BBC Worldwide have announced that the new Doctor Who companion will be revealed LIVE on BBC One on Saturday 23rd April at half time of the FA Cup semi-final MOTD Live: Everton vs Manchester United.

The live reveal echoes the way in which the BBC unveiled the latest incarnation of The Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi.

Rumours have been rife over the past few weeks with speculation as to the identity of the next companion, and fans won't have to wait much further as it is only 2 days away! It is expected the new companion will be introduced in either the 2016 Doctor Who Christmas Special or at the start of Series 10 in 2017.

+ Series 10 of Doctor Who airs in 2017.

Our friends over at Toybox Treasures have recently had a revamp of their fantastic site, where you can find a wide range of vintage Doctor Who Toys and Props for sale.

From Dapol Daleks, 1960's Toys and Games to full size Daleks, Toybox Treasures have a fantastic selection of products, and despite the Doctor Who connection, the prices aren't astronomical :)

Matt Doe, owner of Toybox Treasures tells us what made him start the business: 

“I started the business to be able to touch and feel some of the rarest Doctor Who memorabilia in the world. With some items with less than 10 left from the Dalek wouldslate, Dalek stencil set to a Dalek Exterminator Bazooka. I couldn't afford these for my own collection so why not get these in for others.

Some of our recent acquisitions include a black Codeg Dalek, Dalek skittle, screen used dalek trooper costume from revelation of the Daleks, Dapol Dalek used in the title sequence of the Doctor Who antiques roadshow special and also a near full box of cadet sweet cigarettes including display box”

Whilst there may not be a massive selection of merchandise on the online store, the team are constantly on the lookout for items. If you have a specific product you are looking for, get in touch with the ToyboxTreasures team via their website as they offer a toy hunting service!

+  Check Out Toybox Treasures: www.toybox-treasures.co.uk
+  Follow @DrWhoToyBox on Twitter!

[Source: Toybox Treasures]

Now we're not always keen on posting news of rumours, but word had reached DWO towers that we *may* be finding out the identity of the new Doctor Who companion very shortly!

Of course, the BBC being the BBC could choose to announce the news whenever they like, but going off the back of last week's 'Class' news, it's about time we had something Doctor Who related to get our teeth into.

So who could it be? Well, we know that the companion will be female - Peter Capaldi himself has gone on record, speaking to the Radio Times last December, stating that as his preference of companion:

"With the best will in the world, I don’t want a bloke, because I’m frightened that they’ll give him all the action and I’ll be standing around spouting scientific gobbledygook... ‘Oh, Peter’s not up to chasing those Zygons down the corridor, let the chap do it.’ And that would be awful. I want to chase the Zygons!" 

Then, in a separate interview with LaLata TV, Capaldi seemed to further confirm the gender of the next companion:

“I think the companion has to be someone who’s not so impressed by the Doctor – she’s not an assistant, she’s not a servant, she can’t be that – she has to be someone who really says ‘are you sure that’s the right thing to do? What are you doing?’ and also doesn’t take him seriously.”

There have been several names thrown into the ring as far as who's been cast; Maisie Williams, Rakhee Thakrar, Rose Leslie and Faye Marsay have all been connected in some way by the media, recently. Thakrar in particular has had more traction than most, with the actress addressing the speculation to Leicester Mercury:

“My way of looking at everything is just be here and see what happens. There’s such a vast range of projects and roles, that I’m open to see what comes.”

DWO Verdict:
More often than not, the person highly touted to be the replacement for a companion or Doctor, is most likely not in the ring at all. That being said, we'd love the rumours surrounding Rakhee Thakrar to be true.

If we look at Rakhee's recent Twitter follows, you can see some Doctor Who related people, including: Marcus Wilson (Ex-Doctor Who Producer), Rachel Talalay (Director), Michelle Gomez (Missy) & Patrick Ness (Writer & Creator of Doctor Who Spin-off 'Class').

This observation is most likely coincidence, but arguably could add fuel to the fire. Rakhee is a fine actress with the qualities needed for a companion. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

We'd love to hear from you in the comments box below! Who do you think will be the next companion? What would you like the next companion to be like?

+ Series 10 of Doctor Who airs in 2017.

Bedford’s second charity Doctor Who convention is taking place on Saturday 23rd April – and Doctor Who Online readers can claim a 10% discount on their tickets!  (See below for details.)

This year’s guests are Katy Manning, Deborah Watling, Sophie Aldred, Nicholas Briggs, Mike Tucker, John Leeson – and The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre.

Bedford Who Charity Cons are fairly new on the scene, but they’ve already established a reputation for being fun, relaxed and friendly.  Feedback from both audiences and guests have been excellent.  Sophie Aldred said the last one was a ‘truly lovely day’ with a ‘great atmosphere’; Mike Tucker said it was ‘a lovely, informal event.’  All profits will be donated to Bedford Foodbank. Each month, they provide emergency food for some 500 local children and adults who would otherwise go hungry.

It’s a good line-up.  The day will be a mixture of panel interviews, signings, and the opportunity to chat to guests and to have your photo taken with them.  Not everyone’s familiar with The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre: they’re an award winning comedy act from the Edinburgh Fringe and they’re also very, very funny. Check them out on YouTube.  They’ll be giving us their take on Doctor Who.  (They can be a little sweary but they’ve promised to be suitable for a family audience.  Their Malcolm Tucker as the new Doctor sketch won’t, alas, be part of their performance!)  Mike Tucker’s going to be doing a presentation on how classic-Who icons were adapted and updated for nu-Who; he’s also bringing along a mystery prop which we’re not allowed to say anything about yet, but it’s really exciting!  (As is usual with conventions, guests appear subject to their other work commitments.)

The basic ticket costs are £40 for adults, £20 for 14-18 year olds and full time students, and £15 for under-14s.  If you mention when you book your tickets that you heard about the day through Doctor Who Online, you’ll receive a 10% reduction on the price!  Concessions and family tickets are also available; details are on the convention’s website (see below). Special rates are offered for group bookings, too, though you’ll need to email organiser Simon Danes (see below again!) for the rates.  (This may especially appeal to university and college Doctor Who societies.)  It has to be said that the ticket rates are at the low end for Doctor Who cons, and they’re very good value. The organisers stress they’re not out to fleece you; the tickets give you access to all the events on the day.  Guests will ask a fee for autographs, though, and if you’d like photos with the actors, a charity donation is asked for.

