Richard Bacon is live in Cardiff from 2:00pm Today on BBC Radio 5 Live - going behind of scenes of some of TV's biggest dramas.

He's at the BBC's new Roath Lock studios which are used to film Doctor Who, Casualty and Holby City, to name a few.

Bacon will also be talking to The Doctor's new assistant - the actress Jenna Louise Coleman... And he'll get onto the wards of Holby General Hospital to meet the cast of Casualty.

+  Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live on BBC iPlayer.

[Source: BBC Radio 5 Live]

The BBC have released a new promo image and some further information regarding Series 7B of Doctor Who.

The series is set to return to BBC One on Saturday 30th March 2013 in a modern day urban thriller, finally confirmed today as 'The Bells of St John', as the first official image is revealed (pictured-right), giving fans a sneak peak at what to expect from the epic new series. Eagle-eyed fans will also spot a sneak peek at the revamped Ice Warriors, in the promo image. For the less eagle-eyed out there, DWO have put together an image (also pictured-right) featuring all the Ice Warrior portions of the promo image.

Written by Steven Moffat, 'The Bells of St John' will mark the official introduction of the Doctor's newest companion, Clara Oswald, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman.  Having already made two appearances last year, the opening episode will be the first time fans get to see the Clara that will accompany The Doctor across the series' eight adventures.

Set in London against the backdrop of new and old iconic landmarks, The Shard and Westminster Bridge, 'The Bells of St John' will also establish a new nemesis, the Spoonheads, who will battle The Doctor as he discovers something sinister is lurking in the Wi-Fi.

Steven Moffat, executive producer and lead writer, said:

"It's the 50th year of Doctor Who and look what's going on! We're up in the sky and under the sea! We're running round the rings of an alien world and then a haunted house. There's new Cybermen, new Ice Warriors and a never before attempted journey to the centre of the TARDIS. And in the finale, the Doctor's greatest secret will at last be revealed!  If this wasn't already our most exciting year it would be anyway!"

Featuring a movie a week from a ghost story to an underwater siege to a period drama, the new series will also introduce new monsters, as well as bringing back fan favourites The Ice Warriors and The Cybermen.

Meanwhile the series' stellar list of guest stars include: Celia Imrie; Warwick Davis, Jessica Raine, Dougray Scott and Tamzin Outhwaite, as well as for the first time on screen together, mother and daughter Dame Diana Rigg and Rachael Stirling.

Check Out DWO's Guide to Series 7B, below:

W = Written By / D = Directed By:

7.6: The Bells Of St.John - [W: Steven Moffat / D: Colm McCarthy]
7.7: The Rings of Akhaten - [W: Neil Cross / D: Farren Blackburn] - Rumoured Title
7.8: The Cold War - [W: Mark Gatiss / D: Douglas Mackinnon] - Rumoured Title
7.9: Phantoms Of The Hex - [W: Neil Cross / D: Jamie Payne] - Rumoured Title
7.10: Journey To The Centre Of The TARDIS - [W: Stephen Thompson / D: Mat King]
7.11: The Crimson Horror - [W: Mark Gatiss / D: Saul Metzstein] - Rumoured Title
7.12: The Last Cyberman - [W: Neil Gaiman / D: Stephen Wolfenden]
7.13: Untitled - [W: Steven Moffat / D: Saul Metzstein]

Watch the preview for Series 7B, below:

[youtube:0q7xbDpym0Q]

+  The Bells Of St John will air on 30th March on BBC One at Time TBC in the UK.
+  The Bells Of St John will air on 30th March on BBC America at Time TBC in the USA.
+  The Bells Of St John will air on 30th March on Space at Time TBC in Canada.

[Source: BBC Media Centre]

Doctor Who DVD Producer, Ed Stradling recently conducted a video interview with Steven Moffat for last weekend's Gallifrey One convention in Los Angeles.

The 13-minute interview offers a few insights into the new series, and the 50th Anniversary special, with Steven stating at one point:

"Doctor Who, the 50th is approaching - various different things - a lot of different things. Don't believe the nonsense about one 60-minute film, that is complete nonsense."

You can watch the full interview with Steven Moffat below:

[youtube:h7VQrnMzjrU]

+  Follow @EdStradling on Twitter.

