Charity Book's Publication Is Delayed

Friday, 28 September 2012 - Reported by John Bowman
Problems with printing the charity book Behind The Sofa have delayed its publication.

Due out yesterday, it won't be available now until Friday 12th October.

The book, which is being produced to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK, features more than 100 celebrity reminiscences about Doctor Who, with many of the contributors having close connections to the programme, either in front of or behind the cameras.

Steve Berry, the man whose brainchild it has been, said the final proof files of the book had been signed off by the printer a number of weeks ago but "somewhere along the way, the files were accepted without being checked" and this "led to the last-minute discovery that the book was unsuitable to go to press."

Blaming the production hitch on both his inexperience in preparing a two-colour book for the early production stages of printing and the printer assuming that the book had been correctly supplied by Matador Self-Publishing, Berry has apologised to people who have placed orders and told of his disappointment, saying:
Thank you so much for your patience. I really hope that when the book finally arrives, you agree with me that it was worth the wait.
He added:
I have been working flat-out with the publisher to get the printing under way with corrected proof files. A quick, public thank-you is owed to Gary Wales and Jill Phythian, both of whom offered advice about removing duplicate Pantone colours, and converting CMYK and spot colours to the correct format. Gary, in fact, was on holiday in Montenegro at the time, so him giving up his time is doubly appreciated.
Earlier this year, there were problems between Berry and PayPal following uncertainty about the book's funding but they were resolved, with PayPal apologising to Berry.
(With Thanks To Vitas Varnas)




FILTER: - Books - Charities

The Angels Take Manhattan: New Images and Videos

Thursday, 27 September 2012 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The BBC have released some new photos to promote The Angels Take Manhattan, which will premiere on BBC1 on Saturday at 7:20pm.

The Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBC
Other Gallery: 25 Sep 2012

Videos have also been added, including introductions to the episode, River Song and the Weeping Angels by the cast and crew:





FILTER: - Online - Series 7/33

AudioGo: November Releases

Thursday, 27 September 2012 - Reported by Chuck Foster
AudioGo have released details on audio titles in their spoken word range due to be released in November.

The television soundtrack releases continue with the Fourth Doctor adventure Destiny of The Daleks with linking narration by Lalla Ward (Romana), who also recalls her time on Doctor Who in a special bonus interview. Meanwhile, a new adventure for the Eleventh Doctor, Amy and Rory sees them encounter The Sleepers in The Dust in a story that is a sequel to last year's The Eye of the Jungle.

Destiny of The Daleks
Written by Terry Nation
Narrated by Lalla Ward
Released 4th November 2012 (CD) (pre-order)

Having returned to their home planet Skaro, the Daleks are excavating their former city – but for what? The Doctor and Romana soon find themselves caught in the middle of a war between two different races.

This full-cast TV adventure from 1979 stars Tom Baker as the Doctor alongside Lalla Ward as Romana, who also provides specially recorded linking narration. In a bonus interview Lalla recalls her time on Doctor Who, whilst additional pdf files contain colour scans of the original episode camera scripts.
 
The Sleepers in The Dust
Written by Darren Jones
Read by Arthur Darvill
Released 1st November 2012 (CD) (pre-order)

On an apparently lifeless world, the Doctor and his friends battle against plague. Will they find the cause - and the cure?

This story features the return of the Nadurni, whom the Doctor first encountered in last year’s audio original The Eye of the Jungle.

Arthur Darvill – Rory in the TV series – reads this nail-biting original adventure.
 




FILTER: - Merchandise - Audio - Classic Series - BBC

The Angel's Kiss

Thursday, 27 September 2012 - Reported by Chuck Foster
BBC Books are to release a special book inspired by this weekend's episode, The Angels Take Manhattan; The Angel's Kiss is a 112-page novella written by Justin Richards, and is the first book in the range to be published that has been written from the perspective of one of the show's characters:
Melody Malone not only runs her own agency, she also happens to be the author of a successful series of novels, featuring one Melody Malone.
The book will only be available electronically, and is published on 4th October 2012, a few days after the episode's premiere.

The Angel's KissThe Angel's Kiss
A Melody Malone Mystery

By Melody Malone

On some days, New York is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
This was one of the other days...