Bedford’s a small town in the south Midlands, about 50 miles north of London (and just 35 minutes from St Pancras). Communications are good:  it’s just off the A1 and M1; good bus and coach links from Oxford and Cambridge and others; direct trains from Brighton, Nottingham, Loughborough and Leicester.

Date, Time & Location:

Saturday 23rd April 2016

10:00am-5:30pm

The King’s House,
245 Ampthill Road,
Bedford
MK42 9AZ

+  Website:  bedfordwhocharitycon.co.uk

+  Facebook:  facebook.com/bedfordwhocharitycon

+  Email:  info@bedfordwhocharitycon.co.uk

[Sources: Simon Danes]

On the first day of term, BBC Three today announce the stars of the Doctor Who spin-off series Class - exciting young new talents Greg Austin, Fady Elsayed, Sophie Hopkins and Vivian Oparah. They will be joined by Katherine Kelly, as she takes the role of a teacher and powerful new presence at Coal Hill School.

Like all sixth formers, these four Coal Hill School students have hidden secrets and desires. They are facing their own worst fears, navigating a life of friends, parents, school work, sex, sorrow - and possibly the end of existence. 

Coal Hill School has been a part of the Doctor Who Universe since the very beginning, but that has come at a price. All the time travelling over the years has caused the very walls of space and time to become thin. There’s something pressing in on the other side, something waiting for its chance to kill everyone and everything, to bring us all into Shadow.

Fear is coming, tragedy is coming, war is coming. Prepare yourselves, Class is coming.

“Time has looked at your faces now.  And time never forgets…”

What if your planet was massacred and you were the sole survivor?

What if a legendary figure out of space and time found you a place to hide?

But what if the things that want to kill you have tracked you down?

And worst of all, what if you haven't studied for your A-Levels…?

Award winning YA writer and Class creator Patrick Ness, says: 

“We searched far and wide for this amazing cast, fantastic actors who understand what we’re aiming for with this show. And how lucky we are to get Katherine Kelly! She’s been stunning in Happy Valley, The Night Manager and Mr Selfridge, just wait until you see her here.”

Steven Moffat, Class and Doctor Who Executive Producer, says:

“There’s nothing more exciting than meeting stars that nobody’s heard of yet. We had the read through of the first few episodes last week, and there was a whole row of them. Coal Hill School has been part of Doctor Who since the very first shoot in 1963, but this new show is anything but history. Class is dark and sexy and right now. I’ve always wondered if there could be a British Buffy - it’s taken the brilliant Patrick Ness to figure out how to make it happen.”

Class is a YA series set in contemporary London. It is scary, funny, and as painful and sharp as youth. It will also shine a light on a whole new corner of the Whoniverse. 

Damian Kavanagh, Controller, BBC Three, adds: 

“I can’t wait for Class to arrive on BBC Three. BBC Three will always back best young British talent.” 

From Writer Patrick Ness, Director Ed Bazalgette (Poldark, Doctor Who), Producer Derek Ritchie, and Executive Producers Patrick Ness, Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin, the BBC Cymru Wales production, co-produced with BBC America and BBC Worldwide, starts filming today and will premiere on BBC Three this year.

Watch a video of Patrick Ness introducing the cast in a special 360° presentation:
[youtube:ZtOWnx5X2hk] 
[Source: BBC Worldwide]

Peter Capaldi was on hand to accept a Guinness World Record for the 'Largest Gathering Of People Dressed as Doctor Who Characters' at La Mole Comic Con in Mexico City last Saturday.

During the day a total of 492 fans donned their costumes to help scoop the record, which saw outfits varying from Doctors to Companions, Monsters and even objects like the TARDIS!

Doctor Who currently holds a world record for the Longest Running Science Fiction Series, but the 2016 edition of the 'Guinness World Records 2016 Blockbusters' book sees other Doctor Who related records for: Most Popular Doctor Who Story (The Caves Of Androzani), Most Expensive Dalek (£36,000) and Largest Collection of Doctor Who Memorabilia (2,012 items of merchandise belonging to Ian O 'Brien).

+ BUY the Guinness World Records 2016 Blockbusters from Amazon.co.uk for £9.98.

[Sources: Radio Times]

Earlier this week Radio Times included some new quotes from Peter Capaldi, who has been discussing his future with Doctor Who. Peter has revealed that the BBC have asked him to stay on as The Doctor:

“I’ve been asked to stay on, but it’s such a long time before I have to make that decision. Steven’s been absolutely wonderful, so I love working with him. Chris is fantastic, and I think he’s a hugely talented guy. I don’t know where the show’s gonna go then. I don’t know. I have to make up my mind, and I haven’t yet. As Steven [Moffat] will tell you, it’s very difficult to say goodbye.”

Before too many of you start to worry though, Capaldi added some words of reassurance in an interview on BBC Radio 2, yesterday:

"I love being Doctor Who so I will be around as long as it’s right to be around."

DWO Verdict:

As huge fans of Capaldi's Doctor, and knowing how much he loves and adores the role, we genuinely hope and believe he will be in the role for a good many years to come. Our money is on him staying until at least Series 12.

[Sources: Radio Times; BBC Radio 2]

Our friends over at The Geek Gallery, have an amazing range of jewellery and home accessories, fit for any geeky home or to wear your favourite fandom everyday. 

From time travellers, magic or demon hunters you will find it all over at The Geek Gallery. 

From necklaces, rings and pin badges to pillows and handmade bags, even a new range of hand stamped jewellery to join the other amazing items is coming soon. 

You will even find geek designed tote bags over at The Geek Gallery fit for any shopping day, You can even have them personalised. The bags are hand printed in the UK by Charley from The Geek Gallery. 

Show your geek side with pride, whether you are a demon hunter, a magic school wanna be or a multi fandom lover they have it all. 

