The next Doctor Who: Lockdown! global rewatch, organised by Emily Cook will be 5.10: Vincent And The Doctor, and will air Tonight at 7:00pm BST!

Fans can get their screens ready for 7pm Tonight to watch the episode in unison. Doctor Who stars Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Bill Nighy and Tony Curran will all be joining in on Twitter, as well as the episode's writer, Richard Curtis and his wife and co-organiser of the event, Emma Freud. Fans can also use #TheUltimateGinger tag in any tweets.

As with the previous two Lockdown's, DWO will also be providing facts about the episode as well as Van Gogh quotes and facts, which will be unfolding in real time as the action happens on-screen. Make sure you're following @DrWhoOnline to be in on the action!

The Doctor Who: Lockdown! rewatches were started by Emily Cook of Doctor Who Magazine as a way of watching Doctor Who and spreading positivity during the home isolation guidance imposed by the UK government as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Don't have a physical copy of Vincent And The Doctor to watch? Don't worry, you can stream in real time using any of the links, below:

>  BBC iPlayer
>  Amazon Prime
>  Netflix

+  Follow @Emily_Rosina (Emily Cook) on Twitter!
+  Follow @LockdownWho on Twitter!
+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Source: Emily Cook]

Following the success of last week's global rewatch of The Day Of The Doctor, Emily Cook has organised another rewatch, this time for 1.1: Rose.

Fans can get their screens ready for 7pm Tonight - the 15th anniversary since Rose first aired - to watch the episode in unison. Ex-Doctor Who show runner, Russell T. Davies will also be joining in the fun on Twitter, offering live tweets as the episode unfolds. Fans can also use the #TripOfALifetime tag in any tweets.

Further to the success of our own tweets last week, we will also be providing facts about the episode which will be unfolding in real time as the action happens on-screen. Make sure you're following @DrWhoOnline to be in on the action!

The WhoAtHome global rewatches were started by Emily Cook of Doctor Who Magazine as a way of watching Doctor Who and spreading positivity during the home isolation guidance imposed by the UK government as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Don't have a physical copy of Rose to watch? Don't worry, you can stream in real time using any of the links, below:

>  BBC iPlayer
>  Amazon Prime
>  Netflix

+  Follow @Emily_Rosina (Emily Cook) on Twitter!
+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Source: Emily Cook]

2018 was an incredibly exciting year for Doctor Who; we got our first female 'Doctor' - something that would change the history of the show, and take it into a new, exciting direction. Having now seen the entirety of Series 11 and the New Year's Day Special ('Resolution'), we are thrilled with Jodie and her awesome TARDIS team. It's just such a shame we now have to wait a whole other year until the next series. :( - I guess, though, when you really think about it, it's actually not that much of an extended wait than we're used to. The Christmas special was the only thing that really broke up the wait between series, and what makes it feel longer is the fact that 2020 - a year which, to many of us, still feels like a futuristic SciFi movie setting - is one whole year away from us, at the time of writing.

Of course, 2018 also brought with it some other key Doctor Who moments; Doctor Who On Twitch was a particular revelation, and with it saw some fantastic memes and personalities that emerged as a result. In case you missed it, we got confirmation yesterday that another Twitch run will begin as of tomorrow!

There was also the release of some terrific Doctor Who merchandise; a new sonic, new toys, clothing - and the long-awaited release of Classic Who box-sets on Blu-ray.

As for the DWO site, we are now in our 22nd year (crazy, I know?!), and we have lots of exciting things planned in this (slightly quieter) year. We are planning a full site revamp, and the return of a few features that many of you will consider to be some old favourites. Our Forums continue to grow, with over 49,000+ members - again, we will be unveiling some design tweaks on there, as well as some new guests for our popular 'Ask & Answer' section.

On social media, DWO continues to amass a large Twitter following (@DrWhoOnline); we now have over 130,000+ followers, and we plan on some exciting new content and interactivity on the platform during 2019.

In a recent tweet, we asked you to tell us some of your favourite moments / memories & merchandise during 2018, and, as promised, here are some of your replies:

When the Doctor tried to save the giant spider. People are so divided on that moment, thinking there was no way to save her, but after offering to save Davros, the Master, and countless *actual* monsters, the Doctor would have found a way.

— Stephen Monteith, World's Greatest Secret Author (@ThePapermage) December 31, 2018

Most defiantly the 'Rosa Parks' episode. That should be shown in ALL the schools

— Mark Bandey, Author (@bandey_mark) December 31, 2018

My favorite 2018 #Doctorwho moment...getting this beautiful, best modern who story! Thanks @VinayPatel and @JamieRossChilds pic.twitter.com/OuNcxb6puS

— Jamaica Raquelle Hayes (@ProtegoMente) December 31, 2018

Getting a signed pretzel from Alex Kingston herself after answering a trivia question from David Tennant while Matt Smith looked on. pic.twitter.com/I2ERZKak6Y

— Corrie Davidson (@corrietweets) December 31, 2018

The Episode 'Rosa', yes, the entire episode.

One of the single most not just important episodes of Doctor Who but one of the most important pieces of television in 2018, it taught MILLIONS of children about Rosa Parks' bravery all those decades ago. #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/JmbXTh1Sbw

— Xeno (@XenoChu) December 31, 2018

Meeting so many amazing DW fans at @VworpCon. A great independent con that I can't wait to return to in 2019.

'Demons of the Punjab'. The show's most emotionally affecting and powerful episode since 2011. @VinayPatel crushed it!

Re-watching 'Robot' on Blu-Ray.#DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/yV0aG7pMxN

— TrilbeeReviews (@TrilbeeReviews) December 31, 2018

The 2 full season Blu-Ray box sets being released.

