Filming has begun in Cardiff for series 9 of Doctor Who and includes a star-studded guest cast. The new series will be back on BBC One in Autumn 2015.

The episodes currently being filmed are written by Toby Whithouse (The Game, Being Human), produced by Derek Ritchie and directed by Daniel O’Hara (Silent Witness 2015, The Game, Being Human).

Steven Moffat, lead writer and Executive Producer, said:

“An amazing guest cast for a brilliantly creepy two-parter by Toby Whithouse. Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman are back in Cardiff, back in the box, and back in action - for one of our scariest adventures yet!” 

On set filming for the new series, Peter Capaldi added:

“The adventures begin again for myself and Jenna and I’m delighted to be back filming my second series of Doctor Who.”

Paul Kaye who played Thoros of Myr in the third series of Game of Thrones joins the Doctor Who cast for the two-part episode. A comedian and actor, Paul is also well-known for being the voice of Vincent the fox on the puppet-based BBC comedy Mongrels.

Commenting on his role, Paul Kaye, said: 

“As a kid of the 1970’s, the two shows you always watched were Top of the Pops and Doctor Who, they were unmissable. I actually wrote a song called ‘Looking for Davros’ in my first punk band and I sang it like a demented Dalek. I got to present TOTP back in the mid ‘90’s and landing this role in Doctor Who completes the dream double. Peter is a perfect Doctor and I’m loving every minute of the experience, even the five hours in make-up. What a treat, best 50th birthday present ever!”

Also starring in the episodes will be Morven Christie who recently played the role of Amanda in the crime drama Grantchester and featured in Death in Paradise (2014) and Twenty Twelve.

Arsher Ali who played the part of Malik Suri in the critically acclaimed The Missing (BBC One) takes up a role in the guest cast alongside Colin McFarlane who appeared in Eastenders as part of the Who Killed Lucy Beale? storyline.

Recognised for her theatre and TV performances, actress Sophie Stone appears in the show for the first time. Sophie was the lead actress in the play Woman of Flowers and has appeared in Midsummer Murders and Casualty.

Also joining Peter Capaldi (The Doctor) and Jenna Coleman (Clara Oswald) and confirmed for roles in the double episode are Zaqi Ismail, Steven Robertson and Neil Fingleton.

Further guest cast for series 9 will be released over the coming months.

[Source: BBC]

Doctor Who Writer and creator of Being Human, Toby Whithouse, has spoken about the recent rumours that he might take over as Doctor Who showrunner when Steven Moffat steps down.

Speaking to SFX Magazine in a recent interview, Whithouse had the following to say:

“I have heard the rumours. I’ve been hearing them for years now. In terms of what Matt and Steven are planning after the anniversary, I do know the answers to those things, but there is absolutely no way I can tell anyone.

In terms of my future on Doctor Who, this kind of speculation only takes place in the heads of the fans. I’m going to be busy doing The Game for however long that lasts and I think Steven is doing incredible work on Doctor Who and I’d much rather he stay there.

No-one from the BBC has said anything to me. Whether or not it’s something the BBC is considering, I genuinely have no idea. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued by the idea, but also it would be terrifying. It’s definitely something I’d be really tempted by but I’m genuinely not in any hurry to do it. And why do people assume the BBC would want me? I’m sure there are much stronger contenders than me!”

+  Issue 233 of SFX Magazine is Out Now, priced £4.50.

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[Sources: SFX]

DWO are thrilled to announce that Doctor Who Writer and Being Human creator, Toby Whithouse has joined the DWO Forums to answer questions from his fans in our popular Ask & Answer section.

Toby penned the Series Two episode 'School Reunion' and the Series Five episode 'The Vampires of Venice', with another story due for Series Six of Doctor Who. He has also written for Doctor Who spinoff show, Torchwood, with the episode 'Greeks Bearing Gifts' from Series One.

Outside of Doctor Who, Toby is perhaps best known as the creator and head writer of Being Human, a supernatural dramedy television series that has a cult following of its own.

Whithouse is also an actor, having appeared in The House of Eliott and Bridget Jones' Diary. He is also a rising star on the comedy circuit and has played several gigs under the 'Laughing Horse' banner.

DWO visitors can post their questions to Toby regarding his career as a Writer, Actor and Comedian, by clicking here.

 Not a member of the DWO Forums? Register for FREE!

[Source: Doctor Who Online]

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]