Prices start from just £4.99 and includes UK shipping!

The Geek Gallery also run competitions on their Facebook page to win pieces of their jewellery, why not pop long to the page or shop to join in and wear your fandom with pride.

+  Check Out The Geek Gallery on Etsy: thegeekgalleryshop.etsy.com

+  Follow @TheGeekGallery on Twitter!

[Sources: The Geek Gallery]

Our friends over at GeekGear have just launched their brand new geeky subscription box service. GeekGear design their boxes according to the monthly theme and the cut off date for subscribing is the 20th of every month, with all boxes being shipped out a few days after.

Each Box will have 5–10 items and you get back at least 2–3 times the value that you paid - or more!

When choosing the option to subscribe, you can get the following benefits:

1 x Month Subscription - £19.99
- Subscription renews every month
* Price is exclusive of postage charges

3 x Month Subscription - £57.99
-  Subscription renews every 3 months
* Price is exclusive of postage charges

6 x Month Subscription - £113.99
-  Subscription renews every 6 months
-  1 x Extra Geeky item in every box!
* Price is exclusive of postage charges

12 x Month Subscription - £219.99
-  Subscription renews every 12 months
-  2 x Extra Geeky items in every box!
* Price is exclusive of postage charges

+  Follow @GeekyCraftStuff on Twitter!

[Sources: GeekGear]

Following our recent news items that Netflix & Hulu will no longer have the rights to stream Doctor Who (as of 1st February 2016), Amazon Prime in the USA have just announced they have secured the rights to stream Series 1-8 of Doctor Who.

The confirmation, which came in the form of a tweet and included a video (link below), has since been removed, but upon further investigation, DWO can confirm the news is correct and that episodes will be available at some point in March 2016.

The original tweet, which was posted on 22nd February, read: 

"Want to know the future? Now you can! Here’s what’s coming to #PrimeVideo in March. #Bosch #DrWhohttps://t.co/r3rVSiZLC7

— Amazon Video (@AmazonVideo) February 22, 2016"

You can watch the trailer on the following link: https://t.co/r3rVSiZLC7

Unfortunately news isn't good for UK fans, as a number of our visitors have reported receiving an email from Amazon Prime, confirming they will no longer have Doctor Who episodes as of 16th March.

This now means that unless Netflix UK renew their rights to stream Doctor Who (which expires on 1st May 2016), there will be no streaming partners outside of iTunes and BBC Store in the UK.

DWO have made several attempts to contact Netflix UK via Twitter, but unlike their American partners, who responded to us quite quickly, our questions about renewing have all gone unanswered.

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Sources: DWO; Amazon Prime]

Publisher: BBC Books

Written By: Mark Clapham

RRP: £4.99

Release Date: 4th February 2002

Reviewed by: Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 23rd February 2016

Hope is a novel on BBC books, and it features the Eighth Doctor, Paul McGann, and the characters Fitz, and Anji, and is a story about The Doctor unravelling a local political intrigue.

The novel, which is the bases of a Dr Who episode, was first published in 2002, written by Mark Clapham. The story begins with The Doctor trying to push the TARDIS to its limit, when the crew finding themselves on an inhospitable planet, due to the TARDIS breaking up, and it lands on a frozen sea of acid on the planet Endpoint, in the distant future. As the ice begins to break they flee to the nearest city of hope, only to see the TARDIS sink to the bottom of the sea. In Hope a policemen, who’s investigating a decapitation, explains that the planet is toxic, so the inhabitants have had to evolve to survive, but recently a serial killer has been decapitating people.

The policeman tells them to go to the casino for help, and when they arrive The Doctor buys entry with an apple core, which is long extinct. Inside the casino a group of cyborgs calling themselves the Brotherhood of the Silver Fist, burst in and demand that the casino’s owner, Silver, speaks to them. Silver, a cyborg himself, drive the brotherhood, out, but as he finds out from The Doctor that he’s a time traveller he offers to recover the TARDIS if The Doctor catches the murderer. (There are lots of uk casino games online to play, including roulette, slots, and blackjack, to get the experience of being in a real casino. Betway are offering a welcome bonus, on the first three deposits for new players, with big win jackpots to be won).

The Doctor finds a used tranquilliser dart at a crime scene, and deduces that the murders are part of a plan committed by a visitor to Endpoint, and he also learns that the inhabitants produce a hormone, which is similar to the effects of adrenaline. The Doctor is overpowered and is then held in a bunker on the sea bed, and Silver attacks the bunker and kills the humans. Whilst in the bunker The Doctor and Silver find technology capable of reversing the pollution, and when activated the sea turns into water, and the air becomes breathable again. There’s a hypertunnel in the bunker, which can be used to quickly travel throughout space, and Silver flees through the hypertunnel, which then gets reprogrammed to leave Silver and his army stranded on a dead planet.

+  Hope is Out Now, priced £4.99.
+  Buy this book on Amazon.co.uk

Funko have announced a historic partnership with Playmobil, which will pair the classic articulated, 6-inch ABS figures with exciting pop culture and entertainment licenses for a collector-focused line, and Doctor Who will feature as one of its brands.

As Playmobil’s first official licensee, Funko will have the opportunity to bring new and beloved characters to Playmobil’s nostalgic frame.

Funko CEO, Brian Mariotti said:

“We’re honoured and thrilled to create the first ever cross-license with Playmobil and bring their unique style to the hip and trendy pop culture licenses Funko is known for. It’s an amazing opportunity, and we know fans of both styles are going to love these figures.”

Funko’s first wave of Playmobil 6 inch, 200% figures will include characters from Doctor Who, Sherlock, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Ghostbusters and Back to the Future, with many more forthcoming. Figures will retail for $14.99 and be available in stores from Summer 2016.

The 11th Doctor and The 4th Doctor are the first to be revealed, and you can view the image in the panel to the right. 

[Source: Funko]

 

A Doctor Who fan has given Series One, featuring The 9th Doctor, a Star Wars: The Force Awakens style Trailer treatment.

