The fourth and final episode of Doctor Who: The Adventure Games will be released on Christmas Day, it has been confirmed.

Titled 'Shadows Of Vashta Nerada', it will feature the first appearance of the shadow monsters since their debut in 'Silence In The Library' and 'Forest Of The Dead'.

Following on from the ending of third episode 'TARDIS', it will feature a plot surrounding a real-world conspiracy and is set in a seabed colony called Poseidon.

"We’ve gone all-out for the season finale. 'Shadows of the Vashta Nerada' takes place entirely underwater - something which would be impossible for the TV series, as water is so expensive," said executive producer Steven Moffat.

"It’s thrilling, terrifying, educational and fun. Just steer clear of those shadows..."

UK licence fee payers can download the episode for both PC and Mac for free from the BBC website.

[Source: Digital Spy]

A line up of Doctor Who related figures will appear at The Space event in January 2011. The Space (Southern Performance and Creative Energies) is a unique monthly entertainment and arts event, with a line up of high calibre special guest interviews held within an intimate environment.

Thursday 6th January 2011 / Komedia / 6:30pm / £7.50/£5

DAVID MORRISSEY

The acclaimed actor David Morrissey is perhaps most recognised for his roles in 2008’s Doctor Who Christmas special, The Next Doctor, as well as the BBC drama State of Play, Red Riding, and Blackpool.

His breakthrough roles came with the dramas Our Mutual Friend and Hilary and Jackie. Film parts followed, including roles in Some Voices and Captain Corelli's Mandolin, before he played the critically-acclaimed roles of fictional MP Stephen Collins in State of Play, and Gordon Brown in The Deal by leading screenwriter Peter Morgan. The former won him a nomination at the British Academy Television Awards and the latter a Best Actor award at the Royal Television Society Awards. His film roles have not always been acclaimed; his appearance as the male lead in Basic Instinct 2 was widely criticised, and The Reaping bombed at the box office. Since then, he has had leading roles in Cape Wrath, Sense and Sensibility, and Red Riding.

David is also a director; he has directed Sweet Revenge and Passer By for the BBC. His feature debut, Don't Worry About Me, premiered at the 2009 London Film Festival.

Thursday 6th January 2011 / Komedia / 7:30pm / £7.50/£5

TOBY WHITHOUSE

Toby Whithouse is best known as the creator of the highly acclaimed BBC Three supernatural drama series Being Human, which is one of the channel’s most popular programmes. The third series is set to be broadcast in January 2011. 

He also created the Channel 4 drama No Angels, and has written for BBC One’s Hotel Babylon and Doctor Who. His Doctor Who episode, titled School Reunion, featured the return of the robot dog K-9 and Sarah Jane Smith. Toby also wrote the 2010 episode, The Vampires of Venice. 

As an actor, he was a regular in the early 1990s BBC One drama series The House of Eliott. In 1997, Toby appeared on stage in the West End, co-starring with Gene Wilder in Laughter on the 23rd Floor by Neil Simon. Frustrated at what he perceived as a lack of quality in many of the scripts he was sent to read, he took to writing in his spare time between acting roles, eventually writing a play which was performed as the opening production of the Soho Theatre. His first television work was writing an episode for the ITV drama series Where the Heart Is.

Toby went on to write for the Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood, with the 2006 episode Greeks Bearing Gifts.

[Source: Wayne Imms]

The next series of Doctor Who will not feature any old monsters according to executive producer Piers Wenger.

The new series, the sixth since Doctor Who was revived in 2005, will instead feature new monsters. This means its unlikely that the Daleks, Cybermen or other enemies from the original series or indeed the more recent past will be back next year. When asked about the possibility of old monsters featuring in the next series Wenger said;

"No, we're bigger fans of new monsters. That's where we are. I think Steven's written the best new "Doctor Who" monsters in a long time in the [season] opening two-parter. That's where our energies are focused, really.."

The statement by Wenger could of course be a little white lie to keep fans in the dark over any planned returns.

 Read the full interview with Piers Wenger at Crave Online.

[Source: Crave Online]

Candy Jar, the company behind Kangazang! – the hit sci-fi comedy novel written by Terry Cooper and audiobook featuring the most versatile of Doctors of them all, Colin Baker – today unveiled details of its Christmas giveaway.

All purchasers who buy the CD or book will get a Mike Collins Sixth Doctor print free. The print depicts Colin as he bounces on a Space Hopper across a colourful alien landscape.

