Penguin Random House have been in touch with details of a brand new Doctor Who charity anthology; Adventures In Lockdown, comprising some of the stories that featured during Lockdown, as well as all-new ones - all in aid of BBC Children In Need!

A star-packed collection of stories from the Whoniverse published in aid of BBC Children in Need, including new fiction from Neil Gaiman, Chris Chibnall, Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss, Joy Wilkinson, and Vinay Patel, with illustrations from Chris Riddell, Sophie Cowdrey, Mike Collins and more.

Darkness Never Prevails

Penguin Random House is excited to announce Doctor Who: Adventures in Lockdown, a collection of stories written by Doctor Who writers in response to COVID-19. During challenging months of global uncertainty and isolation, the Doctor and the TARDIS has remained a dream that drew many - allowing them to roam the cosmos in search of distraction, reassurance and adventure. This very special short story collection brings these epic tales together, along with three brand new stories and beautiful illustrations in support of BBC Children in Need.

Adventures in Lockdown is a book for any Doctor Who fan in your life, stories that will send your heart spinning wildly through space and time...

Full list of stories:

1. A Message from the Doctor
2. Things She Thought While Falling by Chris Chibnall
3. The Terror of the Umpty Ums by Steven Moffat
4. Doctor Who and the Time War by Russell T Davies
5. Revenge of the Nestene by Russell T Davies
6. Rory’s Story by Neil Gaiman
7. One Virtue, and a Thousand Crimes by Neil Gaiman
8. The Simple Things by Joy Wilkinson
9. The Tourist by Vinay Patel
10. Fellow Traveller by Mark Gatiss
11. The Shadow Passes by Paul Cornell
12. Shadow of a Doubt by Paul Cornell
13. The Shadow in the Mirror by Paul Cornell
14. Press Play by Pete McTighe
15. Listen by Steven Moffat
16. The Secret of Novice Hame by Russell T Davies.

+  Adventures In Lockdown is released on 5th November 2020, priced £8.99.
+  PREORDER this title from Amazon.co.uk.
+  Discuss all the Doctor Who Book releases in the DWO Forums.

[Source: Penguin Random House]

Our friends over at Puffin Books have sent DWO some more details on the anthology of eleven stories by some of the most exciting names in children's fiction!

The print edition of '11 Doctors, 11 Stories' is the culmination of a year-long series of eBooks to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Doctor Who.

Eleven stories, eleven authors, eleven unique interpretations of the Doctor: his terrifying alien enemies and his time-travelling adventures.

The authors involved in this exciting project are Eoin Colfer, Michael Scott, Marcus Sedgwick, Philip Reeve, Patrick Ness, Richelle Mead, Malorie Blackman, Alex Scarrow, Charlie Higson, Derek Landy and Neil Gaiman. 

+  11 Doctors, 11 Stories is Out Now, priced £12.99.

+  Order your copy now via Amazon: http://amzn.to/1eP9Pdl

[Source: Puffin Books]

Speaking exclusively to DWO, Neil Gaiman confirmed his hopes to return to Doctor Who for a third script.

When we asked the acclaimed author, who previously penned the Doctor Who episodes 'The Doctor's Wife' and 'Nightmare In Silver', if he would like to return, he had the following to say:

NG: "Absolutely! I definitely, definitely - I don't want to be coy, you know with Nightmare In Silver it was like I was being coy, but I figured they would like to have me, I would like to do more. The only problem that I'm having right now is the time that I probably would have spent writing a Doctor Who script this year suddenly got eaten by going on tour for this book. So, what I'm hoping, is that I can persuade Steven Moffat, instead of getting the BBC to pay me in cash, cos, you know, I'm now like this best-selling author - I've got enough money! Money is just fine! So I'm wondering if maybe I can get them to start paying me in time. You know, I know he knows people, so if he can just sort of..."

DWO: "And who better than the executive producer of Doctor Who? Time travel!"