Melody Malone, owner and sole employee of the Angel Detective Agency, has an unexpected caller. It's movie star Rock Railton, and he thinks someone is out to kill him. When he mentions the 'kiss of the Angel', she takes the case. Angels are Melody's business…

At the press party for Railton's latest movie, studio owner Max Kliener invites Melody to the film set of their next blockbuster. He's obviously spotted her potential, and Melody is flattered when Kliener asks her to become a star. But the cost of fame, she'll soon discover, is greater than anyone could possibly imagine.

Will Melody be able to escape Kliener's dastardly plan – before the Angels take Manhattan?






FILTER: - Merchandise - Books - BBC

A Tale of Two Doctors

Thursday, 27 September 2012 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Moon Boots and Dinner Suits

Fantom Publishing are to reprint Jon Pertwee's first autobiography, Moon Boots and Dinner Suits. Originally published in 1984, publisher Dexter O'Neill said:
We are thrilled to bring this autobiography to a new generation. The book has been out of print for over twenty-six years. We will retain all the original content, whilst adding new material including photographs and an introduction from Ingeborg Pertwee.
The autobiography is due to be published on 4th February 2013 in both paperback and hardback, with an audiobook to be announced shortly.

Jon Pertwee’s acting career began with a public performance at the age of four. He seems to have been expelled from most of the schools his actorwriter father Roland Pertwee sent him to and finally joined RADA in 1936.

From there too, he was asked to leave. Jon went into Rep and had a checkered career. In Brighton panic set in when he dressed as an old gardener in Love from a Stranger instead of as a young cleric in Candida.

In 1938 came Jon’s first radio role in the BBC’s Lillibulero, in which year he also appeared in his father’s play, To Kill a Cat, directed by Henry Kendall at the Aldwych Theatre. When war came he joined the Navy, ramming Douglas Pier with an Isle of Man Stream Packet boat. He was blown up twice, once being put on a marble slab presumed dead, and spent many months stationed in the Scapa Flow. He was the founder of the Service Players in the Isle of Man. He was commissioned in the RNVR and transferred to Naval Intelligence where he worked and became good friends with the future Prime Minister James Callaghan. Then Jon joined Naval Broadcasting. His radio series, The Navy Lark, ran for eighteen years and produced some truly vintage memories of radio.

Whether telling stories of a misspent youth, of his posterior’s first painful introduction to a fives bat or his exploits with the McKenzie sisters in the north of Scotland, Jon Pertwee's humour and natural wit never fail him. Moon Boots and Dinner Suits is a wry, funny and endearing portrait of the early years of a most innovative and well-loved actor.
 

Patrick Troughton - The Biography of the Second Doctor Who

Fantom are also to release an audio version of Patrick Troughton's Biography, to be read by the book's author, Michael Troughton. The unabridged reading is to be released on six discs in March 2013, with signed copies available on pre-order from the Fantom website.

Respected and loved, Patrick Troughton is probably best remembered as the second Doctor Who - a role in which he made television history. A prolific actor, he was also a complex and troubled man, constantly wrestling with two lives, one of which he was determined to keep secret.

Michael Troughton presents here an entertaining and personal account of his father’s professional and private life. Meticulously researched, he explores Patrick’s childhood, his experiences at sea during World War II and the successful acting career which led to his historic casting as Doctor Who in 1966. Patrick’s Doctor Who years are recalled in vivid detail, from his initial uncertainty about taking on the part through the legendary ‘monster years’, to his troubled final season and three subsequent returns to the role.

In this fascinating biography, Patrick’s extraordinary career and his multi-layered personal life are enhanced by the memories of family members, actors, friends and colleagues. Michael peppers the biography with revealing extracts from Patrick’s own diaries, and presents an honest, affectionate and complete account of Patrick Troughton the actor, and Patrick Troughton the man.





FILTER: - Merchandise - Jon Pertwee - Auto/Biography - Books - Patrick Troughton

Doctor Who Adventures 288

Thursday, 27 September 2012 - Reported by John Bowman
Issue 288 of Doctor Who Adventures is out today and comes with a free TARDIS wipeboard.

The magazine also examines the cubes from The Power of Three, says goodbye to Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill in an interview, and shares the secrets behind Doctor Who's Dalek designs.

Packed with posters, quizzes, and cartoons as well, the publication is on sale until Wednesday 3rd October.




FILTER: - DWA

Trading Card Game On The Way

Tuesday, 25 September 2012 - Reported by John Bowman
A deal has been struck between stickers specialist Topps Europe and BBC Worldwide to bring out a Doctor Who trading card game next year.

