Catching up from the past six days' worth of press clips and items:

The Christmas Invasion: News Items

The Independent notes that in "The Christmas Invasion," the Doctor will save the world... and join the protest in the war in Iraq. Says the article (with major spoiler items excluded; you can read the spoiler portions of the article in the spoiler tags below): "'Tony Blair may prefer to ride out Christmas Day's Doctor Who special by sheltering behind the No 10 sofa. For one of the highlights of the BBC's festive schedule will contain a pointed anti-war message and raise the suggestion that the Prime Minister is a poodle of the US President. Russell T Davies, the chief scriptwriter, said the hour-long show - the first to star David Tennant as the new Doctor - ‘absolutely’' included an anti-war message ‘because that's what I think’. ‘It's Christmas Day. Have you read the Bible? It's a day of peace,’ he said. ... It is all a far cry from 40 years ago when the first Doctor Who episode to be broadcast on Christmas Day, called "The Feast of Steven" and starring William Hartnell as the Doctor, steered clear of political controversy. But while the sight of the Sycorax leader - an unpleasant mass of muscle and bone - could unsettle young children as well as Mr Blair, Mr Davies said the BBC had been ‘very careful" in deciding how far to take the horror element. Peter Fincham, the BBC1 controller, said the show had brought back ‘family viewing" to the channel. ‘Doctor Who has rediscovered something we had lost on BBC1 which is family viewing. When Doctor Who started suddenly it was there again. I would compare Doctor Who with films like Toy Story or Shrek which have enormous appeal to children but manage to look at adults eye to eye.’" The article The BBC1 chief praised the new Doctor. "David Tennant brings wit, heart and intelligence to the role of the Doctor." He also paid tribute to the actor Christopher Eccleston, described as "an extraordinary Doctor too ... he completely launched Doctor Who for the 21st century." Tennant notes in the article that he "fully intends" to stay in the role next year as well. The spoilers are located in the spoiler tag at the bottom of this article. The controversy about blasting the war and Tony Blair is also noted by BBC News (again, with spoilers), Contact Music, The Age (Australia), Yahoo News UK.

Today's MediaGuardian says that "As a timelord, Doctor Who star David Tennant should know space and time are no barrier - particularly not for autograph-hunters. Last night eager fans gathered outside the screening of the Doctor Who Christmas special in London's Soho, hoping to get his signature. Alas, Tennant sniffily told them he was having a 'no autographs' day."

The Mirror says that "With a cockney accent and goofy grin, David Tennant announces his arrival as the new Doctor Who on Christmas Day. Less menacing than Christopher Eccleston and a good deal funnier, Tennant's Doctor is a move back to earlier incarnations such as Peter Davison. Writer Russell T Davies has given him a cheeky edge his predecessor lacked. From the moment he crashes out of the Tardis in front of Rose (Billie Piper), Tennant barely stops smiling. 'Appy Christmas,' he announces on his entrance with a cockney accent which would make Dick Van Dyke wince. And despite spending half the episode in bed, Tennant is every bit as cool as Eccleston in the face of adversity. 'Am I ginger?' he demands of Rose, before going all Frank Butcher. 'Ello big fella,' he tells the lead alien before challenging him to a duel. He wins with the help of a satsuma. 'Not bad for a bloke in jim-jams,' he quips. Tennant's delivery of the witty script was flawless and he shows genuine comic timing. At one point he starts to give what promises to be a profound speech to the evil Sycorax army. Then he stops. 'Sorry, that was The Lion King,' he mumbles. BBC bosses seem to have nailed Tennant down to a third series of the show, avoiding a repeat of Eccleston's sudden exit. Few fans will be left remembering - let alone regretting - the departure of the one series wonder. Not bad indeed."

BBC News notes that "the episode also features a gang of deadly robot Santas and a killer Christmas tree. ... The new series will feature a brief kiss between the Doctor and Rose. 'There is a lot more of that to come but we don't like to give anything away,' said Mr Davies. For the first time in the show's history, the previous series encouraged viewers to empathise with murderous villains The Daleks. Amid the action and humour in the forthcoming series, would viewers be asked to sympathise with returning monsters The Cybermen? 'There is a moment with them - it is a very 'feely' show,' Mr Davies said. 'We want to treat them as real, to discover why they are the way they are.' Long-term Doctor Who fan Tennant added: 'Cybermen are part human, in a way. We want to look into that.'"

Various newspapers over the weekend ran the story that there would be "no playing Doctors and Nurses in the Tardis" in the words of the Sunday Mail: "The Scots star will appear as the 10th TV Timelord in a Christmas Day special with Billie Piper as his assistant Rose. But while sparks will fly between the two says there will be no hanky-panky in space. He said: 'The story between the Doctor and Rose is basically a love story without the shagging. That's certainly something we will continue to explore. But it's still absolutely celibate. I think that's very important. As soon as there's nookie in the Tardis, it would all go wrong.' David, 34, also revealed fans can look forward to learning more about the Doctor's sexuality in the new series next spring. Gay writer Russell T Davies caused controversy by introducing a bisexual character - Captain Jack Harkness played by John Barrowman - in the last series. David said: 'The Doctor's sexuality is explored as well. We have a gentle probe into that side of the Doctor's life but without dismantling sacred churches along the way.'" Meanwhile, Sky News asks, "Who is Billie snogging? As Doctor Who's sidekick Rose, Billie Piper has battled androids, zombies and Slitheens. But could her next challenge with the Doc be a more lusty one, as the romantic temperature on the Tardis gets steamy...? Will they? Won't they? Well, when it comes to a good session of tonsil-hockey, apparently they will. Sci-fi fans rubbing their thighs in anticipation of the Christmas special Doctor Who, with new timelord David Tennant, are in for a side order of sauciness. According to David Tennant himself, the new-look Doc and monster-fighting partner Rose Tyler lock lips. And they don't hang about either - getting busy with the snogging in the first episode, straight after the old Doc regenerates into the new one." Ananova, In The News,Daily Record and ContactMusicalso report on this.

TV Squad reviews the trailer of the holiday special.

Broadcasting Items

MediaGuardian clearly believes David Tennant had something to do with the ratings success of Secret Smile last night. "More than 7 million viewers took the opportunity to watch new Doctor Who David Tennant playing a bad guy last night, in ITV1 thriller Secret Smile. ITV1's adaptation of Nicci French's novel stars Tennant as Brendan Block, a manipulative, obsessive former boyfriend of Kate Ashfield's character, Miranda, who when the relationship ends, starts going out with her sister, played by Claire Goose. The first episode of a two-parter, Secret Smile launched with 7.4 million viewers and a 33% audience share between 9pm and 10.30pm, according to unofficial overnights."

Industry magazine Broadcast on 9 December reported on the BBC's continuing efforts to sell the new series to US networks, saying, "The corporation is thought to be holding off making a long-term sale in the hope of attracting a mainstream cable operator after the success of the first series on major Canadian broadcaster CBS." The magazine has spoken to the chief operating officer of sales for BBC Worldwide, who mentions that there have been offers from a number of cable networks, but that the series is "a very important brand for us. We're looking for a commitment to the franchise and marketing it." The report also confirms that BBC America "remains keen to acquire the series" and is "currently in discussion" with BBC Worldwide. Broadcast, noting the now-scheduled US release of the DVD set, also observes that the commissioning of a third series may make Doctor Who more attractive in the USA. The full report is available on the Broadcastnow website.

Brand Republic reported on 8 December that BT had unveiled details of its move into broadband television, after signing content deals with the BBC, Paramount and Warner Music Group. "BT's TV over broadband will launch next autumn and give customers access to on-demand film, music and television, as well as communications services through their television sets. The service is being claimed as a world first, and is being offered to BT Broadband customers without the need for monthly subscription fees. Paramount's deal will see it provide BT with recent film releases in the pay-per-view window as well as a library of older and classic films, which will be served on an on-demand basis. BBC Worldwide is to provide what is described as 'blue-chip programming'. It is believed this will include top BBC comedy and dramas such as 'Dr Who' and 'Extras'. Ian Livingston, BT Retail CEO, said: 'Our customers will be able to enjoy enhanced TV services and easy access to a wealth of interactive content and new services straight to their TV. Whether you are a music fan, love films or hooked on drama you will get the best in entertainment when you want it. BT is defining next-generation TV.'" Also reported at CommentWire, CBR Online,RevolutionMagazine.

