Award-winning actress Jessica Stevenson is to star in the new series of Doctor Who, according to her online CVhosted by her agents.

Stevenson's previous credits include the film Shaun of the Dead, the Channel 4 cult series Spaced and the BBC comedyThe Royle Family. She is also due to star in the forthcoming Harry Potter film. Her CV lists her Doctor Who character as "Joan" in a story directed by Charles Palmer. (Thanks to Steve Tallach).

Doctor Who Magazine reports that there are still regular cast members for Torchwood that have not been announced yet, beyond the four credited cast members (John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Naoko Mori and Burn Gorman). Filming progresses, and at DWM's press time was soon to begin for the second production block, which indludes the third episode, The Ghost Machine by Helen Raynor, and the eighth episode, Greeks Bearing Gifts by Toby Whithouse; both are to be directed by Colin Teague. Block Three is beginning pre-production, with James Strong (The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit) directing.

Also, the BBC currently owns the site at torchwood.org.uk, which simply shows a flashing "Access Denied" message!

According to a report at the official Doctor Who website, production on series three will welcome a new addition: Susie Liggat, who will be assuming the role of producer while current producer Phil Collinson "takes a holiday". Liggat was recently listed as First Assistant Director on the recent episode "Love & Monsters," her first credited job with the series. Collinson has recently produced the series (for BBC executive producers Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner) without the help of an associate producer; that job was recently filled by Helen Vallis, who left after "The Age of Steel". Liggat, meanwhile, has worked on several series including "Casanova," "Burn It," "Teachers" and the films "The Magdalene Sisters" and "Beautiful Thing".

Having been first to break the news yesterday of Billie Piper's confirmed departure from Doctor Who, today's issue ofThe Sun states that "Former Crossroads stunner Freema Agyeman was last night revealed to be the front-runner to replace Billie Piper in Doctor Who. Freema, 26, will appear in the final two episodes of the BBC1 sci-fi's current series playing the character Adeola. She joins the Timelord - played by David Tennant - and his sidekick Rose Tyler in battle against the dreaded Cybermen. Insiders say Freema, will join the Doctor in the Tardis full-time in the third series after her appearance in the episodes called Army Of Ghosts and Doomsday. ... The highlight of Freema's career so far has been playing seductress Lola Wise in doomed ITV soap Crossroads in 2001. She said: 'I loved playing Lola. She was an 18-year-old girl with a lot of angst. She wanted to sleep with all the boys and have fun.' The Londoner, who left Middlesex University with a BA Honours degree in Performing Arts and Design, also appeared in Casualty, The Bill and Silent Witness. Last night a BBC source said: 'Freema is a fantastic actress. She is great in the final episode. And she is more than capable of stepping into Billie's shoes to play the Doctor's new cohort. No one knew Billie could act before we gave her the job — and she has proved to be a sensation.' Freema, who also studied at Radford University in Virginia in America, could join the Timelord in new adventures that will see them meeting Shakespeare in the third series. Filming starts in just five weeks. ... Last night a BBC spokeswoman refused to confirm Freema was taking over from Billie as Dr Who's sidekick. Other names linked to the role include former EastEnder Michelle Ryan (Zoe Slater). She is believed to have auditioned with show bosses for the part."

The Daily Express has the next rumour - the paper reports that Nikki Sanderson, who has appeared in Coronation Street, is in the running for the part. The Mirror, which has been running "Billie Quits" stories for 15 months, today takes her to task for telling "lies" about staying in the show ("Who's been a Silly Billie", link here): "Looks like Billie's been giving Pinocchio a run for his money in the longnose stakes. Tut, tut." The paper also says that Piper has "stunned TV bosses" who "begged her to stay" but she "did not want to become typecast". (The Daily Star is also claiming an "exclusive" today that Billie Piper will leave Doctor Who at the end of Series Two, reported widely yesterday)

There is no word on whether any of these are in the show's plans for future episodes; however, several sources have told Outpost Gallifrey that, as noted yesterday, the departure of Billie Piper has been in the planning stages since last fall (so there would have been ample time for the show to replace Piper, if such an event is happening in the final episodes... though no word as yet on whether a new companion would be introduced this year or next.) Also reported at Sky News, Ananova.