NG: "That's what I'm hoping! If I can just get him to send me, you know, like 9 weeks and I can write in it. I don't know, I'd love to write an episode for Season 8, it may well be that I'm over in Season 9, but I promise I haven't gone away! The idea of writing for Peter Capaldi's Doctor is one that I find so thrilling and exciting, I've been a fan of his since Neverwhere when he played the Angel Islington."

Watch DWO's '5 Questions With... Neil Gaiman', below:

[youtube:U6-OksJQAKQ]

Neil is currently touring to promote his latest book, 'The Ocean At The End Of The Lane', which is now available in the shops.

+  Buy 'The Ocean At The End Of The Lane' on Amazon.co.uk for just £9.00.
+  Buy 'The Ocean At The End Of The Lane' on Amazon.com for just $15.22.

+  Follow @NeilHimself on Twitter.
+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter.

[Source: DWO]

DWO caught up with acclaimed author and much-loved Doctor Who writer, Neil Gaiman, for an exclusive video interview.

Speaking to DWO Editor, Seb J. Brook, Neil talks about his latest book 'The Ocean At The End Of The Lane', his sequel to Sandman, being a Doctor Who fan, and if he'd be up for penning another Doctor Who script.

Watch DWO's '5 Questions With... Neil Gaiman', below:

[youtube:U6-OksJQAKQ]

+  Buy 'The Ocean At The End Of The Lane' on Amazon.co.uk for just £9.00.
+  Buy 'The Ocean At The End Of The Lane' on Amazon.com for just $15.22.

+  Follow @NeilHimself on Twitter.
+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter.

(With thanks to Neil Gaiman and Samantha Eades at Headline)

[Source: DWO]

Doctor Who Writer, Neil Gaiman, was recently interviewed on BBC current affairs programme, Newsnight, regarding his career and current projects.

Our friends over at Blogtor Who have embedded the video, which you can view below:

[youtube:p1xC2bbQ_Ns]

Neil Gaiman's Doctor Who credits include 6.4: The Doctor's Wife and 7.12: Nightmare In Silver.

[Sources: Newsnight; Blogtor Who]

DWO interviews Doctor Who Actor, Calvin Dean, regarding his role as 'Ha-Ha' in the Neil Gaiman-penned, Doctor Who episode; 'Nightmare In Silver', as well as his career as an actor.

'Nightmare In Silver' sees your Doctor Who acting debut, but you've previously had an appearance in the Doctor Who spin off 'The Sarah Jane Adventures' as a Slitheen as well. What was it like working with the SJA team, and how do the two productions vary?

My SJA experience was very brief. Unfortunately I didn't actually get to be the Slitheen as that was performed by Jimmy Vee. I had one scene as the “human” Slitheen and the rest was Jimmy with my voice. It was a great experience though and to work with the great Liz Sladen was a joy. I also got to meet David Tennant and K-9...not sure which was more exciting!

SJA and DW are very similar in lots of ways. Some of the crew were the same and of course both produced in Cardiff. The big difference is the new Roath Lock studios which are huge and very impressive! The size of the studios is vast and I nearly wandered onto the Casualty set one day by mistake. Watch out for Ha-Ha in next weeks Casualty!

You play the curiously titled 'Ha-Ha' in 'Nightmare In Silver'. Without giving too much away, could you tell us a bit more about your character and what it was like working with Neil Gaiman's script?

Ha-Ha has been one of my most favourite characters to play in my career so far. Neil writes such great roles for character actors and it was so much fun. Neil's scripts all read like massive movies and you can never quite believe that it was shot in only 13 days. 

Each member of the platoon have totally different characteristics and we had to be told on a few occasions to rain it in slightly as we would get carried away. I wanted Ha-Ha to have a slight Action Man feel to him which made it even funnier as my physical physique clearly isn't very Action Man like! Although I can see a new line of chubby Action Men figures being released soon!