— stefan atter (@redarmyof1) December 31, 2018

Its got to be #WhoOnTwitch

— Rory Lamberton (@The_RoryL) December 31, 2018

Hearing The Macra Terror is being animated. A much better story than it gets credit for.

— Iorwerth Owen (@Dal_Credu) December 31, 2018

Favourite #DoctorWho moment of 2018 was easily thirteen stepping up and saying that she was THE doctor! Jodie’s speech in 11x01 was just perfect - she’s been such an incredible doctor

— Bekah (@bekahjlee) December 31, 2018

As always, thank you all for your continued support of Doctor Who Online! It's hard work - especially as I also juggle it with taking care of my young family, but reading your emails and tweets is a genuine highlight of my day.

I posted a blog entry last year about some health issues, which impacted some of the regular updates on the site, and whilst I'm still getting through these, I can confirm that things are much better, and shouldn't affect the regularity of updates going forward.

I'd like to wish you all a very Happy New Year and am very much looking forward to what 2019 has in store! 

Sebastian J. Brook - Site Editor
Doctor Who Online
January 2019

+ Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!
+ Follow @SebastianJBrook on Twitter!
+ Join the DWO Forums!
+ Donate to DWO's running costs via PayPal!

[Source: DWO]

In a first for a UK television programme the new BBC Worldwide animated version of Doctor Who: The Power Of The Daleks is to be premiered live and exclusively on Twitter via Periscope at 17:50pm on Saturday 5^th November, 50 years to the minute after the original version of the programme was first transmitted on BBC One in 1966.

Fans around the world will be able to watch an exclusive live streaming of the first three minutes of the first episode of the new animation on the @BBCStore Twitter account at 17:50pm this Saturday and UK residents will also be able to purchase all six episodes of the animation from www.bbcstore.com and on DVD from Monday 21^st November.

Doctor Who: The Power Of The Daleks is one of the Doctor’s most celebrated adventures but the original tapes were destroyed and no copies exist.

In September this year BBC Worldwide announced a brand new black and white animation based on audio recordings of the programme using the original cast, surviving photographs and film clips which will be released 50 years to the minute after its only UK broadcast on BBC One.

The six half hour episodes feature the regeneration, or as it was then called ‘renewal’, of First Doctor William Hartnell into Second Doctor Patrick Troughton, as the Time Lord and his companions Polly (Anneke Wills) and Ben (Michael Craze) do battle with the Daleks on the planet Vulcan.

Doctor Who: The Power of the Daleks is being produced by the team behind the highly successful animation of lost Dad’s Army episode A Stripe For Frazer, first released on BBC Store in February this year. The producer and director is Charles Norton, with character designs from acclaimed comic book artists Martin Geraghty and Adrian Salmon.

Jonathan Green, Director, BBC Store says:

“BBC Store is proud to be working with Twitter to bring fans this UK first. This episode broke the mould with the recasting of the Doctor and it’s still thrilling audiences in new ways today.”

Rhidian Bragg, Head of Sales, Consumer Products, BBC Worldwide says:

“We’re really excited to be able to bring fans a Doctor Who adventure that they thought they’d never see. The animation looks amazing and is a fantastic addition to our catalogue of classic Doctor Who titles.”

Georgina Parnell, Head of Entertainment Partnerships, Twitter said:

“Doctor Who is a global phenomenon and by broadcasting The Power of the Daleks live on Periscope, fans from across the world will - for the first time - be able to join together and watch it at the same moment, exactly 50 years to the minute since the very first episode aired in 1966. Even the Doctor couldn't have predicted that...could he?!”

+  The Power Of The Daleks is released on 15th November (DVD), priced £20.42.
+  PREORDER The Power Of The Daleks DVD from Amazon.co.uk for just £13.50!
+  Discuss all the Doctor Who DVD releases in the DWO Forums.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

Following on from yesterday's confirmation that Netflix will no longer have the rights to stream Doctor Who episodes from 1st February 2016, Hulu have now also confirmed to DWO that they too will no longer have the rights.

Earlier today we asked Hulu, via Twitter, if the recent rumours regarding them losing the rights were in fact true:

@jsb1980 @netflix rumours are that @Hulu are also discontinuing their #DoctorWho library - hope they are just rumours. What say you, @Hulu?

— Doctor Who Online (@DrWhoOnline) January 27, 2016

To which Hulu responded:

@DrWhoOnline We didn't drop #DoctorWho. We just no longer have the rights to stream it and are lacking a TARDIS to remedy the situation. :(

— hulu (@hulu) January 27, 2016

We then asked if there was any way around the issue, and once again got a reply:

@DrWhoOnline Unfortunately, not right now, but we're always striving to license shows our viewers (Whovian or otherwise) want to see.

— hulu (@hulu) January 27, 2016

Speculation is that the BBC are pulling streaming rights to give more focus to their own BBC Store service, but this has yet to be officially confirmed.

UPDATE - 28th January 2016
In a recent article on Decider.com, the BBC stated: “We hope to announce a new digital partner for Doctor Who shortly”. Whether this means the re-inking of a deal with Netflix or Hulu, or their own stateside streaming service, is yet to be confirmed.