Other TV Series Items

David Tennant and Russell T Davies were interviewed in the Observeron December 11: "This Christmas, 34-year-old David Tennant replaces Christopher Eccleston to become the 10th Doctor, bringing to the series a legion of female admirers won largely through his two recent acclaimed television roles, in Peter Bowker's Dennis Potter-influenced Blackpool, and Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies's equally left-field and compelling Casanova. ... 'I know that in Casanova Russell wrote a lot of that stuff where the character's thoughts change very quickly, so you're still finishing off one thought as you catch up with the next, and he's written the Doctor in the same way, which is great to play because you get to be the guy with all the best lines and the wit, and it really has to be played at a lick. I think that's very attractive to watch in a character, when they're plucking all these extraordinary thoughts down and you have to race to catch up, kind of like The West Wing. Russell's a lot like that himself.' ... 'He came to mind straightaway when we had to find a new Doctor,' says Davies, who is executive producer of Doctor Who as well as scriptwriter. 'We'd established that we were both fans when we were working on Casanova, and when Christopher left he seemed the obvious choice. It's a very hard part to play because a lot of character work is based on the character's past, and with a 900-year-old Time Lord it's hard to find the normal baggage. And he's the centre of every scene so he has to have great charisma and invention. I think David brings to it a fantastic sense of humour, he can find a lightness even in the darkest of scenes, which is a very human thing, and that's quite rare for a leading man.' I ask Tennant if he was nervous about accepting the role, in case his career might come to be defined by it. 'When I was first asked I just remember laughing an awful lot because it seemed so hilarious,' he says. 'Then in the days that followed I did have a few wobbles because it seemed such a specific thing to take on; any long series turns into a certain type of thing and this comes with so many expectations. Then I just woke up one morning and thought, what on earth are you thinking of, just do it, you're only the 10th bloke who's ever got to do this, you'd be kicking yourself for the rest of your life. It was made easier by the fact that Chris had done it, because of the type of work that he's done and wants to do again.' ... 'It's ...' here he becomes slightly awkward. 'Timelords can only have 13 bodies, but I'm sure when they get to that they can find some storyline where he falls in a vat of replenishing cream or something. But so many factors decide what happens next year, it's not entirely down to - I mean, if the show suddenly gets 200 viewers and I'm the only thing that's changed, then ...' he shrugs. 'You'll have Charlie Drake as the 11th Doctor before you know it.' ... '[Billie's] just perfect,' he says, 'she was so welcoming and easy to work with, and I was nervous about that, because it's nine months and a lot of stuff to do together and that relationship has really got to work, just from a getting-through-the-day point of view, never mind the acting side. I really think she is a brilliant actress, too: in every take she's got something new, she makes it look effortless.' He goes on to enthuse about the way in which Davies, since he took over, has invested the characters with an emotional life that wasn't foregrounded in the earlier series, so that in many ways it is a love story. 'I mean, they're not shagging, but in every other way, they're a couple. Like John Steed and Emma Peel. Mind you,' he adds, 'he is about 900 and she's 19, so it'd be a bit ... Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones.' ... 'So long as nobody falls out with me and they think that I am doing an all right job, I imagine I'll be back in Cardiff this time next year.'" More of the interview at the website.

Manchester Online reports that "Russell T Davies has revealed he would love to make a film of the hit sci-fi show. Speaking after the London premiere of the Doctor Who Christmas Day special, he said: 'Wouldn't that be marvellous?' The new tenth Time Lord, David Tennant, who took over from Salford's Christopher Eccleston, also said he would be up for a film version. He said: 'Let's do that.'"

The Sydney Morning Herald in Australia awarded Doctor Who’s return an "honourable mention" in annual TV "awards" given by the SMH's TV critics. "Casanova" starring David Tennant also won Best Imported Miniseries/Telemovie: "Funny, witty, colourful and naughty with excellent writing, acting, dancing and costumes, Casanova got the big smooch. The against-type casting of David Tennant was genius. ‘He wasn't good looking, but I'd give him one,’ said one female judge."

New Woman magazine (January 2006 issue) rates David Tennant their number one (out of 6) 'sexiest men on tv' for 2006 (the others are Hans Matheson, Adrian Lester, Mirek Simunek, Oliver Chris and Rob Rouse.)

The London local newspaper the Hornsey & Crouch End Journal this week reports that David Tennant has made time to join opposition to plans for the construction of a concrete factory. Tennant is a Crouch End resident (when not in Cardiff), and he has apparently joined a number of other local celebrities in the campaign. The report states that Tennant has "spoken out" against the factory plans, although the article carries no actual quotes from him. Also reported at Tottenham Journal.

The Daily Mirror on 8 December ran a short piece on some of Billie Piper's comments (although the paper does, unusually, credit DWM for its interview). Of most interest to the Mirror is that Piper sees the show as a "fantastic training ground" for her future career and, of course, her comment that Rose might be in love with the Doctor rather than with Mickey. Also highlighted is her description of herself and Tennant as "like a married couple" - "If we want to be silent between takes we can be and we don't worry about the other person thinking we're a bit boring."

Classic Series Stories

An article in the Medway News local newspaper written by Restoration Team member Richard Bignell asks locals on the Isle of Grain for their memories of the filming of the classic series episode "Inferno" to be included on the special features of a DVD release "next summer." Outpost Gallifrey previously reported that "Inferno" was tentatively on the books for release on DVD in 2006.

BBC News reports that an auction of film and entertainment memorabilia on 14 December will include a model TARDIS. "A 17-inch model of Doctor Who's Tardis first used as a prop in a 1965 episode of the classic BBC science fiction series is being auctioned. The plywood time-travelling device is being offered for sale at Christie's auction house on 14 December. The famous blue police box is expected to fetch up to £6,000 and was built at the BBC visual effects department. ... According to Christie's, one of its last screen appearances as a set-used model was in the first appearance of John Pertwee as the third Doctor in 1970. It was then photographed for use in the title sequences for the fourth Doctor, Tom Baker." Also reported at Yahoo News, The Mirror,Daily Record.

The Hampstead Express reported that Sylvester McCoy was on hand last week, along with X Factor contestant Cassie Compton, to help turn on the Christmas lights at the entertainment centre.

Cambridge News briefly covered a public appearance by Cybermen and Davros at an open day this past weekend in Cambridge. "The deadly aliens and their evil genius creator, Davros, will be joined by the terrifying Cybermen and a host of other Doctor Who characters as part of an open day at the University of Cambridge's physics department on Sunday. But rather than battling the good Doctor, the metal meanies will be taking on Albert Einstein in a Call My Bluff-style science quiz. And if you're worried about the prospect of being exterminated, don't panic - the Doctor's trusty robot dog K-9 will also be on hand to keep the murderous pepperpots at bay. The event, held at the University's world-famous physics laboratory on Madingley Road, is designed to make physics fun and accessible."

The Telegraph on 11 December discussed Doctor Who collectables, with the writer noting that "I've never managed to sit through an entire episode. I always seem to get lost somewhere in the space-time conundrum and end up making a cup of tea instead. Dr Who collectibles, however, are much more likely to hold my attention. There has been a resurgence of interest in all things timelord since the relaunch of the series earlier in the year. On eBay, there have been more than 4,000 trades in Dr Who merchandise over the past month. ... According to David J. Howe, the author of Transcendental Toybox, a complete guide to Dr Who merchandise, Dr Who memorabilia historically has proved a good investment. 'It's taken off in a big way with the new series and the whole market has become a lot more buoyant,' he says. 'The amount of merchandise produced has tripled this year, compared with 2004. For that reason, the rarer stuff from the 60s is obviously more sought after. There were only three or four genuine Tardises made. Asking how much they can fetch now is like asking how much someone is willing to pay for van Gogh's Sunflowers.'"

The BBC Press Office has put out a press release about the third series of the drama "Sea of Souls," which it notes that "the series finale ends in suitably dramatic fashion with a guest appearance from the eighth Dr Who and star of Hornblower and Kidnapped, Paul McGann, who plays a charismatic, yet sinister, businessman embroiled in black magic. ‘We are thrilled to have Paul McGann on board as a guest artist,’ says McKissack. ‘He is a real treat to work with - he's interesting because he's one of those performers who can be quite a sexy presence on screen one minute and then very scary the next. Which is the perfect combination for an unsettling show like Sea Of Souls.’"

