Will Brooks’ 50 Year Diary - watching Doctor Who one episode a day from the very start... 

Day 104: Volcano (The Daleks' Master Plan, Episode Eight)

Dear diary,

Sometimes, there's so much useless Doctor Who knowledge buzzing around in my head that I simply ignore bits of it. I file it away in a cabinet marked 'you'll probably never need to know this' and go on thinking about something else. The nice effect this has is that elements of Doctor Who surprise me, when they probably really shouldn't.

Take today's episode, for example. It's the return of the Meddling Monk! Now, I knew - somewhere in the back of my mind - that the Monk returned in this story. I'm sure I knew that. Heck, the BBC's official 50th Anniversary website has an entry for the Monk in which he's surrounded by Volcanoes! Yet still, I didn't manage to piece it together until almost the last moment.

When this episode opens, the TARDIS is being pursued through the vortex by another time vessel. Steven speculates that it has to be the Daleks, and the Doctor thinks that he's probably right about that. Meanwhile, we keep cutting back to Kembel, where the Daleks are preparing to send a time machine out to hunt for them. It wasn't until the Daleks were ready to leave the planet that I suddenly realised that it couldn't be them chasing the TARDIS, and it all fell into place!

Aside from that nice surprise, this episode is a bit lackluster. It feels like a number of left over ideas from The Chase being added in to help pad out the story a little further. What if the TARDIS were to materialise in the middle of a cricket match? What if it turns up on New Year's Eve, during the countdown? It can't just be fleeting materialisations (and what happened to the ship needing twelve minutes to take off again?), so we get a showdown between the Doctor and the Monk, but rather than the great back-and-forth we saw between them last series, it just dissolves into a bit of laughing, and then we find that the Doctor has been trapped here.

Even then, it only takes the Doctor a matter of minutes to fix the problem and get them back on their way again. To be honest, the whole episode feels like padding before we can get onto the really interesting stuff.

Where things do still fall into place for me is when we spend time with the Daleks on Kembel. These are still the ruthless creatures I've grown used to this season, and they're by far the best thing about this episode. That they allow one of the delegates to die for them as proof that he is truly devoted to his cause is sinister enough. The fact that he survives the experiment - so they exterminate him anyway, just because they were expecting a death - is even worse. These Daleks are unlike any we've had before, and they're a fantastic breed of the creatures.

To tell the truth, though, I think things need to get back to Kembel full-time. While I still believe this tale could be seen as more than one story, it feels like its flagging a little in the middle here - they don't really know what to do with the characters before we head back in for the final showdown. I'm hoping that the final four episodes are where we bring things back into focus…

Next Episode: Golden Death

Next Episode: Golden Death 

 Day 103: The Feast of Steven (The Daleks' Master Plan, Episode Seven)

Will Brooks’ 50 Year Diary - watching Doctor Who one episode a day from the very start... 

Day 103: The Feast of Steven (The Daleks' Master Plan, Episode Seven)

Dear diary,

*clears throat * IT'S CHRIIIISSSTTTTMMMAAAAASSSSSSSS! What? It's tradition, isn't it? No? Oh hush, it's my blog. And it's Christmas! Spread the cheer! And isn't it nice of the weather to keep the winter feeling going right the way through until now, just so it would feel more like Christmas. Yeah, let's enjoy the snow as I crank up the heating and mutter 'Bah Humbug' under my breath…

But look! Hooray! Santa has been! And what's that he's left for me under the tree? (By 'under the tree', I mean 'on the computer'. I did suggest getting the Christmas tree back out, but Ellie wasn't having any of it.) It's a copy of The Feast of Steven that's been animated! That's right, I've been enjoying today's special Christmas episode in the form of Adamsbullock's version.

It's another very different style of animation, quite far removed from what I've seen for either The Reign of Terror or Mission to the Unknown. Far more stylised, and with a much simpler tone to it. Outside the police station, for example, the background is painted in with only a few tones and a couple of windows. And yet, it works really well! I don't know if I'd be able to do the entire Daleks' Master Plan in this style, but for the slightly bizarre Christmas episode, it's absolutely perfect.