Were you a fan of Doctor Who before you got a part, and if so, what is your earliest memory and do you have a particular favourite Story and Doctor?

To be honest, I wasn't a die hard fan. I've known Matt Smith for over 10 years so when he took over I watched his first series, then I missed all of Series 6. When I got the job I watched all of Series 7 Part 1 whilst traveling to and from Cardiff. Of course, I'm now a big fan. My earliest memories of Doctor Who must have been re-runs during the 90's. I remember Tom Baker a lot. The Cybermen really freaked me out. Even now I find them a bit creepy (especially with their new powers!).

Are there any other TV shows you would like to be a part of and do you have any other projects coming up?

I'll take whatever comes along! I love jobs which involve a little bit of comedy, but I would also like to be in more serious drama like Broadchurch. I seem to have a face for horror though. I think some of the best TV is being made in America at the minute so giving it a go over there is on my to-do list. I filmed a movie called Passengers recently which will hopefully be out later this year.

Finally, if you could take a round trip in the TARDIS anywhere in time and space, where would you go and why?

Wow. Hard question. Part of me would love to see dinosaurs, but only if Richard Attenborough was with me (obsessed with Jurassic Park as a child). I would also want to go and watch Laurel and Hardy filming some of their classics and go to Hollywood back in the heyday. I get travel sickness though, so I don't think time travel would be for me... unless Matt Smith was there to comfort me.

+ Follow Calvin Dean on Twitter!

[Source: DWO]

DWO interviews Doctor Who Actor, Warwick Davis, regarding his role as 'Porridge' in the Neil Gaiman-penned, Doctor Who episode; 'Nightmare In Silver', his career as an actor as well as the upcoming Star Wars movies.

You've worked your way through some of the biggest cult Movies and TV Shows of all time, how did you feel adding the Doctor Who notch to your belt?

I am very fortunate in my career to have been involved in some amazing projects - among them, some really big franchise movies. Getting a role in Doctor Who has been a career ambition ever since I can remember.

I was such a fan of the programme when I was young, and I always imagined being The Doctor. I used to borrow my dads old tyre pressure gauge which looked a lot like a sonic screwdriver and stand in my wardrobe, pretending it was the Tardis. Trouble was, it actually felt smaller on the inside!

I met Jon Pertwee when I was about eight and worked with Tom Baker on the BBC series 'The Silver Chair'. I suppose Tom was 'my' Doctor much in the same way people refer to 'their' James Bond.

Without giving too much away, can you tell us a bit about your character Porridge in 'Nightmare In Silver' and what it was like working with a script from the legendary Neil Gaiman?

Porridge is a very interesting character, with a cool back story. All I can say is, he's quite an important person universally.

Neil Gaiman's script is fantastic and it was a pleasure to play the scenes he wrote. And he included Cybermen - what more could I ask! I sincerely hope the fans enjoy it. I've already received a very warm welcome from them, even before the episode has aired which I hope will continue after they've seen it.

With a new series of Stars Wars movies now confirmed, would you be up for a return to the galaxy far, far away?

Of course, I'd love to. I'd like to play a villain...with a lightsaber. Now that would be cool!

The 'Life's Too Short' special was fantastic (as was the first series) can we expect any more, and what other projects do you have coming up that we can look out for?

The special is it, for now. It's down to schedules and timing. Ricky and Stephen are busy people, but we all enjoy working together, so if we can find time, we'll do more. I am currently developing several documentary series, and a radio show. I have my own YouTube channel called 'The Multiverse'. It's the home of sci-fi and fantasy comedy for the geek in all of us. We are producing some brilliant, original shows (many of which I am in too). Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE for free to be the first to see brand new episodes.

I am soon to start shooting a 10 part fantasy / comedy series I have written, and will be directing and appearing in. It's called 'Dwarves Assemble'. I also have a new company that sells exclusive signed memorabilia, in particular, for the first time anywhere, licensed 'Harry Potter' autographs. There is a lot of cool stuff there already, and I'll be adding more all the time. Check it out here: www.thesignatureshop.co.uk.