December 11's Queensland Sunday Mail from Australia notes that original series actress Katy Manning, who now lives in Australia, "is bringing a one-person show, Me and Jezebel, to Brisbane for an eight-week season at the StageDoor Dinner Theatre in Bowen Hills next year. The play is writer Elizabeth Fuller's true account of how screen superstar Bette Davis came to her home to stay for one night and ended up staying for a month - turning her household upside down, teaching her child swear words and nearly wrecking her marriage. ... The show will run from February 3 to March 25. Bookings and details: 3216 1115."

Miscellaneous Items

Media Guardian reports that there is a possibility of a live Doctor Who show at some point in the future. "Now we are in development with a live dance show inspired by Strictly Come Dancing," says Craig Stanley of BBC Worldwide. "And there is also the possibility of a Doctor Who live show at some point in the future."

Some reviews of Secret Smile, David Tennant's new television foray. "Slightly predictable but Tennant makes a terrifically deranged villain, just in time for panto season," says the Guardian, which also notes (website) that "the real mystery in Secret Smile wasn't who killed Miranda - it was how they all managed to put away so much booze." "I can't imagine many blokes, other than the supinely married, watching much beyond the first ten minutes," says the Scotsman. The Sunday Life says that "Personally, I reckon he's Oscar material. It surely can't be long now before Hollywood discovers yet another British leading man who, as well as having great camera presence and being particularly toothsome, is blessed with the best pair of lamps in the business. For where David Tennant, the former Casanova and new Doctor Who is concerned, the eyes have it. They are large, deep-set and can convey an enormous range of expression within the space of a few milliseconds. ... The thing is well written and beautifully executed. The only fly in the ointment is the female lead, Kate Ashfield as Miranda. If Tennant's eyes do most of the acting for him, those belonging to Ms Ashfield do her no favours whatsoever, being as calm and devoid of expression as a millpond." And the Independent On Sunday says that "It's not easy to live with such dedication in the realms of the strange, but David Tennant has a go in Secret Smile, a thriller about stalking based on the novel by Nicci French. Crap title: not a bad show. ... Tennant perhaps overdoes the manic stare, but then with him it does come naturally. And he certainly turns in an unlikeable performance."

January will see an opportunity for small fans already kitted out in Doctor Who pyjamas to go to sleep under a Doctor Who duvet. Linenstore UKare listing a matching set of pillowcase and duvet featuring the Dalek/Slitheen montage used in various publicity posters this year, in a child's bedding size and a single bed size; the set also includes TARDIS-themed curtains.

The US cable network Comedy Central program Last Laugh this weekend featured a mock Dalek accosting actor Andy Dick, who played a wedding planner for Tom Cruise and joked about his Scientology background; says our correspondent, "The eyestalk emitted a beam that erased Andy's memories as part of the non-disclosure agreement with Cruise."

(Thanks to Paul Engelberg, Steve Tribe, Peter Weaver, Chuck Foster, Paul Hayes, Peter Anghelides, John Bowman, Simon Bishop, Dennis Cattell, Michael Ewers, Stephen James Walker, Robert J.E. Simpson, Adam Kirk, Cody Schell, Darren Pickles)

A recap of some television appearances over the past few days:

The Tuesday December 13 afternoon edition of Newsround on BBC One (5.25pm) featured twelve-year-old Calum, winner of the CBBC Press Packer competition, and his report on the press screening yesterday. The two-minute piece included brief comments from David Tennant on how he's always been a fan of the series and mentioning one or two of next year's forthcoming monsters. The show can be watched again for up to a week on the 'Newsround Player' via the programme's website. The article says that Calum "won our Press Pack competition to interview the stars of the show and report from the premiere screening of the Christmas episode, The Christmas Invasion. In his report Calum tells us what he thought of the brand new Doctor and gives us a few hints about the Christmas episode (apparently Santa might be a bit scarier than you thought!) 'I've just got back from the premiere screening of the Christmas episode of Doctor Who, The Christmas Invasion. It was screened in London for the cast and press and, as a Newsround Press Packer, I got to see the Christmas special first with all the other journalists. David Tennant is the 10th Doctor Who and I got to meet and interview him! He gets regenerated in this episode and it looks as if he could be the best ever.' Calum also met Noel Clarke who plays Mickey and Camille Coduri who plays Rose's mum 'There are lots of surprises and loads of special effects, which make it a great programme. Evil Santas land on earth and try to take over. I won't say too much more because you will have to watch it on Christmas Day to see whether the Doctor saves everybody! I asked David loads of questions, like which monsters in Doctor Who he thinks are the scariest and what point in time he would go to in his Tardis, which stumped him a bit! Meeting the new Doctor was the best bit as he was really nice to talk to. Noel Clarke (who plays Mickey) and Camille Coduri (Jackie Tyler) also gave me interviews and they were great, telling me their favourite monsters in the series. Billie Piper was also there and so was Russell T Davies. He wrote the Christmas episode and loads of the earlier series. Everyone seemed really nice and they were all excited about the new series, and from the clips I saw I can see why! The whole day was brilliant and I can't wait to see the new shows.'"

The Friday 9 December edition of Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, during presenter Ross' interview with Will Young (pop star and would-be actor), Ross revealed that he had been asked to appear as one of the Cybermen in the new series, and would be going up to Wales to film his scenes. He then invited Will Young to join him as a Cyberman. Young had no idea what Cybermen were, revealling he never really watched Doctor Who (Young is 26), and asked would they not be recognised. Ross, in an enthusiastic way pointed out that they'd be firing guns and dressed in silver. He also asked other guest Jools Holland if he knew what Cybermen were, and he said yes, but that he was of "a certain age" as was Jonathan.

A Dalek visited the Blue Peter studio on Friday 9 December, where the show featured a preview of 'The Christmas Invasion' and a DVD competition. The edition was later repeated on the CBBC.

David Tennant was interviewed on Front Row on 8 December on BBC Radio 4. Tennant mainly talked about growing up with Doctor Who, and his participation in the series "Secret Smile," though his comments were repeated by several newspapers. Tennant noted that taking the role of the Doctor was "surprisingly difficult": "It's a show that I always loved... suddenly you are asked to do something like this and the scale of it is quite grand." He said he didn't want to be "the guy who had the opportunity and didn't take it." Tennant said he didn't have a lot of recognition on the street yet, but that there isn't much time to do anything while they're filming. He also noted that he was a fan of Tom Baker and Peter Davison and that he is intending to be there next year, "but who knows what'll happen in the next six months?" Tennant also made comments about the Doctor's sexuality and hints of a love story, much of which has been picked up by the media (see today's press column).

Tennant and Russell T Davies are to appear on the BBC1 Breakfast show next Wednesday (21 Dec). The presenters, who announced it this morning (13 December) said it will be Tennant's first live interview (presumably since getting the part of the Doctor). The announcement was accompanied with a lengthy sneak preview trailer for The Christmas Invasion. It started with Mickey at work in a garage, then urging a fellow mechanic to turn the radio down. Although he doesn't say so, it becomes apparent Mickey can hear something familiar... a familiar wheezing, groaning sound... Jackie is at home and can hear the same thing. They both rush out and meet in the estate precinct, trying to determine where the approaching Tardis is to land. It then materialises in the sky above them and comes crashing to earth, bouncing spectacularly off walls. The Doctor bursts out of the Ship, recognises them and desperately tries to remember something he had to tell them...

David Tennant will also be a guest on the Jonathan Ross show (along with Scarlett Johansson, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon) on Friday 23 December (BBC1 at 10.25-11.25pm), according to DigiGuide.

(Thanks to Steve Tribe, Chuck Foster, Paul Engelberg, Peter Weaver, Robert J.E. Simpson)

Several reviews of The Christmas Invasion have now appeared, thanks to this week's press screenings:

TV Zone says that "Most of the overtly Christmassy elements appear in the first half of the story, as the vanguard of an alien invasion force dons various festive disguises to attack the Doctor's companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) ... Later on, the more obvious Christmas trappings vanish in favour of more subtle (though equally seasonal) themes of peace and rebirth; there are a few none-too-subtle jibes at the British government's foreign policy in there too, as Prime Minister Harriet Jones refuses to kow-tow to American demands to attack the alien spaceship. In retrospect, the Americans might've been right; the Sycorax are a savage bunch, given to trials by combat and indiscriminate murder, and poor Rose isn't really up to the task of taking them on without the Doctor's help. ... It's hard to believe the Christmas Special only lasts an hour; it manages to pack a feature film's worth of incident into its short running time, with visuals to match. There are one or two moments when the effects waver a little, but on the whole, this blockbuster TV movie is a worthy substitute for the traditional Christmas film – certainly, the sight of the Sycorax battleship looming over Nelson's column easily beats watching yet another bloody wedding in Albert Square..."