Confirming rumors that have been flying around for months, BBC Wales has issued apress release today that Billie Piper will be leaving her role as Rose Tyler at the end of the current series. "Billie Piper who has played Rose Tyler, the feisty young companion of both the ninth and tenth doctors, will leave Doctor Who in a nail biting series two finale. Over the past two years Rose has been on an adventure of a lifetime, travelling across the galaxy with the Doctor. She's visited far-off futuristic cities in the year five billion and beyond; landed on space stations where she's been a contestant in a deadly version of ‘The Weakest Link'; travelled back in time and met Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Madame de Pompadour and her dead father; she has battled against the Doctor's deadliest foes the Daleks and Cybermen; taken on Slitheen, Sycorax and Krillitanes and survived the end of the world and the blitz. Now, in what is set to be the TARDIS's most terrifying adventure, The Doctor and Rose will face their biggest challenge to date. Back on Earth the human race rejoices as the ghosts of loved ones return home. But as the Doctor, Rose and Jackie investigate Torchwood Tower, a trap is being sprung; an almighty invasion is being put into motion which is set to destroy the whole of modern-day Earth."

The press release continues: "Billie Piper says: 'Rose and I have gone on the most incredible journey with Russell T Davies and the cast and crew of Doctor Who over the past two years. It has been an amazing adventure, and I can confirm it comes to an end, for now at least, as series two climaxes. I am truly indebted to Russell for giving me the chance to play Rose Tyler, and to all the Doctor Who fans old and new who have been so supportive of me in this amazing role. Thank you so much.' Russell T Davies writer and Executive producer adds: 'It has been a wonderful experience working with Billie -- we will miss her -- and wish her all the success in the world for her future. However, the Doctor Who team have had a whole year to plan this final scene and have created a stunning exit for Rose Tyler. The Doctor lives a dangerous life and when Rose joined him on his adventures she was aware of this. With a series climax called Doomsday on its way, I can't guarantee who will survive and who won't, but I can assure you the TARDIS is going on its scariest journey yet!' Since taking on the role of Rose Tyler, Billie has received both critical and popular acclaim. She was awarded The National Television Award for ‘Most Popular Actress' 2005 and The South Bank Show's ‘Breakthrough Award for Rising British Talent'. Billie is currently filming the BBC's adaptation of multi award-winning writer Philip Pullman's The Ruby In The Smoke in which she plays the title role, Sally Lockhart. Filming on the second novel The Shadow In The North will commence later this summer. Doctor Who series three also starts filming again later this summer and will return to our screens with a Christmas special in 2006 and another series of 13 episodes for 2007."

There have been rumors circulated for nearly a year that Piper would be leaving at some point during the second series;Dreamwatch magazine originally made this statement last summer, though its report was discounted, while various tabloids suggested that Piper's tenure on the series would come to an end this year. Some news outlets are reporting the character might be killed off, although the BBC Wales press release suggests an air of mystery and does notstate that Rose will be killed (taking Piper's comments that her trip "comes to an end" somewhat literally), although the release does ask the question, "Does saving the world mean the death of Rose Tyler?" (noting that "Billie Piper who has played Rose Tyler - the feisty young companion of the ninth and tenth doctors - will leave Doctor Who in a nail-biting series two finale"). The "death" report appears to originate in the Sun's early report today, being merely speculative. However, the production is being very strict about information regarding the finale; in fact, there may be no advance press screening of "Doomsday" to prevent the surprise from being released.

There are rumors elsewhere that this was a recent decision (including speculation on some fan sites that this was a dispute over money) although Outpost Gallifrey has been told that Piper's departure was planned as early as last autumn and that the script for "Doomsday" as originally written did contain the departure for the character (instead of a hasty rewrite that would have been needed if it had been a recent choice). A new co-star for David Tennant will likely be seen in the 2006 Christmas special.

The official Doctor Who website is carrying this story. The first report came from The Sun, and it has been reported today at a variety of sources including BBC News, CBBC News, The Times, Ananova, Manchester Evening News, Daily Mail, The Scotsman, Irish Examiner, Sky Showbiz, The Is London, Evening Echo, Ireland Online, The Stage, Hollywood News, Waveguide, Daily Mail, EntertainmentWise, U.TV,ITV, ITN, RTE,Contact Music, Edinburgh News. Also CBBCNews is asking viewers, "Are you gutted?" with reader responses to be posted soon. (Thanks to all of our readers who have been sending in news clips all day!)

