It is with deepest regret that DWO announces the passing of New Series Production Designer, Michael Pickwoad.
Michael joined the production team during Matt Smith's first Christmas story; A Christmas Carol, and remained in the role of production designer for a total of 71 episodes - right through to Peter Capaldi's final episode as The Doctor in Twice Upon A Time.
Michael's other career highlights include directing credits for; Class, Withnail And I, The Prisoner and Poirot (to name just a few).
DWO would like to extend our sympathies to Michael's family and friends.
[Source: DWO]
When it comes to Captain Jack Harkmess and his appearances in Doctor Who thus far, we're sure we can all agree that his return has been long-overdue. The last episode to feature Jack was a short scene in David Tennant's, 10th Doctor swan song; The End Of Time. But could a recent video posted by John Barrowman lead way to the return of Jack this Christmas?
Well yes...and no... You see, John was recently in Cardiff to sign copies of his new book, Conjuror (co-written with his sister, Carole E. Barrowman), and at the end of the day, John posted a video to his Facebook page stating:
"I will be back in Cardiff in about a week and a half, but I'm not telling you what for... Shhh!"
So what could it be? As a DWO visitor, we rather suspect that you (like us) are hoping it will be to film scenes for the 2016 Doctor Who Christmas Special - and we may very well be right. Evidence to support the theory exists in the form of a recent interview with Doctor Who Production Designer, Michael Pickwoad, who stated that filming for Series 10 would start in May 2016. A week and a half from now and we'd still be quite comfortably in May.
Other possibilities are that John could be filming scenes for new Doctor Who spin-off 'Class' which is now well underway with the filming schedule. Of course, the other possibility is it could be something entirely different that John just so happens to be excited about.
Either way, whatever the reason, we would love to hear your thoughts on what you think will happen, and, if Jack is back, how would you like to see him return?
In the meantime, check out the video in the player, below:
+ The 2016 Doctor Who Christmas Special will air on Christmas Day, Time TBC.
Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall today visited the home of Doctor Who – BBC Cymru Wales’ Roath Lock studios in Cardiff - to help celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary.
On arrival they were met by Rhodri Talfan Davies (Director, BBC Cymru Wales), Danny Cohen (Director, BBC Television), Faith Penhale (Head of Drama, BBC Wales & Executive Producer, Doctor Who) and Clare Hudson (Head of BBC Cymru Wales Productions).
The visit began with a trip to Doctor Who’s production office where The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall were introduced to members of the team including Brian Minchin (Executive Producer) and Michael Pickwoad (Production Designer).
A trip to the TARDIS was next on the agenda where the royal couple were introduced to Steven Moffat (Executive Producer and Lead Writer), Jenna Coleman (Clara) and Matt Smith (the Doctor) who gave Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall a quick lesson in how to fly the TARDIS! Moments later, Their Royal Highnesses operated the console controls and the time machine sprang to life as if in flight!
Back on Earth it was time to meet the monsters! Their Royal Highnesses were introduced to Strax the Sontaran - in other words, Dan Starkey in full costume and make-up. There were Weeping Angels, Ood and various alien masks on show but a highlight of this section came when Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall met and chatted to a Dalek. The brilliant Nicholas Briggs was initially hidden behind the scenes to ad lib the interview and was then introduced, explaining how he created the distinctive voice patterns of the Time Lord’s oldest foes.
Another demonstration followed with special effects supervisor Danny Hargreaves showing the royal couple the ‘speederbike’ from The Rings of Akhaten and explaining – with the use of greenscreen - how it achieved its fantastic onscreen appearance. Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall then met and talked with several Creative Skillset Cymru apprentices who are training at Roath Lock in a number of TV functions. They also discussed how BBC Cymru Wales’ Roath Lock studios employ the latest methods to ensure sustainability and an eco-friendly approach to television production.
The visit lasted approximately an hour and a crowd of well-wishers gathered to wave and cheer Their Royal Highnesses as they left the studios.
Faith Penhale commented:
"It was lovely to welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to the home of Doctor Who to help celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary. Certainly, seeing Prince Charles flying the TARDIS and Their Royal Highnesses chatting to a Dalek are memories to cherish from what looks set to be a very memorable year!"
[Source: BBC Doctor Who Website]
The BBC have released a full reveal image for the new TARDIS interior which will debut this Christmas.
The new set (pictured right), was designed by Michael Pickwoad, the show’s production designer, and will be home to The Doctor and Clara as they travel through space and time when the adventure continues in spring 2013 with eight epic episodes.
+ The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on BBC One at 5:15pm in the UK.
+ The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on BBC America at 9/8c in the USA.
+ The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on Space at 9e/6p in Canada.
+ The Snowmen will air on Proclamation Day (26th December) on ABC1 at 7:30pm in Australia.
+ The Snowmen will air on Boxing Day (26th December) on Prime at Time TBC in New Zealand.
[Source: BBC Pictures]
The BBC have released a sneak preview for the new TARDIS interior which will debut this Christmas, together with some more promotional pictures.
The new set (pictured right), was designed by Michael Pickwoad, the show’s production designer, and will be home to The Doctor and Clara as they travel through space and time when the adventure continues in spring 2013 with eight epic episodes.
+ The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on BBC One at 5:15pm in the UK.
+ The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on BBC America at 9/8c in the USA.
+ The Snowmen will air on Christmas Day on Space at 9e/6p in Canada.
+ The Snowmen will air on Proclamation Day (26th December) on ABC1 at 7:30pm in Australia.
+ The Snowmen will air on Boxing Day (26th December) on Prime at Time TBC in New Zealand.
[Source: BBC Pictures]