Truth be told, by the end I'd grown quite accustomed to the animated Hartnell. It's going to be a bit of a shock to go back to the real, human version. Maybe for the next few audio episodes I'll imagine everyone else as real, with this version of Hartnell alongside them. It'll keep me amused at least!

As for the episode itself… it's a bit of a game of two halves really. All the stuff at the police station was great fun, and I really rather enjoyed that. I seem to recall reading somewhere that the original intention was to have the cast of Z Cars take the roles of the police officers, which would have been great fun and really helped add to the Christmas feel - plus, it has to be said, the idea of Brian Blessed squaring up to Hartnell excites me far more than it should!

There's plenty of comedy in this section of the episode, and it's played nicely: lots of fun banter between the policemen as they wait outside the TARDIS, and especially after the Doctor has stepped outside for the very first time. Then there's the business with the man inside the station ('haven't I seen your face before? Of course! The marketplace at Jaffa!') and Steven coming to take the Doctor away by pretending that he's a bit mad.

Yeah, the first section of the episode is great fun, and I really enjoyed it. But then we arrive in Hollywood and… oh dear. It's a good job I didn't listen to this episode as part of the narrated soundtrack with my headphones in. Whoever was in charge of sound for this segment should be shot. It's so noisy! Every character is shouting, and they're all doing it at once! There were moments when I couldn't understand what was actually being said.

(Incidentally, I did scroll through the audio once I'd finished watching the animation, just in case it had been made better on the narrated soundtrack. One section of screeching was more than enough for me, so I didn't push it any further.)

Something I did wonder about, and it's happened a few times over the last few episodes, is Sara's name. Which way do people tend to pronounce it? I've always said it as 'Sa-ra', as does the Doctor here, and as it's clearly written. Peter Purves (both in the episodes and on the narration) seems to refer to her as 'Sarah' more commonly. Which do people tend to go for? Is 'Sara' the majority vote?

Now, I mused yesterday that things felt like they were building to the end of a six-part story and getting ready to move off onto a new adventure, but that I'd need to watch through more before coming to a decision on that one. Well, I think I've already reached one. The Feast of Steven is not the seventh episode of a twelve-part serial called The Daleks' Master Plan. Frankly, it's not! The only link we have to that story is the Doctor double checking that they still have the terrarium core, to which Sara replies 'Oh, I'd forgotten about the Daleks.'

That's less of a link than the Steven Moffat era has between stories that are a part of the story arc! The six episodes from The Nightmare Begins to Coronas of the Sun are definitely a story, and the episodes that follow this one may be a follow-up to that story, but from where I'm standing now, somewhere around the middle-point, this certainly feels like an individual one-episode story all on its own. I'll review this situation once I finish the next five episodes, but it's looking likely that I'll think of them as separate stories from now on. The campaign to change it starts here!

Next Episode: Volcano

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 has released a Press Pack for this year's Doctor Who Christmas special '7.6X: The Snowmen', featuring interviews with Steven Moffat, Matt Smith, Jenna-Louise Coleman, Richard E Grant and Tom Ward.

Christmas Eve 1892, and the falling snow is the stuff of fairy-tales.

When the fairy-tale becomes a nightmare and a chilling menace threatens Earth, an unorthodox young governess, Clara, calls on the Doctor for help. But the Doctor is in mourning, reclusive and determined not to engage in the problems of the universe. As old friends return, will the Doctor really abandon humankind or will he fight to save the world – and Christmas – from the icy clutches of this mysterious menace?

Executive produced by: Steven Moffat and Caroline Skinner
Directed by: Saul Metzstein
Written by: Steven Moffat
Produced by: Marcus Wilson

Steven Moffat introduces The Snowmen

Lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat gives us an insight into the monsters and adventures that we can expect from the Christmas special.