Finally, if you could take a round trip in the TARDIS anywhere in time and space, where would you go and why?

I'd like to check out old London around the time of the plague. I know it sounds odd, but I've always been fascinated by that period in history and I think it would be good to wander around for a bit and take in the atmosphere (not the plague though).

+ Buy Warwick's 'Size Matters Not' Autobiography on Amazon for just £7.19!
+ Subscribe to 'The Multiverse' YouTube Channel!
+ Follow Warwick Davis on Twitter!

[Source: DWO]

DWO’s spoiler-free preview of episode 7.12 Nightmare in Silver:

When The Doctor takes Clara, Artie, and Angie to Hedgewick’s World of Wonders, the greatest theme park in the galaxy, they find themselves in a run-down world, where a group of soldiers stand guard, and the only attraction is a shabby collection of ‘wonders’ from across the stars. But the time travellers aren’t the only visitors to this world. Unusual insects climb the walls, relaying data to ensure the re-emergence of the Cyberiad… 

It may seem like an odd decision to pit The Doctor against The Cybermen in the penultimate episodes of both the Sixth and Seventh series, but the role they play in events are wildly different between the two stories. Whereas 2011’s Closing Time features a group of tin soldiers who were on their last legs, Nightmare in Silver is very much about looking to the future, and creating the next phase of The Cybermen. 

Writer Neil Gaiman recently commented that he was asked to write the episode with a brief to make The Cybermen scary again:

"I thought, 'Let me see what I can do when I take the 1960s Cybermen and [incorporate] everything that's happened since'. So that's what I'm trying to do. I don't know if it will work."

We're pleased to report that not only does it work, but it works brilliantly. The episode is littered with references to the Cybermen’s past - with design elements from The Tomb of the Cybermen bleeding through into the new design of a Cyber-ship, to references concerning the creatures’ previous allergies and leaders. For a fan of the 20th century version of Doctor Who, this episode is a real treasure trove. 

The Cybermen themselves have had a complete design overhaul, too, which makes them more streamlined that the version the programme has used since 2006. This new design takes in elements from the earliest versions of the creatures, while fully updating them to look sleek and modern. The design also brings with it some new forms of attack, and takes the opportunity to re-appropriate the idea of a Cyberman ‘upgrade’.

But the new-look Cybermen aren’t Nightmare in Silver’s only big draw. The episode boasts a fantastic cast, including Jason Watkins (best known for his role as vampire leader Herrick in Being Human), and a long-overdue appearance in the series for Warwick Davis, Who shines in the role of ‘Porridge’. 

As ever, the episode allows plenty of time to showcase its two lead stars, even giving Matt Smith plenty of time to share the screen with himself, as he battles with the impending threat of a cyber-war. Jenna-Louise Coleman gets to show us what Clara is really made of, when The Doctor leaves her in charge of a platoon of soldiers with two simple instructions - stay alive, and don’t let anyone blow up the planet.

Stephen Woolfenden makes his directorial debut for Doctor Who with this episode, having worked as a second unit director on four of the Harry Potter films, and as a First Assistant Director on Gaiman’s Neverwhere in the 1990s. He brings a bold new look to the series with this episode, and it’s hard not to get swept up in the epic style of the episode. 

Speaking of Nightmare in Silver at the MCM Expo Comic Con in London last year, Matt Smith predicted that the episode would be a ‘fan’s favourite’, and we don’t think he’s going to be wrong!

Five things to look out for...

1) It’s not the Moon.

2) “We all know there are no more living Cybermen…”

3) The Doctor encounters the 699th Wonder of the World.

4) Time Lords invented chess.

5) Nobody needs rescuing from anything. 

[Sources: DWO; Will Brooks]

The BBC Press Office has confirmed the synopsis for Neil Gaiman's Doctor Who episode; '7.12: Nightmare In Silver'.