Heat magazine gives the Christmas Invasion 5 Stars and list it at number 2 in their terrestrial 20 Best TV Shows chart (at number 1 is Eastenders on Christmas Day). Heat also has an interview with David Tennant: "I just laughed," he said about getting the role. "I found it hilarious and impossible. And I remember [Dr Who writer exec producer] Russell T Davies very perceptively saying: 'Don't say anything now. I know the experience is quite a weird one.' But it's such a great job. I get to play a Time Lord and have a TARDIS. You can't knock that. ... Every time the Doctor goes through the regeneration process, he changes to an extent. So you get a blank canvas where you don't have to worry too much about what has gone before. Viewers are going to see a slightly more no-nonsense Doctor, influenced by what Chris [Eccleston] did with him. He's less indulgent and more ruthless. ... I opted for a scruffier-style suit. It's more what you'd expect to see a student sporting than a college professor. And inevitably the look is influenced by the sort of things I like wearing. ... The Christmas episode is a new start for the Doctor and Rose. They've got to rediscover each other and decipher whether they still feel the same. Despite the new face, he's fundamentally the same bloke and still has a huge amount of affection for her. However, the Doctor's outlook on life has changed as has the way he tackles situations. I think he's just hoping Rose can accept the changes and they can pick up where they left off. ... It's watched by groups you wouldn't expect to be huge Doctor Who fans. I'm continually surprised by the number of trendy teenage girls and middle-aged mums who come up to talk to me and who genuinely love the show. That's what 's extraordinary and unique about it. I doubt I'll ever do anything that attracts such a varied audience again."

Star magazine gives it 5 stars and comments: "Billie Piper is joined by new co-star David Tennant in this special. He's great casting, make no mistake. And sure to make a few ladies feel a bit unnecessary. TV is awash with strangely sexy men these days... Tennant, David Walliams, Chris Evans (we jest). Anyway, the plot: Mickey and Jackie get the shock of their lives when the TARDIS appears - and Rose steps out with a stranger. Disorientated, this new fella - the new Doctor - passes out. They leave him convalescing in bed, and head out to Christmas shop, but Mickey and Rose are attack§ed by a brass band of masked Santas. The usual, really, with a festive seasoning of extra campery."

Reveal magazine also gives the Christmas Invasion 5 stars. "The Doctor takes Rose home for the festive season, but the regeneration process has taken its toll and he ends up unconscious. Will he wake in time to save the planet from sinister Santas and killer Christmas trees?"

In Closer magazine, Jason Arnopp writes of its main Christmas Day TV pick: "Doctor Who's back for a one-off special - and it's the first episode with David Tennant as the Doc. When the last series finished, we saw Christopher Eccleston regenerate into David Tennant. In last month's Children in Need special mini-episode, Rose (Billie Piper) was struggling to come to terms with the Doctor having changed face and most of his personality. This full-length instalment sees them crash-land the TARDIS into the London council estate where Rose lives. The Doctor chirpily wishes onlookers a Merry Christmas, then keels over. While he's bed-ridden, there's a gloriously silly Yuletide-themed alien assault, complete with sinister Santa impersonators, a deadly Christmas tree that attacks Rose's mum Jackie and the return of Penelope Wilton's character Harriet Jones. Prepare to be enthralled."

The South Wales Echo reports that the city of Cardiff will be hosting a new, free exhibition based on Doctor Who starting next week, Thursday 22 December. "Doctor Who Up Close, based at the Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay, celebrates the success of the latest series filmed in the capital with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look. The experience, which will cost the council £150,000 to stage, links into areas such as modern story-telling, script-writing, acting, costume design, sound and music, special effects, set construction and creative thinking. Visitors entering the display will be surrounded by a retrospective, outlining the 40-year lineage of the series and have the opportunity to view the previous incarnations of the Doctors. Among the attractions visitors can view is the Doctor’s arch enemies, the Daleks, in both their modern form and a unique example of their original 1960s design, as well as elements focusing on many other classic characters. After it is screened on Christmas Day, visitors will also get the chance to see elements of the Christmas special with some of the new props and costumes. BBC Wales Controller Menna Richards said: 'Doctor Who is a huge success and I'm delighted that we can help to bring this exciting exhibition to people in Cardiff. It’s a great opportunity to go behind the scenes and get a sense of what goes into making Doctor Who.' Cardiff council leader Rodney Berman said: 'As a big fan of Doctor Who myself, particularly the new version made right here in Cardiff, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to visit the new exhibition. It will be an exciting insight into the behind the scenes goings on of the series over the years.' An official opening ceremony is being staged on December 21 with the public able to visit the exhibition from the following day. It runs until February 26 and is open every day between 11am and 8pm, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day."

Annette Badland (Margaret Blaine) will star as Queen Elizabeth 1 in "The Elizabethan Beauty Law," a play written by Lizzie Hopley (Gemma Griffin from Big Finish's "Terror Firma"). It also features Amanda Root, Tom Burke, Toby Longworth and Alan Cox. The audio play airs on BBC Radio 4 this Friday, 9 December at 14.15, according to the Radio 4 website: "During Elizabeth I's reign, the Embellishment Law ruled that any woman trapping a man into marriage through self-adornment could be tried as a witch. Florence Buckley is a plain woman of 39 and very much in love - until her new husband removes her carefully constructed clothes on her wedding night."

Tracey Ann Oberman (soon to be seen as Yvonne Hartman in series two) was on the Richard And Judy show on Channel 4 on 6 December. Oberman mainly discussed her departure this week from "Eastenders" but also mentioned "Doctor Who," where she noted that the production is "more secretive than the 'Eastenders' team." She noted that she plays a baddie and that her character is in charge of a large organisation, and that she has great dress sense. (She also used an American accent, but this might not be related to the series.) She noted that David Tennant is "doing well" as the Doctor and that he brings and "intelligence" to the role.

David Tennant - as well as his father - will be guests on a future episode of Ready Steady Cook, being recorded on Friday 16 December, according to the ticket agency booking the audience, Applause Store. There is no word as to when this episode will air.

Tennant is also profiled today's The Independent, including the first fresh interview with him since the widely carried press release material of last week, although there are signs that the interview was conducted some time ago ("I don't know how I'm going to play [the Doctor] yet"). Asked about his accent in Doctor Who, Tennant says, "There'll be a bit of a story behind my English accent - it's not that straightforward. But anyway, I'm used to doing English accents ... I don't feel any great nationalistic need to be Scottish." He describes on-set nerves as "a regular visitor ... Everyone else on set always seems much more relaxed and confident than me." He doesn't mind people coming up to him in the street – "as long as people aren't unpleasant or violent or rude" – and confides he's "done nothing with the money yet. Maybe I'll store it up for the future when I'm back working in Dundee rep."

The Daily Mirror featured a story called "Who's In Da Hood?" on Tuesday: "She might be trying her hardest to remain incognito, but there is no disguising Who this actress is... Dr Who star Billie Piper was clearly in no mood to be spotted yesterday. She emerged from a North London branch of Waterstones with her face hidden deep inside a fur-lined hoodie and obscured by a big pair of specs. Clutching a bag of books and talking into her mobile, 22-year-old Billie seemed determined to avoid being seen or engage in any eye contact. 'She looked like she was in a really bad mood,' said an onlooker. 'Billie obviously didn't want to be recognised. Still, what did she expect wearing such a conspicuous jacket?' Never a hood idea, love." Of course, the Mirror's online version forgot to include the photo...