What can we expect from the Christmas special?

The Christmas episode is Doctor Who, only more so, and this year we're going for more epic. The Doctor, when we meet him, isn't in a good place. A bit like when we first encountered William Hartnell as the Doctor in 1963 - or indeed Christopher Eccleston in 2005 - this a cold and withdrawn Time Lord, wanting no part of the world around him. It's going to take a lot of Christmas spirit to get him back out those TARDIS doors.

Are there any new monsters?

Well there are Snowmen. You've probably guessed that from the title. But that's not all. Dear me, no! But monsters should always be a bit surprising, so that's all I'm saying.

How do you find writing the Christmas special as opposed to a regular episode? Does it differ at all?

You're very aware of the time of year, and the noisy, sugared-up, slightly tipsy household. Sometimes we play along with something a bit frothier. Though this year, we might just give them a fright!

Last time we saw the Doctor he said goodbye to the Ponds. Will we see a different side to the Doctor in this episode?

The Doctor is almost defined by his friendships. When they end, and the TARDIS is silent again, he's a very different man. He's lost a lot of people in the time we've known him, and this Christmas he's decided he's finally had enough...

This episode welcomes Jenna-Louise Coleman. What can you tell us about her character?

It's going to quite a journey of discovery with Jenna and her character - and it doesn't start here, it starts on Christmas day. For now, enough to say, that the Doctor in his darkest hour, long ago in a Victorian winter meets the exactly the right person. Or does he?

Matt Smith on what fans can expect from this year's Christmas Special

Returning to screens on Christmas Day, it’s all change for Matt Smith’s Doctor with a new costume, a new hat and minus Amy Pond. Here he talks about what fans can expect from this festive treat and family tradition.

"Lots of snow and a rather good villain." Matt is chatting enthusiastically about this year’s Christmas special, The Snowmen. Set in a Victorian snow-covered England, the episode opens with the Doctor feeling more ‘bah humbug’ than festive, as he struggles to get over the loss of his companions the Ponds. 

"He is slightly removed and not at his best," explains Matt. But after the Doctor meets a feisty young governess, Clara, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman, do we see a change in the Doctor? "You get to see a different side to him," Matt explains. "She is a very different to Amy Pond. That is the great thing about this show," he continues, "reinvention - it keeps me as an actor on my toes!"

As well as seeing Matt Smith’s Doctor for the first time without his old companions, Matt will be sporting a new costume, complete with top hat. "It is a bit like the Doctor meets the Artful Dodger," says Matt. 

So can we expect to see a period of grieving following the loss of the Ponds? "Grieving has its place," says Matt, "but it is important to show that and then propel back into adventure!"  

And that is exactly what this Christmas special does. Matt reveals that this Christmas the Doctor will embark on a dangerous adventure – a quest that leads him to Darkover House, where something sinister is lurking. 

As well as guest starring Tom Ward (Silent Witness), Richard E Grant features as this year’s villain, Doctor Simeon. "He was a delight and brilliant at being villainous. Some actors are just made for the show and he was one of them. And he looked wonderful in Victorian garb," says Matt. 

Now a family tradition, Matt is chuffed to be part of the Christmas special. "I love being part of them. Family TV on Christmas day is a great tradition and Doctor Who is at the heart of that."   

So will Matt be making an appointment to watch on Christmas day? "Absolutely, I can’t wait."

Jenna-Louise Coleman talks about her character, Clara

Having made a surprise appearance in the series opener Asylum of the Daleks in September, fans have already met the new companion... or have they? Here, Jenna-Louise gives a little bit of insight in to the character she plays in the festive episode and what we can expect from Clara.

"She is from the Victorian era and a mysterious one," explains Jenna. "Very down to earth, but feisty and curious too with numerous jobs," she continues, revealing more about new girl Clara.