Stephen Fry appears to have pulled out of his long-anticipated plans to write for the series' third season. In a recent chat hosted by the Douglas Adams Continuum website, Fry was asked about his episode, which had been pushed back to series three due to his schedule. His reply: "Ah, now, unfortunately, I've had to pull out of the Dr Who gig. Lack of time. I just couldn't find three minutes to string together. Barely enough time to go to the lavatory these days, let alone take on new projects. Sorry about that..."

Meanwhile, the official Doctor Who website says that plans are already "well underway" for series three. "At the BBC Worldwide Licensing Showcase event held this week in St Albans, Doctor Who's Executive Producer Julie Gardner gave the assembled delegates a few exciting hints about what's to come. 'We're in pre-production on Doctor Who 3', she said. 'We'll be filming for 34 weeks, beginning with a Christmas special.' Julie then went on to say that the TARDIS will be travelling into the future during the third series: '...and into the past, where we will meet Shakespeare - and why wouldn't you?!'" Filming on Series Three starts in July.

People

According to The Sun, Glamour Magazine's Women of the Year Awards have presented Billie Piper with the "UK TV Actress of the Year Award". Also reported at the official Doctor Who website and at BBC Radio 1, the latter of which says, "As if these two don't see enough of each other, David Tennant presents Billie Piper with her award. On style Billie says she's inspired by Kate Moss, Nicole Ritchie and Marilyn Monroe. But what do we think of Billie's dress girls? Bit dinner lady?" Additional reports all over the web including The Mirror, The Daily Mail and others.

The Stage and the London Theatre Guide report that "John Barrowman, David Ian and voice coach Zoe Tyler, who has worked with stars such as Elton John, Rod Stewart and Will Young, are to join Andrew Lloyd Webber on the judging panel for BBC1 talent show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? The programme, which has been billed as a Pop-Idol style search to find a star for the upcoming revival of The Sound of Music, will be hosted by Graham Norton and broadcast later this summer."

The Hornsey and Crouch End Journal says, "Crouch End had a visit from the Doctor last week, when ex-Doctor Who star Peter Davison landed in Hornsey Town Hall square for filming. Peter, also star of All Creatures Great And Small, was out on location recording three scenes for an ITV comedy drama, tentatively called Easy Peasy, outside the town hall last Wednesday afternoon. ... The six-part series, due to go out this autumn, features the former Time Lord as a child psychologist who is left to care for his son while his wife, played by Josie Lawrence, is away. ... The current Doctor Who, David Tennant, lives in Crouch End."

Creative Match notes that Paul McGann has spoken out against a decision to ban a charity ad for World Vision, because it is, say the BACC, 'unfair to football' ... McGann has spoken out in support of charity World Vision as news broke of the British Advertising Clearance Centre's (BACC) ban on the airing of their new TV advert. Paul McGann supplied the voice-over for the ad which shows a child in Malawi making a football from plastic bags and string. The BACC banned the ad on the basis that it was ‘unfair to football' as it mentioned the £49 million it cost to sponsor the England football team alongside the 60p a day it costs to sponsor Masidi - the boy in the film." Paul McGann said: 'Does one laugh or cry? An advert describing how 60p a day might help a child in a developing country is pulled in order to spare the image of corporate sponsorship in a couple of rich ones. You couldn't make it up!"

The Daily Star says that "Scots actress Shirley Henderson knows how to pack a punchline on comedian Peter Kay's chin. She lands one smack on his kisser in the time travelling adventure of Doctor Who - broadcast on Saturday June 17, in which the pair are taken on board the Tardis as guest stars. While Phoenix Nights star Kay, playing a villain, is almost unrecognisable under layers of blubber, there's no mistaking Kincardineborn Henderson, famous for her role as Moaning Myrtle in Harry Potter. Shirley, 41, joins her Scots mate David Tennant, as the Doctor, in the episode titled Love and Monsters. She said: 'Peter is the funniest man I've ever met. I couldn't stop laughing at him. It was such a joy working with him.'"