Manchester Online features a preview of David Tennant's new two-part drama series, "Secret Smile". "Parts in Casanova, the live broadcast of The Quatermass Experiment and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire have helped turn him into a major heart-throb. ... Fans of the Scottish thespian can catch him in action in this two-part drama based on Nicci French's novel. But, rather than play a likeable soul, the actor for once goes against type by portraying a charmer without a heart of gold. He heads the cast as Brendan Block, an entrepreneur who enjoys a 10-day fling with Miranda Cotton, played by Shaun of the Dead star Kate Ashfield. His creepy behaviour makes her end their relationship, but it seems he won't let her go easily, and plots revenge by seducing her sister Kerry. Five weeks later, the new couple announce their engagement."

There's more coverage of the BBC's Winter/Spring press release at The Stage, BBC News, EntertainmentWise,Brand Republic.

(Thanks to Steve Tribe, Paul Engelberg, Peter Weaver, Rob Edwards, Bob Grist, Faiz Rehman and Joseph Lidster)

David Tennant will be interviewed on BBC Radio 4's 'Front Row' programme on Thursday 8 December; it will either feature in the same day's programme, or the one on the following Monday (12th). Front Row is on Radio 4 at 19:15 - 19:45.

Sunday's Mirror noted that "It clearly takes a while to get the hang of piloting the Tardis. But a regenerated Dr Who still looks a bit embarrassed in the flying police box after his crash-bang-wallop landing on Earth. David Tennant makes his Time Lord debut in the Christmas Day special of BBC''s sci-fi series. It could have gone smoother, though - because after his out-of-control spiral near the estate home of sidekick Rose (Billie Piper) the dippy Doc collapses muttering: 'Oh, I know! Merry Christmas!' And when he doesn't wake for days, Rose has to go solo to save the world from some sinister Santas." There are thumbnail photos in the issue of the TARDIS crash-landing. (This is the text of the image we posted on the news page yesterday, in fact...)

The Norwich Evening News says that shoppers "have been fighting tooth and nail to get their hands on this year's must-have Christmas gifts." Says a merchant in the article, "Anything related to Dr Who has been really big this year, especially the remote control Daleks. We sold out but we have just had a new delivery of them and we are putting them on the shelves today and tomorrow." The Daily Express today also noted that "Christmas toy shoppers could miss out due to a shortage of daleks. Customers have been snapping up the radio-controlled Dr Who models as soon as they hit stores, with '00,000 of the goldcoloured gadgets already sold. This weekend the £39.99 foot-high toy was out of stock at nearly all major outlets and profiteers were selling them on internet auction site eBay."

An article in today's Telegraph reports on the boom in 'posh pantos' this holiday season, mentioning such notables as Sir Ian McKellen as well as Doctor Who guest stars Christopher Biggins (in Big Finish's "The One Doctor") and Simon Callow (special guest star of last season's episode "The Unquiet Dead").

Though we published some of the big-ticket press clips last week (on 1 December), the following catches us up with other items from the past couple of weeks, including items from this weekend:

There was another item this week about the possibility of Stephen Fry'sepisode of series two of Doctor Who being delayed until the third year: writer Mark Gatiss, appaering on the Simon Mayo show on Radio FiveLive this week, said it might happen because of budget reasons, though there was no final decision reported.

icWales has a report on the National Orchestra of Wales's recent recording sessions for the new series incidental music. "The soundtrack to the new Doctor Who series has been recorded by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. The Cardiff orchestra recorded the music in closed sessions this month at the BBC studios in the city. Conducted by Ben Foster, the sessions were produced by the programme's composer Murray Gold, who also arranged the new version of the Doctor Who soundtrack. 'The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is the best orchestra I've recorded with,' said Gold. The recording sessions will be featured on BBC 3 on Doctor Who Confidential when the new series goes on air in the New Year."icNorth Wales also covers the story: "The orchestra recorded the music in closed sessions last month at Studio 1 at the BBC in Cardiff, conducted by Ben Foster and attended and produced by the programme's music composer Murray Gold, who also arranged the new version of the famous Doctor Who soundtrack - in turn made even more memorable in its day by the legendary BBC Radiophonic Workshop. This rather basic 'sound special effects' unit, based in the BBC's Maida Vale studios in London, was created in 1958 and ran for just under 40 years until being disbanded, you may be amazed to learn, as lately as 1997. As I understand it, contemporary incidental or theme 'music' for BBC programmes was created by recording sounds such as voices, car engines, bells and the like onto audio tape, which was then manipulated by cutting and pasting, running forwards and backwards at different speeds, for example, in a bare basement with plenty of reverb."

Issue 197 of TV Zone, due out 7 December, features an interview with "Christmas Invasion" director James Hawes, who talks about overseeing the invasion of the Sycorax, David Tennant's debut, killer Santas and bringing K-9 back to the screen. He also chats about his plans for Torchwood - and debunks a few of those casting rumours! Meanwhile, effects supervisor Dave Houghton spills the beans on the secrets of the Doctor's regeneration, and what we can expect from The Christmas Invasion and Season Two... The issue also includes interviews with the cast and crew of Battlestar Galactica, Invasion and Stargate Atlantis, and features on The Goodies, Bewitched, Bones, Lost in Space, Ghost Stories for Christmas and TV on the theatrical stage. Oh, and a competition to win all of Babylon 5! Phew. Links for ordering are on the VisiMag website.

Is a children's version of Doctor Who Magazine in the cards? A job advert for "Doctor Who Adventures" is on the BBC's jobs site. "We are looking for a Doctor Who expert with first class editorial skills to work on this exciting new magazine for pre-teen boys. Not only will you have an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things Who, you'll have first-hand experience of writing and commissioning for pre-teen boys."

December 2's Express and Echo features an interview with former Doctor Who companion Peter Purves. "I've had a really lucky career," Purves tells the paper. "I'm very proud of the fact that these cult shows have played a major part." The article notes that "Roles in television favourites Z Cars, Dixon of Dock Green and The Saint followed between 1963 and 65, before he was cast in Doctor Who for a one-off appearance as Morton Dill. 'I got that through pure luck,' he said. 'The director, Richard Martin, remembered me from a television play I'd done and cast me in a small part as this tall, gawky hillbilly who joined Doctor Who and the Daleks on the top of the Empire State Building in a serial called The Chase. After that the producers asked me if I would be interested in taking over from Bill Russell and Jackie Hill who were leaving. As you can imagine, I jumped at the chance!' Peter played Steven Taylor, one of the original doctor's (William Hartnell) 'ever-present 'companions', for 44 episodes. 'That was a hell of a break. At that time, if you think about it, there wasn't a lot of work in television as there were only three channels.'"

There are 2 small pieces on Doctor Who in December's Attitude magazine and a short interview with John Barrowman (though this doesn't mention Doctor Who). The Doctor Who DVD Box Set is reviewed (with small pic of Captain Jack astride the Bad Wolf bomb): 'Russell T Davies re-invents the timelord for the 21st century as a dry-witted, leather jacket-clad loner, pitching the Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) and his shop-girl assistant (Billie Piper) against dastardly foes from the past, present and future, including the Daleks (hurrah!). Mixing pop culture compelling performances and jaw-dropping special effects, the new Doctor Who is rollicking good fun. The five-disc set comprises all 13 episodes in a rather natty TARDIS box packaging, plus copious additional material such as commentries and a spotlight feature on Captain jack (Attitude fave John Barrowman).' On the same page is the Christmas day TV review, including: :... High point of the day, though, for most gayers will be the return of Russell T Davies' sublimely brilliant DOCTOR WHO - where we find out if David Tennant can fill the excellent Christopher Eccleston's size 11 boots.' Barrowman and his partner Scott Gill are interviewed (p56) regarding civil partnerships. On being congratulated, John comments: "Well, to be honest, we're actually not going to get married. We're probably just going to sign the register. We're not going to have any kind of ceremony because I'm not a supporter of the word marriage for a gay partnership. It's something that has the connotation of religion and religion is something that hates or dislikes gay people and doesn't agree with them."