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter.

[Source: Gallifrey One]

Steven Moffat has (quite possibly deliberately) added fuel to the rumours that past Doctors might return for the 50th Anniversary Doctor Who Special.

Speaking at the recent BBC Drama Commissions event, and subsequently quoted by The Mirror newspaper, Moffat had the following to say regarding plans for the special:

“Getting the other Doctors involved would be very fitting for the anniversary episode, wouldn’t it?”

Initially The Mirror newspaper failed to state the source of the quote, but DWO today got confirmation that it was indeed at the BBC Drama Commissions event.

Matt Smith has also added fuel to the rumours, having been quoted saying:

“How amazing would it be to see Tom Baker? Can you imagine seeing him back in the scarf? That would be so cool! Paul McGann is a great Doctor – I say bring back Chris and Dave too.”

+ Woud you like to see past Doctors return for the 50th Anniversary Special? Vote Now in the DWO Forums!

[Sources: The Mirror; DWO]

A new license has been given by the BBC to Rubbertoe Replicas to make 100% authentic Doctor Who props.

The company, which is headed by New Series Doctor Who Prop Maker, Nicholas Robatto, offers a range of Doctor Who prop replicas, hand-made using the same materials and techniques as used on the show.

Speaking to DWO, Rubbertoe Replicas Founder, Nicholas Robatto said:

"After making props for Doctor Who for many years, we are incredibly excited to be launching our range of replicas and memorabilia. All our replicas are made in exactly the same way as they have been made for the show, so hopefully people will enjoy being able to own something that is a real, authentic piece of Doctor Who."

The current Rubbertoe Replicas Doctor Who product catalogue includes:

-  Gallifreyan Coasters - £46.99
-  Coaster Display Stands - £11.95
-  Sonic Coaster Display Stands - £11.95
-  Brass Gallifreyan Wibbly Wobbly Paperweight - £46.95
-  Silver Gallifreyan Wibbly Wobbly Paperweight - £46.95
-  TARDIS Type 40 Plaque - £37.99
-  'The Power Of Three' Cube - £37.99
-  Gallifreyan Sonic Screwdriver Display Holder - £39.99
-  River Song Squareness Blaster - £369.99
-  Captain Jack Sonic Blaster - £369.99
-  Dalek Death Ray Projector - £565.50 

+  Check Out the Rubber Replicas website.

+  Follow Rubber Replicas on Twitter: @DoctorWhoProps.

[Source: Rubbertoe Replicas]

The BBC Press Office has confirmed that the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special will be shown in 3D.

Below is the release that BBC Controller, Ben Stephenson issued today:

“As part of the BBC's blockbuster celebrations to mark the Doctor turning 50, fans will be able to see the Time Lord and his adventures like never before - in 3D!  To be broadcast using some of the BBC’s HD capacity.

It's a nationwide celebration of both Doctor Who and the BBC because I think they are so synonymous. We will be doing a big Doctor Who special in 3D which is very exciting and feels very innovative.

We will be doing it on cinema screens as well. We are working out the logistics of that at the moment because we need to make sure the main BBC1 experience remains absolute value for money for the audience.

There will be lots of aliens and daleks and things like that – or maybe there won't. There are many different things to take into account and we will also have a Christmas special after that and it all connects. Or maybe it doesn't. There's lots to work out."

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, said:

“It's about time. Technology has finally caught up with Doctor Who and your television is now bigger on the inside. A whole new dimension of adventure for the Doctor to explore."

Steven Moffat is still working on the script for the show which will be filmed, like most of the series, in south Wales, and will follow an eight-part run of Doctor Who.

The BBC have also uploaded a showreel for their upcoming drama, which features a couple of new clips from Doctor Who:

+  Are you looking forward to seeing Doctor Who in 3D? Vote Now in the DWO Forums!

[Sources: BBC Press Office; The Guardian]

SFX Magazine have exclusively revealed that Classic Series villains, The Ice Warriors, will return in Series 7 of Doctor Who.