According to a report by Toy News, it will focus on key characters and images since the show returned to our screens in 2005, including those from Series 7. Topps will also be marking the programme's 50th anniversary by bringing out a line of memorabilia from across those five decades.

This isn't Topps' first foray into the worlds of Doctor Who. The company has previously brought out sticker collections related to the show, with the first one released in 2006.

Louise Ramplin, Topps Europe's entertainment marketing manager, said:
Doctor Who has always been a highly successful licence for us for our sticker collections, so we are very excited to have a brand new Doctor Who trading card game to add to our portfolio.
As well as packets of trading cards, the collection will also include collector tins and starter packs.




FILTER: - Merchandise

Next Time: The Angels Take Manhattan

Tuesday, 25 September 2012 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The BBC have released a variety of photos to promote The Angels Take Manhattan, which will premiere on BBC1 next Saturday at 7:20pm.
The Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBCThe Angels Take Manhattan. Photo: BBC
Matt Smith as the Doctor. Photo: BBC Media CentreThe Doctor's heart-breaking farewell to Amy and Rory - a race against time through the streets of Manhattan, as New York's statues come to life around them...

With Rory's life in danger, the Doctor and Amy must locate him before it's too late! Luckily, an old friend helps them and guides the way.


Guest stars: Mike McShane, Alex Kingston and Rob David

Written by Steven Moffat
Executive produced by Steven Moffat and Caroline Skinner
Directed by Nick Hurran
Produced by Marcus Wilson




The Angels Take Manhattan is due to be broadcast at these times around the world:
United Kingdom : Saturday 29th September, 7:20pm BST   BBC1
United States : Saturday 29th September, 9:00pm ET BBC America
Canada : Saturday 29th September, 9:00pm ET SPACE
Australia : Saturday 6th October, 7:30pm AEST ABC (also on iView from 30 Sep)
New Zealand : Thursday 11th October, 8:30pm NZST Prime

Galleries

Additional photos from earlier episodes this year are also available to see, below.

Dinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBCDinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBCDinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBCDinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBCDinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBCDinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBCDinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBCDinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBCDinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBCDinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBCDinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBCDinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBCDinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBCDinosaurs on a Spaceship. Photo: BBC
Other Dinosaurs on a Spaceship photos: 4 Sep 2012
A Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBCA Town Called Mercy. Photo: BBC
Other Town called Mercy photos: 11 Sep 2012
The Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBCThe Power of Three. Photo: BBC
Other Power of Three Photos: 13 Sep 2012, 16 Sep 2012, 18 Sep 2012





FILTER: - Online - Series 7/33

A Town Called Mercy - Official ratings

Monday, 24 September 2012 - Reported by Marcus
Final ratings data for the week ending 16th September 2012 released by the Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board or BARB, puts Doctor Who as the ninth most-watched programme of the week on British television.

With 8.42 million viewers, A Town Called Mercy was the second highest rated programme on BBC Television for the week with only series premiere of the dance series Strictly Come Dancing out-rating it. Doctor Who beat every edition of the soap EastEnders.

The situation when ITV1 figures are added is complicated. When the raw figures for each channel are studied then Doctor Who appears to be 7th in the list of top programmes. However ITV1 HD needs to be added into the mix as the figures are calculated separately for the HD version for the independent channel, but added into the reported figures for BBC One. The BBC also includes ITV+1 when comparing their programmes with the opposition, as watching on ITV+1 is considered the same as recording a programme on the main channel and watching it later.

When these extra figures are added in, Doctor Who come in as the 9th most watched programme of the week, meaning all three episodes of this series have earned top ten places.

The final ratings figure does not include the BBC Three repeat, where around 500,000 watched. Nor do they not include those watching on iPlayer where around 900,000 people accessed the episode in the first four days.




FILTER: - Ratings - UK - Series 7/33

The Power Of Three - AI:87

Monday, 24 September 2012 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who: The Power Of Three had an Appreciation Index or AI score of 87.

The score is a measure of how much the audience enjoyed the episode. It is based of a survey of 5000 people. The score of 87 puts the programme into the excellent category.

Doctor Who was the joint highest scorer on the two main channels for the day, along with Casualty and Formula 1.

With Sunday's overnight figures now available, Doctor Who is 19th for the week. Final consolidated ratings will be released next Monday.




FILTER: - Ratings - UK - Series 7/33