The new Readers Poll in SFX Magazine notes that the Best TV Show is Doctor Who. 'Break out the Union Jack bunting, and raise a patriotic cup of char. Blighty finally showed the world how it's done. Doctor Who returned as the rtings-snatching ITV-bothering kid-enchanting mainstream smash we always knew it could be... again. And this was before the madness and the majesty of Sad Tony.' At number 2 - Lost. At 3, Batttlestar Galactica. Christopher Eccleston won Best TV Actor. 'There was a TARDIS-load of expectation on his wiry northern shoulders, but Christopher Eccleston wrestled Doctor Who into the 21st century, bringing stellar acting chops to a role that had become a frock-coated joke. Let's see if David Tennant can vault that bar next year.' (At 2, Michael Shanks, 3 -Terry O'Quinn). Billie Piper was voted Best TV Actress. 'A fat yah-boo sucks to all those doom-mongering snobs who, only a year ago, dismissed Billie Piper as a has-been teen popstrel who would prove the ruination of Doctor Who. Truth is, her performance as Rose was pure magic. Go team Billie!' At 2 - Claudia Black, 3 - Evangaline Lilly. The best TV episode according to the poll was Episode 13, "The Parting of the Ways". 'Doctor Who dominates the Best TV Episodes category, with Steven Moffat's two-parter at two and four, but it was Russell T Davies' pulse-troubling, tearduct-tickling swansong for Christopher Eccleston's Doctor that ruled all. Daleks, regeneration, the near-decimation of mankind ... and the words "little tubs of coleslaw." ' At 2, The Empty Child. 3, Dalek. 4, The Doctor Dances. 6, Father's Day. SFX also voted two Doctor Who books in the "best non-fiction" category: "Monsters and Villains" by Justin Richards at number 3, and "Back to the Vortex" by Shaun Lyon at number 4. (Books on the film "Serenity" were first and second). Billie Piper won the "Sexiest Woman" category, with John Barrowman the #4 on the "Sexiest Man" list and Christopher Eccleston close behind him at #5. Finally, in their "Hall of Fame" category, at number 2 was the return of Doctor Who, at #4 was Russell T. Davies, at #5 was the Doctor and Rose holding hands, and at #10, the return of the Daleks.

Last week's Radio Times (not the one with Doctor Who on the cover, but the one before) featured a listing of the 20 most eagerly-awaited Christmas programmes. "Doctor Who" comes in at No. 2 (behind "Little Britain"), described as: "Eagerly anticipated Christmas Day special, with David Tennant as the new Doctor, and Billie Piper. Real family viewing." The magazine presented its review of the year's broadcasting and the show featured heavily. As well as a namecheck for Billie Piper on the cover, "the better-than-you-could-have-hoped-for return of Doctor Who" is the climax of editor Gill Hudon's run-down of the year's best: "Russell T Davies, Christopher Eccleston, Billie Piper: thank you!" The Alison Graham Column also recalled "Russell T Davies's thoroughly engaging romp, Casanova, [which] made a star of David Tennant. From Casanova, Tennant sprang effortlessly to take over the role of the Doctor from Christopher Eccleston, who played his part in re-establishing a TV icon." The eight-page review of the year's television includes almost two pages on the series, publicity shots of Tennant, Piper and Eccleston accompanying a spoof Who-themed National [Enquirer? Examiner? See attached scan] cover and a brief interview with "sidekick of the year" Piper: "I never watch anything I do because I get so scared and paranoid, but I forced myself to sit down and watch series one of Doctor Who recently," she told RT. "And I have to say that, watching it, I felt really, really happy and proud of the entire thing." ... Hardly suprisingly, she's looking forward to spending more time [next year] at home. For now, however, she's back where she was at the start of the year: filming the next series of Doctor Who..." The feature also offers discounts to RT readers on the recent books The Legend Continues and The Shooting Scripts. There are also two items looking to the next series - a small news item on the return of the Cybermen, and Charlotte Church, in her own interview, scotching rumours that she has a part in the series.

The Daily Star on 24 November noted that "of course, the big one everyone's talking about for Christmas Day is BBC1's Dr Who: The Christmas Invasion. David Tennant makes his full debut as the Doc - tackling the threat of the evil Sycorax. They're a race hellbent on taking over Earth, even though they sound more like a nasal decongestant." The Sun noted that Billie Piper was "a huge fan of Christmas specials. "It means so much to me that our show is going out when families will be sitting down together, eating copious amounts and drinking sherry. I think I'm going to need a few sherries before I watch it." (Also noted at DigitalSpy.)

The Sun on 24 November ran an article about John Barrowman competing in Dancing On Ice, a celebrity skating show. "John Barrowman, 38 -- who plays the captain in BBC1's hit -- will compete in Dancing on Ice, TV Biz can exclusively reveal. He is set to strap on his skates to train with '80s champs Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean on ITV1's Strictly Come Dancing-style show. John, who was in musical Chicago with Jennifer Ellison, 22, will battle other stars including Dame Kelly Holmes and Tamara Beckwith in the New Year. An insider said: 'He's more used to battling Daleks but at least he has rhythm.'"

In 26 November's Independent, a comment about the recent switching on of Christmas lights by Tennant and Piper: "Celebrity switchers: Of all the planets, in all the galaxies, Dr Who and his assistant Rose (aka David Tennant and Billie Piper) had to pick the Welsh capital. Piper told the crowd her favourite scene involved being attacked by a Christmas tree and the Cybermen were 'quite sexy actually'. Was it the prospect of this that drove Christopher Eccleston to quit? ... They should have hired... Billie, a couple of Cybermen and Chris Evans. Now that we'd like to see."

The Doctor Who Appreciation Society has received a letter from the Queen - or rather from the Queen's Senior Correspondence Officer, as Her Majesty understandably does not deal with her mail herself! DWAS Coordinator Ian Wheeler told Outpost Gallifrey, 'We scored a big hit by getting a letter from Lorraine Hegessey a couple of years back which was the first indication that the show was coming back. I never expected to top that but I think that we have managed it! I'd read about the Queen requesting tapes of Doctor Who so dropped her a line. Whilst the Palace does not comment directly on the Queen's tastes, the letter wishes the members of the Society well and says that the Queen was interested to hear that we have been going for nearly 30 years.'

The Chicago Sun Times covered the ChicagoTARDIS convention last weekend, noting that Nicola Bryant and Peter Davison would be guest stars at the event.

In addition to our story (run 24 November on Outpost Gallifrey) aboutBroadcast Magazine's "Hot 100" lists, there are other people besides David Tennant who were given accolades in the same issue, we've learned. Exec producerJulie Gardner came in at #13 on the producers list: "Gardner has clearly developed a special and highly productive relationship with Russell T Davies which so far has produced the phenomenal comeback of Doctor Who for BBC1 and Casanova for BBC2. It's been very good news for BBC Wales, which has been turned around by the commissions Welsh-born Gardner has brought west. Add to that Lucy Gannon's single drama Dad, the Richard Curtis-penned The Girl in the Cafe, from Tightrope Films, and it's been an extraordinarily good year for the former English teacher who only joined the BBC two years ago. Next off the Gardner production line is the eagerly awaited Kudos time travelling cop serial Life on Mars." Russell T Davies was #1 on the writers list: "Many a sceptical eyebrow was raised at the news that Davies was to write the return of Doctor Who. But fears that it would be a camp, ironic, retro brand exploitation exercise soon disappeared down a black hole of brilliant writing. If there was anything missing from Davies' CV it was a ratings busting primetime family drama and this was it. Even the Doctor's greatest sworn enemy, Michael Grade, was won over. And as if the Doctor wasn't enough Davies also turned BBC3/2's Casanova into a glorious romp, confirming, if confirmation were needed, that his range is unmatched in television today. Davies is not the hottest writer of the year, he's the hottest of his generation." Broadcast Magazine also published an analysis about the new show and 'old school heroes' being back on tleevision: "With 9.9 million tuning in to Doctor Who earlier this year, who can blame drama producers for ransacking the archives in search of a dose of nostalgia to whet our dramatic appetites, jaded by a surfeit of cynicism? Writer Andrew Davies, who has injected new life into more than his fair share of classic characters, reveals there's a lot to be said for nostalgia. 'I watched Doctor Who and it took me back to when I first saw it with my kids when they were small.' ... For Russell T Davies, the writer behind Doctor Who, the secret is to reinvent without jettisoning the things that made the original work. 'With Doctor Who we haven't fiddled with the basic format too much. Basically they got it right in 1963. The Doctor, a human, the Tardis and monsters - and all of that is still intact. We haven't done anything daft or damaging like: 'Let's make the Doctor a villain this time!'"

