Broadcasting

Easter weekend for Doctor Who? It's looking possible. Besides the report in The Sun (see below), we've heard from several sources that Easter is a definite possibility. Of course, as happened last year, it's very likely that the final date of transmission won't be determined until next year, probably in February or even March. At any rate, that would put transmission on or around April 15, but as always, this is subject to official BBC confirmation.

The BFBS channel, which broadcasts television to overseas-serving members of the British Armed Forces, will screen "The Christmas Invasion" at 8.10pm Central European Time on Christmas Day, just 10 minutes after its premiere on BBC1. It will then repeat the broadcast on 26 December at 8PM CET. Our correspondent says that BFBS Navy will probably air the episode, but they do not have listings for that week up yet.

Back In Time, the BBC Radio Wales documentary from last season, apparently will be continuing this year! Back on the air with an episode subtitled "New Doctor, New Danger," it's aired on Friday 23 December at 6.30pm-7pm, repeated the next day from 1.05pm-1.35pm. We'll be checking the content of this as soon as possible.

While it's been rumored for some time, today's The Sun says that "Stephen Fry's Doctor Who script has been postponed. It was scheduled for the second series, due at Easter. But our Tardis insider reveals: 'Stephen's script is in its third draft and it's so ambitious that Russell T Davies decided it fitted in better with the next run. It will give the team more time to sort out all the special effects and prosthetics.' Blimey." Additional reports on this atContact Music,Yahoo News.

Tonight's edition of Newsnight Review selected Doctor Who as one of its television highlights of the year. The presenters praised the series overall, mostly stating that it got better as it went along.

The Christmas Invasion

Aint It Cool News, which last year had some of the very first reviews of "Rose" from early leaked copies of the episode, this year has a much more positive review of "The Christmas Invasion" from a viewer who saw it at a recent press screening. "In the end, it's the characters and not the action set pieces that make 'The Christmas Invasion' work," says the reviewer. "Billie Piper turns in a wonderful performance as Rose, who not only feels she's lost the Doctor, but is also powerless to stop the alien menace. [Camille] Coduri is annoyingly daffy as Rose's mom, who informed about the Doctor's two hearts, wonders if the time lord has two of anything else under his pajamas. And Noel Clarke finally begins to take Mickey out of the buffoon category, giving him a much more proactive role... There are also a few nice guest performances, particularly from Penelope Wilton ... Make no mistake about it, when Tennant's Doctor takes center stage, there's no doubt whatsoever who's in charge (no pun intended). ... For me, Tennant's biggest talent is the way he can deliver a speech, with the perfect combination of deadpan seriousness and twinkle-in-his-eye humor. ... As a holiday special that also introduces the new Doctor, 'The Christmas Invasion' is a thoroughly entertaining hour of television that will definitely whet viewer appetites for the upcoming season." The review also notes that there is a brief collection of clips from forthcoming episodes at the end of the special, which presumably will be aired along with this on BBC1 next week.

The people behind the offficial Doctor Who website have launched a brand new "spinoff site" for the forthcoming Christmas special, "The Christmas Invasion". The British Rocket Group and their space launch vehicle, Guinevere One, can now be accessed directly, or through a link from the front page of the official Doctor Who site. (This is indeed an actual spinoff site; other recent sites receiving widespread attention have been fan-created.) The official site also now has a photo of Broadcasting House in Llandaff, which is "currently sporting the TARDIS on its roof. There is also a giant screen with a countdown to the Christmas Invasion and a special promotional video highlighting the fact that over 70 per cent of the people working on the show are Welsh."

What's with the Doctor's new accent? Says today's The Sun, "THE Doctor's new Cockney accent comes from sidekick Rose. Show writer Russell T Davies said: 'It is meant to be from all the time he has spent with Rose, to show just how close they are. We were due to explain this in the Christmas special - but then we cut the line out!'"

Manchester Evening News calls the special its "Pick of the Day". "Not sure what's funnier - that Who's now so valued a property it gets an Xmas special or that ITV have bottled it completely and avoided scheduling any competition. David Tennant makes his full debut in The Christmas Invasion, as the Sycorax invade London. Fantastic. Really, nothing else matters today."