Speaking to SFX in an exclusive interview, Executive Producer, Caro Skinner, had the following to say regarding their eturn:

“We’ve got the most fantastic episode by Mark Gatiss, where we are bringing back the Ice Warrior… on a submarine! It’s a really wonderful kind of ‘bunker’ episode, and a classic monster which Mark has brought his own inimitable twist to.

We wanted to bring them back because they’re wonderful! In the mix of stories that we were planning for this year it felt as if doing something very bold with a monster that hadn’t been seen for a while would be really cool. Mark is an enormous fan of the Ice Warrior stories and came up with the idea. The sense of a monster of that scale and that size trapped in a really small, contained environment such as a submarine was a really brilliant story to be able to tell. And obviously we’ve had a huge amount of fun going back to the traditional designs and recreating them, bringing the Ice Warriors back to life again.

They were such a beautiful original design, and are genuinely really scary in terms of what they look like as they’re coming towards you in that armour. Letting a huge Ice Warrior loose at the heart of a classic Hunt For Red October style submarine movie was exactly the kind of story that the Doctor should get mixed up in.

They’ve got really scary voices as well. I spent quite a lot of time on set trying to hiss like an Ice Warrior...”

Armed with lethal sonic technology, the reptillian warmongers first tangled with Patrick Troughton’s Doctor in 1967′s “The Ice Warriors”, returning two years later in “The Seeds Of Death”. Jon Pertwee’s incarnation encountered them in 1972′s “The Curse Of Peladon” and 1974′s “The Monster Of Peladon”. Traditionally seen as one of the show’s 'Big Four' pantheon of monsters – along with The Daleks, The Cybermen and The Sontarans – the militaristic Martians won a throwaway mention in 2009′s “The Waters Of Mars” but have remained unseen in the 21st Century series.

Watch a clip from The Ice Warriors, below:

[youtube:HMGJCssAXL0]

[Source: SFX Magazine]

The title of Neil Gaiman's Series 7 Doctor Who episode has now been confirmed.

Speaking in an interview to TheMusic.com.au, Gaiman himself revealed the title of his Cyberman epsiode:

“I’ve written [one] that broadcasts in May. It guest stars Warwick Davis, Tamzin Outhwaite and Jason Watkins. The episode is called The Last Cyberman. It’s about identity, it’s about responsibility and it’s about porridge.”

[Source: TheMusic.com.au]

The BBC have released a full reveal image for the new TARDIS interior which will debut this Christmas.

The new set (pictured right), was designed by Michael Pickwoad, the show’s production designer, and will be home to The Doctor and Clara as they travel through space and time when the adventure continues in spring 2013 with eight epic episodes.

+  The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on BBC One at 5:15pm in the UK.
+  The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on BBC America at 9/8c in the USA.
+  The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on Space at 9e/6p in Canada.
+  The Snowmen will air on Proclamation Day (26th December) on ABC1 at 7:30pm in Australia. 
+  The Snowmen will air on Boxing Day (26th December) on Prime at Time TBC in New Zealand. 

[Source: BBC Pictures]

The BBC have released a sneak preview for the new TARDIS interior which will debut this Christmas, together with some more promotional pictures.

The new set (pictured right), was designed by Michael Pickwoad, the show’s production designer, and will be home to The Doctor and Clara as they travel through space and time when the adventure continues in spring 2013 with eight epic episodes.

+  The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on BBC One at 5:15pm in the UK.
+  The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on BBC America at 9/8c in the USA.
+  The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on Space at 9e/6p in Canada.
+  The Snowmen will air on Proclamation Day (26th December) on ABC1 at 7:30pm in Australia. 
+  The Snowmen will air on Boxing Day (26th December) on Prime at Time TBC in New Zealand. 

[Source: BBC Pictures]

The BBC have released a some more promotional pictures for the 2012 Doctor Who Christmas Special; 7.6X: The Snowmen.

+  The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on BBC One at 5:15pm in the UK.
+  The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on BBC America at 9/8c in the USA.
+  The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on Space at 9e/6p in Canada.
+  The Snowmen will air on Proclamation Day (26th December) on ABC1 at 7:30pm in Australia. 
+  The Snowmen will air on Boxing Day (26th December) on Prime at Time TBC in New Zealand. 