The Observer on 27 November said that "the best British actors, writers and directors are putting inventive drama back on the small screen. ... Beeb-bashers will have noted that the sparkling array of new work on BBC1 coincides with the corporation's charter renewal. The spate of quality dramas, the cynics would maintain, is a multi-billion-pound version of buffing up your CV. Having Poliakoff alongside Shakespeare Retold and Bleak House on your flagship channel ticks that 'public-service' box rather better than Ground Force. Whether this spurt of creative elan continues after 2007 remains to be seen. The Doctor Who effect suggests it might. No one is claiming Russell T Davies's self-referential crowd-pleaser will have Ken Loach looking over his shoulder, but it's about as close to memorable as the Saturday family slot is ever going to get, and it's proved to the execs that, at its best, drama can trump both light entertainment and reality pap in the ratings. ITV is currently preparing an anti-Who counterblast and, tellingly, its weapon of choice is neither a reality show nor Ant and Dec: it's a sci-fi drama called Primaeval. As Dan Chambers says: 'Reality TV probably peaked last year and what will fill the gap is drama.'

The website of Online Recruitment has a bone to pick with Russell T Davies. "When the well-known writer and producer of the successfully relaunched Doctor Who, Russell T Davies goes on record in an interview with the BBC (due to be broadcast on Radio 2 in a documentary on the 20 December) stating that he would never cast a Doctor over the age of 45, something is obviously wrong. Not only will he be in direct contravention of the new age discrimination laws due to come into effect in October 2006, but he's also lost much of the radicalism presented by the original series, says Penna plc, a human capital management consultancy. In an extract from the documentary Russell T Davies is quoted as saying, 'We live in an age now where you would never cast an older Doctor. Absolutely never. Never over fifty, I wouldn't say over forty-five actually. So we'll always have young Doctors now, because that's what a hero is these days.' The original Doctor Who challenged previous conventions of the BBC. Its producer was a young woman whose roots were in commercial television, the originator Sydney Newman was Canadian, and its director was Asian. Since the 1960s, the business world has gradually caught up with the ground-breaking foresight of Dr Who and recruited and developed people not based on age, sex or race but on talent. Penna plc, a human capital management consultancy, is sorry to see this apparent bowing to public pressure. 'Russell T Davies is not only wide of the mark and misinformed, but his quote is potentially damaging and would almost certainly be illegal with effect from next October,' says Gary Browning, CEO of Penna. 'Like employees in the workplace, Doctors (in the 'Who' sense) could benefit from the wisdom of age. In an era of low birth rates, increasing life expectancies and a rapidly increasing workforce, age is not something any of us can afford to discriminate against in the future. Over the next two decades the number of people of employable age will decrease by 15% - there will be, for the first time, more people over the age of 40 than under. The challenges of this demographic shift will impact on employers and time travellers alike.' Recent research from the Employers Forum on Age (EFA) found that attitude, not age, counts. Russell T Davies should learn from this. 'The Doctor Who's of the past have been loved and revered because of their talent and ingenuity – not because they were traditional heroes," continues Gary. "The only words of consolation I take from Russell's quote is that with my 45th birthday just 4 weeks away, it would seem that I can still be considered as the next Time Lord – but only just!'"

The BBC has pulled the plug on an adult video featuring Daleks, according toThe Register. "Those readers who have ever wondered in an idle moment how a couple of Daleks would respond to the presence of three naked lesbians romping in their Mothership might recently have found the answer in the shape of a sci-fi smutfest entitled 'Abducted by the Daleks'. Sadly, however, you'll have to wonder on because the BBC and the estate of Dalek creator Terry Nation have moved swiftly to pull the plug on the the trundling salt-cellars' intergalactic rumpy-pumpy. The 1,000-disc limited edition DVD recently popped up on eBay but has now been removed at the Corporation's behest. ... To cut to the chase - literally - here's how UK tabloid the Sun describes it: 'Dr Who's foes capture three naked 'disco babes' in the 18-rated DVD. They chase the girls around their spaceship and grope them with their plungers.' Oh dear, oh dear. The director of Terry Nation's estate, Tim Hancock, told the paper: 'The reason the Daleks are still the most sinister thing in the universe is because they do not make things like porn. They weren't ever intended to be sexual creatures. It's simple, Daleks do not do porn.'" The film apparently used the word Daloids instead of Daleks. The Sunfeatured a brief article about the video. Also covered at Yahoo News UK,MegaStar, GadgetSpy, ShortNews, Aversion.

icWales covered a Doctor Who related protest in Cardiff. "A life-sized replica of Doctor Who's Tardis came to Cardiff city centre as protestors campaigned to re-establish a city hospital. Scenes of the hit BBC sci-fi series were filmed in the empty wards of Cardiff Royal Infirmary (CRI). And protestors calling for a hospital to be re-established on the site took the Tardis to Queen Street yesterday with the campaign slogan 'CRI Wants Real Doctors Not Doctor Who,' insisting it should be used as a hospital and not as a film set. 'Cardiff already desperately needs more hospital facilities and the city is still growing,' said Dave Bartlett, who is secretary of CRISIS – Cardiff Royal Infirmary Save Its Services – which organised the protest. 'But hospital waiting lists and waiting times are growing even faster so the development of a hospital on the site of the CRI is a priority for the health needs of the city.' The Tardis and campaigners held their protest outside the Capitol shopping centre. And tomorrow they will lobby MPs at the assembly overnment offices in Cardiff Bay, handing over an 85,000 signature petition calling for a new hospital."

London24 says it's been a great 12 months for David Tennant, who has "rocketed from relative unknown to a household name. Although David first graced our screens in the 1994 drama Takin' Over The Asylum, it is roles such as the maverick DI Carlisle in the acclaimed Blackpool, and then as Casanova in Russell T Davies' fast-paced serial that have made him one of the nation's favourites. However, it's his role as the 10th Dr Who that is set to cement his place in history. And few could have predicted the show's phenomenal success when it returned to our screens after a 16-year gap." There are quotes from David Tennant, possibly taken from other sources. Just a few: "It was funny, when I first got asked I laughed! But it's such a great job! I get to play a Time Lord and have a Tardis - you can't knock that! ... Every time the Doctor goes through [regeneration], he changes to an extent. So you get to work on a blank canvas where you don't have to worry too much about what has gone before. It's interesting because he's always going be the slightly wild, bloke that he's always been. But because he's getting older, he's moving on. He's seen it all before, every alien creature with a superiority complex. ... Viewers are going to see a slightly more no-nonsense Doctor and it is influenced by what Chris did. We are more aware that he's someone who fought a war, lost all his people and, because he's the last Time Lord, the last authority in the universe, he's less indulgent, more ruthless. ... [About the costume:] I wanted something that would look good and feel right. I also wanted an outfit that wasn't too authoritarian, so that's why I opted for a scruffy- looking suit."

Finally, an obituary was published this week for Jonathan James-Mooreat the MediaGuardian. James-Moore was the producer of the Radio Four miniseries "Slipback" starring Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant, written by Eric Saward.

(Thanks to Paul Engelberg, Steve Tribe, Paul Hayes, Peter Weaver, Chuck Foster, John Bowman, Tim Parker)

Is Stephen Fry's episode (currently slotted as #11) going to be delayed until next year? According to the weekend's Sunday Times, there is "more intrigue at Dr Who, where Stephen Fry's episode may be delayed. My mole in the Tardis assures me it is 'good' and 'very Stephen Fry', but that it needs so many special effects, it could prove to be too expensive, at least for the next run." The paper continues: "At least Fry got the chance to contribute. Shopping and F***ing playwright Mark Ravenhill was so annoyed about not being asked to contribute an episode, he almost considered buying up the rights to the less celebrated children's sci-fi drama from the 1970s, The Tomorrow People, as revenge."

SFX Magazine will soon be running a feature in a future issue regarding readers' "behind the sofa" memories of Doctor Who. "What's the moment of the original series that's still burned into your memory decades later? Did the Daleks give you a pant-wetting accident? Did you suffer nightmares for weeks afterwards? Were you terrified of plastic toys after seeing the Autons? Did your mum ban you from watching the show? We want to hear your stories - the more personal, the better. And if you've got photos of you dressed up as Doctor Who, or monster drawings from your childhood exercise books, send us copies of them too! Drop us a line by emailingsfx@futurenet.co.uk - please title your email DOCTOR WHO MEMORIES - or write to us at SFX, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath, BA1 2BW."