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Sources: DWO; Hulu]

The news recently hit the headlines that Netflix were dropping their entire library of Doctor Who episodes as of 1st February 2016. Having received literally hundreds of emails from our visitors wanting to know what was happening, DWO sent Netflix the following tweet:

Hey @netflix @NetflixUK - removing #DoctorWho from your library is a bad idea. Don't just take our word for it, though. [Cue the fans] :)

— Doctor Who Online (@DrWhoOnline) January 25, 2016

Today, the Netflix team replied to us, clarifying that Doctor Who will remain on Netflix UK, but that it will be removed from 1st February in the USA only, due to "a variety of factors". Below are the tweeted replies:

@DrWhoOnline Good and bad news. Doctor Who is staying on @NetflixUK, but our dear Doctor will be departing on Feb 1 from the US. (1 of 2)

— Netflix US (@netflix) January 26, 2016

@DrWhoOnline Content comes & goes-a variety of factors are considered. It's goodbye to an old friend, but a promise to care for David & Matt

— Netflix US (@netflix) January 26, 2016

This then prompted some of our followers to enquire about Netflix' streaming service in Canada, and whether Doctor Who episodes would be pulled their, also. Fortunately Canada will not be affected either:

@Cap_XIII @DrWhoOnline @NetflixUK No change for the Doctor in Canada.

— Netflix US (@netflix) January 26, 2016

It seems all hope may not be lost, however, as Netflix further clarified their wish on working to get Doctor Who back again:

@DrWhoOnline Sometimes the licensing for our content will expire & we have to remove it. But we're always happy to work on getting it *JF

— Netflix CS (@Netflixhelps) January 26, 2016

@DrWhoOnline back. Your feedback is most helpful, thank you! *JF

— Netflix CS (@Netflixhelps) January 26, 2016

UPDATE - 27th January 2016
Hulu have also confirmed they too will lose the rights to air Doctor Who in the USA as of 1st February 2016.

UPDATE - 28th January 2016
In a recent article on Decider.com, the BBC stated: “We hope to announce a new digital partner for Doctor Who shortly”. Whether this means the re-inking of a deal with Netflix or Hulu, or their own stateside streaming service, is yet to be confirmed.

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Sources: DWO; Netflix]

If you're a member of the many social networks available online, then you will be pleased to know that you can follow Doctor Who Online on two of the largest - Twitter and Facebook.

Our Twitter account was launched back in January 2009, and as of today, we are proud to have one of the largest Doctor Who followings with a whopping 90,000+ followers! Follow the DWO Twitter account for Spoiler-Free News and Reviews as they happen, as well as exclusive Doctor Who competitions, discussion, opinion and more.

+  Follow DWO on Twiiter at: twitter.com/DrWhoOnline.

Our Facebook account was launched in 2011, and currently has over 10,000+ Likes. As with the Twitter account, followers will be updated with the latest Spoiler-Free Doctor Who News and Reviews, as well as exclusive polls, competitions, discussion, opinion and more.

+  Like DWO on Facebook at: facebook.com/DoctorWhoOnline.

[Source: Doctor Who Online]

The BBC have released a new promotional video featuring Matt Smith encouraging fans to use, share and support the #SaveTheDay hashtag.

+  The Day Of The Doctor will simulcast worldwide on 23rd November 2013, at 7:50pm GMT*.
*Time to be confirmed. 

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

A specially created trailer celebrating the last 50 years of Doctor Who will air Tonight at 8:20pm on BBC One.

Travelling through time fans will be taken on a journey from the very beginning using state of the art technology.  The special trailer is set to show all of the Doctors as they first appeared on screen, including William Hartnell in high res colour for the very first time, as celebrations ramp up to the 23rd November.

A huge moment for the BBC, the 50th celebrations will culminate with the special episode, ‘The Day of the Doctor’, starring Matt Smith, David Tennant and Jenna Coleman with Billie Piper and John Hurt. A whole range of shows have also been commissioned across TV and radio to mark the anniversary.

The minute long trailer will air after Strictly Come Dancing tonight on BBC One and will be also be available to view right here on DWO.

** This trailer does not include any actual footage of the 50th anniversary episode.

UPDATED - 19th October 2013 @ 8:22pm

The trailer has now aired and you can watch it below:

[youtube:loGm3vT8EAQ]
UPDATED - 20th October 2013 @ 10:45am

DWO's very own Will Brooks has added 3D to the BBC's trailer, making it even more awesome! Check it out in all its glory, below:

To coincide the trailer, DWO also have a new image featuring all 11 Doctors, added to our BBC Pictures account which you can now view to the right.

But where's the trailer for 'The Day Of The Doctor'?

Good question! In fact, it's one of the most common questions we've been getting on the @DrWhoOnline Twitter account since the airing of a special trailer at this year's San Diego Comic Con.  We like our facts and figures here at DWO, and although we couldn't count them all, we've had well over 8,000+ requests via Twitter and email from fans wanting to know when the trailer will air.

We believe a trailer will be airing either on Saturday 26th October or Saturday 2nd November. DWO also understand that the floodgates will open, promotion-wise, and the 50th Anniversary special (along with said promotion) will, as Steven Moffat put it all those moons ago, "Take over TV".

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Source: BBC]

The BBC have quashed the recent rumours circulating online that an announcement on the casting of the 12th Doctor is due imminently.

The rumours, which began via Science Fiction magazine; Starburst, stated:

"Sources have indicated that a Sunday newspaper is intending to scoop the BBC by announcing the name of the new Doctor this weekend. And in order to pre-empt the scoop, the BBC look set to announce the name tomorrow evening, just a single short week since the announcement of Matt Smith’s departure, and hardly time enough for that bombshell of a news story to sink in.

[UPDATE]

Starburst's sources have now come up with three names, apparently the front-runners in the bidding to be the new Doctor. Whether it's one of these three that has in fact been chosen to play the part, we cannot be sure. We can't really be sure that these three are in the running at all - but that's what we've been told! One thing that's guaranteed, however, is that this new "information" will get people talking!

The three names are: Domhnall Gleeson, Daniel Kaluuya, and Dominic Cooper."

BBC Publicist, Jenni Pain, tweeted the following this morning denying the rumours:

"For all those wondering, there is no #doctorwho announcement planned today"

This was then further echoed by the @BBCOne Twitter channel:

"@bbcdoctorwho fans, contrary to rumours there is no #DoctorWho casting announcement today."