712: Nightmare in Silver
By Neil Gaiman

Hedgewick’s World of Wonders was once the greatest theme park in the galaxy, but it’s now the dilapidated home to a shabby showman, a chess-playing dwarf and a dysfunctional army platoon.

When the Doctor, Clara, Artie and Angie arrive, the last thing they expect is the re-emergence of one of the Doctor’s oldest foes. The Cybermen are back!

[Source: BBC Press Office]

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

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

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

[Source: TheMusic.com.au]

Doctor Who executive producer Steven Moffat has been talking about what viewers can expect from the new series, which is set to resume on Saturday 30th March on BBC One. 

Speaking at the Radio Times covers’ party, Moffat teased:

“We’ll be up in the air, we’re under the water, we’re on a fantastic alien planet, we’re back in time, we’re forward in time, and the Doctor’s greatest secret is in jeopardy.” 

The upcoming eight episodes - which see Matt Smith teaming up with new companion Jenna-Louise Coleman - will include instalments written by Moffat, as well as Luther creator Neil Cross, Neil Gaiman and Mark Gatiss. 

In November, Doctor Who will, of course, celebrate its 50th anniversary and Moffat was also asked about whether he was apprehensive as regards the forthcoming anniversary: 

“You can’t do this job if you’re nervous all the time. So, seriously, I’m mostly excited, a little bit nervous and aware of trying not to let people down.” 

When probed about how big the event would end up being, the writer replied:

"Pretty big. But, you know, I don’t want people to get bored just yet. So let’s just wait and get our next eight episodes out of the way before we start talking about it.”

+  Series 7: Part 2 begins on Saturday 30th March 2013 on BBC One.

[Source: Radio Times]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Source: BBC Doctor Who site]

Doctor Who has scooped up a 2012 Hugo award for 6.4: The Doctor's Wife.

The episode was nominated and won the 'Best Dramatic Presentation: Short Form' category for the Series 6 episode, written by Neil Gaiman and directed by Richard Clark.

According to reports, during his acceptance speech for the Hugo Award, Neil Gaiman confirmed he is writing another Doctor Who script stating:

"Only a fool or a mad man would try to do it again...so I'm on the third draft."

It is still unclear whether this will form part of the second half of Series 7 or a later set of episodes.

Also picking up an award in the 'Best Fancast' category was Doctor Who Writer and Author, Paul Cornell for the SF Squeecast.

The 2012 Hugo Awards were presented at Chicon 7; the 70th World Science Fiction Convention, and was held at Chicago's Hyatt Regency.

[Source: Worldcon]

Writer, Neil Gaiman and Director, Richard Clark have scooped up an a win at this years Nebula Awards for their work on the Series 6 story; The Doctor's Wife.

The award was won in the 'Ray Bradbury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation' category, which also signifies the first time Doctor Who has ever won at the awards. It was the only television episode to make it to the category and was up against stiff competition from The Adjustment Bureau, Attack the Block, Captain America, Hugo, Midnight in Paris, and Source Code.

On winning the award, Neil Gaiman (@NeilHimself) took to Twitter with the following words:

"Just won a Bradbury award at the #nebs2012 for The Doctor's Wife. Thanked everyone, including Verity Lambert and Sydney Newman. #glowing"

Gaiman also tweeted a picture of the award [pictured right].

Steven Moffat (@Steven_Moffat) congratulated the pair via Twitter with the following tweet:

"Hey, you two! FANTASTIC news. Doctor Who has never bagged one of those, tho' we've tried. Clearly we needed YOU."

Richard Clark (@rclarkie) replied with the following tweet:

"Too kind. It's not everyday you can claim to have stolen a march on Scorsese AND Woody Allen. Giggle."

DWO would like to extend its congratulations to Neil, Richard and the whole of the Doctor Who team on winning this fantastic award.

