
9.4 The Quest of the Engineer by Andrew Smith

Matthew Waterhouse talked about travelling with the Fourth Doctor again

I’ve always found that when recording a Doctor Who on audio, it felt like coming home. I absolutely loved it, and this (new series) is another development of that. I love the idea of E-Space with the Fourth Doctor, Romana, Adric and K9 travelling together.

David Richardson, producer of The Fourth Doctor Adventures on audio, explains what mystical escapades this TARDIS team will encounter in a universe very different to our own

We’re returning to another much-loved era in Season 9, as the E-Space trilogy gets a massive extension on audio and we explore strange and wonderful worlds in another universe with the genius team of the Doctor, Romana, Adric and K-9.

It’s been such fun recreating the tone and high-concept style of that era, as the travellers begin the search for a CVE (Charged Vacuum Emboitment) which can take them (or at least most of them) home.

In Series 10 the Fourth Doctor will be reunited with Leela (played by Louise Jameson) in four new double-length adventures. David Richardson explains more:

For Series 10 it’s a joy to welcome back our friends Louise Jameson and John Leeson to reprise Leela and K9. The stories include a prequel to The Sun Makers, a visit to a doomed world, and a group of time-travelling tourists who make a terrible mistake.

Series 10 will be released in January and February 2021.

FILTER: - Big Finish - Fourth Doctor

Doctors Meet at London Comic Con

Monday, 30 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

Finally Christopher Eccleston does his first Multi-Doctor story #DoctorWho #LFCC pic.twitter.com/c73ekoHa78
— #BloodMoon (@MrDalekEmperor) July 29, 2018

Multi-Doctor stories featuring the Ninth Doctor may be the stuff of comics and fan fiction, but but attendees at this year's London Film and Comic Con got the next best thing when the timelines of the actors crossed as they were attending the convention.

The 3-day event saw apperances by all past living Doctors bar the seventh, with Christopher Eccleston undertaking his first signing commitments at a convention event.

It was while Eccleston was being moved around the arena he passed Doctor number Eleven Matt Smith resulting in a heartfelt meeting between the two actors, captured for posterity by surrounding fans.

The Ninth Doctor also met Doctor number Twelve Peter Capaldi coming out of a lift, resulting in a hug between the two men.

Christopher Eccleston was asked to feature in the 50th anniversary story The Day of the Doctor, but the actor decided not to appear, resulting in the show runner Steven Moffat creating the character of the War Doctor.

Fans still have hopes that one day the actor will return to the series — maybe for the sixtieth anniversary?

Here’s some video my daughter took pic.twitter.com/TStsaw9MId
— Janine Learner (@JanineLearner) July 29, 2018

キャパさんとエクルストンさんがハグってたそうですー！！なんか感無量！！ 😭 via https://t.co/UK5OYsXTuM pic.twitter.com/UrJI7ab24w
— K (@miyelo_) July 29, 2018

FILTER: - Eleventh Doctor - Ninth Doctor - Twelfth Doctor

Comic-Con Panel With Jodie Whittaker

Tuesday, 24 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

The BBC has released a recording of the full Doctor Who panel at this year's Comic-Con International at San Diego.

The panel featured new Doctor Jodie Whittaker alongside two of her Doctor Who co-stars Tosin Cole, and Mandip Gill as well as showrunner Chris Chibnall and Executive Producer Matt Strevens.

FULL Comic-Con Panel | Doctor Who

FILTER: - Jodie Whittaker - Thirteenth Doctor

The Women Who Lived

Tuesday, 24 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

This September, BBC Books will publish Doctor Who: The Women Who Lived, an illustrated collection of inspiring tales of the women of Doctor Who. It will be the first official book published to accompany the new series, celebrating Jodie Whittaker’s debut as the Thirteenth Doctor.

Written by Christel Dee, former presenter of Doctor Who: The Fan Show, and Simon Guerrier, the book will feature more than 75 inspiring tales of remarkable women of the Whoniverse, both real and imagined. From historical figures such as Agatha Christie and Queen Victoria to fan favourites like Bill Potts and River Song, each woman has made a unique contribution to the world of Doctor Who. Whether they’re facing down Daleks or thwarting a Nestene invasion, these women don’t hang around waiting to be rescued – they roll their sleeves up and get stuck in. Scientists and soldiers, queens and canteen workers, women from outlandish science-fiction and those steeped in real history, they don’t let anything hold them back.

Illustrated throughout with specially-commissioned artwork by a team of female artists – including Gwen Burns, Valentina Mozzo, Sonia Leong, and more – the book also features new companion Yasmin, and an extended entry on the Doctor herself.

