Music lovers should check out Orbital's new 'Blue Album', out today (Mon 21 June), which features on the fifth track entitled "You Lot", a sample featuring the voice of Christopher Eccleston from the ITV 2003 drama 'The Second Coming'. Orbital, of course remixed the Dr Who theme tune on their last album "The Altogether" which was used to accompany the 40th Anniversary celebration on last years' Doctor Who DVDs. (Thanks to Richard Allison)

There's a change at the top level on the continuing Doctor Who novel series at BBC Books -- commissioning editor Ben Dunn will be leaving BBC Books this summer to join HarperCollins, steering a new humor book line starting in August. Range consultant Justin Richards, who has been responsible for much of the interaction on publication of the books with the various authors on the range, today told Outpost Gallifrey, "For the record (and the fans) Ben's leaving makes no difference to schedules or projects currently committed." Justin did not comment on who would actually take over for Dunn on the book series. We wish Mr. Dunn well in his future pursuits, and meanwhile are delighted that the range will continue unabated. (Thanks to Justin Richards)

According to a message from retailer Galaxy 4, the expected Doctor Who audio CD title Resistance is Futile has run into problems. Says the note from Galaxy 4, "The BBC have now removed this title from the 2004 schedule with no new date assured. This is due to copyright issues regarding the theme tune and the new Doctor Who TV series. We have therefore suspended all orders pending rescheduling or cancellation." This is a surprising turn of events, considering that the long-delayed CD release was actually promoted quite heavily with free giveaways at last year's official Doctor Who anniversary event, Panopticon 2003. (Thanks to Galaxy 4, Steve Tribe)

UK viewers, tune into quiz show Mastermind this Tuesday at 9pm on BBC2 - according to MyDigiGuide one of the contestants is taking Doctor Who as his specialist subject.

According to the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification), the following is the list of running times for the extras being included on the forthcoming DVD release of Ghost Light in the UK, which we've previously reported on.


There are further details in the article on the Restoration Team site about these items, including details on the DVD transfer. (Thanks to Steve Tribe)

The North-West Evening Mail ran a brief story about London collectors "planning to exterminate all opposition to get their hands on BarrowÆs Dalek," referring to the Dalek model currently guarding the entrance to Furness Auctions at Oldham Street.

The Times (London) finally ran an obituary for Anthony Ainley on June 15 (better late than never!) It's the first indication of cause of death, which is listed as cancer (and it also says he was 66, born in 1937... still no confirmation!)

Little Britain comes Stateside; the comedy premieres on BBC America this Sunday at 9:40pm and features Tom Baker as the narrator (with Anthony Stewart Head as the Prime Minister).

According to a rumor on the SciFi Online site, the multi-disc "orphan episodes" DVD box set due in November we first reported about some time ago won't feature any photo galleries. We've no independent confirmation of this rumor so far. (Thanks to Rich Kirkpatrick)

Gary Russell of Big Finish let us know about an upcoming audio taping on June 23 where fans can participate. "If you fancy being one of about 25 people, men and woman, screaming yourself hoarse in a variety of ways and can be in south London next Wednesday evening 23rd June, drop an e-mail ASAP to crowds@bigfinish.com and we'll get back to you. Sorry, no fee, but heaps of tea and coffee. And maybe a cake or two... generous, aren't we..."