Set in Victorian England, we first catch a glimpse of Clara as a barmaid in the ‘Rose and Crown’ pub, but after meeting the intriguing Doctor, she soon sets about following him, because as Jenna explains, "He has the answers to her questions." With his self-imposed solitude, the Doctor appears uninterested, but eventually gets drawn in as an army of evil snowmen cover London and it becomes apparent that Christmas and the world are at risk.

With Matt Smith revealing that she is a very different to Amy Pond, how does Jenna explain the dynamic of the relationship between the Doctor and Clara, following the loss of the Ponds in the epic mid-series finale The Angels Take Manhattan? "She isn’t intimidated by the Doctor," says Jenna. "Instead, she finds him amazing and ridiculous. But she is on her own mission and lives by her own means. She is very resourceful."

As well as a barmaid, Clara adopts the role of governess to two children in Darkover House, where something sinister is lurking in their garden and whose last governess hasn’t yet left the premises...

After being selected for the coveted role of companion, Jenna started filming in BBC Cymru Wales’ Roath Lock studios earlier this year and made her first appearance in series seven opener Asylum Of The Daleks. So how has she found the job so far? "Everyday is really surprising," she explains. "For the last two years, I have mainly been doing period dramas, so to be thrown into this world with loads of CGI is very different. Whole new sets are built in the space of a couple of weeks. For this episode, we had snow machines and it does make you feel like a big kid!"

Stepping into Karen Gillan’s shoes, who played Amy Pond, did Jenna receive any advice? "Karen has been great," explains Jenna. "She has texted me advice on Cardiff, like where to eat. And Matt always has an ear out for me."

Unlike the Doctor in this festive episode, Jenna isn’t a Christmas grump: "I love Christmas and will probably be sitting down with the family to watch this adventure on Christmas day! It is one of the shows that can do Christmas properly and this is a proper Christmas treat."

Richard E Grant talks about his character, the villainous Doctor Simeon

Having previously played the Doctor in the 2003 online animated series Scream Of The Shalka and during a Comic Relief spoof some years ago, Richard E Grant returns to Doctor Who, but this time as the villainous Doctor Simeon.

"I have been told that on pain of death I am not allowed to reveal anything about my role in the Christmas Special," explains Richard, "other than that this character has never been in Doctor Who before..."

Returning to Doctor Who for the third time, Richard explains, "I have had two 'brushes' with the Who phenomenon before, playing the Doctor in the cartoon digital version and the Comic Relief spoof some years ago, before the franchise was re-booted with Christopher Eccleston."

Richard is tasked with playing this year’s villain, the mysterious Doctor Simeon, who, with a vendetta to settle from childhood, recruits an army of evil and hungry snowmen to bring together his plan.

So how did Richard enjoy playing the villain? "When you're born with a 10-foot-long face, you don't get hero roles, but I'm not complaining, as I have hugely enjoyed the wide variety of parts I've got to play."

Growing up in Swaziland, Richard has had to devote time to catching up on the British institution, he explains: "Having grown up in a country without TV, I missed seeing Doctor Who through my childhood, but I have made up for lost time since with box sets."

As the Doctor battles to defeat Doctor Simeon and his army, Richard shared many scenes with Matt Smith - so what did he make of working Matt? "I have really admired Matt from when I first saw him in a play called That Face at the Royal Court Theatre some years ago," says Richard, "and have keenly followed his career progress. He is the perfect fit for Doctor Who. His interpretation is very kinetic and fast-talking." 

So will Richard be watching this Christmas? "I love Christmas and everything about it. I will be at home and watching TV after lunch, hoping I can stay awake after the feast!"

Tom Ward talks about his character, Captain Latimer

Tom has been star of Silent Witness for over 10 years, so that Doctor Who presents a departure for him - from the modern day to the world of sci-fi. Here he explains what we can expect from his character and whether he will be watching on Christmas Day.

"He hasn’t been used to dealing with his children," explains Tom, as he reveals a small insight into his character, Captain Latimer. "He wants to love them, but he is an old naval captain that has struggled to build a relationship."