The Satan Pit Pre-Publicity

CBBC News reporter Lizo says of the episode, "When I first heard the name of this episode a few months back, I wasn't really paying attention and thought that it was called The Santa Pit and that it was the name of this year's Christmas Special. I couldn't have been more off the mark - this second part of the story that began with the Impossible Planet is the darkest, most intense episode since Dr Who returned last year. Things pick up with the Doctor facing an opening chasm deep under the planet, while on the surface Rose and the crew of the base are under attack by the sinister Ood. Are they about to come face to face with the Devil himself? And will they all survive? There's action aplenty, but the biggest thing about the epsiode may well be a few words which could have a huge bearing on this series or the next. You'll know them when you hear them! It'll probably be debated for months what they mean, if anything. Things aren't made clear as to whether it's just a passing comment or a massive clue about the future. This aside, the characters including the Doctor are forced to go further than they've been before, face up to their greatest fears and risk death. As they come up against an enemy unlike they've ever faced before. One of the things that's great about seeing the Doctor in action is how he knows much more than the people around him. But here there's even more pleasure to be had from seeing him having to think on his feet as he disocvers things that are beyond even his knowledge. Fans will love the non stop action, as well a throw away comment about the Kaled race! And, naturally, Torchwood gets a quick mention. Despite being a two parter, there's a lot left unexplained by the end which is a shame. But all in all an outstanding episode that's all that Dr Who should be - the stuff of legend. We're now into unknown territory though. We've seen clips for several weeks in trailers from all the stories except for the next two, Love and Monsters, and Fear Her. It should be fun to see how in these two stories we've seen nothing of, things ramp up to the climax at the end of the series. Can't wait! Lizo's star rating for The Satan Pit: 4 out of 5."

The Daily Star previewed it by saying, "Doctor Who is in for one hell of a shock when he comes face-to-face with the ultimate foe - Satan. The Time Lord (played by David Tennant, 34) lands in trouble after hurling himself into a dark abyss on a desolate planet. .... Once again it's up to the time traveller to save the universe. Meanwhile sidekick Rose (Billie Piper, 23) is being pursued by a frightening group of aliens who are out to kill her. But the feisty lass shows she can shoot from the hip with a space gun in the episode, to be screened this Saturday on BBC1 at 7pm."

The Guardian discusses the marketing of the episode. "While today may be plain old June 6 to most of us, to some it's 06.06.06. That gives it a whole new level of significance, for it becomes the day of the Control: max-age=0
Origin: httpichrist - who is known by the number 666. ... Even Doctor Who is getting in on the act. He has a date with the devil this Saturday teatime, after England play Paraguay - in the absence of Armageddon."

Heat's Chris Longridge writes: 'When you call your episode The Satan Pit, it had better live up to the title. So it's with relief that we report that the Doctor has not only to keep the Ood's planet from tipping into the ?Black Hole, but, if he can fit it into his schedule, stop the entire universe from being devoured by The Beast. Rose, meanwhile, merely has to fend off the squiddy things (ie the Ood), who are not quite as hungry as The Beast.' (he awards this the max 5 stars, and this concluding part is at number 6 in Heat's best TV shows of the week).

Closer magazine: 'The second part of this scary deep-space adventure sees Rose battling those delightful aliens the Ood, as the Doc attempts to save the planet from slipping into a black hole. Such is the secrecy surrounding Doctor Who episodes, the rest is under wraps, but we can guarantee lots of exaggerated facial expressions from David Tennant, and eye candy in the form of Strictly Come Dancing's Will Thorp.'

Reveal magazine says, 'Rose faces up to the deadly Ood as the planet's future hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, the Doctor's beliefs are challenged as he confronts the mysterious occupant of the pit. (Reveal awards this 4 out of 5 stars)

Sneak comments on one of their Must-Sees for Saturday: 'As Rose gets angry with the murderous Ood, the Doctor battles to stop the Earth falling into a black hole. As you do.'

Additional Media Items

The Guardian says, "Thank God for Doctor Who (BBC1, Saturday), in which a bunch of butt-ugly aliens started chanting such things as, 'We are the legion of the beast!' while Woody from Casualty was possessed by the devil and went on a killing spree. Rose and the Doctor shared a tender moment when they thought they were trapped on a dead planet circling a black hole, and even contemplated getting a mortgage and choosing carpets together. She kissed him on the helmet as he descended into the pit to face the very devil himself, who arose at the end of the episode with some great sepulchral laughter. The alien army, who were called the Ood and looked as if they had long-term cocaine habits, were set to zap everyone with their nose-tentacles. Nobody mentioned football or said, 'Dad ... I love you', which justifies the Bafta, in my opinion.'" Also on the site, on the online-only overnights ratings report, broadcasting editor Jason Deans gives Saturday's ratings a surprisingly positive spin: "Doctor Who's audience dipped to a new low on Saturday, with 5.9 million viewers tuning in. However, this can be attributed to the weather, as the audience share for Saturday's episode, The Impossible Planet, was 40% - one of the show's best. The third episode of the current series, broadcast on April 29, also got a 40% share - but won 7.6 million viewers, because more people were watching TV at that time on a Saturday. Doctor Who was up against ITV1's Bond movie repeat, Tomorrow Never Dies, which attracted 2.5 million viewers and an 18% share."