People

The Telegraph on Saturday morning features an interview with Penelope Wilton, the returning guest star who's now Prime Minister Harriet Jones (instead of "Harriet Jones, MP, Flydale North" like last year!) "If the acting profession needed such a thing as a head girl, it would look no further than Penelope Wilton. It's not just that she brings the kitemark of integrity to anything she's in, or an air of quintessential Englishness. More than these, it's the gameness with which she troops between screen and stage, bit part and lead, the lightest entertainment and the blackest tragedy. She does a good line in slightly batty mothers, for example: on screen last year in Edgar Wright's zombie spoof, Shaun of the Dead, but more recently as the battiest mother of all in The House of Bernarda Alba at the National Theatre. Early next year she gets up to the foulest pimping imaginable in a new RSC production of Thomas Middleton's Women Beware Women. But before that she is more prime ministerial than the PM in the Doctor Who Christmas special. Wilton at Number 10 is fantasy casting to rival Martin Sheen in The Oval Office: the leader a nation knows it will never have or deserve. In the first series, Wilton was a backbench MP who spent her screen time running away from a race of large worm-like creatures called the Slitheen. It was somehow very Wiltonesque that she never let go of her handbag. 'It's what I thought she would do,' Wilton says. She got the job thanks to another of her batty mothers in Bob and Rose, written (like Doctor Who) by Russell T Davies. 'He has the most wonderful sense of humour. So when he asked me to play 'Harriet Jones, MP for Flydale North', I said 'Certainly. Unfortunately power goes to my head a bit in this. I keep saying 'Harriet Jones, Prime Minister' to which a lot of people say, 'Yes, we know who you are.'' How many people know who Wilton is? She puts herself in the category of actors who 'if the reality be known, get two scripts and choose the better one of the two'. In films - Calendar Girls, Iris, Clockwise (as John Cleese's wife), and Woody Allen's forthcoming tennis thriller Match Point - the fireworks go off elsewhere." Read the whole story at the website.

The List magazine, a listings publication for Edinburgh and Glasgow, has named David Tennant number 1 in its list of "Scotland's hottest creative talent of 2005". Some relevant quotes from inside: "No other Scottish personality could come witihin a royal mile of matching the current ubiquity of David Tennant. The Paisley-born actor's 2005 career trajectory could be compared to a quickly growing snowball that can supersede everything in sight....As we teeter on the verge of a new year, a quick scan of any newsagent's shelf reveals a plethora of magazine covers featuring tennant as the tenth incarnation of Doctor Who, battling Cybermen in the ressurected TV sci-fi series 'Christmas Invasion'.... Followers of Tennant (not to mention legions of loyal Who-vians) will be watching his first proper outing as the Doctor this Christmas Day with great interest. Judging by the teaser trailer in November's Children In Need extravaganza, the actor is leading the character further away from his authoritarian origins, creating a more hip, laid back incarnation. It will be interesting to see what playing such an iconic character will do for Tennant's wider career. Christopher Eccleston quit the role to avoid typecasting, while previous Doctors have struggled to wriggle out of the outrageously long scarf. That said, watching the Timelord as a child is the reason Tennant went into acting. "From that point on, I absolutely didn't want to do anything else," he has said. It seems the star-struck Paisley boy has come full circle."

Meanwhile, the Mirror says today that "New Doctor Who David Tennant is battling a fresh enemy - a concrete factory planned near his North London home. He's joined residents in opposing the proposal at an inquiry." And The Sun says that "Stunning Sophia Myles is definitely seeing Doctor Who hunk David Tennant. Sophia, 25 -Lady Penelope in the new Thunderbirds movie -was dating Bleak House star Charles Dance, 59, earlier this year. But she found love with Scots heart-throb David, 34, when she filmed a role in the BBC1 sci-fi hit -and the actor gave the game away at a TV party. Sophia plays Madame Du Pompadour in the fourth episode of the new series, called The Girl In The Fireplace. Speaking at the launch of the Christmas Day special, she told TV Biz: 'Our relationship is too private to talk about.' But unluckily for her, David chose that moment to stroll up and nuzzle her neck, saying: 'Are you OK, sweetheart? We'll be going soon.' Bet he wishes he could jump in his Tardis and go back in time... "

Tennant also reveals that he has not had any contact from his predecessor Christopher Eccleston, according toNewsquest. "The Casanova star said former timelords Tom Baker -his childhood hero -and Peter Davison had both sent him good-luck notes on his first day of filming. But he has not heard from Christopher -who left the BBC under a dark cloud after quitting the hit show after just one series. BBC bosses were furious after Chris left them in the lurch. And they made sure they signed David up for TWO series. However, BBC drama boss Jane Trantor praised Christopher for helping to revive Doctor Who. She said: 'He completely launched the show into the 21st Century.'"