[Source: SFWA]

DWO recently caught up with New Series Doctor Who Director, Richard Clark, who spared us some time for a quick interview:

When you found out you would be directing the hotly anticipated Neil Gaiman episode, what was your first reaction, and how much input did he have?

I was absolutely thrilled. The Sandman blew me away when I first came across it and I loved American Gods. Having said that I hadn't been aware of this episode or any of the feverish anticipation surrounding it. And frankly I'm glad. The first I knew of Neil's script when it landed on my desk with his name on it, so I just approach it as I would any other story.

As for Neil's input, well I guess the honest answer would be very little. Like all good writers he understands that once you pass a script to a director you're in some ways saying goodbye. A writer's responsibility ends at the words on the page. It's then the director's job to turn those words into a walking, talking visual exciting reality, on time and on budget. 

However what did inevitably happen is that, because of our practical restraints, we did go back to Neil on several occasions to see if he could write us out of a corner. Hence there are a number of scenes, characters, locations and dialogue that never made the final film.

3.3: Gridlock, 3.6: The Lazarus Experiment, 6.4: The Doctor's Wife - Which has been the most challenging of all the Doctor Who stories you have directed to date and why?

Tricky one. Either Gridlock or The Doctor's Wife. In both cases you've got to create an entire alien world which is always a challenge. Gridlock had some very elaborate CGI work - David Tennant jumping from car to car and the Macra snapping at Martha's vehicle. 

However there was a visual ambition to The Doctor's Wife that we all just really went for. Just take the lighting for example (Owen McPollin was my wonderful DP). We tried to use it to really tell the story which meant we had all sorts of complex lighting changes going on all the time (look at when the Tardis first lands on the planet). And then the production design was a massive undertaking. Infact I'm n ot sure Dr Who hasn't seen sets built on that scale before.

When it comes to directing actors, do you prefer minimal input so that they bring more to the table or a more hands-on approach to get more out of them?

For me directing actors is about instinct. You have to get a feel for who they are and how they work. They all have different approaches and need supporting, encouraging or guiding in different ways. Matt for example knows his character, but I wanted this to be a really emotional episode for him (as did he) and so it was about teasing that out of him. However Suranne, as a guest on the show, had to create a character from scratch. In that case I had a clear idea of what that should be so it was very much about giving her the confidence to go for it. It was very ballsy of her to trust me because, had I got it wrong, she would have been the focus of fans anger! 

The other thing I should add is that actor's spark off each other and affect each other's performance. They create possibilities that you as a director couldn't have imagined.

Bearing in mind DWO is a non-spoiler site, what can you tell us about your upcoming episode written by Mark Gatiss?

Almost nothing I guess! Except to say that I absolutely love it. It's very creepy (young viewers might well need a cushion to hide behind). Oh and Danny Mays is brilliant. Great chemistry with Matt.

Finally, if you could have one round trip in the TARDIS, anywhere in time and space, where would you go and why?

Now that's tricky. 

Either I'd take a trip into the future, say 2000 years after mankind first inhabits another planet, and go to the planet with the most established human civilization but furthest from earth, just to see where we're all heading. OR. I'd go to the most advanced alien civilization that exists right now and see if they know about us.

[We also asked Richard another question in case he couldn't answer Question 4. The reply was so good, we have included it below]

Owing to the huge success of The Doctor's Wife, and your clearly successful partnership with Neil Gaiman, is there any possibility of a future collaboration in Doctor Who between the pair of you?

Neil and I would love to collaborate on something together. And we'd love to collaborate on another Dr Who. (a feature?) But the t ruth is it's not up to us. With Steven Moffat, Beth Willis and Piers Wenger in charge the show is in very capable hands and they will make the right choices about how to keep it moving forwards.

But I have to say I'd love to direct a Dr Who episode for each new Doctor across my lifetime!

+  Post a Question to Richard Clark in the DWO Forums Ask & Answer section.

+  To read more DWO Interviews, check out the DWO Features section.