Albert DePetrillo, BBC Books Publishing Director, says

We thought long and hard about which book would start our publishing programme for Jodie Whittaker’s first series of Doctor Who – and Christel and Simon’s book is the perfect choice. It’s bold and fresh in its approach, it makes a strong statement, it’s beautifully written, and stunning in its design. It represents everything we love about Doctor Who, and we couldn’t be happier to be publishing The Women Who Lived on the BBC Books list.

Christel Dee says

With Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor arriving this autumn, we thought this would be the perfect time to reflect upon the wealth of incredible female characters from Doctor Who’s 55 year history – because there are so many! We hope the stories in this book will inspire a whole new generation of fans and existing fans too.

Simon Guerrier says

We hope this offers a fresh perspective on the history of Doctor Who, a chance to celebrate the richness of past episodes as well as looking forward to the series’ exciting future. I thought I knew Doctor Who backwards, but we discovered loads of new things in our research for the book.

Doctor Who: The Women Who Lived: Amazing Tales for Future Time Lords will be published on 27th September in hardback, priced £16.99.

FILTER: - Books - Thirteenth Doctor

Lethbridge-Stewart: Short-Story competition winner announced

Tuesday, 17 July 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books have announced the winner of their recent Lethbridge-Stewart Short Story Competition.

Lethbridge-Stewart short story competition winner Sean Alexander (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce the winner of the Lethbridge-Stewart Short Story Competition. The winning story, Boys Don’t Cry, is written by Sean Alexander from Holyhead, north Wales.

Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar, says:

Sean has written a touching and heartfelt short story. His take on the Brig was unique amongst the entries. His story is set at Brendon School where the Brig has to uncover the truth about an awful tragedy.

Andy Frankham-Allen, range editor of the Lethbridge-Stewart series of books, agrees:

Boy’s Don’t Cry is a wonderful little tale of life in Brendon, and we picked it because it showed a great understanding of the Brigadier, as well as the author displaying a knack for writing great prose. Add to that, the setting is one we’ve wanted to further explore in the main range, so as part of the winning prize, I’ll be working with Sean Alexander on developing another tale of Brendon School which will serve as a back-door pilot for a possible new range of novellas.

Sean Alexander says:

In true Doctor Who producer style, I'm surprised and delighted to be chosen as the winner of Candy Jar's short story competition! Opportunities like this are few and far between, so my heartfelt thanks to Shaun and Andy for selecting me. I look forward to our collaboration on a brand new Lethbridge-Stewart novella later in the year. Splendid fellows, both of them!

Lethbridge-Stewart: Short Story Collection (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

The book also features eight other exclusive short stories featuring Lethbridge-Stewart at various stages in his life. This is a chance for fans to see the Brigadier like they’ve never seen him before!

The eight stories are:

The Stranger Paradox by Thomas Firth
Soldier in Time by Martin Gregory
Burning Daylight by Paul Chase
The Brigadier Rides Again by Ross Hastings
In Machina Exspiravit by Anthony Robertson
Special Responsibility by Gary Tinnams
Shadows in the Glen by Richard Brewer
The Man with the Red Case by Matthew Ball

The idea for the Lethbridge-Stewart Short Story Competition came from the company’s commitment to shedding light on fresh writing talent. Since 2015 the Lethbridge-Stewart novels have championed previously unknown authors such as Jonathan Macho and Gareth Madgwick, alongside famous writing names in the Doctor Who universe including John Peel, Nick Walters, Simon A Forward and David A McIntee.

All royalties from each book will be donated the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. Shaun, who received chemotherapy treatment at the centre, says:

In 2015 I was diagnosed with bowel cancer, just as we were launching the first Lethbridge-Stewart series. As you can imagine, undergoing six months of treatment was physically and emotionally draining. If it wasn’t for the support of the centre I wouldn’t have got through this difficult time. This is my way of giving something back.

The book can be pre-ordered via the Candy Jar Books website.

Due to public demand, Candy Jar Books will be producing a very limited print run of The HAVOC Files 1, which can ordered via their website.

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

Lethbridge-Stewart: new book to celebrate 50 years of the Brigadier

Monday, 16 July 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books have announced the latest addition to their Lethbridge-Stewart range of titles, and the first non-fiction instalment in the character’s expanding universe, The Brigadier: Fifty Years of Lethbridge Stewart.