[Source: BBC Pictures]

The BBC have released a number of promotional pictures and a synopsis for the 2012 Doctor Who Christmas Special; 7.6X: The Snowmen.

+  7.6X: The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day at 5:15pm on BBC One.

[Source: BBC Pictures]

The BBC Doctor Who site have confirmed the rumours that The Cybermen will return in 2013, for the story written by Neil Gaiman.

The episode (7.12), will also guest star Warwick Davis (Star Wars, Willow, Harry Potter), Tamzin Outhwaite (Eastenders, Hotel Babylon) and Jason Watkins (Being Human, Lark Rise to Candleford), as 'a band of misfits on a mysterious planet'.

Stephen Woolfenden has been confirmed as the Director of the episode.

Writing on his blog, Neil Gaiman teased the title of the episode:

"Oh, and for the curious, the episode will be called . Only with letters instead of Ascii Blocks. Unless we change the title again before it's broadcast. Which might well happen, actually. I mean, it was originally called ."

Why not put your guesses below in the comment box, or tweet your guesses to the @DrWhoOnline Twitter account using the button to the right.

[Source: BBC Doctor Who site]

Following on from yesterday's announcement, the BBC have now released 'P.S.'; a short video written by Chris Chibnall with a voiceover from Arthur Darvill, which lets us find out what happened to Brian, Amy and Rory after the events of 7.5: The Angels Take Manhattan.

View the video below, then Rate / Discuss it in the DWO Forums:

[Source: BBC Doctor Who site]

Rory’s dad, Brian Williams, only appeared in two episodes but swiftly established himself as a favourite amongst Doctor Who’s audience. After Amy and Rory’s heart-breaking departure in The Angels Take Manhattan the BBC Doctor Who Team received many emails asking what happened next to Brian. Did he ever find out what took his son and daughter-in-law? If so, how? And would Brian – and viewers - ever learn more about Amy and Rory’s life after the Doctor?

A special scene was written by Chris Chibnall that revealed some of the answers but sadly, the sequence was never shot. However, the BBC Doctor Who site will be bringing you the scene tomorrow. Using animated storyboards and a voice-over specially recorded by Arthur Darvill, we’ll discover more about Brian and the Ponds, post-Angels.

It begins with Brian alone, doing what he once told the Doctor must be done – watering the plants. But his life is about to change forever...

Doctor Who’s Executive Producer, Caro Skinner, said:

"We’re delighted we can present this lovely scene written by Chris Chibnall. People took Rory’s dad, Brian, to their hearts very quickly, so it’s fitting we can give the character a degree of closure in this poignant piece."

P.S. is a short video written by Chris Chibnall and will be essential viewing for anyone who wants to know more about what happened to Brian, Amy and Rory. It will be available to watch on the BBC Doctor Who site Tomorrow (Friday 12th October).

[Source: BBC Doctor Who site]

The BBC today announced that a special BBC TWO drama has been commissioned to mark the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who next year.

An Adventure In Space And Time will tell the story of the genesis of Doctor Who since its first broadcast on 23rd November 1963. Exploring all aspects of the longest running science fiction series to date, the special one-off 90-minute drama will also look at the many personalities involved in bringing the series to life.

Written by Mark Gatiss, it is executive produced by current Doctor Who showrunner, Steven Moffat, and Caroline Skinner. The single drama was commissioned by Ben Stephenson Controller, Drama, and Janice Hadlow, Controller of BBC Two.

Mark Gatiss said: "This is the story of how an unlikely set of brilliant people created a true television original. And how an actor - William Hartnell - stereotyped in hard-man roles became a hero to millions of children. I've wanted to tell this story for more years than I can remember! To make it happen for Doctor Who's 50th birthday is quite simply a dream come true."

Steven Moffat, Executive Producer, said: “The story of Doctor Who is the story of television - so it's fitting in the anniversary year that we make our most important journey back in time to see how the TARDIS was launched.”

The production and transmission schedule will be confirmed next year, along with casting.

[Source: BBC Media Centre]

The BBC Doctor Who Twitter account has confirmed that Richard E. Grant will star in the 2012 Doctor Who Christmas Special, which begins filming this week.