Also via Twitter, Doctor Who DVD Director, Ed Stradling appeared to have official word from Steven Moffat on the rumours:

"Steven Moffat says this morning "I haven't a clue who it is, we've barely started." So no #doctorwho announcement this evening I fear!"

The DWO View:

The BBC will keep the casting of the 12th Doctor as close to their chests for as long as possible. Over the next few days, weeks and possibly months, you will no doubt hear a multitude of names - male and female - thrown into the ring, but as with Matt Smith, the BBC are likely to cast someone who possibly hasn't even been mentioned yet. Watch this space!

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Sources: Twitter; Starburst]

DWO have recently learned of an online scam offering missing Doctor Who episodes in exchange for credit card access to an online porn site.

The site, which is hosted by 'RogueCyberman' an online blogger and Twitter user, claims to have missing episodes such as 'The Faceless Ones' and 'The Macra Terror', and offers them as 'bonus content' when you sign up to Time Girl Katie's porn site.

The blogger, who remains anonymous, claimed the following:

"All of the missing episodes recently recovered from an anonymous collector in Kent have been successfully digitised and are now available to download as bonus content in Time Girl Katie's free private members area."

We would like to extend our thanks to Robert Lenko who obtained screengrabs and access to the site in question, with proof (pictured-right), which has since been pulled from RogueCyberman's blog. We have also learned that when similar screengrabs showed up on a Tumblr page (owned by someone trying to expose the scam), RogueCyberman issued a DMCA takedown notice...

This news item has also come about as a result of DWO receiving a number of emails from Doctor Who fans claiming that their children (looking for missing Doctor Who episodes) stumbled across RogueCyberman's blog and were subjected to the adult imagery from Time Girl Katie's site, from which his blog directly links to in promise of the episodes.

DWO would like to assure fans that there is no Doctor Who content at all on the website, and should be warned not to give any credit card details to the site.

Our friends over at SFX Magazine posted a similar article warning fans back in 2012, read what they had to say here:
http://www.sfx.co.uk/2012/03/12/beware-naked-doctor-who-fangirls/

The BBC have been informed and we will report further when we have more news.

UPDATE - Friday 22nd February 2013 @ 8:30am

In a typical display of fan unity, fellow Doctor Who sites; Blogtor Who, Kasterborous, Outpost Skaro & Companions Of The Doctor, have all shown their support in exposing RogueCyberman. We encourage you to click on the links to view their take on the story.

There has also been an immense show of vigilance from fans via Twitter, with hundreds unfollowing RogueCyberman within a matter of hours.

DWO and other sites have taken the extra steps to report both his Twitter and Wordpress sites, and we will of course keep you posted as to further developments.

UPDATE - Saturday 23rd February 2013 @ 5:30pm

DWO are pleased to report that both RogueCyberman's Twitter account and blog have now been taken offline. It is worth noting that he did this for a couple of months last year when things got heated, but with the extra measures all the fan sites have taken, were hoping that this time he will be gone for good.

We would like to thank all of the fans who helped with Retweets and reposting, this was truly a joint effort!

[Sources: DWO; Robert Lenko]

Doctor Who DVD Producer, Ed Stradling recently conducted a video interview with Steven Moffat for last weekend's Gallifrey One convention in Los Angeles.

The 13-minute interview offers a few insights into the new series, and the 50th Anniversary special, with Steven stating at one point:

"Doctor Who, the 50th is approaching - various different things - a lot of different things. Don't believe the nonsense about one 60-minute film, that is complete nonsense."

You can watch the full interview with Steven Moffat below:

[youtube:h7VQrnMzjrU]

+  Follow @EdStradling on Twitter.

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter.

[Source: Gallifrey One]

Matt Smith and Benedict Cumberbatch are up against each other to win Best Actor in this year’s Virgin Media Awards!

At the moment Benedict Cumberbatch has edged ahead with 36% of the votes, and we're calling on all fellow Doctor Who fans to cast your vote to help Matt win!

To cast your vote, simply visit the following link: http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/awards/best-actor.php

Voting closes on Sunday the 10th February so there’s still time for fans to get their votes in and even tweet their support (to @VMDotCom)! The winners will be announced on 13th February on virginmedia.com.

[Source: GolinHarris]

Ex-Doctor Who star, Freema Agyeman has officially joined Twitter.

Freema, who won the hearts of Doctor Who fans as companion Martha Jones, to David Tennant's 10th Doctor, can be followed on the social networking site under the name @FreemaOfficial.

+ Check Out The DWO Guide to... Doctor Who On Twitter!

[Source: Twitter]

DWO have teamed up with Milk Two Sugars to give away 2 pairs of tickets to see Arthur Darvill in his new West End play, 'Our Boys'.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is Follow DWO on Twitter and Tweet: "@DrWhoOnline @OurBoysThePlay #OurBoys".

Hurry though, as the competition closes this Monday (22nd October) at 6:00pm, and the winners will be announced on the DWO Twitter channel.

This searingly honest and explosively funny play is based on the author’s own experience. The cast includes Arthur Darvill (Rory in Doctor Who), Laurence Fox (Hathaway in Lewis) and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films). 

Six young soldiers are killing nothing but time as they recover from injuries incurred in the line of duty. Suddenly, their daily routine of TV, lonely hearts ads and banter is shattered by the arrival of a young officer. The camaraderie of this unlikely band of brothers is soon jeopardised by a dangerous incident and an act of betrayal.

You can also buy top price tickets to Our Boys, including a drink with some of the cast for £32.50 (normally £45.00). To book tickets please call 0844 412 4659 and quote ‘Fan Night’ offer or visit http://www.londontheatres.co.uk/duchess-theatre/ and enter FANNIGHT promo code when prompted.