The new Radio Times (last one before the Christmas special), covering 10-16 December, interviews David Tennant, who considers himself "the dullest actor ever to have played the Time Lord." Says Tennant, who insists he leads a boring life, "I've no hobbies or pursuits. I live in north London and drive a Skoda. I'm afraid that's as interesting as it gets." Tennant also notes that he is avidly anti-Conservative and cannot believe anyone in showbiz would ever vote for the Tories: "When I started working in theatre in England, I would meet people and they would say, 'Oh, I voted for Margaret Thatcher'. The first time I heard someone saying that, I honestly thought they were joking. I'd be thinking, 'I have never met anyone from your world. What's it like? Do you roast children over open fires?' I still find it impossible to believe that anyone in the arts votes Conservative." The actor describes himself as a "skinny streak of nothing" but admits to having the odd moment of vanity. "I've been known to wear moisturiser, which may mean I'll be stopped on the Paisley boundary next time I go home." Tennant notes that before filming Casanova, he decided to work on his six-pack: "I thought I'd feel more confident in the role if I was feeling more confident physically, so I worked out every single day for five weeks. And then I didn't get to take my shirt off until week 10 of filming, by which time it had all gone to pot." The son of Presbyterian ministers, Tennant added his Christian faith helps him to cope with fame - but he claims to avoid any "preachy tendency". "It's a question of humanity with that element of not necessarily putting oneself first." The story has also been picked up and run in the Mirror, icWales,This is London, WaveGuide, Daily Record, ITN.

Also in the new Radio Times, E. Jane Dickson speaks to Tennant about his new ITV drama "Secret Smile", his career and background and of course taking on the role of the Doctor. There's also a small preview of "The Christmas Invasion" in a sidebar on the second page of the interview, and a picture of the TARDIS with a caption telling the reader to turn to that page for more information in an earlier section previewing the top programmes to watch this Christmas. Finally, the next issue preview at the back makes mention of the forthcoming Dalek competition and the 10-page Doctor Who special included with the Christmas edition.

icWales is reporting that protestors staging a demo at the Cardiff Royal Infirmary brought a replica TARDIS with them as they campaigned for the re-opening of the facility, with one of their protest slogans being "CRI Wants Real Doctors Not Doctor Who".

CBBC News is running a competition: "Meet Doctor Who! - Have you ever wanted to travel through time?? You could fast forward through time and see the Christmas episode of Doctor Who before anybody else does! We're looking for one Press Packer to report for Newsround from the premiere screening of the Christmas episode, The Christmas Invasion. David Tennant is the 10th Doctor Who and appears for the first time on Christmas Day in a one-hour show, where he finds himself under attack from a band of rogue Santas. Your mission will be to interview The Doctor and Rose and ask them all the questions you're dying to know. And, you will get the chance to see the Christmas episode before anybody else!! You'll need to be free for all of the day on Monday, 12 December so make sure you speak to your parent or guardian before entering this competition. To be in with the chance of winning this out of the world prize, all you have to do is tell us which point in history (or the future!) you would like to travel to in your Tardis. You might choose to do battle with the dinosaurs or fast forward to when we can live on the moon! Only your imagination is the limit - oh, and 50 words! The competition closes on Wednesday, 7 December 2005 at midday." Of course, this is only open to children...

The Sunday Mail ran a piece in which David Tennant predicted he would play the TV time traveller... in a school essay written 20 years ago. "The 14-year-old sci-fi nut was so obsessed with the show he got his gran to knit him a long, multi-coloured scarf - just like his favourite Doctor, Tom Baker. The scarf featured regularly in his essays until English teacher Moira Robertson warned him to 'exterminate' the references or he could end up failing his exams. Moira, who taught David at Paisley Grammar School, was so impressed with him that she kept a copy of his story 'Intergalactic Overdose'. It reads 'I had a habit. It was as bad as it could get. I needed help to stop, but I didn't care. I wanted more and more. You see, I was a junkie, a Doctor Who junkie. When I was old enough, I was convinced that I was going to play the part of the Doctor on TV.' Moira said: 'He must have been calling on his powers as a Timelord because he was so utterly convinced that he would be Doctor Who. I was unaware that the bright wee boy I was teaching had the amazing power to shift time and predict the future... but he certainly did.' Moira revealed David first showed his acting talent while at the school, adding: 'Although he was very talented, he certainly didn't act 'I'm the greatest.' But if there was one boy who had star quality... he was it.' Tennant, 34, who will star in a two-hour Dr Who special on Christmas Day, last night paid tribute to his old teacher. 'She made me first realise the possibilities of great literature - J.D. Salinger, Harper Lee, Orwell and Arthur Miller. And it was Moira who first guided me towards a dim understanding of what Shakespeare could be about.'"

The SF Crows Nest site has run an interview with science fiction writer Robert J. Sawyer, who notes that he thought the new season of Doctor Who was "absolutely terrific. I've got a total crush on Billie Piper, who I gather is a pop star in the UK. I'd never encountered her before the new series started airing. And I'm really sorry that Christopher Eccleston has left; I thought he was great. Episodes like Dalek and Father's Day absolutely blew me away. I'm looking forward to the next season. As you know if you read the ending credits, the new Doctor Who is a co-production with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and I got to do a lot of commentary for the CBC's documentary The Planet Of The Doctor, which was tremendous fun. By the way, since people are always curious, my favourite classic Doctor was Jon Pertwee." Sawyer was interviewed by CBC for their six-part web documentary "Planet of the Doctor" that was released earlier this year in conjunction with their airing of the show.

(Thanks to Paul Engelberg, Paul Hayes, Steve Tribe, Peter Weaver)

Today's Mirror has another 'exclusive', "Dr Ho-Ho...Oh!" which notes that "Earth is invaded by a gang of evil Santas in a Dr Who Christmas special - but the hero can't help as he is in the middle of regeneration into the new doctor. Actor David Tennant is flat on his back and barely conscious as he makes his debut at the 10th Timelord. It is left to his assistant Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper, to save the world from the menacing Santas. Viewers will see Earth threatened by a monstrous race called the Sycorax, who have stolen a British space probe, in a story called The Christmas Invasion. ... On the DVD, show producer Phil Collinson reveals: 'The Santas form a four-piece band and each instrument becomes a lethal weapon. There is a tuba with a flame thrower in it, two trumpets that fire bullets and a trombone that fires mortars.' ... Director James Hawes said: 'The Christmas Invasion is about mankind's first experience of a threat of an alien landing on the planet. The real twist is that the doctor is in the middle of regeneration - and he ain't there to save us.' The Sycorax leader is played by Sean Gilder, who appeared as Styles in ITV drama Hornblower and Jols in movie King Arthur. ... Tennant joked: 'I'm getting there and I'm coping with it. So far I'm doing a damn fine job of being unconscious - I'd say it's my finest work. I have had a great time so far - it's been great, very friendly with a very welcoming atmosphere.' The Christmas Invasion will be shown as BBC1's flagship drama on Christmas Day. Collinson added: 'We've also been commissioned to make a Christmas special for 2006. So we would hope this is going to become the norm for the next couple of years.'"

The Daily Record features an interview with Tennant. Highlights: "My life hasn't changed. But I get invites to premieres, which I never used to. I've never done the career plan. My ambition goes from one project to the next. I look to the next thing to be exciting, inspiring, different. I get ambitious for a script. If something comes in I really want to do, I get very hungry and excited about that - and crushed if I don't get it. ... It's watched by everyone, aged seven to 70, including groups you wouldn't particularly expect to be huge fans. I'm continually surprised by the number of trendy teenage girls and middle-aged mums who come up to talk to me and who genuinely love the show. That's what's extraordinary and unique about it. ... So far, I've had to answer a lot of mail because Doctor Who has a lot of committed fans. It was funny when I first got the part. I just laughed, thinking it was both hilarious and impossible because I'd wanted it so much. It's such a great job. I mean, I get to play a Timelord and have a Tardis. You can't knock that. I've always wanted my own Tardis and now I've got it! ... Viewers are going to see a slightly more no-nonsense Doctor and that is influenced by what Chris did with him. We are more aware that he's someone who fought a war, lost all his people and because he's the last Timelord, the last authority in the universe, he's more ruthless."

The BBC Press Office has a press release which includes weeks 51 and 52 on BBC1, including the full summary of "The Christmas Invasion".

(Thanks to Paul Engelberg, Paul Hayes, Peter Weaver)