Updated 2330 GMT  Numerous fan sites and our own forum are buzzing with rumors about actor Christopher Eccleston being cast as the new Doctor for the forthcoming series. Eccleston's agent has denied that he has been cast, although the denial could be interpreted as simply not confirming such before the press announcement. An internal BBC memo circulated earlier in the week stated that the discussions were down to "a short list of three," although we've just heard word that there is a possible announcement coming in as early as the next couple of days. Outpost Gallifrey will bring you the news as soon as we hear official confirmation of the casting announcement.

On yesterday's edition of Liquid News, Bill Nighy, one of the actors "in the running" for the role of the Doctor since Russell Davies mentioned he was a favorite, was quoted as saying, "My wife shouted from the kitchen, 'are you going to be Doctor Who? - it says in the paper' but that's as near as I ever got... So I don't know." When asked again by the reporter, he replied "I don't know, I've no idea. You'd have to tell... ask whoever, I don't know, who wrote the story." (Thanks to Duncan Purvis)

The BBC Radio Collection will soon release Douglas Adams at the BBC, "an A to Z of Douglas Adams' career at the BBC," a tribute to the life and work of the famous British author among whose many accomplishments are the immortalThe Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy, and script editing and three screenplays for "Doctor Who". The release (2 CD's according to the BBC Shop, but 3 CD's according to Adams biographer MJ Simpson) will include archive clips and radio interviews with linking narration by Simon Jones (who played Arthur Dent on TV and on the radio). Says Simpson: "Among the gems on offer are: all three of DouglasÆ Burkiss Way sketches including æKamikazeÆ; extracts from Last Chance to See; æSheilaÆs EarÆ, the infamous ælostÆ mini-episode of HitchhikerÆs Guide; the æParanoid SocietyÆ sketch from the BBC2 broadcast of the Footlights revue Chox; Douglas singing on the John Dunn show; Douglas on Quote...Unquote; and a slew of other appearances, writing credits and interviews. Also included is So Long and Thanks for All the Fish, the Radio 4 tribute programme to Douglas from September 2001." The CD release is due out on September 6. (Thanks to MJ Simpson and Magrathea; thanks to Rich Kirkpatrick for letting us know!)

Paul McGann spoke to SFX Magazine about the forthcoming new series. He said he doubted he would be asked to reprise the role, but said that he would be happy to appear in any regeneration, should that be the direction that the producers want to take. When asked for the name of an actor he thought should be in the role, McGann mentionedDavid Warner, because he was quite happy with the actor's work.

Actor Nicholas Parsons, among whose many roles is that of Reverend Wainwright in "The Curse of Fenric," has been awarded the designation of OBE (Order of the British Empire) for the year 2004, according to the Fanderson site. The comedy actor and presenter was given the honor in recognition of his contributions to British television and radio over the last 50 years, including "Just a Minute," "Sale of the Century," "Carry On Regardless" and "Cluedo". The OBE was created in 1917 by George V and is bestowed by the Queen every year. This is, rather coincidentally, the third story about a member of the "Curse of Fenric" supporting cast in as many weeks, though this is by far the happiest one (as we previously reported the deaths of co-stars Alfred Lynch and Dinsdale Landen). (Thanks to Rich Kirkpatrick and Fanderson)

Caroline John has a small role in the Universal/Studio Canal film "Love Actually" starring Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson and Bill Nighy; she plays the role of "Sam's grandmother".