Bruno Langley (Adam from last year's "Dalek" and "The Long Game") will be appearing in "A Taste of Honey", a new staging of the play (originally written in the 1960's) by Shelagh Delaney at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre running 20 April to 13 May, 2006. The Coliseum has a website and the play is mentioned in a column at What's On Stage.

Eve Myles (Gwyneth from "The Unquiet Dead") can see her in a short film, "Say It With Flowers" on Thursday 5 January at 21.45, along with an episode of "Belonging" at 21.00 the same evening. It'll be on BBC2 Wales.

Miscellaneous

Inside Housing has a feature report called "Estate Invasion" by Daniel Martin on local residents of the Brandon Estate, which is used for filming during Doctor Who as Rose's flat and neighborhood. (Note: this is a PDF file.) Among the highlights: "Many council tenants complain about noisy neighbours and anti-social behaviour. But they've had it easy. One south London estate has been invaded by the army and was nearly crashed into by an alien spaceship. On Christmas Day it'll be menaced by a troupe of evil Santas. Not to mention the mysterious blue box that keeps appearing and disappearing. The tenants, however, have nothing to fear. The estate - the Brandon in Walworth - is a key location for the new BBC series of Doctor Who. It's the setting for the Powell estate where the Doctor's companion Rose Tyler grew up. The crew filmed three episodes on the estate last year and for series two they're filming even more. It's a huge logistical problem: how do you film on an estate populated by hundreds of people and not cause chaos for the tenants? Some disruption is inevitable but it can be mitigated with a little bit of help from the residents' association. That's where Dot and Gwen Smith (no relation) come in. These two formidable 66-year-olds have both lived on the estate for years and are known by all. They work closely with the BBC to ensure that filming goes on with as little disruption as possible. 'Our job is to liaise with the film crew to make sure there are no problems for the tenants,' says Gwen Smith as a day's shooting gets under way. 'We go round asking if they wouldn't mind closing their windows and once when they did a night shoot we asked tenants if they wanted black outs. They were great about it.' ... It's early morning and the estate has been transformed into a mini film set, with a little tent full of monitors propped up against a wall, enabling the director to see if he's got the shot he wants. On this occasion there are few residents around. ... 'We'd been told they were filming some scenes with the army,' recalls Gwen, 'but one evening these massive big tanks came onto the estate. We looked at each other and said "we're going to get complaints". But we never had one. The tenants love the excitement.' 'Unfortunately,' adds Dot Smith, 'one of the tanks went down a manhole and the BBC had to pay for it being fixed.'" You can read the full article by downloading it.

There's more coverage of this week's TARDIS auction (see earlier press clips columns) at The Scotsman, the Daily Record. Another mention of Christopher Eccleston's trip abroad for relief efforts at AlertNet.

(Thanks to Paul Engelberg, Steve Tribe, Ian Golden, Peter Weaver, Joanna Pinkney, David Baker, Leighton Calvert, Benjamin Elliott, Matthew Kilburn, Paul Hayes, Daniel Martin)

Amazon is now listing the Tenth Doctor novel to be published by BBC Books next spring written by Gareth Roberts as being called I Am a Dalek. The paperback is due for publication on 11 May and is part of the government-sponsored Quick Reads initiative, designed to encourage literacy among reluctant readers. More information available atQuickReads and Amazon.

According to Data Extract, the news magazine of the Doctor Who Club of Australia, Genesis of the Daleks will be released there on DVD by Roadshow Home Video in April 2006, with Inferno following in June. This meshes with Outpost Gallifrey's previous reports that both DVDs will be part of BBC Video's 2006 DVD release schedule in the UK, although neither DVD have been officially announced yet; we believe "Genesis" will be out in March 2006 in the UK, but as always, it isn't official until it's formally announced.