YouTube user 'VG934' a.k.a Dom said:

"Being the huge Doctor Who and Star Wars fan that I am, how could I resist the chance to bring these two massive franchises together? Well sort of bring them together, let's call it Who Wars. 

Some may call me late to the party but I must remind you that a Wizard is never late, nor is he early - he arrives precisely when he means to. Alas, I'm no Wizard but the same principle applies.

Anyway, I hope 2016's treating you all well and that you enjoy this little mashup as much as I did making it!"

Watch the trailer in the video player, below:
[youtube:go26xwM8Nwg]

+ SUBSCRIBE to VG934 on YouTube.
+ SUBSCRIBE to DWO on YouTube.

Doctor Who Showrunner, Steven Moffat has collected his OBE at yesterday's investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Moffat received his award for 'services to drama', from the Prince Of Wales and said about the honour:

"It was very thrilling and formal and slightly, slightly, just very slightly, like being back at school. But nicer because everyone got a prize. Talking to other people before I came in, I kind of feel everyone's here for a better reason than me. I've got not one, but two dream jobs so to get this lovely thing for already indulging myself in public, seems like an excess of good fortune."

Watch Steven Moffat discussing the honour outside Buckingham Palace, in the player below:

[Source: Press Association]

 

Doctor Who Magazine have sent DWO the cover and details for Issue 496 of DWM.

Doctor Who Magazine exclusively interviews Sir John Hurt, who played the mysterious incarnation of the Doctor in 2013's 50th Anniversary Special The Day of the Doctor – and asks him about his return in his brand new Doctor Who audio series!

What was John’s first reaction when he was offered the part of the Doctor’s secret incarnation?

“Well, I said, ‘Doctor Who? I don’t think that’s really my sort of stuff.’ But my wife was listening, and when she heard that it was the 50th anniversary, she said, ‘You’ve got to be f***ing joking! You’re doing it! So I’ve really for her to thank. I’m really pleased I did it, because it opened up a whole new era for me. A whole new era.”

On returning to the role for Big Finish's audio adventures, John explains:

“I was often asked, ‘Are you going to do anymore? And I said, ‘Well, I don’t think so. I’m not ruling it out, but unless somebody comes up with a real stonker of an idea that would involve him again… But the thing is that you can’t plan careers. You think, ‘That’s the way to play it’, but it’s not necessarily the case at all. If you follow your nose, that’s often the way to play it. And that’s exactly how I feel about this. I mean, I really have enjoyed every second of it. I mean it.”

ALSO INSIDE ISSUE 496...

ASK STEVEN MOFFAT
Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat answers readers questions about some of the show's most recent episodes...

THE WAR DOCTOR ON AUDIO
The writers of the exciting new audio series chat about writing for the Doctor's most dangerous incarnation.

A TRIBUTE TO ANTHONY READ
Doctor Who Magazine pays tribute to the late Doctor Who writer and script editor, who died in 2015, with contributions from his colleagues and previously unpublished quotes from interviews conducted in 1990 and 2008.

PIXEL POWER
Following the recent success of LEGO Dimensions and Doctor Who Legacy, we uncover three decades’ worth of Doctor Who videogame projects.

NEVER FORGET?
The Time Team continue their quest to watch every episode of Doctor Who in order with Matt Smith’s second story, The Beast Below.

WELCOME MY DEMONS
This issue’s Fact of Fiction delves into the world of King John and Magna Carta in the 1983 Fifth Doctor story The King’s Demons.

A TRIP TO THE THEATRE
The Doctor meets his old friend Harry Houdini and encounters some trouble at the theatre in a brand-new comic strip adventure, Theatre of Mind, written and illustrated by Roger Langridge.

STAR WARS vs DOCTOR WHO
Jacqueline Rayner wonders if it’s possible to enjoy Star Wars: The Force Awakens without feeling like you’re cheating on Doctor Who, in her regular column, Relative Dimensions.

COMING SOON
DWM previews all the latest Doctor Who CD and book releases.

PLUS! All the latest official news, reviews, competitions and The DWM Crossword.

+  Doctor Who Magazine Issue #496 is out on Today, priced £4.99.
+  Subscribe Worldwide to DWM from just £19.49 via Unique Magazines!
+  Check Out The DWO Guide to Doctor Who Magazine!

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine]

BBC Worldwide have informed us that Amazon.co.uk will be releasing an exclusive steenbok Blu-ray for Series 9 of Doctor Who.

The 6-disc release will have exactly the same content as the standard DVD & Blu-ray but will feature exclusive artwork design by Alice X Zhang, who was personally selected by Peter Capaldi to create the designs.

+  The Complete Series 9 Steelbook is released on 7th March, priced £39.99.
+  PREORDER this Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk!
+  Discuss all the Doctor Who DVD & Blu-ray releases in the DWO Forums.

[Sources: BBC Worldwide]

Following on from yesterday's confirmation that Netflix will no longer have the rights to stream Doctor Who episodes from 1st February 2016, Hulu have now also confirmed to DWO that they too will no longer have the rights.

Earlier today we asked Hulu, via Twitter, if the recent rumours regarding them losing the rights were in fact true:

@jsb1980 @netflix rumours are that @Hulu are also discontinuing their #DoctorWho library - hope they are just rumours. What say you, @Hulu?

— Doctor Who Online (@DrWhoOnline) January 27, 2016

To which Hulu responded:

@DrWhoOnline We didn't drop #DoctorWho. We just no longer have the rights to stream it and are lacking a TARDIS to remedy the situation. :(

— hulu (@hulu) January 27, 2016

We then asked if there was any way around the issue, and once again got a reply:

@DrWhoOnline Unfortunately, not right now, but we're always striving to license shows our viewers (Whovian or otherwise) want to see.

— hulu (@hulu) January 27, 2016

Speculation is that the BBC are pulling streaming rights to give more focus to their own BBC Store service, but this has yet to be officially confirmed.

UPDATE - 28th January 2016
In a recent article on Decider.com, the BBC stated: “We hope to announce a new digital partner for Doctor Who shortly”. Whether this means the re-inking of a deal with Netflix or Hulu, or their own stateside streaming service, is yet to be confirmed.