[Source: Doctor Who Online]

The SFX website has unveiled the title for Episode 4 of Series 6 of Doctor Who.

The episode, written by Neil Gaiman, is now confirmed as 6.4: The Doctor's Wife.

New Series Producer, Marcus Wilson, says on the episode:

“It’s an episode that involves quite a big sprawl, huge alien world locations and a new take on a familiar character, which required a lot of work. It’s a big episode, but I think it’ll be one the fans will love. It’s a real love letter to the fans.”

[Source: SFX]

BBC Books are very pleased to announce the republication of 6 Classic Doctor Who novels with Chris Achilleos’s stunning classic artwork and a series of new introductions by Neil Gaiman, Charlie Higson, Gareth Roberts, Stephen Baxter, Russell T Davies and Terrance Dicks.

Doctor Who and the Daleks

Written by: David Whitaker - Introduction by: Neil Gaiman

The mysterious Doctor and his granddaughter Susan are joined by unwilling adventurers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright in an epic struggle for survival on an alien planet 

In a vast metal city they disc over the survivors of a terrible nuclear war – the Daleks.  Held captive in the deepest levels of the city, can the Doctor and his new companions stop the Daleks’ plan to totally exterminate their mortal enemies, the peace-loving Thals?  More importantly, even if they can escape from the Daleks, will Ian and Barbara ever see their home planet Earth again?

This novel is based on the second Doctor Who story which was originally broadcast from 21 December 1963 – 1 February 1964. Featuring the First Doctor as played by William Hartnell, and his companions Susan, Ian and Barbara.

Doctor Who and the Crusaders

Written by: David Whitaker - Introduction by: Charlie Higson

Arriving in the Holy Land in the middle of the Third Crusade, the Doctor and his companions run straight into trouble.  The Doctor and Vicki befriend Richard the Lionheart, but must survive the cut-throat politics of the English court. Even with the king on their side, they find they have made powerful enemies.

Looking for Barbara, Ian is ambushed – staked out in the sand and daubed with honey so that the ants will eat him.  With Ian unable to help, Barbara is captured by the cruel warlord El Akir. Even if Ian escapes and rescues her, will they ever see the Doctor, Vicki and the TARDIS again?

This novel is based on a Doctor Who story which was originally broadcast from 27 March – 17 April 1965. Featuring the First Doctor as played by William Hartnell, and his companions Ian, Barbara, and Vicki.

Doctor Who and the Cybermen

Written by: Gerry Davis - Introduction by: Gareth Roberts 

In 2070, the Earth’s weather is controlled from a base on the moon. But when the Doctor and his friends arrive, all is not well. They discover unexplained drops of air pressure, minor problems with the weather control systems, and an outbreak of a mysterious plague.

With Jamie injured, and members of the crew going missing, the Doctor realises that the moonbase is under attack. Some malevolent force is infecting the crew and sabotaging the systems as a prelude to an invasion of Earth. And the Doctor thinks he knows who is behind it: the Cybermen.

This novel is based on ‘The Moonbase’, a Doctor Who story which was originally broadcast from 11 February–4 March 1967. Featuring the Second Doctor as played by Patrick Troughton, and his companions Polly, Ben and Jamie.

Doctor Who and the Abominable Snowmen

Written by: Terrance Dicks - Introduction by: Stephen Baxter

The Doctor has been to Det-Sen Monastery before, and expects the welcome of a life time.  But the monastery is a very different place from when the Doctor last came.  Fearing at attack at any moment by the legendary Yeti, the monks are prepared to defend themselves, and see the Doctor as a threat.

The Doctor and his friends join forces with Travers, an English explorer out to prove the existence of the elusive abominable snowmen.  But they soon discover that these Yeti are not the timid animals that Travers seeks.  They are the unstoppable servants of an alien Intelligence.

This novel is based on a Doctor Who story which was originally broadcast from 30 September – 4 November 1967. Featuring the Second Doctor as played by Patrick Troughton, and his companions Jamie and Victoria.