BBC News reports today that the auction of the miniature TARDIS replica (which we reported about in yesterday's press column) has been sold at Christie's auction house for £10,800. The plywood replica was built at the BBC visual effects department and was last seen on television in 1970. Sarah Hodgson, head of popular entertainment at Christie's said: "There was strong international interest throughout today's successful sale for film and entertainment memorabilia from all eras. The Stormtrooper helmets from Star Wars and the Tardis from Doctor Who performed particularly well and attracted strong prices, with all doubling their pre-sale estimates."

BBC News today notes that "Christmas comes once a year, except in Cardiff, where it has already been and gone. Back in July, shoppers in the city centre found themselves walking past a giant Christmas tree, a late-night festive market and Santa lookalikes. It was as if the Welsh capital had somehow been flung into a different dimension. And in a way, it had been. Perhaps thanks to the Tardis, the city was the backdrop for the Doctor Who special to screened on Christmas Day. The Hayes shopping area of the city has played its part in another climactic galactic tale of the changeling Timelord and his earthly adventures. Over two nights, the BBC Wales team which makes the show transformed one of the busiest areas of Cardiff into a tinsel and snow-filled location. They even borrowed the council's own Christmas lights to do it. Producer Phil Collinson said: 'The main problem was trying to find places that did not have leaves on the trees. We tried to be quite careful about that. We filmed on The Hayes, which wasn't so bad because it wasn't the greenest part of Cardiff. The people in the streets are so proud that this show is made here. It does make it easier for us. We have closed the main street for a whole evening. In any other place they would be shaking their fists as us, but in Cardiff, its 'okay, go ahead'.' A typical episode takes around two-and-a-half weeks to film, he said. 'We've had hordes of people turning up to watch. There is always a bang or a flash or a guy in a green suit to watch.'" Collinson notes that "The Christmas Invasion" is "scary... that's why we can't show it after the Queen (the Queen's speech), but it's still good fun.'" It also quotes Russell T Davies as saying, "I would never have let someone else write the Christmas episode - I have been dying to write a Christmas episode all my life."

BBC News is reporting that Christopher Eccleston was invited by the British Red Cross to visit the Indonesian province of Banda Aceh as part of relief efforts for last year's devastating tsunamis. "Before the Tsunami I'd never thought about Indonesia and I didn't know the Acenese as a race existed," Eccleston tells BBC News. "In the last two or three days here I've learned lessons about courage and optimism in the face of unimaginable grief that I shall never ever forget." The article notes that Eccleston met some of those re-building their lives in Aceh, including going to a school where 500 children lost their lives in the flood: now a popstars-style talent show is helping children regain their sense of fun; visiting one of the Indonesian islands hit by the Tsunami; and later appearing on BBC Breakfast (this Friday) to speak about his impression of the Red Cross' work in Indonesia. There is currently a video clip at BBC News; go to the front page and click on "Latest news in video and audio" at top. (Update: you can also find it atBBC News 24.)

MSNBC wonders today what sort of project famed director Peter Jackson ("The Lord of the Rings," "King Kong") will do next. "It seems almost certain that 'King Kong' will enjoy the same critical adulation and blockbuster popular success as the 'Lord Of The Rings' trilogy, which means that Kong isn’t the only 10-ton gorilla around. With four massive successes in a row, director Peter Jackson is an enviable position as an artist, having gained enough clout that he could choose just about anything he dreamed of for his next film and he’d find a studio that would let him make it. So what should that next movie be? ... The venerable British sci-fi series 'Doctor Who' is in good hands now on the small screen, brought back to life in a cheekily well-written, Buffyesque format by 'Queer As Folk' creator Russell T. Davies. But nobody’s made a feature-length film spinoff of the series since Peter Cushing starred in two forgettable 'Doctor Who' movies in the mid-1960s. Jackson would find an excellent match for his talents in 'Who’s' match of slam-bang action, creepy horror and thought-provoking science fiction. The villains of this hypothetical film would almost certainly have to be the tank-like Daleks simply because they’re The Doctor’s most popular foes, but we’d love to see what Jackson would do with such eerie aliens as the fungoid Zygons, the amoeba-like Rutan, or the reptilian Silurians and Sea Devils. There’s plenty of other forgotten or underappreciated science fiction that would fit Jackson. Like 'Doctor Who,' lots of them are British — we’d be intrigued to see his take on the 1950s 'Quatermass' TV serials and the 1962 monster-chiller 'Day Of The Triffids.'"

