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)

The UK version of the New Series Boxed Set, as previously reported, contains several errors, including the inability to play the entirety of "World War Three" from the episodic option. UK viewers are asked to call the BBC help line at 0870 241 0624 prior to returning their discs; they will send a replacement disc as available. Meanwhile, Outpost Gallifrey has been informed that the Australian version of the boxed set has been recalled by the manufacturers because they hold the same problems; there is currently no word about when they will be re-released, although current information indicates it is likely in early January.

(Thanks to Steve Tribe)

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."

As suggested in some online television listings, The Christmas Invasionwill have its first UK repeat on New Year's Day, Sunday 1 January, at 7.00pm on BBC Three. The official site has confirmed that this broadcast will again be followed by Attack of the Graske, available via the 'red button', which will be on BBCi between 8pm and midnight. (This suggests, although the BBC site does not clearly confirm it, that the interactive episode will be on for four hours on Christmas Day as well.)

The official Doctor Who site has confirmed that BBC7 digital radio service will broadcast The Chimes of Midnight on four consecutive Saturdays beginning this Saturday, 17 December, and ending on Saturday 7 January, at 6.30pm and 12.30am. The site also has a "Chimes" trailer, which debuted on BBC7 after the "Shada" broadcast. "The Chimes of Midnight," by Rob Shearman, is one of Big Finish's most celebrated Doctor Who audio plays, starring Paul McGann and India Fisher.

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."