Richard has previously appeared in the Doctor Who Comic Relief sketch 'The Curse of Fatal Death' as well as the BBCi Doctor Who Webcast of 'Scream of the Shalka', in which he plays a separate and earlier character from the canonical Ninth Doctor (played by Christopher Eccleston on television).

The actor, author and director, has starred in over 80 film and television hits including Withnail And I, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Jack & Sarah, Gosford Park and The Iron Lady.

On joining the show, Richard says: "I played Doctor Who in the digital animated Scream Of The Shalka and I'm honoured to be in the Christmas Special."

It is rumoured that Richard will play the villain in the Christmas Special.

Watch Richard E. Grant in 'The Curse of Fatal Death', below (from 13:10 onwards):

[youtube:Do-wDPoC6GM]

+  Series 7 of Doctor Who will air Saturday 1st September.

[Source: BBC Doctor Who Twitter]

The BBC have unveiled a new Trailer for Series 7 of Doctor Who.

View the trailer below:

[youtube:qrEUBl2pacU]

The Trailer will be repeated on BBC One Tonight at 8pm.

+  Series 7 of Doctor Who will air on either Saturday 25th August or Saturday 1st September.

[Source: BBC]

The BBC Doctor Who Website has released a new promotional image for Series 7 of Doctor Who.

The image shows Amy Pond being carried by an injured, grim-faced Doctor. They’re both surrounded by Daleks that have been encountered during different eras of the Time Lord’s travels.

A Dalek on the right of the picture does not have any of the vertical grille-like slats that have become a familiar feature, indicating it’s a version the Doctor faced when he first met his oldest enemies on Skaro. And on the left there’s a Special Weapons Dalek, last seen in the 1988 story, Remembrance of the Daleks.

It’s a fiery and exciting sign of what’s to come in the new series!

[Source: BBC Doctor Who Website]

The BBC Media Centre have confirmed a brand new trailer for Doctor Who will air on Thursday 2nd August.

On BBC One British audiences are set to experience the global stories of ambition, determination and courage, as well as the excitement, drama and magical moments that make the Olympics such a unique sporting event.

BBC One will launch its new Original British Drama campaign to the nation throughout this period. Over the next 17 days audiences will get a sneak preview of the brand new original British drama coming up on the channel. From Hunted, Good Cop and The Secret of Crickley Hall to Accused, Shetland and Ripper Street. Plus, Doctor Who, Merlin, The Paradise and EastEnders – keep switched on at approximately 8pm each night to see more. 

[Source: BBC Media Centre]

Speaking to Collider, Matt Smith seemingly ruled out his involvement with the rumoured Doctor Who movie.

When asked "Will you ever do a big screen Doctor Who movie?" Smith replied:

"I don’t know. There’s talk of it. I think David Yates was attached to do something. For my money, whoever is playing The Doctor should be in the movie. I don’t think there should be two Doctors. I think it would take four or five years to get something like that off the ground, and I don’t anticipate that I’ll be playing the Doctor then. My skin and the aging process couldn’t take it. But, I don’t see any reason why it couldn’t work. I think they should get Steven to write it because he’s the best."

[Source: Collider]

Details of Series 7 of Doctor Who have been trickling out of last weekend's San Diego Comic Con, and with them, some more episode titles for the upcoming season.

Below is our updated guide to the episodes in Series 7 with the most recently updated marked in red:

W = Written By / D = Directed By

7.1: Asylum of the Daleks - [W: Steven Moffat / D: Nick Hurran]
7.2: Dinosaurs on a Spaceship - [W: Chris Chibnall / D: Saul Metzstein]
7.3: A Town Called Mercy - [W: Toby Whithouse / D: Saul Metzstein]
7.4: Cubed - [W: Chris Chibnall / D: Douglas Mackinnon]
7.5: Untitled - [W: Steven Moffat / D: Nick Hurran]
7.6: Untitled - [W: Steven Moffat / D: Saul Metzstein] - (2012 Doctor Who Christmas Special)
7.7: Untitled - [W: TBC / D: TBC]
7.8: Untitled - [W: Mark Gatiss / D: Douglas Mackinnon]
7.9: Untitled - [W: TBC / D: TBC]
7.10: The Crimson Horror - [W: Mark Gatiss / D: Saul Metzstein]
7.11: Phantoms of the Hex - [W: Neil Cross / D: Jamie Payne]
7.12: Untitled - [W: TBC / D: TBC]
7.13: Untitled - [W: TBC / D: TBC]
7.14: Untitled - [W: TBC / D: TBC]

Series 7 is rumoured to begin on either Saturday 25th August or Saturday 1st September 2012.