The Brigadier: 50 Years of Lethbridge-Stewart (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

Since acquiring the rights to the character of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart in 2014, as well as other iconic Doctor Who figures such as the Great Intelligence, Candy Jar has published over twenty works of fiction in the Lethbridge-Stewart series, with more titles already in the works. Given the enthusiastic response of Doctor Who fans the world over, it would be fair to say that the series has met a long unfulfilled demand.

Head of Publishing, Shaun Russell, says:

The Brig is one of Doctor Who’s most beloved characters, yet over the years, he became increasingly sidelined in the Doctor Who universe. We thought the character had a lot of untapped potential, so we took a punt and started exploring his origins, with the aim of telling the story of what he was up to in the years between his introduction to Who in The Web of Fear, and the formation of UNIT in The Invasion. From the feedback we’ve received from the fans, it seems this was a story they were waiting to be told.

But as all fans of Doctor Who know, the story is just the start of the appeal; the legions of fan forums, Meet-up Groups, or a brief glance at social media in the wake of new episodes, attest to the fact that unpicking storylines – why did this character do that? What are the implications of this? How does X relate to Y? – is half the fun.

Andy Frankham-Allen, range editor of the Lethbridge-Stewart range, says:

Fan speculation, theories and fiction, is what kept Doctor Who alive in the sixteen years it was off television. And the engagement of the fans is still what makes the series special; Doctor Who isn’t just a show, it’s a community, and it’s a community that loves nothing more than to explore the Doctor Who universe together. We take our role as the custodians of the Brigadier seriously; that’s why our stories revel in the continuity of the show. But we thought there was still one thing missing from our range, and that was something exploring just who the Brigadier is. Over the years, and across the TV show, miscellaneous book series, comics, audio dramas, and our own range of titles, he’s got a lot done. We thought a book that collected his continuity into one place, that explored his motivations, his effect on the universe, and his relationship with other pivotal figures, was something that the fans would love. This has never been done, and it’s long overdue. But we couldn’t just explore our own range; we had to look at the character as a whole.”

Accordingly one of the centrepieces of the book is a collation of the Brig’s television adventures over the years, establishing the definitive chronology of the character for the first time. Put together by Simon A Forward, a Doctor Who writer for over two decades, the piece takes its place alongside a raft of pieces by established Doctor Who names, not least an exclusive interview with John Levene, who played the Brig’s long-time sidekick John Benton, giving a rare behind the scenes look at the experience of shooting Doctor Who’s golden era.

Other contributors include Darran Jordan, Philip Clarke, and a host of names still to be announced. Between them, they explore topics including the Doctor’s relationship with the Brig (and vice versa), the life of Nicholas Courtney (through thirteen objects of personal significance), as well as tackling the thorny question of whether or not the Brigadier counts as an official companion. With a comprehensive approach encompassing all BBC, Big Finish and Candy Jar media, the book looks set to become the definitive reference for this staple of the Doctor Who universe for years to come.

The book is available to pre-order direct from Candy Jar Books.

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

Thirteenth Doctor figurine range

Wednesday, 11 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

BBC Studios have revealed the first of the new toy ranges for Doctor Who Season 11. Ahead of San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), this is the first-look of the new Thirteenth Doctor figurines.

Doctor Who licensee Titan have produced two limited-edition 6.5” vinyls collectibles for S11: one 6.5" Thirteenth Doctor TITAN, and one 6.5" Thirteenth Doctor Kawaii TITAN, both of which will be debuting at SDCC 2018 at BBC AMERICA booth #4129 and Titan Entertainment booth #5537.

Remaining TITANS post-SDCC will be available to buy after the close of Comic-Con from Hot Topic & the BBC Shop in the US and from Forbidden Planet in the UK. Pre-order for these potential store purchases opens after the close of San Diego Comic-Con on Monday 23rd July 2018.

From Funko, The Thirteenth Doctor Pop! and The Thirteenth Doctor Rock Candy will be available to see at SDCC 2018 on the BBC AMERICA booth #4129 and the Funko booth #5341/5347, and in retail in both the US and UK this autumn. A new Doctor also means a new costume and Her Universe is debuting the Thirteenth Doctor’s fashionable rainbow striped top, long coat, and blue trousers, which will be available at SDCC at Her Universe booth #1321 and later in the autumn at Hot Topic stores.

Away from SDCC, UK Master Toy Licensee Character Options has unveiled its brand new Doctor Who figure, the first 10” figure of the Thirteenth Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker.

The new, highly detailed 10”/26cm fully articulated, collectible figure comes dressed in real fabric high-waisted culottes, rainbow striped dark blue shirt and coat. The figure also comes with the Doctor’s essential Sonic Screwdriver accessory.