Competition Terms and conditions apply. Tickets are valid for 1st November 2012 only. Subject to availability. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. No cash alternative will be offered. Producers reserve the right to restrict prizewinner tickets to specific performances during busy periods.

Offer terms and conditions: Tickets are valid for 1st November 2012 only. Subject to availability. Cannot be used retrospectively or in conjunction with any other offer. Drink includes a beer, glass of wine or a soft drink. Booking fees may apply.

+  'Our Boys' is showing at the Duchess Theatre in London's Catherine Street, from 26th September-15th December 2012.

[Source: Milk Two Sugars]

It is with deepest regret that DWO announces the passing of Classic Series Doctor Who Actress, Mary Tamm.

Mary was best known to Doctor Who fans for playing The 4th Doctor's companion; Romana I. Mary appeared as Romana in a total of 6 televised stories which formed the Key to Time series of adventures:

The Ribos Operation
The Pirate Planet
The Stones of Blood
The Androids of Tara
The Power of Kroll
The Armageddon Factor

The actress, who was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, fought a long battle with cancer and died in hospital in London.

Agent Barry Langford, who confirmed the news, said she had a "zest for life".

Tamm's stage and screen career also included films The Odessa File and The Likely Lads, as well as recurring roles in EastEnders and Brookside.

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

On announcing the news to the @DrWhoOnline Twitter followers, we asked for some of your comments to include in our obituary, of which we have added a small selection below:

@yeles - @DrWhoOnline really sad news. All my thoughts to family and friends.

@UKVampire - @DrWhoOnline #RIPMaryTamm will forever live on in our hearts as Romana - Thoughts go out to friends and family during this difficult time.

@Blackadder345 - @DrWhoOnline A wonderful actress and companion, will be sadly missed. Shall never be able to watch the Key to Time again without a tear.

@TheGazulator - DrWhoOnline Great chunks of our past, detaching themselves like melting icebergs. :( RIP, Mary Tamm. Thoughts and prayers with her family.

@TheOldLondoner - @DrWhoOnline How awful that the wonderful Mary Tamm has passed away. She was the very best of actresses & my favourite Dr Who assistant

@Deensey - @DrWhoOnline Romana was the first thing I loved about Doctor Who. I was about 6 and watched with my big brother

+  You can leave messages of condolence in the DWO Forums thread, here.

[Source: BBC]

DWO and Firebox have teamed up to offer our Twitter followers a chance to win an invite to the Sonic Screwdriver Remote Press Launch!

3 x lucky winners will win an invite to the press launch next Wednesday in London, as well as taking away with them one of the new Sonic Screwdriver Remote's (pictured).

To enter, all you have to do is Tweet '#DWO @Firebox' to us via the @DrWhoOnline Twitter page.

Please note that in order to be eligible, you must be free next Wednesday (25th July) at 3:30pm, and must be able to make your own travel arrangements.

+ Check Out the Sonic Screwdriver Remote at Firebox!

[Source: Doctor Who Online]

Matt Smith will carry the Olympic Torch in Cardiff on Saturday, the official Doctor Who Twitter account has confirmed.

Smith, who is currently filming the seventh series in Cardiff with new companion, played by actress, Jenna Louise-Coleman, said:

"To carry the Torch is an honour, one I thought I'd never get. I'm very excited!"

The news will come as consolation to fans who have been campaigning for David Tennant (The 10th Doctor), to be the official lighter of the Olympic Flame. An online petition has acquired over 37,000+ signatures from fans wishing for the scene from the Series Two adventure; Fear Her, in which The 10th Doctor lights the Olympic Flame, to become reality.

[Source: Official Doctor Who Twitter]

Karen Gillan made a surprise appearance at Cannes Film Festival yesterday, sporting a breathtaking new look.

The Doctor Who star, who has just completed her final scenes on the show, was pictured wearing a etherial white mullet dress with bright neon yellow-heeled shoes. Gillan was also spotted with a new hairstyle, which DWO are dubbing 'The Edinburgh Fringe'.

Karen was in town to promote her first major film, 'Not Another Happy Ending', which you can help fund here.

After sharing the released image [pictured right] with our @DrWhoOnline Twitter followers, we were deluged with comments from fans whose breath was literally taken away by the stunner from Inverness.

[Sources: DWO; Cannes Film Festival]

American actor Michael McShane will be appearing in Series 7 of Doctor Who.

The Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves star will be seen in Episode Five of Series 7 playing a villain alongside returning monsters the Weeping Angels.

He revealed his involvement with the BBC sc-fi show on his twitter page writing:

"Most fantastic time doing Doctor Who; best cast and crew I've been with in a while! Long live Gallifrey. (sic)"

The episode is set in New York and has huge significance in the programme's storyline because it will be the last adventure to feature the Doctor's companions Amy Pond and Rory Williams - who are played by Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill respectively.

McShane, who is famous for his appearances on improvisation comedy show 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' - has been teasing Doctor Who fans on his twitter page by writing about his role but not giving any hints as to who he is playing.

He tweeted: "Spoiler Alert for Dr Who; in my episode the Doctor finds he's got a /;;zapppppp GACK. sizzle, hissssss... (sic)"

It has also been revealed that Riann Steele is playing Egyptian Queen Nefertiti in the second episode of the upcoming series - which will be current Time Lord; Matt Smith's third in the iconic role.

[Source: Evening Standard]

Karen Gillan has officially joined the Twitter Social Networking site.

Fans can now interact with Karen through her Twitter account (@KarenGillan2), which has also been confirmed by co-star Arthur Darvill (@RattyBurvil) and Showrunner, Steven Moffat (@Steven_Moffat).