A review of The Christmas Invasion today in the Sun, which says "Killer Xmas trees, slaying Santas and a sackful of sexual chemistry -the Dr Who special is the best gift fans could hope for. Best bits are the PM scrapping the Queen's Speech in an alien invasion, the Doc being revived with a cuppa, and his regenerating hand. Just don't let the evil Sycorax put you off your turkey!"

Irish News reports today that Billie Piper is among a list of celebrities (which also includes Robbie Williams and Neil Morrissey) behind a new event in aid of a Belfast-based victims support group. Actor James Nesbitt will today launch Art Wave at Belfast City Hall, a new event which will see artwork by artists and celebrities auctioned to raise funds for charity Wave, which uses the arts as therapy to help children, young people and adults who have been traumatised as a result of the Troubles. The event, set to take place next spring, will see major Irish and English artists donate pieces of work for an exhibition and auction in Belfast's City Hall.

Newsquest Media interviews Andrew Skilleter, famed illustrator responsible for many Doctor Who portraits and book jacket/video covers over the years. "Watching with particular interest as actor David Tennant takes to our screens as the tenth Dr Who this Christmas will be artist and illustrator Andrew Skilleter. For Dorset-based image-maker Andrew has been closely involved in the intergalactic time-travelling adventures of the Doctor for more than a quarter of a century. ... Twenty two years on Christmas finds the good Doctor back on the cover of the Radio Times and Andrew back in the spotlight as all things Dr Who-related are suddenly a source of universal interest. ... 'When Chris Ecclestone [sic] came on the scene there was an enormous boost in interest and with David Tennant about to take over it is still riding high. A week or so ago I was at this huge memorabilia event at the NEC. It's really been quite hectic.' Having been closely involved in the time travelling glory days of the 1980s, Andrew says he isn't entirely sure about the new era of Dr Who. 'I've tried to distance myself from it and watch it simply as a drama but I think all I can say is that when it was good it was very good indeed. I think it's a shame that Chris Ecclestone didn't stay with it a little longer, but I'm certainly going to be interested to see what David Tennant does with it.'" The article mentions that Reeltime Pictures will shortly release a "Myth Makers" documentary video that focuses on him and his work, and that some of his Target and BBC Video covers will be released as collectors' prints throughout 2006.

More reviews of "Secret Smile" starring David Tennant: the Scotsman says it "wasn't totally pish. The Chicklife seemed accurate enough, as did the motifs of middle-class life: mixed salad bowls and bottles of olive oil. But David should get as far away from this Chickstuff as he can in his TARDIS for the time being (or indeed not being)." The Daily Express says, "It has to be said, Secret Smile... hasn't given us much to smile about so far. In fact, it began with the heroine, young architect Miranda Cotton, being dead, so it's hard to imagine there can be any sort of happy ending. But even if it does take you to places you feel you'd rather not go, it's addictive viewing – largely because of a great script and convincing acting. There's something totally believable about Miranda's evil stalker Brendan, played by former Casanova star and the new Doctor Who, David Tennant."

Additional comments about the anti-war stance of "The Christmas Invasion" at The Telegraph, Stuff.co.nz. Meanwhile, American Thinker is reacting to the news by saying that "the once-respected BBC is using a Christmas Day broadcast to a science fiction series to bash America... And this from a government-owned broadcaster." Finally,InformITV talks about the 'red button' episode "Attack of the Graske".

(Thanks to Paul Engelberg, Steve Tribe, Matt Kimpton, John Bowman)

April 2006 will see the publication of Inside the Tardis: A Cultural History of Doctor Who by James Chapman. The book covers the show from 1963 through to the current series, and has been researched at the BBC Written Archives Centre. James Chapman is the author of a number of books on cinema and television, including "Licence to Thrill: A Cultural History of the James Bond Films" and "Saints and Avengers: British Adventure Series of the 1960s". Inside the Tardis (which has previously been incorrectly listed on Amazon as Doctor Who - A Cultural History) will be available in hardback and paperback; further details can be obtained from the publisher atibtauris.com. (Thanks to Steve Tribe)

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)