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Sources: DWO; Hulu]

Peter Capaldi has been speaking with Radio Times about his preparations for Series 10 of Doctor Who, as well as what we might expect from the new companion.

Speaking at the Radio Times Covers Party he said:

"You have to be fit to do Doctor Who and so I’ve just been getting myself ready and I’ll be getting into training to start the show. When we start, it’ll run for nine months and the most important thing is to be there and to be fit and be on top of everything. I’m looking forward to starting."

Asked if he has any other work lined up during the Doctor Who hiatus, Capaldi said his mind was only on the Time Lord:

"There wasn’t really anything else around that I particularly wanted to do. I’m really looking forward to it. We’ve got, great writers. And some fabulous exciting stories."

As for the new companion, Capaldi added:

"We’ve just had some brief talks about it, we haven’t actually chosen someone yet — that I know of. Perhaps someone has been chosen but I would expect that I would meet them before we finalised all that. So we’re looking for someone different,"

+ Series 10 of Doctor Who airs in 2017.

Actor, writer, director and UNHCR Supporter Peter Capaldi travelled with UNHCR to meet some of the 630,000 Syrian refugees living in camps and towns and cities across Jordan.

Through writing, photography, film and a unique Virtual Reality experience, Peter will be sharing some of their extraordinary stories of escape and survival.

Check out the short film featuring Peter in the player, below:
[youtube:7M0i4x0HtLs]
A spokesperson from UNHCR said to DWO:

"We’re thrilled to have Peter support our work and to have his interest in learning more about the situation facing families across the word who have been forced to flee their homes because of war and conflict. We’d love you to take this journey with Peter and with us over the coming weeks, and beyond." 

+  Make A Donation to UNHCR!

[Source: UNHCR]

The news recently hit the headlines that Netflix were dropping their entire library of Doctor Who episodes as of 1st February 2016. Having received literally hundreds of emails from our visitors wanting to know what was happening, DWO sent Netflix the following tweet:

Hey @netflix @NetflixUK - removing #DoctorWho from your library is a bad idea. Don't just take our word for it, though. [Cue the fans] :)

— Doctor Who Online (@DrWhoOnline) January 25, 2016

Today, the Netflix team replied to us, clarifying that Doctor Who will remain on Netflix UK, but that it will be removed from 1st February in the USA only, due to "a variety of factors". Below are the tweeted replies:

@DrWhoOnline Good and bad news. Doctor Who is staying on @NetflixUK, but our dear Doctor will be departing on Feb 1 from the US. (1 of 2)

— Netflix US (@netflix) January 26, 2016

@DrWhoOnline Content comes & goes-a variety of factors are considered. It's goodbye to an old friend, but a promise to care for David & Matt

— Netflix US (@netflix) January 26, 2016

This then prompted some of our followers to enquire about Netflix' streaming service in Canada, and whether Doctor Who episodes would be pulled their, also. Fortunately Canada will not be affected either:

@Cap_XIII @DrWhoOnline @NetflixUK No change for the Doctor in Canada.

— Netflix US (@netflix) January 26, 2016

It seems all hope may not be lost, however, as Netflix further clarified their wish on working to get Doctor Who back again:

@DrWhoOnline Sometimes the licensing for our content will expire & we have to remove it. But we're always happy to work on getting it *JF

— Netflix CS (@Netflixhelps) January 26, 2016

@DrWhoOnline back. Your feedback is most helpful, thank you! *JF

— Netflix CS (@Netflixhelps) January 26, 2016

UPDATE - 27th January 2016
Hulu have also confirmed they too will lose the rights to air Doctor Who in the USA as of 1st February 2016.

UPDATE - 28th January 2016
In a recent article on Decider.com, the BBC stated: “We hope to announce a new digital partner for Doctor Who shortly”. Whether this means the re-inking of a deal with Netflix or Hulu, or their own stateside streaming service, is yet to be confirmed.

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Sources: DWO; Netflix]

The BBC have now confirmed that Steven Moffat will be stepping down after Series 10 has aired in 2017, and that Chris Chibnall will be taking over for the 2018 series.

The news means that there will be no series in 2016, just a Christmas Special on Christmas Day. Moffat will be handing the TARDIS keys over to Chibnall, who has previously written for Doctor Who and Torchwood, as well as creating hit ITV series Broadchurch.

BBC1 controller Charlotte Moore said:

“I have decided to schedule Steven’s big finale series in Spring 2017 to bring the nation together for what will be a huge event on the channel. 2016 is spoilt with national moments including the Euros and Olympics and I want to hold something big back for 2017 - I promise it will be worth the wait! I want to thank Steven Moffat for everything he has given Doctor Who – I’ve loved working with him, he is an absolute genius and has brought fans all over the world such joy. I will be very sad to see him leave the show but I can’t wait to see what he will deliver in his last ever series next year with a brand new companion. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Chris Chibnall, a wonderfully talented writer who I know will bring something very special to the hit series.” 

Polly Hill, BBC controller of drama commissioning, added:

“Like Charlotte I would like to thank Steven for his brilliance, which has made Doctor Who a global hit under his tenure.  Chris Chibnall is the perfect successor to take over the reins of this incredible show, so I am delighted that his love for Doctor Who has made it impossible for him to resist !  Chris is an incredible writer and his vision and passion for Doctor Who gives it an exciting future and promises to be a real treat for Doctor Who fans across the world.”  

On stepping down from the role, Steven Moffat said:

“Feels odd to be talking about leaving when I’m just starting work on the scripts for season 10, but the fact is my timey-wimey is running out. While Chris is doing his last run of Broadchurch, I’ll be finishing up on the best job in the universe and keeping the TARDIS warm for him. It took a lot of gin and tonic to talk him into this, but I am beyond delighted that one of the true stars of British Television drama will be taking the Time Lord even further into the future. At the start of season 11, Chris Chibnall will become the new showrunner of Doctor Who. And I will be thrown in a skip.”