It is beleved that DWM scribe, Benjamin Cook (@Benjamin_Cook) may have had a slight hand in helping convince Karen to join during the current filming block taking place in New York, and he's apparently working on getting Matt Smith to join also, so watch this space!

Please note that anyone else claiming to be either Karen or Arthur is an impostor, and only the accounts listed above are official.

+ Check Out The DWO Guide to Doctor Who on Twitter.

[Sources: DWO; Twitter]

DWO have been working on our latest guide, and this time round we're taking a look at Doctor Who on Twitter.

Our guide includes over 140 entries including; Actors, Writers, Authors, Artists, Musicians, Websites, Blogs and Podcasts, and is constantly being updated with new additions. The guide allows you to follow (and see if you've followed) anyone on the guide, as well as in which Doctor Who related show they are connected to; (The Classic Series / The New Series / Torchwood / The Sarah Jane Adventures).

Do you have a Doctor Who Website, Blog or Podcast with a Twitter account? Why not email your submissions to us at: guides@drwho-online.co.uk. Likewise, if you know of any personalities who we are yet to add, please also email us with the name of the person, together with their Twitter usename, and we will ensure that we add them on the next update.

+ Check Out The DWO Guide to Doctor Who on Twitter.

[Sources: DWO; Twitter]

Last night saw the Doctor Who Christmas Special Preview Trailer, and a slightly nude Matt Smith as part of Children In Need's evening of fundraising programming...It also saw the end of DWO's very own Children In Need Doctor Who eBay auction, with 100% of the proceeds going to CIN.

We had hoped that we would reach our target of £500+, but in the last 20 minutes, were blown away by some last minute bids which saw our final total rocket to a staggering £1070 - more than double what we had initally hoped for!

So a big congratulations to eBay member 'Bow-Peep', a.k.a Katy Payne, who generously gave to the Children In Need cause, and eventually won our Doctor Who eBay auction, which included a poster signed by David Tennant, a First Day Cover from 1999, a 2012 Doctor Who Calendar, The Brilliant Book of Doctor Who 2012, 2 x 2in1 Doctor Who books, The Silent Stars Go By book, Companions And Allies book, Series 6: Part 1 DVD, 1st ever issue of SFX Magazine, Doctor Who 'Inferno' audiobook, and last (but by no means least) a DWO Flyer!

We hope to update this news item shortly with a short interview with Katy, our auction winner - watch this space!

DWO Editor, Sebastian J. Brook had the following to say on last night's auction:

"Last night was truly one of the proudest moments in the entire 16 years of DWO's history. We had a busy 3 days tirelessly promoting our charity auction on DWO, Twitter and Facebook, and it has been amazing to see so many areas of fandom pulling together to help such a worthy cause."

"I'm not ashamed to say I was wiping the tears away when I saw us not only beat our target - but double it, and then some! Even if you didn't win or even bid on our auction, every single person who helped promote it is responsible for that fantastic final figure. Thank You!"

As promised, DWO also wish to thank the following people who helped us in promoting the auction. We have tried to include as many of you as possible (and as traceable), so please forgive us if you are not mentioned below:

Websites, Podcasts & Magazines:

The Doctor Who Appreciation Society, The Doctor Who News Page, Kasterborous, BlogtorWho, Den Of Geek, Forbidden Planet International, SciFiNow, Doctor Who and the TARDIS by Craig Hurle, The Doctor Who Site, Companions of The Doctor, TalkingWho, Capricorn One & ThoseVideoGuys.

Celebrity Retweeters:

Russell Tovey (Midshipman Frame in Doctor Who), Andrew Hayden-Smith (Jake Simmonds in Doctor Who), Rufus Hound (Comedian), James Moran (Doctor Who & Torchwood Writer), Paul Cornell (Doctor Who Author), Steve Hughes (New Series Director), Tony Lee (Doctor Who Comic Author), Paul Bradford (Tech Manager for Ghost Hunters International),

Other DWO Twitter Followers:

@aastrid, @adriwadri, @AlexiHampson, @ats2040, @AustinMe, @CartoonBeardy, @CliffChapman, 
@CrowHawk, @dailyanglofile, @DavidKeep1964, @Doctor_No1, @dragonfall05, @DWF2006, @elad_eiram, @Galadriel1010, @HarryHayfield, @IanOTimelord, @ItsMiaBro, @JasonOnion, @jldomini, @Kirstie_Nash, @KneelDowne, @LadyBugLass, @linerlovers, @MellorCarolyn, @MerseyMal, @Mouse_Mallow, @nwgayboyuk, @OneGirlGeek, @Rdkil, @robynschneider, @SimonGA, @SirRoundSound, @SteamPiffler, @Stoogie, @THEDeanBatch, @ullemon, @Waltmouse, @Wolfie_Rankin, @xenelle, @XenRaiha, @zort70.

+  You can still donate to Children In Need here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/donate/.

[Source: DWO]

DWO is featured in the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine (Issue #438) in their 'Another 40 people every Doctor Who fan should follow on Twitter' feature.

Under the 'Top Fans' section you will find our logo and stats, as well as an example of a typical tweet you can expect from our @DrWhoOnline twitter account.

The DWO twitter account has one of the largest Doctor Who followings on Twitter with over 27,000+ followers. We regularly run competitions for our followers and post the latest news updates and features.

What else is inside Issue #438 of Doctor Who Magazine?

Doctor Who is back on TV for a brand new series! DWM catches up with its stars, Matt Smith (the Doctor) and Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) and asks, what do they think about the controversial title of the first episode, Let’s Kill Hitler? 

Matt cracks up. “It’s Steven [Moffat, writer of Let’s Kill Hitler] being brilliant and mischievous. Also, it’s a direct reference to a line in the episode...”