Mike Collins is famous for his artwork on Spider-Man, Transformers, Doctor Who, and Zoids. He also drew Judge Dredd, as well as Batman, Superman, Flash, Star Trek, Babylon 5, Wonder Woman and the Justice League.

Mike will take part in the first Cardiff International Comics Expo in February – where a special panel will be dedicated to all things Kangazang! Mike said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the Kangazang! audiobook and was more than happy to contribute artwork to celebrate Colin Baker's perfect narration of the wonderfully weird world of Kangazang!”

Kangazang! was produced in the same building where the Doctor Who episode, Blink was filmed, as well as the Torchwood episode, Everything Changes.

Kangazang! is available as a special edition 3 CD Disc release plus bonus DVD available to buy online. The DVD contains a wealth of extras. In an exclusive interview, Colin discusses his time on Doctor Who, his love of sci-fi, and, of course, Kangazang!

 To watch and listen to trailers recorded by Colin Baker, visit www.kangazang.co.uk.

[Source: Candy Jar]

Radio Times have launched another issue of their popular magazine, sporting a Doctor Who cover, this time to promote the 2010 Christmas Special; A Christmas Carol.

Both Matt Smith (The Doctor) and Katherine Jen .drwho-online.co.uk/editors/tiny_mce3/themes/advanced/langs/en.js" type="text/javascript"> kins (Abigail Pettigrew) are interviewed in the magazine, and Radio Times have kindly given us a couple of excerpts from the interviews below:

Matt Smith: “It was a great privilege to do it,” he enthuses, aware of the institution the Christmas Special has become si nce it was launched with David Tennant in 2005. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I started the show. I love Christmas, plus I’ve always wanted to film something in July that has got snow in, loads of snow… it’s very Christmassy.”

Katherine Jenkins: “It was far worse than any nerves I’ve ever had for any performance,” recalls the mezzo unequivocally, a note of terror still audible in her voice. “I spent a lot of time thinking about it,” she adds. “It’s such an iconic show, and it’s one that we watch as a family. I just thought, ‘I’d love to give it a try.’

 Radio Times is out Today, priced £1.20.

 Buy this issue of Radio Times as well as past issues from CompareTheDalek.com!

[Source: Radio Times]

Forbidden Planet have teamed up with Character Options for another Exclusive Action Figure.

The Peri & Sil Twin pack features The 6th Doctor's companion, with Sil the Mentor from Vengeance on Varos.

The Sixth Doctor and Peri visit the planet Varos to obtain supplies of a rare ore called Zeiton 7, vital to the functioning of the TARDIS. Varos was once a colony for the criminally insane and the descendants of the original guards still rule, while the poverty-stricken people are kept entertained by screenings of public torture from the Punishment Dome.

Peri & Sil Twin pack, is released Early December, priced £24.99.

 Buy Now from Forbidden Planet!

[Source: Forbidden Planet]

There’s no doubt that the appearance of Doctor Who on LOVEFiLM’s catalogue has gotten us excited – the chance to enjoy our favourites whenever we like (within reason) seems a good enough reason as any to get in a good mood.

And while the presence of Matt Smith’s recent outing is good enough for now, one thing that has caught our eye is the wealth of old episodes that LOVEFiLM has to offer.

We all know that the Doctor has been on fire since 2005 and we need little excuse to revisit any one of hundreds of moments from the run. However, it’s reassuring to know that if we need to recap an episode, catch up with one that we’ve missed or simply relive the excitement all over again, LOVEFiLM has it covered.

To have classics such as Jon Pertwee’s Inferno, Tom Baker’s City of Death, and Sylvester McCoy’s The Curse of Fenric available as well as other movies online whenever you want them, thanks to the LOVEFiLM Player, is a treat that we’re really looking forward to – even if it doesn’t come to fruition.

For now, of course we’re happy with whatever we’re given, and LOVEFiLM are allowing us to get our hands on copies of Doctor Who for a fraction of what it would cost to buy the box set, or even to rent it in the conventional way.

So, in truth, there’s no excuse for going without a Doctor Who fix thanks to LOVEFiLM, providing a fantastic TV back catalogue at a great price!

[Sources: Doctor Who Online; LOVEFILM]

Actor Sylvester McCoy has said he would be keen to return to Doctor Who for its 50th anniversary.

McCoy, who played the seventh Doctor from 1987 to 1989, said fans wanted a multi-Doctor story to mark the programme's golden jubilee in 2013.