Tom plays an archetypal Victorian gent, complete with a rather good beard. "Yes it is," laughs Tom, as he confirms the beard is real. "You often get the obligatory moustache in a Victorian drama, but I wanted to go further and the beard seemed appropriate."

Having spent 10 years in a drama not necessarily accessible to his children, Tom reveals he is excited to have done something they can watch. "My children are very excited that I am in Doctor Who and I am glad they have something that they can finally watch! My oldest child is 10, so this will give him bragging rights at school and hopefully me a little bit of school gate currency."

So what drew Tom to the role? "It was one of the best scripts I had read in a long time, and the thought of doing a period sci-fi was really fun."

With Tom admitting that his Doctor is Tom Baker, he expresses admiration for current Doctor, Matt Smith. "He is brilliant. He kept the set feeling happy and is full of energy," says Tom. "He has a great relationship with the crew." As well as co-starring Tom, the Christmas episode will also feature Richard E Grant. "I had one scene with him," explains Tom, "and he was a legend. An absolute delight."

In this episode we also meet Clara, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman for the first time. "She is a brilliant actress," says Tom, "full of life and energy, so funny and has a great rapport with Matt."

With Tom confirming that his children are fans, will he be watching on Christmas day? "We have just moved into the country, so it will be the family round and the fire blazing. I don’t normally like to watch myself on TV, but this time I think I will make an exception..."

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

[Source: BBC Media Centre]

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 has confirmed the airtime for the 2012 Doctor Who Christmas special; 'The Snowmen'.

The episode will air at 5:15pm on BBC One, and will be 1 hour long.

Synopsis:

Christmas Eve 1892 and the falling snow is the stuff of fairy-tales. When the fairy-tale becomes a nightmare and a chilling menace threatens Earth, an unorthodox young governess, Clara, calls on the Doctor for help.

But the Doctor is in mourning, reclusive and determined not to engage in the problems of the universe.

As old friends return, will the Doctor really abandon humankind or will he fight to save the world – and Christmas – from the icy clutches of this mysterious menace.

[youtube:L3KVpvEUTns]

+  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]

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]

BBC Pictures have sent DWO the first promo picture from the 2012 Doctor Who Christmas Special.

The episode, rumoured to be titled 'The Snowman' will air on Christmas Day on BBC One.

Fans tuning into BBC One this Friday (16th November) between 8:30-9:00pm, will be treated to a preview trailer for the Christmas special, as well as a bespoke story, filmed specially for the Children In Need campaign.

+  Donate to Children In Need!

[Source: BBC Pictures]

Over the past week, DWO visited central London and the Bluewater shopping centre to film some scenes for our 2011 DWO Christmas video.

The video, which features a poem written and performed by DWO site editor, Sebastian J. Brook, takes a look at a couple of the main Doctor Who related stories from 2011, coupled with festive scenes and a warming Christmassy backing track.

Expect to see a few more treats right here on DWO in the coming days, but for now we present you with 'A Blue Box For Christmas':

[youtube:NSUlLAI4jNU]

+  Like / Leave Comments for this video!

+  Subscribe to the DWO YouTube Channel.

[Source: Doctor Who Online]

The BBC have unveiled a prequel video for The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe.

View the trailer below:

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

+  The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe will air on BBC One on Christmas Day, at 7:00pm.

[Source: BBC]

The BBC have released even more promotional images from this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe.

Seventeen shots in total are available, but we have included the two main promos [pictured right] featuring The Doctor, Madge, Lily and Cyril.

It’s Christmas Eve, 1938, when Madge Arwell comes to the aid of an injured Spaceman Angel as she cycles home, in this year’s Doctor Who Christmas Special, starring Matt Smith as the Doctor.

He promises to repay her kindness – all she has to do is make a wish.

Three years later, a devastated Madge escapes war-torn London with her two children for a dilapidated house in Dorset. She is crippled with grief at the news her husband has been lost over the channel, but determined to give Lily and Cyril the best Christmas ever.