[Sources: San Diego Comic Con; Doctor Who Magazine; Aaron Richardson]

The BBC Doctor Who Website has released the first in a series of new promo pictures featuring The Doctor and his new companion (rumoured to be called Clara).

On filming the new series, Matt Smith (The Doctor) had the following to say:

"It is going well. Jenna brings a really different energy to the show – one which I think is very interesting."

Shooting is well-underway for The Doctor’s latest adventures and the second read-through featuring Jenna-Louise Coleman as the new companion took place earlier this week at the BBC’s Roath Lock Studios.

Further images and details on the new series will be released through the website in the coming days and weeks.

[Source: BBC Doctor Who Website]

+  If you want to watch more Doctor Who episodes, there are several on www.lovefilm.com. You can stream videos on demand and get a free trial at LOVEFiLM to see if the service suits you.

The BBC have unveiled the Series 7 Teaser Trailer (as shown at The Official Doctor Who Convention).

View the trailer below:

[youtube:7BtPbh2GCZw]

** Please Note this video is only viewable to fans based in the UK.

+  Series 7 of Doctor Who will air Autumn 2012.

[Source: BBC]

Matt Smith reckons he'll get traded in for a "younger, cooler person" on Doctor Who some day.

The actor has won critical acclaim - and a best actor gong at last week's National Television Awards - since he was announced as the 11th Timelord in 2009. But the 29-year-old admitted he wouldn't be playing the role forever.

"I just sort of take each year as it comes really. We've got all the rest of this year to get through and then we'll just sit down and review it from there and see where it goes," Matt said.

"But I love playing the part and I love working with (writer) Steven Moffat."

Referring to Tom Baker, the longest-running Doctor from 1974 to 1981, he added: "I think there will need to be a younger, cooler person than me - or maybe an older, cooler person, who knows? But I don't think I'll be doing it as long as Mr Baker."

Shooting on the new series starts mid-February and Matt - who will be joined by a new sidekick following the departure of co-star Karen Gillan - said he stays healthy to cope with the hectic filming schedule.

"Fruit, vegetables, good sleep if you can and preparation is the key," he explained.

[Source: Press Association]

Matt Smith (The 11th Doctor) and Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) have both scooped up an award at this year's National Television Awards.

Matt won in the Best Drama Performance - Male category, and Karen won in the Best Drama Performance - Female category. Doctor Who failed to pick up the award for Best Drama, losing out to ITV1's Downton Abbey.

There was some mild controversy backstage as Matt Smith was quoted talking to the Radio Times as saying "I've got a year of Who left", but later amended the statement, speaking to the BBC Entertainment News team stating he has "no plans to leave [Doctor Who]", and that he has "No idea who the next companion will be".

[Sources: NTA; Radio Times; BBC Entertainment News]

After this years Christmas Special, Doctor Who will return in the Autumn of 2012, Doctor Who Magazine has confirmed.

At the time of writing it is as yet uknown whether it will be a full run of the already commissioned 14 x episodes in 2012, or whether there will be a split season again, with more episodes airing in early 2013.

Some sources suggest there could be 6 epsiodes in the Spring of 2013 in addition to specials and another run of episodes in the Autumn of 2013, but nothing has been confirmed by the BBC.

DWO will keep you posted as soon as we have further information.

+  Vote on how you think the show will air in 2012, in the DWO Forums.

+  Subscribe to Doctor Who Magazine at Unique Magazines.

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine]

Production has started on the 2011 Doctor Who Christmas Special in which the Doctor (Matt Smith) finds himself in war-torn England embarking on a magical and mysterious adventure with a young widow and her two children.

A stellar guest cast including Claire Skinner (Outnumbered), Bill Bailey (Black Books), Arabella Weir (The Fast Show) and Alexander Armstrong (Armstrong & Miller), join Matt Smith in the emotional festive special, packed full of Christmas thrills and chills.