“Pretty intense laughter from me, too,” confirms Karen Gillan, who plays Amy Pond, “when Steven told us. It’s just the best title ever… We were, like, ‘Amazing.’ I just love it, because it sounds a little bit controversial. But the subject matter is tackled really well in the episode...”

“Hitler was through and through, appallingly, disgustingly evil,” points out Steven Moffat. “Hitler would be deeply pissed off to know that we treated him as a minor comic character in an episode of Doctor Who. But actually the Hitler story is a bit of a red herring. It’s actually a blatant continuation of A Good Man Goes to War...”

THINGS TO COME

DWM previews the first four stories of the season – LET’S KILL HITLER, NIGHT TERRORS, THE GIRL WHO WAITED and THE GOD COMPLEX – and talks to stars MATT SMITH, KAREN GILLAN and ALEX KINGSTON (River Song) as well as all the writers: STEVEN MOFFAT, MARK GATISS, TOM MacRAE and TOBY WHITHOUSE. With never-before-seen photographs and candid insights into each episode, prepare to have your appetite well and truly whetted! 

TOUGH CROWD

Doctor Who’s showrunner STEVEN MOFFAT faces his toughest crowd, in what his wife describes as ‘the best interview he’s ever given’, in PRODUCTION NOTES.

HERR TODAY

Actor ALBERT WELLING is interrogated by DWM about his role in Doctor Who as the (second) greatest war criminal in history – Adolf Hitler.

LOOK, WHO’S TALKING?

DWM tries to get a word in edgeways as MATT SMITH and the guest star in The God Complex, DAVID WALLIAMS, interview each other!

MIRACLE WORKERS

Writer JANE ESPENSON, TOM PRICE (Sgt Andy Davidson) and BILL PULLMAN (convicted killer Oswald Danes) talk exclusively to DWM about their role in the spectacular new spin-off from Doctor Who, TORCHWOOD: MIRACLE DAY. 

PERFECT DAY

The classic 1972 story Day of the Daleks just got better! DWM finds out how a Special Edition of this classic 1972 Third Doctor story was created for its much-anticipated DVD release, and talks to the men responsible: producer STEVE BROSTER, audio expert MARK AYRES and the voice of the Daleks, NICHOLAS BRIGGS. 

MONSTER INVASION

DWM takes a nostalgic look back at the 1972 season of Doctor Who – a series that saw the Third Doctor face the Sea Devils, the Ice Warriors and the dreaded Daleks – as our COUNTDOWN TO 50 continues.

A NEW DIRECTION

The Doctor is dead, the world is in turmoil and only Donna Noble can save the Earth! THE FACT OF FICTION looks back to the acclaimed 2008 adventure TURN LEFT and uncovers the many secrets hidden within the story.

TWEET, TWEET!

Want to know what the Sixth Doctor is doing right now? Or fancy reading what the writers of Doctor Who are thinking about today? Then you need Twitter! DWM proudly presents an invaluable guide to the Doctor Who people you should follow in 2011. 

KIDS THESE DAYS…

It’s been the subject of much heated debate: have fans today never had it so good? Or were things more fun in the ‘good old days’, before Doctor Who became so easily accessible? JOHNNY CANDON and TOBY HADOKE argue the pros and cons of the case in A BATTLE OF WITS!

MUM’S THE WORD

It was Steven Moffat’s first script for Doctor Who, and introduced the character of Captain Jack Harkness. But what will THE TIME TEAM make of the 2005 Ninth Doctor and Rose adventure, THE EMPTY CHILD/THE DOCTOR DANCES…?

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHRONONAUT

The Doctor and Amy pursue the impossible girl, Chiyoko, through time and space – and get a nasty surprise when then catch up with her – in the first part of a brand new comic strip adventure, THE CHILD OF TIME, by JONATHAN MORRIS with art by MARTIN GERAGHTY.

WHO’S ROUND?

The mysterious Watcher discusses the Doctor’s drinking, challenges readers with the Six Faces of Delusion and celebrates another unsung hero from the supporting cast in WOTCHA!

PLUS! All the latest official news, TV and merchandise reviews, previews, competitions, a prize-winning crossword and much, much more!

It’s the essential companion to the new series of Doctor Who – Doctor Who Magazine 438, out Thursday 25th August, just £4.50 from all good newsagents and supermarkets.

+  Follow Doctor Who Online on Twitter.

+  Subscribe to Doctor Who Magazine.

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine]

DWO have teamed up with Empire Big Screen to offer our visitors a chance to win tickets to David Tennant's new movie premiere!

The most exciting movie event the UK has seen, Empire Big Screen is coming to the O2 on August 12th–14th.

Featuring world first film previews, premieres, live entertainment, masterclasses with industry legends and much much more, this live movie extravaganza is perfect for young and old alike!

And to celebrate the most anticipated film event of the summer, Doctor Who Online is offering 2 lucky winners the chance to each take a friend to the premiere of David Tenannt's new blockbuster film Fright Night on Sunday 14th August!

All you have to do to enter is be a follower of the Doctor Who Online Twitter account, and send us a tweet making sure you include the hashtag #DWOBigScreenComp to be in with a chance of winning!

DWO will announce the winner on Saturday 6th August 2011 at 6:00pm.

+  For more information on Empire Big Screen go to www.empirebigscreen.com.

+  Follow DWO on Twitter!

[Sourcea: DWO; Empire Big Screen]

If you're a member of the many social networks available online, then you will be pleased to know that you can follow Doctor Who Online on two of the largest - Twitter and Facebook.

Our Twitter account was launched back in January 2009, and as of today, we are proud to have one of the largest Doctor Who followings with a whopping 21,000+ followers! Follow the DWO Twitter account for Spoiler-Free News and Reviews as they happen, as well as exclusive Doctor Who competitions, discussion, opinion and more.