The Arwells are surprised to be greeted by a madcap caretaker whose mysterious Christmas gift leads them into a magical wintry world. Here, Madge will learn how to be braver than she ever thought possible. And that wishes can come true...

+  More promotional images can be seen in the DWO Forums, 6.14 Promo Image thread, here.

+  The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe airs on Christmas Day, 7:00pm on BBC One.

[Source: BBC]

Radio Times have launched another issue of their popular magazine, sporting a Doctor Who cover, this time to promote the 2011 Doctor Who Christmas Special.

The new issue of Radio Times, on sale this weekend and covering listings for 3-9 December, features a snowy Doctor Who cover [pictured right], and a sneak preview of the new Christmas special. Inside, Matt Smith, Alexander Armstrong, Bill Bailey and Arabella Weir talk about making the Christmas episode. 

Matt Smith reveals that the Christmas special monster is “going to be ones of our best. The design is classic.”

Bill Bailey describes his Who debut as “the equivalent of a knighthood.”

Radio Times have also given DWO a clean version of the cover with just the artwork for our visitors to enjoy [pictured right].

+  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]

Manufacturer: BBC Shop / Kurt S. Adler

RRP: £27.00

Release Date: 3rd November 2011

Reviewed by: Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 24th November 2011

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to get serious with the gift getting. With just a few weeks left until the big day, BBC Shop have unveiled some little jewels in their festive crown in the form of two exclusive Doctor Who tree ornaments.

The TARDIS and the Red Dalek decorations are both hand crafted glass ornaments and are given a hand-painted finish that look and feel like their on-screen versions.

There has been no scrimping with the design of the products, and there are some great finishing touches that score extra points for that Christmassy feel. The TARDIS in particular features a thin blue glitter within the insets of the TARDIS door panels that lift the decoration from being just a scaled down replica to something a little bit magical.

Complete with silver-effect crowned toppers and string, you will be counting down the days until Christmas each year when you can use them again!

+  Click Here to buy them now from BBC Shop!

The BBC have released some more promo images from the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special; The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe.

The images, which can be seen below, have just been released today, and give us a little taster of what's to come:

[Source: BBC Pictures]

Our friends over at SciFi Now Magazine have been in touch with a pre-Christmas treat, exclusive to DWO!

The most feverishly anticipated event in the calendar, the star-studded winter-warmer that is the Doctor Who Christmas Special, and like greedy children SciFi Now Magazine opened the final door first and gobbled up the TARDIS-shaped chocolate within.

On a very un-Christmassy day in October, SciFiNow rolled up to a patch of Cardiff drenched in snow, tinsel and cheer. In a little corner of the world frozen in time and date-locked to 24 December, 1941, they caught up with Matt Smith – the titular Time Lord himself! – and the comedic Oceans’ 11 of garrulous guest stars – Bill Bailey, Alexander Armstrong, Arabella Weir and Paul Bazely – to discover how deep their links to Doctor Who go, as well as what’s coming in Season Seven, and which classic monsters are set to return.

With no spoilers, but plenty of teasers, check out the first two pages of their on-set spectacular, exclusively on Doctor Who Online [available right], and read the rest in SciFiNow Issue #61, available in all good newsagents, online from the ImageShop, or for iPads and iPhones from Apple Newsstand.

[Source: SciFi Now]

The BBC have released the third official promotional image from this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe.

The image [pictured right] shows The Doctor (Matt Smith) with his trusty Sonic Screwdriver against a snowy backdrop.

Synopsis:

It’s Christmas Eve, 1938, when Madge Arwell comes to the aid of an injured Spaceman Angel as she cycles home, in this year’s Doctor Who Christmas Special, starring Matt Smith as the Doctor.

He promises to repay her kindness – all she has to do is make a wish.