Steven Moffat, Lead Writer and Executive Producer, commented:

"The Doctor at Christmas - nothing is more fun to write. Maybe because it's so his kind of day - everything's bright and shiny, everybody's having a laugh, and nobody minds if you wear a really stupid hat. Of all the Doctors, Matt Smith's is the one that was born for this time of year - so it's the best news possible that he's heading back down the chimney."

The special, set during World War II, sees Madge Arwell and her two children, Lily and Cyril, evacuated to a draughty old house in Dorset, where the caretaker is a mysterious young man in bow tie, and a big blue parcel is waiting for them under the tree. They are about to enter a magical new world and learn that a Time Lord never forgets his debts...

Claire Skinner said: "I am thrilled to be in Doctor Who playing Madge who is a bit of super-mum. It's a magical part."

This marks Matt Smith's second outing as the Doctor at Christmas time and will follow hot on the heels of the successful 2011 series, currently airing on BBC One until October.

The Christmas special was commissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama and Danny Cohen, Controller BBC One. Steven Moffat is Lead Writer and Executive Producer with Piers Wenger and Caroline Skinner, also executive producing.

Filming on the Christmas special will continue until mid October 2011.

[Source: BBC Doctor Who website]

The BBC America Doctor Who website have added a new promotional picture for the second half of Series 6.

The image, which features The Doctor in a brand new coat, appears to have an Egyptian feel, and also fetures River Song, Amy and Rory.

+  Series 6: Part 2 begins on Saturday 27th August on BBC One & BBC America.

[Source: BBC America Doctor Who website]

The BBC Doctor Who website have published a brief guide to the rest of Series Six of Doctor Who.

The guide (which also reveals the title for episode ten: 6.10: The Girl Who Waited), is printed below, courtesy of the BBC Doctor Who website:

Episode 8: Let's Kill Hitler

Written by Steven Moffat

The gang's all back! The Doctor, Amy, River and Rory return in what promises to be an action-packed belter of an adventure. So far the following details have emerged:

'In the desperate search for Melody Pond, the TARDIS crash lands in 1930s Berlin, bringing the Doctor face to face with the greatest war criminal in the Universe. And Hitler. The Doctor must teach his adversaries that time travel has responsibilities - and in so doing, learns a harsh lesson in the cruellest warfare of all.

We also know it features Albert Welling as Hitler and is directed by Richard Senior, previously at the helm for Time and Space plus the Doctor Who pre-title sequence for this year's NTA awards.

Episode 9: Night Terrors

Written by Mark Gatiss

Mark Gatiss has previously written spooky episodes including The Unquiet Dead and The Idiot's Lantern, but he promises that Night Terrors features some of the scariest moments he's ever dreamt up! The adventure has a modern day setting and features a little boy who has a fear of something... Can the Doctor help him?

Episode 10: The Girl Who Waited

Written by Tom MacRae

Tom MacRae's previous credits include The Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel plus the critically acclaimed The Crash of the Elysium. This is his first television adventure for the Eleventh Doctor and it's directed by Nick Hurran who was recently at the helm for the updated version of the cult classic, The Prisoner.

Episode 11: The God Complex

Written by Toby Whithouse

We know the adventure is set in a hotel and features an alien called Gibbis played by David Walliams. Again, the episode is directed by Nick Hurran and as writer Toby Whithouse was behind School Reunion and The Vampires of Venice, we know we've got something special to look forward to!

Episode 12

Written by Gareth Roberts

Craig Owens is back! The popular character from last year's The Lodger returns and judging from the trailer for eps 8-13 he's getting closer than ever to the Doctor! The adventure is written by Gareth Roberts whose credits include Attack of the Graske, The Unicorn and the Wasp and, of course, The Lodger.

Episode 13

Written by Steven Moffat

The big finale! This one remains shrouded in mystery but Karen Gillan has promised us that the series will contain 'possibly the biggest twist so far'... Is it possible that this is the adventure that delivers it? Steven Moffat penned last year's incredible finale but it's probable that this adventure will conclude the series with a bigger bang than ever!

[Source: BBC Doctor Who website]