David Tennant has expressed his well wishes toward the users of theOutpost Gallifrey Forum and users of the fan site David-Tennant.com for their donations in memory of his mother Helen McDonald, who died recently.

So far over 8,000 pounds has been donated to the two collections, both in aid of theACCORD Hospice where Mrs McDonald was a volunteer worker and where she spent her final days.

Donations can still be made at justgiving.com. People who donate are asked not to mention David Tennant in the comments section, in order to protect his privacy.

Mr Tennant asked Outpost Gallifrey to share the following message to our readers today in thanks for their support.

More than 6,000 pounds has been collected by fans as part of an appeal in memory of David Tennant's mother Helen McDonald who died recently.

BBC News reports that members of the fan site david-tennant.com have so far have donated more than 4,000 pounds to the collection, which is in aid of theACCORD Hospice.

They also plan an auction to help raise more money for cancer research. Items up for auction include rare artwork and a 2 foot tall ceramic Dalek.

Tennant told the website, "At this difficult time, I can't tell you what it means that you are doing this."

He added: "Thanks to everyone who has been able to make a donation. I promise you, your money will be well spent."

The idea for the collection was first proposed by a group of Outpost Gallifrey Forum members. They have so far raised nearly 2,000 pounds.

Donations can still be made at justgiving.com. People who donate are asked not to mention David Tennant in the comments section, in order to protect his privacy

As reported on David-Tennant.com, Top Trumps have revealed their plans for a Doctor Who video game to be released in time for Christmas 2007. An advert for the game appears in the new Doctor Who Top Trumps card pack. No definite information is available at this time regarding which gaming platforms will be required. We will report more details as we receive them.

The Daily Mail reports that David Tennant is in negotiation with the Royal Shakespeare Company to take on the role ofHamlet - a role he has said he wishes to play in the past - next summer.

Says journalist Baz Bamigboye: "The plan being developed by RSC artistic chief Michael Boyd is for Mr Tennant to play Hamlet in a production he wants to direct next summer. The exact timing will depend on whether the actor will do a fourth batch of episodes as the Converse All Stars-sporting Doctor. Tennant has been offered several high-profile TV, film and stage parts since his interpretation of Dr Who found so much favour with audiences and critics. Indeed, he recently completed filming a TV movie for HBO called Einstein And Eddington opposite Andy Serkis and Rebecca Hall."

The full article can be read on the Mail's website.

David Tennant is to feature in Cross Stitcher magazine's Stitch A Star, which shows how to create embroidered portraits of celebrities.

Christopher Eccleston was in the Future publication's hall of fame previously.

Tennant appears in issue 189 of the magazine, which goes on sale on Thursday, June 28.

David Tennant is to flick the switch marking the start of this year's Blackpool Illuminations.

Blackpool Tourism says the event on August 31 will take place during a free concert and live broadcast on BBC Radio 2.

Jackie Potter, the strategic director for tourism and regeneration, said: "We are absolutely delighted that David Tennant has accepted our invitation to switch on the lights.

"The celebrations are enjoyed by a huge family audience and we are sure this will be a popular choice."

Illuminations bosses are to unveil plans for a new display featuring characters and creatures from the show.

Tennant, who coincidentally starred in the BBC drama Blackpool, follows in the footsteps of Tom Baker, who similarly had the honour of switching on the lights in 1975 when he was the Doctor.

(Thanks to Tony Clark.)

David Tennant will be a guest on the first edition of the next series ofMichael Parkinson's high-profile chat show on ITV1. The vetran interviewer will talk to Tennant on a programme that will also feature comedian David Mitchell, actress Amanda Holden and singer Michael Buble.

The episode is provisionally scheduled for May 5th.

David Tennant is to star as a driving instructor in a new BBC One comedy drama.Learners will start filming in Hertfordshire this month, to be shown later this year.

The film, about a group of learner-drivers, has been written by Jessica Hynes, nee Stevenson, who is to appear in the Paul Cornell two-parterHuman Nature/Family of Blood later in the current series of Doctor Who. InLearners, Hynes will play downtrodden wife Bev, who has failed her test eight times and develops a crush on her new instructor Chris, played by Tennant. His character is a devout Christian secretly in love with the driving school owner.

According to the BBC Press Office, Hynes based the film on her own experiences. She said: 'It took me 10 years to pass my test - this year I finally did it so I could do the film. I had a great instructor who taught me to take my time and relax. When I passed I cried with joy."

Shaun Dingwall, who played Rose's father Pete, will also be appearing in it, as Bev's husband, Ian.

The MediaGuardian's "Media Monkey" diary column (requires free registration to view) has run a report today claiming that David Tennant is "guaranteed" to star in the fourth series of Doctor Who, which would be his third series in the role. MediaGuardian.co.uk is the section of The Guardiannewspaper's Guardian Unlimited website that is entirely dedicated to media news and analysis. Although unattributed, the "Media Monkey" column is usually a reliable source of UK media news and gossip. The full excerpt from the column is reproduced below.