Three years later, a devastated Madge escapes war-torn London with her two children for a dilapidated house in Dorset. She is crippled with grief at the news her husband has been lost over the channel, but determined to give Lily and Cyril the best Christmas ever.

The Arwells are surprised to be greeted by a madcap caretaker whose mysterious Christmas gift leads them into a magical wintry world. Here, Madge will learn how to be braver than she ever thought possible. And that wishes can come true...

+  The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe airs on Christmas Day, Time TBC on BBC One.

[Source: BBC]

The BBC have released the second official promotional image from this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe.

The image [pictured right] shows The Doctor (Matt Smith) and Lily (Holly Earl) in a snow-laiden forest.

Synopsis:

It’s Christmas Eve, 1938, when Madge Arwell comes to the aid of an injured Spaceman Angel as she cycles home, in this year’s Doctor Who Christmas Special, starring Matt Smith as the Doctor.

+  The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe airs on Christmas Day, Time TBC on BBC One.

[Source: BBC]

The BBC have unveiled the title and trailer for the 2011 Doctor Who Christmas Special.

The title, which was announced during Tonight's Children In Need campaign on BBC, was finally revealed as: The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe.

View the trailer below:

+  The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe will air on BBC One on Christmas Day, Time TBC.

[Source: BBC]

The BBC have released the first official image from this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special.

The image [pictured right] shows The Doctor running down a fiery circular corridor, pointing his Sonic Screwdriver.

The as-yet untitled special will air on Christmas Day, with the exact time to be confirmed. Various rumours suggest the title may link in with The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. 'The Lion, The Witch and The TARDIS' is a possible contender, but as always, nothing is official until confirmed by the BBC.

[Source: BBC]

This BBC have released more details for tomorrow's Doctor Who additions to BBC One's Children In Need television appeal.

Fans of the Doctor should tune into Children in Need on Friday night on BBC One.

There'll be a sneak peak of the Christmas Special plus a brief treat for anyone who can't wait until December to catch up with our favourite Time Lord! Written by Steven Moffat and starring Matt Smith as the Doctor, the Children in Need exclusive represents a first in the history of Doctor Who... But we'll tell you more about that nearer the end of the week!

The entire Doctor Who team has been an enthusiastic supporter of Children in Need for decades and over the years the big night has involved everything from clips to cast appearances. You can find out more about Children in Need here and don't forget to tune in on Friday evening to catch all the fun!

A quick look at the Official Doctor Who Twitter account gives us a few more tidbits of information for the specially recorded segment:

"Hurray! Things ARE going according to plan! Steven Moffat’s mini-script has just hit the in-boxes of a lucky few… Must look over shoulders…"

"We’ve seen the short script and it is NOT what you’d expect. Oh, it’s funny and fast and Doctorish and brilliant… but not what you’d expect..."

"Not what you’d expect, UNLESS you’re from the future. In which case, wasn’t it good? Talking of the future, we’ll have more news tomorrow..."

"Great to see people reading the CiN mini-script for the first time. They read a bit. Pause. Smile. Look up and usually start laughing."

"‘Really? Wow!’ is another common response... Quick reminder! #DoctorWho on Children in Need, Friday night, BBC ONE"

"Great news! Richard Senior, who directed the brilliant Let’s Kill Hitler is onboard and will be directing Children in Need’s #DoctorWho bit."

"CiN update. Matt has wrapped! The first time The Doctor has been filmed at BBC TVC since 'Ghost Light' in 1989!"

Three new promotional pictures featuring Matt Smith and Pudsey have also been released [pictured right].

+  Click Here to place your bids on the DWO Children In Need Auction!

+  Donate to Children In Need directly on the following link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/donate/.

[Source: BBC]

This year BBC Worldwide has a fantastic Christmas gifts for Doctor Who fans with a terrific new range of Doctor Who hand crafted glass tree decorations.

Whether it is a treat for your own home or a wonderful gift for your loved one, BBC Shop has an exclusive range of out-of-this-world products, perfect for any fan of the most successful Sci-Fi series ever. 