Doctor Who and the Auton Invasion

Written by: Terrance Dicks - Introduction by: Russell T Davies

Put on trial by the Time Lords, and found guilty of interfering in the affairs of other worlds, the Doctor is exiled to Earth in the 20th century, his appearance once again changed. His arrival coincides with a meteorite shower.  But t hese are no ordinary meteorites.

The Nestene Consciousness has begun its first attempt to invade Earth using killer Autons and deadly shop window dummies. Only the Doctor and UNIT can stop the attack.  But the Doctor is recovering in hospital, and his old friend the Brigadier doesn’t even recognise him.  Can the Doctor recover and win UNIT’s trust before the invasion begins? 

This novel is based on ‘Spearhead from Space’, a Doctor Who story which was originally broadcast from 3 – 24 January 1970. Featuring the Third Doctor as played by Jon Pertwee, and his companion Liz Shaw and the UNIT organisation commanded by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart.

Doctor Who and the Cave Monsters

Written by Malcolm Hulke - Introduction by: Terrance Dicks

UNIT are called in to investigate security at a secret research centre buried under Wenley Moor.  Unknown to the Doctor and his colleagues, the work at the centre has woken a group of Silurians – intelligent reptiles that used to be the dominant life form on Earth in prehistoric times.

Now they have woken, the Silurians are appalled to find ‘their’ planet populated by upstart apes.  The Doctor hopes to negotiate a peace deal, but there are those on both sides who cannot bear the thought of humans and Silurians living together.  As UNIT soldiers enters the cave systems, and the Silurians unleash a deadly plague that could wipe out the human race, the battle for planet Earth begins.

This novel is based on ‘The Silurians’, a Doctor Who story which was originally broadcast from 31 January – 14 March 1970. Featuring the Third Doctor as played by Jon Pertwee, and his companion Liz Shaw and the UNIT organisation commanded by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart.

All 6 titles will be published on 7th July at £4.99 each.

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[Source: BBC Books]

The latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine has printed an updated schedule for Series Six (that's what we're calling it) of Doctor Who.

Episode 1 & Episode 2

Written by Steven Moffat, Directed by Toby Haynes

The two-part season opener sees The Doctor, Amy and Rory embarking on an epic adventure in 1960s America. The team are joined once again by the mysterious River Song, played by Alex Kingston, while Stuart Mulligan and Mark Sheppard guest star in major roles. Scenes have been shot in the Utah desert as well as other locations in the USA.

Episode 3

Written by Steve Thompson

Formerly Episode 9. The episode is set to film shortly as part of Block Four.

Episode 4

Written by Neil Gaiman, Directed by Richard Clark

Moved from its original position of Episode 3, the much-anticipated story by award-winning author, Neil Gaiman. The adventure guest-stars Suranne Jones playing someone who "might just turn out to be an old acquaintance with a new face".

Episode 5 & Episode 6

Written by Matthew Graham, Directed by Julian Simpson

Tentatively titled The Rebel Flesh and Gangers. The guest cast includes, Raquel Cassidy, Marshall Lancaster, Sarah Smart and Mark Bonnar.

Episode 7

Written by Steven Moffat

The concluding script for the first half of the season, which forms half of the fourth recording block along with Episode 3.

Episode 8

Written by Steven Moffat

The opener for the second half of Series Six, which will air in September 2011. This concludes the cliffhanger in Episode 7.

Episode 9

Written by Mark Gatiss, Directed by Richard Clark

Previously Episode 4. The guest cast includes, Daniel Mays, Andrew Tiernan, Leila Hoffman, Emma Cunniffe, Jamie Oram and Sophie Cosson.

Episode 10

No further details.

Episode 11

No further details.

Episode 12 & Episode 13

Written by Steven Moffat

** Further updates will be added in new News page updates, in the meantime, you can follow The Expanding Guide to Series Six in the DWO Forums.

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine - Issue #430]