Alasdair Dewar, Character Options’ Director of Product Development commented:

The new 10 inch Adventure Figure is a fantastic addition to the range. Made even better by the use of 3D scan data. The likeness is absolutely fantastic and along with the scaled fabric clothing kids and collectors alike will enjoy this bigger sized figure to play without display ... and ... it’s by sheer chance perfectly in scale with our 2006 12 inch Doctor Who range

Rikesh Desai, Licensing Director at BBC Studios, says;

As the UK Master Toy Licensee for Doctor Who, Character Options consistently produce great toys for the brand. The new Thirteenth Doctor figure is no exception; the attention to detail, real clothes and quality of the product make it a great collectible for fans of all ages.

The new figure will be available from August, for more information visit www.character-online.com.

BBC AMERICA will hold a panel at SDCC on Thursday, 19th July at 11:45am PT in Hall H, introducing the Thirteenth Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker. Marking a new era for the legendary Time Lord, Whittaker will be joined on the panel by two of her Doctor Who co-stars, Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill, who play Ryan and Yasmin, as well as award-winning series showrunner Chris Chibnall (Broadchurch) and executive producer Matt Strevens (An Adventure In Space And Time). BBC AMERICA will also have additional exclusive Doctor Who merchandise from BBC Shop available at booth #4129.

Thirteenth Doctor Kawaii (Credit: Titan)

Thirteenth Doctor figurine (Credit: Her Universe)

Pop Vinyl Thirteenth Doctor (Credit: Funko)

Thirteenth Doctor (Credit: Character Options)

FILTER: - Character - Thirteenth Doctor

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor - New Comic

Monday, 9 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor - Cover A (Credit: Titan )

This week sees the release of the first in a series of Titan Comics leading up to the arrival of the Thirteenth Doctor.

The first, in a series of three, features the Tenth Doctor, as portrayed by David Tennant.

It is available from Wednesday 11 July.

The Road To The Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor

Writer: James Peaty, Jody Houser

Artist: Iolanda Zanfardino, Rachael Stott

Colourist: Enrica Eren Angiolini

The road to the Thirteenth Doctor starts here! The first of three stand-alone stories featuring the Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Doctor!

The Tenth Doctor has his work cut out when he encounters a lost spaceship... Whose crew is being absorbed by mysterious ghostly creatures! Everything is not how it seems, however, especially when disturbing facts about the crew come to light!

Each issue contains a serialised short from the creative team behind the new Thirteenth Doctor ongoing series!

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor - Cover B (Credit: Titan )

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor - Cover C (Credit: Titan )

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor Page 1 (Credit: Titan )

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor Page 2 (Credit: Titan )

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor Page 3 (Credit: Titan )

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor Page 4 (Credit: Titan )

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor Page 5 (Credit: Titan )

FILTER: - Comics - Tenth Doctor

Lethbridge-Stewart: free story for download

Saturday, 7 July 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books has released the latest in its range of free-for-download short stories in their Lethbridge-Stewart series:

Lethbridge-Stewart: Piece Of Mind (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

Piece Of Mind
Written by James Middelmitch

Following the end of his engagement with Sally Wright, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart is ordered to the Sanctuary by his commanding officer, General Hamilton. The plan is for Lethbridge-Stewart to have “time alone if nothing else. The Sanctuary specialises in mental strength – new techniques, but they take peace and quiet to learn.” Of course, it isn’t only Lethbridge-Stewart that Hamilton sends, but Sally too.

But, naturally enough, the Sanctuary isn’t exactly what it seems and, despite their bruised feelings, Lethbridge-Stewart and Sally find themselves dragged into a new mystery…

Based on characters created and inspired by Mervyn Haisman & Henry Lincoln.

The short story is available from Candy Jar website.

FILTER: - Candy Jar Books - Lethbridge-Stewart

Christmas Episode Confirmed?

Thursday, 5 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

The first indication that Doctor Who will have a Christmas episode this year has come thanks to an entry on the CV of the programme's editor.

Doctor Who will return this autumn with a special 65-minute episode, followed by nine 50 minute episodes. Until now there has been no indication as to whether the production team would be making an extra episode to be shown at Christmas.

However, an entry in the online CV of Edel McDonnell, an editor on the programme, indicated he will be working on a Christmas special to be directed by Wayne Yip, who previously directed the twelfth Doctor episodes The Lie Of The Land and Empress Of Mars.

Production Guide

FILTER: - Production - Thirteenth Doctor

Previous 10 Stories