He also suggested that earlier Doctors - played by actors who have since died - could be brought back using computer technology.

"They've got such imaginations, they could do anything," he said.

"Would I do it? Yes, I'd be delighted to," said the actor when asked if he would consider reprising his most famous role.

"I am a part of it, it hasn't ever gone away and I celebrate the 21st Century Doctors," he continued - a reference to his successors Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant and Matt Smith.

The first Doctor Who show to feature more than one actor playing the titular Time Lord was The Three Doctors in 1972.

That saw William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee - the first three actors to play the Doctor on television - appearing on screen together.

"I know that the producers balk at it. All those egos in the same room would be very difficult to deal with," McCoy continued.

"But the fans are hoping that for the 50th anniversary, which is coming up, they might do something like that. It would be fascinating with all the technology if they could bring back Jon Pertwee and William Hartnell. That would be amazing - and I bet they could do it if they wanted to."

The 67-year-old Scot also joked that technology could be used to "make us thin again".

McCoy is currently appearing in London in the first stage adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's comic novel Decline and Fall.

He has also been cast as a wizard in The Hobbit films, expected to begin shooting in New Zealand in 2011.

[Source: BBC News]

BBC Worldwide has released the first two screenshots from their brand new self-published iPhone and iPad game Doctor Who: The Mazes Of Time. [pictured right]

Players will be able to swap between playing The Doctor and Amy during gameplay, which also appears to feature The Daleks (and people holding their hands up!).

The Mazes Of Time is developed by Tag Games and will be available in Early December, price TBA.

[Sources: Doctor Who Online; BBC Worldwide Games]

Return to Earth, released for the Wii, picks up where the DS game, Evacuation Earth, left off and, in storyline terms, is a very accomplished addition to the Doctor Who fold. That is hardly surprising however, given that it was penned by noted author of Doctor Who novels, Oli Smith.

While purists will refuse to acknowledge it as canon, it stands up well enough in its own right and moves the gameplay along well.

For those who didn’t play the prequel, a brief outline is useful, though not essential. Evacuation Earth saw The Doctor and Amy Pond ensuring, appropriately enough, that the Earth is evacuated in the wake of a Solar Storm. They end up on the SS Lucy Gray investigating both the origin of the Storm and an inconveniently vanished TARDIS.

The outing on the Wii picks up with the baton with the Lucy Gray abandoned, and the Cybermen looming – fans of the Daleks will have no choice but to pick up the DS game if they want to see them as the main opposition.

Where Return to Earth, and Wii Games in general, really stands out is the imaginative use of the controller, as it turns into an analogue of the sonic screwdriver, and makes a good job of recreating its functions, even more so if you can get your hands on the add on that literally turns your controller into a replica screwdriver.

And what an innovation it is. The sonic screwdriver is second only to the lightsabre in terms of science fiction items that the Wii remote appears to have been built for and the implementation hasn’t really let down the promise.

But really, the game doesn’t quite fulfil its promise and the narrative is confined to the interior of the spaceship - a little disappointing given the wealth of landscapes on offer within Doctor Who if a bit of imaginations is used.

If you want to try the game before you buy it you can rent it from www.lovefilm.com who are currently offering a free trial.

[Source: Doctor Who Online]

2|Entertain have sent DWO the cover and details for the January 2011 DVD release of The Mutants.

The Mutants

Featuring: Jon Pertwee as The Third Doctor

The Time Lords send the Doctor and Jo on a mission to deliver a sealed message pod to an unknown party aboard a Skybase orbiting the planet Solos in the 30th century.

Solos is due to gain independence from Earth's empire but its Marshal is determined to prevent this. He arranges the murder of the Earth Administrator and, with his chief scientist Jaeger, plans to transform Solo's atmosphere into one more suited to humans. 

Ky, a young Solonian leader, is falsely accused of the murder and flees to the planet, taking Jo with him. The Doctor follows and joins them in an old thaesium mine. Ky turns out to be the intended recipient of the message pod, which opens automatically for him. Inside are stone tablets carved with ancient inscriptions...

Special Features:

Disc 1- Episodes

• 6 x 25 mins approx colour episodes with mono audio. 

• Commentary - stereo. With actors Katy Manning and Garrick Hagon, director Christopher Barry, script editor Terrance Dicks, co-writer Bob Baker, special sounds supervisor Brian Hodgson and designer Jeremy Bear. Moderated by Nicholas Pegg.