Portsmouth Today says that "Dr Who's latest adventures took a strange turn when he ended up facing an old adversary, the cyberman -- in a book shop. But this wasn't really a day when he would have to face terrifying monsters -- it was actually a special event for kids at Ottakar's book store in Fareham Shopping Centre. Staff decorated the store and made a Tardis and K9 models for the 80 children who took part in the activities afternoon. Fun for the youngsters included a fancy dress competition, make-a-monster sessions, a Dr Who treasure trail, and a quiz to encourage kids to read and use their imaginations."

June 5's Daily Star says, "Maybe I had a sordid imagination, but as a kid, I assumed that the assistants of DOCTOR WHO (Saturday BBC1) were his girlfriends. Why was he zooming round the galaxy with Leela and Teegan if he wasn't going out with them? They were useless at Tardis maintenance, and they squealed if a Cyberman clunked in their direction. Thinking back, I realise I was wrong. The Doctor's first assistants also included Peter Purves and Fraser Hines, and we can be sure that, back in the 70s, Time Lords didn't have boyfriends. But one of the reasons the new-look Who gives us so much pleasure has to be that little cosmic frisson of you-know-what between the Doc and Rose (Billie Piper). It grew into a minor tremor at the weekend as the pair shared their first kiss. Admittedly, he was wearing a protective visor and the kiss landed six inches from the bit where his nose joins his forehead. But it was screen history nonetheless. Could you imagine Jon Pertwee or Patrick Troughton landing a big wet smacker on their assistants - or vice versa? Perhaps it's one of the ways in which this reincarnation of the show has grown up. In the Saturday tea-time of my youth, the Doctor, his shipmates and the relationships between them were as unreal as the plots. Each week, they defeated some ugly lifeform, dusted themselves down and zoomed off to the next galaxy. The nearest anyone came to having a character was the irritating robot-dog K-9. Nowadays, odd though it seems to think it, Doctor Who is more real. Rose misses her mum and her home. The Doctor is in an awkward relationship to her - protecting her but also fancying her a bit too. On Saturday, having lost the Tardis in an earthquake on a planet at the rim of a black hole, they wondered what the rest of their lives would be like. For just a second they considered a life together then, as if reading each other's minds, started to blush and splutter. Yes, it was tongue-in-cheek, but not much less convincing than some of the scenes our soap operas dish up as serious drama. And with all the black holes, alien slave rebellions and underground demons, rather more fun."

The June/July issue of Wetherspoons New says, "Dr Who? Just ask his fans. Dr Who fans returned to their favourite haunt to celebrate the launch of the new TV series. The Printworks, a Lloyds No. 1 bar in Clerkenwell, London was the venue for a special party attended by readers of Dr Who magazine. They met with the programme's production crew and the iconic K9, Dr Who's beloved mechanical dog. More than 300 party-goers from all over the world enjoyed special advance screenings of episodes frm the new series in the comfort of the Lloyds bar. The bar's manager, Nuno Goncalves (pictured), said: 'The launch party for the Dr Who series was held at The Printworks last year, so I was delighted to welcome the fans back once again. They enjoyed themselves so much that they have already asked to hold next year's party here too!'"

Also: BlogCritics reviews last weekend's "The Impossible Planet"; the official Doctor Who website wants drawings from under-12's;

(Thanks to Paul Engelberg, Scott Matthewman, Peter Weaver, Jim Sangster and Paul Hayes)

News of two guest stars for forthcoming Doctor Who episodes have been making the rounds on the 'net. Gabriel Woolf, who played Sutekh in "Pyramids of Mars" during the Tom Baker era and recently reprised the role for Magic Bullet Productions in their series of audios, will be playing the voice of Satan himself in the second half of the next two-part story, "The Satan Pit". Meanwhile, comedienne Bella Emberg, who has appeared on a long list of British sitcoms and shows such as "Russ Abbot's Madhouse" and "The Benny Hill Show" and who made two uncredited appearances on Doctor Who during the 1970's (in "The Time Warrior" and "Doctor Who and the Silurians"), will apparently be seen in the season's tenth episode, "Love & Monsters". Official word from the production is still pending.