On taking over, Chris Chibnall said:

"Doctor Who is the ultimate BBC programme: bold, unique, vastly entertaining, and adored all around the world.  So it's a privilege and a joy to be the next curator of this funny, scary and emotional family drama. I’ve loved Doctor Who since I was four years old, and I’m relishing the thought of working with the exceptional team at BBC Wales to create new characters, creatures and worlds for the Doctor to explore.  Steven’s achieved the impossible by continually expanding Doctor Who's creative ambition, while growing its global popularity. He’s been a dazzling and daring showrunner, and hearing his plans and stories for 2017, it’s clear he’ll be going out with a bang. Just to make my life difficult." 

More news as we get it... 

[Source: BBC; Radio Times]

It is with deepest regret that DWO announces the passing of Classic Series Doctor Who Writer, Robert Banks Stewart.

Robert was perhaps best known to Doctor Who fans for penning two, much-loved, 4th Doctor adventures; Terror Of The Zygons & The Seeds Of Doom.

Robert's other career highlights included contributing scripts to; The Sweeney, Callan, Special Branch and The Edgar Wallace Mysteries. He also produced Bergerac, The Darling Buds Of May and Lovejoy (to name just a few)

DWO would like to extend our sympathies to Robert's family and friends.

+ Read DWO's Interview with Robert Banks Stewart from 2013. 

[Source: BBC News]

Doctor Who Magazine have sent DWO the cover and details for Issue 495 of DWM.

Doctor Who Magazine finds out what happens when River Song runs into the Eighth Doctor in the new audio series The Diary of River Song – and interviews both Paul McGann and Alex Kingston!

“River has to interact with the Eighth Doctor to save him, to help him,” explains Alex. “When she’s figured out how she can do that without having to be physically present in front of him, alongside helping him, she can then tease and flirt a little bit, because she knows she’s safe, and she knows she hasn’t overstepped a boundary, or changed his or her future in any way by that actual physical interaction. So she can then have fun! She’s in control.”

And what does the Eighth Doctor make of River?

“What the Doctor says to River when he realises her acumen, her calibre, is ‘Wow, hang on a minute – where did you pick up all this?! For an amateur, you ain’t half clever’,” chuckles Paul. “He says, ‘Any time you fancy joining me, I could always do with a pair of hands’. He realises, almost instantly, how clever she is. ‘If you’re ever stuck for a trip round the universe helping me out, you’re on.’ So there’s that lovely playfulness as well. Of course, he’s doing it in blissful ignorance. And she’s trying not to appear too clever, and give the game away, but of course she has to save his life. So it’s great. It’s childish, but it’s great fun.”

ALSO INSIDE ISSUE 495...

ASK STEVEN MOFFAT
Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat answers readers questions about the recent episode Heaven Sent – and find out whether the Doctor ever had to run around the castle naked!

THE DRAGON LORD
The latest comic strip adventure continues with Part 2 of The Dragon Lord, written by Steve Lyons, with art from Adrian Salmon.

CEREAL KILLERS
Doctor Who fans of the 1970s will get nostalgic, as we take a trip down memory lane and meet the artist behind Weetabix’s series of artwork cards, which were launched in 1975, and given away with packets of breakfast cereal.

THE ELEVENTH HOUR APPROACHES
The Time Team returns to watch the first adventure of the Eleventh Doctor – The Eleventh Hour. What will they make of the new Doctor, Amy Pond and Prisoner Zero?

WREAKING HAVOC
A tribute to stuntman Derek Ware, who worked on Doctor Who during its first decade, and has recently passed away at the age of 77.

THE EXXILON FACTOR
The Fact of Fiction takes an in-depth look at the 1974 Third Doctor adventure Death to the Daleks.

THE DWM REVIEW
DWM reviews the recent Christmas Special, The Husbands of River Song. We also take a look at the latest books and audio and revisit 1968’s The Wheel in Space and 1977’s The Face of Evil.

THE DWM SEASON SURVEY!
Vote for your favourites of the most recent series, plus the book and audio releases from the past 12 months!

PLUS! All the latest official news, previews of upcoming releases, competitions, the answers to The Watcher’s Fiendishly Festive Christmas Quiz, The DWM Crossword and much more!

+  Doctor Who Magazine Issue #495 is out on Thursday 7th January, priced £4.99.
+  Subscribe Worldwide to DWM from just £19.49 via Unique Magazines!
+  Check Out The DWO Guide to Doctor Who Magazine!

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine]

As Christmas Day is almost upon us, and as we wanted to a little gift to all our visitors, DWO have recorded a song called 'Memories Become Stories'. The track is inspired by Clara's departure from The Doctor in 'Hell Bent' at the end of Series 9 of Doctor Who.

The song, which is written and performed by DWO's Editor, Sebastian J. Brook, is FREE to play / download via Soundcloud and is dedicated to Jenna Coleman, Steven Moffat, Murray Gold and #DoctorWhoDaniel.

Listen to 'Memories Become Stories' in the SoundCloud player, below:

If you enjoy the song, please take a second to Like / Comment directly on the SoundCloud page!

We have also included the lyrics for you, below:

Memories Become Stories
By Sebastian J. Brook

I remember your name, but I do not know why,
I think that I knew you, once upon a time

But I guess we’re all stories in the end.
Yes I guess we’re all stories in the end.

You travelled with me, or did I travel with you?
One thing that I’m sure of, is I’m lost without you.

So I guess we're all stories in the end.
Yes I guess we're all stories in the end.

Memories become stories, when we forget them,
maybe some of them become songs.

One day I’ll find you, when I recall,
all the things I’ve forgotten for so long.

I remember this place, I’ve been here before,
I think that we came here, but I cannot be sure.

And I guess we’re all stories in the end.
You and me we’re just stories in the end.

Memories become stories, when we forget them,
maybe some of them become songs.

One day I’ll find you, when I recall,
all the things I’ve forgotten for so long.

So I’ll think of you often, please think of me too,
and this story we’ve written, will someday come true.

'Cos I guess we’re all stories in the end.
Yes I guess we’re all stories in the end.

Memories become stories, when we forget them,
maybe some of them become songs.

Memories become stories, when we forget them,
maybe some of them become songs.

+ Follow DWO on Twitter!
+ Follow Sebastian J. Brook on Twitter!

