Russell T. Davies, in the newest issue of Doctor Who Magazine, comments on the new series that "at the moment, we're planning thirteen episodes, 45 minutes long. The 13 would be a mixture of one-off episodes, and two-parters, complete with cliffhangers." However, he does emphasize that all of this is subject to change. "I can certainly tell you that the BBC talks about this show as a potential long-runner," Davies says. "We aren't looking at a special one-off series for nostalgists only - we all want this show to succeed, to gather viewers, to exhilarate and stimulate and create new memories, and return every year. ... I did an interview with DWM a few years ago, where we speculated how Doctor Who could return. In that, I said that budgetary restrictions would make the show Earth-bound. Well now we're here, and it's real, and I'm looking at the budget and thinking to hell with it. Let's voyage. In time and space. As a programme, it's always going to use present-day Earth as a touchstone.... but it would be a shame to ignore the endless vistas offered by a fully-functioning TARDIS. The Doctor and his friend Rose will be able to travel anywhere, any time, every Saturday night." (Thanks to "Bobbyfischface" on the OG Forum)

Outpost Gallifrey has received better copies of the covers -- and the working back cover blurbs -- for the forthcoming BBC Books releases The Scream of the Shalka (February) and The Eleventh Tiger (May), as follows (click on the thumbnail of each cover for a larger version):

Gordon Reid, who played Phillips in episode 1 of "Invasion of the Dinosaurs," died on stage in London on November 27. (Thanks to Ben Jolly)

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

The latest issue of SFX Magazine (issue #112) has a small update on the new show including comments from Russell T. Davies that they have chosen a hands-on, day-to-day producer for the series, but he doesn't mention who it is. "Our lovely Chosen One is still finishing off on another drama," Davies comments. "I would tell you, except the moment the name gets announced, the e-mails flood in... so let's leave the poor soul in peace for now. See how I said all that without giving away their sex? Marvel at my avoidance, marvel at it!" (Thanks to Paul Hayes)

In an interview on BBC3's Liquid News on Thursday, new series producer Mal Young made comments indicating that progress was actually further along than we'd expected. Young said that the thirteen stories for the first season were already written, by Russell T. Davies, and were "brilliant," contradicting earlier reports that the first season would consist of twelve episodes. Update: several other correspondents have written in to let us know that Young actually spoke about "storylines" completed, not actual scripts; this ties with the earlier claim that Davies would be involved in the overall story arc of the first season but not writing each individual episode. (Outpost Gallifrey maintains that Davies willnot be the sole writer of the new series.) Young also mentioned a "long short list" of potential Doctors had already been vetted, and they were currently working on casting. Young made comments on some female Doctor suggestions, including Caroline Quentin ("Jonathan Creek") and Michelle Collins ("Eastenders"). (Thanks to Phillip Madeley, Ben Morris, Alexander Dante, Darren Pickles)

According to the BBC Press Office, on a press release on their website, the forthcoming anniversary documentary The Story of Doctor Who will air on Tuesday, December 30 at 6:30pm on BBC1. Check your local listings closer to the event. (Thanks to Steve Tribe)