• Coming Soon (dur. Approx 1’) - a trailer for a forthcoming DVD release.

• Programme subtitles.

• Subtitle Production Notes.

Disc 2 – DVD Extras

• Mutt Mad (dur. 20’ 43”) – cast and crew look back at the making of the story. With actor Garrick Hagon, producer Barry Letts, director Christopher Barry, co-writer Bob Baker, script editor Terrance Dicks and designer Jeremy Bear. 

• Race Against Time (dur. 37’ 38”) - Noel Clarke narrates a documentary looking at the representation of black actors in Doctor Who and on British TV as a whole. With writer and critic Bidisha, writer Stephen Bourne, actor Fraser James, and Doctor Who Magazine’s assistant editor Peter Ware. Narrated by Noel Clarke. 

• Dressing Doctor Who (dur. 27’ 04”) – three-times Academy Award winning costume designer James Acheson takes an affectionate look back over his earlier work on Doctor Who from his home in New Zealand. Narrated by Simon Ockendon.

• Blue Peter (dur. 1’ 35”) – Peter Purves takes a look at a collection of Doctor Who monsters prior to the opening of an exhibition of visual effects.

• Photo Gallery (dur. 2’ 56”) - production, design and publicity photos from the story.

• Radio Times Listings in Adobe PDF format.

[Source: 2|Entertain]

Doctor Who stars, Matt Smith and Karen Gillan will present Radio 1's Top 10s of 2010, on Christmas Eve.

The show will see the pair airing their favourite tracks from 2010, and will be broadcast between 8-9pm.

Full details, together with other presenters over the festive period, can be found via the press release on the BBC Press Office website.

[Source: BBC Press Office]

London workers got a bit of a shock on their way into the office this morning...

A group of intimidating Cybermen from cult show Doctor Who invaded the city, marching through St Paul's and the London Undergound.

The stunt was to celebrate the launch of the Doctor Who Experience - a fully interactive themed adventure and exhibition opening in the capital in February.

The cyborgs recreated a very familiar scene from the famous 1968 episode The Invasion, posing on the steps in front of St Paul's Cathedral.

Visitors to the Experience will be invited to step inside the Tardis to become The Doctor's companion in fighting his other enemy, the Daleks.

The Doctor Who Experience, which will open at London's Olympia Two on February 20, 2011, will include special effects and newly-filmed scenes with current Doctor Matt Smith recreating the Time Lord's adventures.

It includes an exhibition charting the history of the programme from its first series in 1963 to the latest episodes. Original costumes, a Tom Baker-era Tardis and Cybermen, Silurians and a Zygon will also be on display.

Executive producer Steven Moffat said: 'The Doctor Who Experience is a fan's dream come true - a fully interactive adventure that will allow viewers of the show to get as close as possible to some of the scariest monsters from the series.

'It will also be the first time that Doctor Who artefacts from all the show's 47-year history - classic and new - will be on display together, many of them being seen for the first time. 

'And never mind that, this is the day the Doctor teaches you how to fly the Tardis through time and space, and takes you into battle with all his deadliest enemies in a brand new adventure.'

Tickets for the show are on sale now through www.doctorwhoexperience.com.

[Source: The Daily Mail]

It is with deepest regret that DWO announces the passing of Classic Doctor Who Actress, Ingrid Pitt.

Ingrid was perhaps best known to Doctor Who fans for her roles as Galleia in The Third Doctor adventure; The Time Monster, and as Solow in The Fifth Doctor adventure; Warriors of the Deep. Recently, Ingrid co-authored Doctor Who audio adventure; The Macros, for Big Finish's 'Lost Stories' range.

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

[Source: BBC News]

The BBC Press Office has released the synopsis and a promo image for this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special; 5.14: A Christmas Carol.

Amy and Rory are trapped on a crashing space liner, and the only way The Doctor can rescue them is to save the soul of a lonely old miser, in a festive edition of the time-travelling adventure, written by Steven Moffat. But is Kazran Sardick, the richest man in Sardicktown, beyond redemption? And what is lurking in the fogs of Christmas Eve?

Amy Pond is played by Karen Gillan, Rory Williams by Arthur Darvill, The Doctor by Matt Smith and Kazran Sardick by Michael Gambon.

Doctor Who is simulcast in HD on BBC One HD on Freesat channel 108, Freeview channel 50, Sky channel 143 and Virgin Media channel 108.

[Source: BBC Press Office]