+  Follow DWO on Twiiter at: twitter.com/DrWhoOnline.

Our Facebook account was launched earlier this year, and currently has over 3,000+ Likes. As with the Twitter account, followers will be updated with the latest Spoiler-Free Doctor Who News and Reviews, as well as exclusive polls, competitions, discussion, opinion and more.

+  Like DWO on Facebook at: facebook.com/DoctorWhoOnline.

[Source: Doctor Who Online]

When you hear the words 'Doctor Who Companion' for the majority of us it is Elisabeth Sladen's face you see. Her portrayal as Sarah Jane Smith has forever cemented itself in Doctor Who fandom as a textbook female Doctor Who companion.

Her chemistry with Tom Baker was unmatched, and her reactions to the many evils she faced were amazing - in particular, her delivery of the line "Doc-tor" as she trembled her lips in that unforgettable Sarah Jane style.

Who could forget her triumphant return in 2006 alongside David Tennant in the Series Two story; School Reunion. Of course her character, and indeed Lis herself had aged a little since we last saw her on our screens, but everything was there from her mannerisms to her delivery of dialogue.

I think we all owe a particular thanks to Russell T. Davies for not only bringing her back into Doctor Who (twice) but for giving Sarah Jane her very own series, so that a whole new generation of fans could fall in love with her character.

When the terribly sad news came in last night of her untimely passing, we asked you to get in touch with some of your thoughts, memories and messages about Lis and her portrayal as Sarah Jane Smith.

Here are just a few together with some Doctor Who celebrity Tweets and messages:

Kris Schultz via DWO Facebook

"My prayers are with Elizabeth's family, friends and fellow fans. I love her portrayal of Sarah Jane Smith and will miss her very much."

Rob Carpenter via DWO Facebook

"A tear Sarah Jane ? I believe there will be many tonight :(("

Christopher Joseph Kerr via DWO Facebook

"First Sir Nicholas Courtney and now Lis. Im genuinely both shocked and shaking. Tears? Yes but tears are good. Will she be forgotten? No!"

Richard Teta via DWO Facebook

"When Doctor Who started to be broadcast here in South Florida, Sarah Jane was the companion. Seeing her reprise the role in the new series and The Sarah Jane Adventures was like re-visiting part of my childhood. Thank you so much, Elisaabeth. God Bless. A tear, Sarah Jane?"

doctorwho2013 via DWO Twitter

"We send our love to Elisabeth Sladens family she will be surely missed from all doctor who fans in the north east UK.XX"

bergie72 via DWO Twitter

"So sad about Liz Sladen. First Dr Who ep was Robot. Its been hard to top Dr #4 and Sarah Jane as fave doc/companion pair since."

jennnlovesyou via DWO Twitter

"She taught me the most important lesson I've ever learnt: some things are worth getting your heart broken for."

jimmyboulton via DWO Twitter

"Elisabeth Sladen was the best of them all. A true great in the world of Doctor Who, completely irreplaceable."

Patrick Sanders via DWO Email

"I had just finished watching Lis Sladen crying her way through the end of "Planet of the Spiders" when I heard she had sadly died. I put it on Facebook and it was amazing the response - shock, sadness and am outpouring of love from fans who remembered her in the 70s, new fans of new-Who, and parents who watch SJA with their children. I think Lis Sladen's great feat was that she made Sarah Jane Smith feel like a personal friend - when the Doctor calls her "my best friend" you believed she could be yours too. A lot of children of all ages will miss her very much."

Dale Who via DWO Email

"I was fortunate enough enough to meet Lis twice at conventions; and she was very friendly and we chatted at some length about how much she loved that Sarah was still held in high regard long after her leaving the TARDIS (the first time round!).  I'm of the generation who grew up watching Lis in Doctor Who; and it was always a pleasure to see her back in the role for cameo appearances such as The Five Doctors, K-9 and Company and later on, School Reunion.  When The Sarah Jane Adventures started on CBBC I fell in love with the character all over again; Sarah had lost none of her magic and even looked just as glorious as she had in 1976.  I'm deeply saddened by Lis' passing and hope that her family, friends and fans, both young and old, can find some comfort in knowing that in the world of Doctor Who at least, Sarah Jane will live on for ever."

Mark Scott via DWO Email

"A real shock to hear the news.She will be much missed by Who fans. Sympathies to her family and friends."

Celebrity Tributes to Elisabeth Sladen:

Colin Baker via Twitter

"Very sad to hear of the death of Lis Sladen. Great sympathy for her husband and daughter. She was far too young to be lost to them."

Nicola Bryant via Twitter

"I'm so sorry to have to say I've just had a call to say Liz Sladen has died. It's too much to take in, but it's true. How tragically young."

Murray Gold via Twitter

"Elisabeth Sladen enchanted three generations, never seeming to age, tire or cloud. RIP"

Mark Gatiss via Twitter

"'A tear, Sarah Jane?' Farewell to the wonderful, irreplaceable Lis Sladen. The best.x"

Gareth Roberts via Twitter

"Can't really find the words. Goodbye, our wonderful wonderful Lis."

Stephen Fry via Twitter

"What terribly sad news about Elisabeth Sladen - her Sarah Jane was part of my childhood. Deepest sympathy to her family."

Elsewhere on the internet:

2|Entertain - clips featuring Elisabeth Sladen on the Classic Doctor Who YouTube Channel.

BBC News - a touching tribute to Elisabeth Sladen that includes a contribution from Russell T. Davies.

Sky News - a tribute to Elisabeth Sladen on their website.

The Sun - news item citing Elisabeth Sladen as the 'Greatest Dr Who Girl Ever'.

[Sources: DWO; Twitter; Youtube; BBC News; The Sun; Sky News]