Doctor Who: Hand-Crafted Glass Dalek or Tardis Tree Decorations

Forget everything you ever knew about Daleks and imagine that this one comes in peace for Christmas, dressed all in red and rendered temporarily harmless.   And wherever there is a Dalek the TARDIS is sure to be close behind. Materializing on Earth just in time for Christmas, its classic TARDIS blue colour and instantly recognizable chassis give your tree an intergalactic touch, from far beyond the brightest star the human eye can see.

Each hand-crafted glass Dalek Christmas decoration is styled in the traditions of mouth blown glass. Skilled artisans have hand painted each ornament with intricate details. This is certain to make your Christmas tree unique and stylish.  RRP only £13.99.

Doctor Who Series 6 DVD & Exclusive Dalek & Tardis Tree Decorations

The Doctor, Amy and Rory return to face monsters, mysteries and adventures all across time and space in the action-packed sixth series. Billed as the biggest and best series yet, all 13 thrilling episodes of Series 6 together with host of exclusive Doctor Who Series 6 is now available in this wonderful Doctor Who Christmas bundle. Including both the hand crafted glass Dalek and Tardis tree decorations.  A must have Christmas present for any fans of the show, available from BBC Shop priced only £57.99.

+  Click Here to buy them now from BBC Shop!

[Source: BBC Shop]

The BBC Press Office has confirmed that this year's Children In Need BBC One schedule will include a sneak peak at the 2011 Doctor Who Christmas Special.

It is not yet known exactly what the sneak peek will include, but it is likely to be the first minute or two of the, as yet untitled, Christmas Special.

The Children In Need television appeal begins on BBC One on Friday 17th November 2011.

+  Click Here to Donate to Children In Need!

[Source: BBC Press Office]

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 overnight ratings are in for 5.14: A Christmas Carol.

The episode achieved a rating of 10.3m, with an audience share of 39.8%. (This includes the BBC HD viewers).

Doctor Who was the second most-watched programme of Christmas Day, with EastEnders taking the top slot with 11.4 million viewers.

[Source: Andy Parish]

BBC Three's Doctor Who Confidential and YouTube video blogger, Charlie McDonnell, have uploaded the fourth behind-the-scenes video, which looks at this years Doctor Who Christmas Special, A Christmas Carol.

The feature can be found behind the BBC Red Button on Digital TV packages, and on the BBC's YouTube Channel.

The fourth video, 'Charlie and The Doctor's Badger' is now online and can be seen below:

[youtube:gldWm0oVAlQ]

[Source: BBC Doctor Who website]

BBC Three's Doctor Who Confidential and YouTube video blogger, Charlie McDonnell, have uploaded the third behind-the-scenes video, which looks at this years Doctor Who Christmas Special, A Christmas Carol.

The feature can be found behind the BBC Red Button on Digital TV packages, and on the BBC's YouTube Channel.

The third video, 'Charlie and the Christmas Lunch Bus' is now online and can be seen below:

[youtube:3vp9PyGbEX8]

[Source: BBC Doctor Who website]

As the big day approaches, we wanted to put together a final Christmas present to all our visitors. And so we present to you, our humble Christmas poem:

The Delight Before Christmas

The fourth and final episode of Doctor Who: The Adventure Games, Shadows of the Vashta Nerada, is now online.

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

The game was initially due to be released on Christmas Day, but as an early treat, fans can now download the episode for both PC and Mac for free from the BBC Doctor Who website.

[Source: BBC Doctor Who website]

BBC Three's Doctor Who Confidential and YouTube video blogger, Charlie McDonnell, have uploaded the second behind-the-scenes video, which looks at this years Doctor Who Christmas Special, A Christmas Carol.

The feature can be found behind the BBC Red Button on Digital TV packages.

The second video, 'Charlie and the TARDIS' is now online and can be seen below:

[youtube:OwMrxlZkl_U]

[Source: BBC Doctor Who website]