[Source: DWO]

DWO’s Spoiler-Free preview of the 2015 Christmas Special, The Husbands of River Song;

So here it is, Merry Christmas! Everybody's having fun. Not least of them being Doctor Who, which is off on a bit of a lark following a season which saw the Doctor go through some fairly significant losses.

Bringing back Alex Kingston’s River Song to bounce off another incarnation of the Doctor was always going to be a recipe for fun, and The husbands of River Song doesn’t disappoint in this regard. Watching her dance around the screen with Peter Capaldi’s incarnation of the Time Lord is a real delight. There’s something about seeing the Twelfth Doctor let his hair down (so to speak… let his eyebrows down? There’s a breeze when he moves them…) and engaging in a bit of fun with his wife which is completely endearing and so perfect for Christmas Day.

As ever with River, the Doctor turns into a bit of a love-struck fool, and it’s really great to see a new side to Capaldi’s Doctor. Don’t fret that he’s not the Time Lord we’ve grown to know over the last two seasons, though; there’s a lot about his wife’s activities that this Doctor doesn’t approve of. Popping up with a new face (his thirteenth - one he’s not supposed to have and one River certainly doesn’t gave a picture of) gives him a chance to see what his beloved is like when he’s not around.

Oh, but the two of them absolutely sing together. Was there ever any doubt that they wouldn’t?

It helps that they’re supported by a stellar guest cast of husbands, fronted by the likes of Greg Davies as King Hydroflax, and Matt Lucas and Phillip Rhys as River’s partners in crime. As ever with names like this, there’s been a certain amount of grumbling about ‘stunt’ casting for the episode, but when you see the way everyone comes together on screen, you can’t help but get swept up in the ride. Make sure you hold on tight and don’t lose your head…

The episode also sees a very welcome return to the director’s chair for Douglas Mackinnon, who was sorely missed throughout the main bulk of Series Nine. Mackinnnon brings his style brilliantly to the worlds of the special, and there’s several moments where Doctor Who has rarely looked better.

There’s a danger that throughout this preview so far I’ve made the Christmas episode sound like a lot of larking about with no real substance, but never fear - the Doctor and River’s relationship has always been laced with emotion and sadness - how could it not when one of them dies on their first date? - and there’s a big dollop of that embedded in here, too.

Happiness and joy mixed with a hint sadness and thoughts of those we’ve lost. Is anything more Christmas than that?

Five things to look out for;

1) "I think I’m going to need a bigger flowchart…"
2) "The diary of River Song! The ultimate guide to the Time Lord known as the Doctor…"
3) "You are a time/space machine! You’ve a vehicle! I’ve never asked you to cheer me up with hologramatic antlers!"
4)  24 years. 
5) "An archeologist is just a thief with patience. I never had much of that."

[Sources: DWO, Will Brooks]

   

Publisher: Hasslein Books

Written By: Brian J. Robb & Paul Simpson

RRP: £13.03 (UK) / $19.99

Release Date: January 2015

Reviewed by: Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 5th December 2015

Whilst we now live in a time where there are countless Doctor Who guides available to buy in our local bookshops, few have dared tackle the format in such a brave, unique and refreshing way like Brian J. Robb and Paul Simpson have. Who Beyond 50 presents us with a chronological guide to the series, laid out over 5 sections and split up into 50 individual essays. 

Right from the very first essay (Visual Vortex Meets Musical Mysteries) you are catapulted back in time to the airing of that very first episode, with Hartnell's title sequence being described in the most evocative and affectionate way. Arguably many of the topics themselves have been covered before, but there's something about Who Beyond 50 that makes you feel like youre reading them for the first time through new eyes. Where many guides simply touch on aspects, themes and areas of interest, Who Beyond 50 delves further, leaving the reader feeling like they have a fuller and more rounded picture.

As well as covering all the Doctors and their tenure on the show, Companions, Monsters, Producers and poignant moments in the shows long history are also given the spotlight. Those of you interested in the Missing Episodes saga, for example, can be assured of a well-researched and well-presented guide - taking us right up to the recent discovery of The Web Of Fear & The Enemy Of The World in 2013.

Doctor Who fandom itself also gets a look-in, and Chapter 31: When Fandom Attacks, is particularly worth a read - even including super-fan; Ian Levine's inclusion in the John Nathan-Turner era of the show in the 1980's. Oh, and that period that we have all come to know as 'The Wilderness Years' is also covered in particularly broad detail, chronicling the TV Movie, as well as the online adventures of The Doctor, and the Books and Audios that helped keep the show alive in the 1990's.

Whilst a large portion of the book is dedicated to the classic series, the new series is referenced throughout wherever there are relevant comparisons and interesting points of note. Section 5 is completely dedicated to 'New Who' charting Russell T. Davies rise and the events that lead to his appointment as show runner, right through to the revival, and detailing all the modern-era Doctors to date.

Kudos to the structuring of the book, too; it's incredibly easy to follow, and it means you don't have to read from start to finish, allowing the reader to cherry pick sections or eras of the show and its history.

We heartily recommend Who Beyond 50 - not just because of the tremendous amount of love, respect and sheer detail that has gone into the book, but because it truly deserves a place in any fans collection - a title you will be reaching for more often than you think!

+  Who Beyond 50 is Out Now, priced £13.03 / $19.99.
+  Buy this book on Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com 
+  Follow Hasslein Books on Twitter.

Our friends over at Genki Gear are celebrating 10 years of trading this year, and they are celebrating in style by launching a brand new range of 10 designs priced at only £10 each.

The range encompasses and celebrates all that is great, weird and cute about Genki Gear unique original designs and is a big thank you to all their customers and friends who have made the last 10 years possible.

Genki Gear produces original t-shirts that stand out amongst the crowd! They take their influences from Japanese culture, Anime, gaming and science fiction and add to it a dash of unique humour, which has become their trademark.

All their printing is done in the UK and they print their designs across a full range of styles so there’s always a Genki Gear t-shirt or gift for you. 

All Genki Gear’s ranges are ethically produced and of the highest quality so you can wear you Geek with Pride!

+  Check Out the Genki Gear website at www.genkigear.co.uk 

[Source: Genki Gear]

DWO’s Spoiler-Free Preview of episode 9.12: Hell Bent;

Oh, it’s all been leading to this. Not just Series Nine - though obviously we’re building on everything we’ve been through this season - or the Doctor’s time with Clara Oswald by his side, but his entire life, since he ran away. No, actually, before that.

When Steven Moffat writes a finale, he packs them full to bursting. Monsters and time paradoxes and tweaks to Doctor Who’s wider mythos. It’s fair to say that Hell Bent has all of those in spades, and that it’s a real treat for the fans. As we saw at the end of last week’s episode, Gallifrey is back from the pocket dimension it was sealed in during the 50th anniversary (How doesn’t matter, the fact is it’s here), and it’s facing a new threat. Prophecies predict the coming of the Hybrid - an entity formed from two great warrior races; and not the ones you might expect. It must be ‘well hard’, though…

There’s only one man in the universe who can tell the Time Lords about the Hybrid, and he’s just been through four-and-a-half billion hears of solitary hell to get here. It’s safe to say that The Doctor isn’t in the best of moods for a large portion of this episode. Peter Capaldi continues to give a top-drawer performance, managing to hold your attention for a long stretch without ever saying a word. This finale has been crafted as a real tour-de-force for the actor, and he’s more than risen to the challenge.

Also rising to the challenge, of course, is director Rachel Talalay, who continues to make the world of Doctor Who look beautiful. Working alongside - frankly - the best team in the world, Talalay gives us everything we could want from our first in-depth look at Gallifrey in the modern era. From the tip of the tallest towers to the pits of the Matrix and out into the Dry Lands, we get to explore the Doctor’s homeward like never before, and it’s never looked better.

There’s far - far - more to praise when it comes to the direction (and the script, and the action), but we can only say so much about Hell Bent without giving too much away (and we’d be thrown in the Timelash if we did), but that’s okay - it’s another one of those episodes which is only improved by having each surprise come as fresh, building on the last and sweeping away what came before. It ties up the last few years of adventures, dusts the Doctor down, and sends him off towards the future. And who knows, with Gallifrey back and reeling from the events of this episode, the Doctor might have some powerful enemies keeping tabs on him…

SIX things to look out for;

1) “Are all the bells ringing?”
2) A hint of the Doctor’s extended family.
3)“Stories are where memories go when they’re forgotten.”
4)“The Doctor does not blame Gallifrey for the horrors of the Time War. He just blames you.”
5) “Could I have a lemonade?”
6) “You’re a Time Lord. A High-Born Gallifreyan… Why is it you spend so much time on Earth?"

[Sources: DWO, Will Brooks]

The BBC have unveiled the title, full synopsis and 'iconic photograph' from this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special.

The special, which will air on Christmas Day on BBC One is called 'The Husbands Of River Song', and also features Matt Lucas (Nardole) and Greg Davies (King Hydroflax).

Along with the title, the BBC have also supplied us with a promo image featuring The Doctor, River Song and a red robot villain. The eagle-eyed among you will also notice The Doctor is holding a new Sonic Screwdriver! Find out how he gets it in the Series 9 finale '9.12: Hell Bent', this Saturday!

Below is the full synopsis for the episode: 

“It’s Christmas Day on a remote human colony and the Doctor is hiding from Christmas Carols and Comedy Antlers. But when a crashed spaceship calls upon the Doctor for help, he finds himself recruited into River Song’s squad and hurled into a fast and frantic chase across the galaxy.

King Hydroflax (Greg Davies) is furious, and his giant Robot bodyguard is out-of-control and coming for them all! Will Nardole (Matt Lucas) survive? And when will River Song work out who the Doctor is? 

All will be revealed on a starliner full of galactic super-villains and a destination the Doctor has been avoiding for a very long time.”

+  The Husbands Of River Song airs on BBC One on Christmas Day. Time TBA.

[Source: BBC]

DWO’s Spoiler-Free Preview of episode 9.11: Heaven Sent;

Doctor Who has never been afraid to try out something new from time to time. We’ve had episodes that range from high comedy to full-on drama. We’ve had episodes told in real time, and just a few weeks ago the programme gave us its own unique take on the ‘found footage’ genre. It’s often quite special when Doctor Who tries to do something different with a format, and it’s fair to say that Heaven Sent ranks rather highly on the ‘different’ stakes.

For the most part, it’s 53 minutes of Peter Capaldi… and only Peter Capaldi. Oh, sure he’s being stalked by a rather nightmarish vision from the pits of his memory, but it’s not a particularly talkative nightmare, meaning that it’s up to Peter alone to carry the weight of the episode, and it’s to his great credit that you never once find yourself longing for someone else to show up and take some of the burden.

Steven Moffat’s script is filled with things to keep Capaldi chewing over - from the moments of darkness that he does so well, to showing off and having a ball. The Doctor is really put through the wringer in this one - repeatedly - and by the time the episode is finished, you’ll feel that you’ve been on a fairly similar journey yourself.

It’s the closest that Doctor Who has ever come to producing its own art house movie, and while it may risk feeling out of place on BBC One on a Saturday night, it’s a refreshing change of pace, and one which allows us to get a handle on the Doctor as a character - and this incarnation in particular - more than ever before.

The whole episode is really lifted by the return of Rachel Talalay to the director’s chair (having also helmed last year’s finale, Dark Water / Death in Heaven). In the hands of a less competent director, the story could run the risk of becoming formulaic and dull, but Talalay injects every shot with something of interest. Particularly of note is the way in which the TARDIS is shot here - the current console room has never looked better, and never looked bigger.

And at the end of it all, finally overcoming all the turmoil and the pain, the stage is truly set for an explosive finale.

Five things to look out for;

1) “As you come in to this world… something else is also born….”
2) The Brother’s Grimm.
3) “Don’t you want to know how I survived? Go on, ask me!”
4) Just how old is the Doctor, these days?
5) “Personally, I think that’s a hell of a bird.”

[Sources: DWO, Will Brooks]