Doctor Who Magazine have sent DWO the cover and details for Issue 473 of DWM.

The Seventh Doctor’s Era is remembered in the new issue of Doctor Who Magazine!

Former Doctor Who script editor Andrew Cartmel examines how the series was reinvented for a new generation…

In an exclusive feature for DWM, Andrew catches up with the writers he employed back in the late 1980s, when he was the script editor of Doctor Who. Stephen Wyatt, Malcolm Kohll and Ian Briggs reveal what it was like writing the show then – and discuss how their stories paved the way for the modern reinvention of the show.

What does Ian Briggs think of Doctor Who today? "I think it's fantastic. Russell T Davies' approach was a vivid re-imagining, taking the basic principles and doing them in a way TV is now made instead of just continuing from the 1980s... That's the great achievement of Russell T Davies – and Steven Moffat, since he took over. Stylistically in both senses, technical style and storytelling style, the show is bang up to date...."

Also in this issue:

·  Producer Marcus Wilson looks back at his work on Doctor Who, including The Time of the Doctor and the 50th Anniversary Special.
·  Showrunner Steven Moffat answers readers’ questions.
·  DWM pays tribute to the life and times of the late Christopher Barry, one of Doctor Who's most prolific directors.
·  Clive Doig talks to Toby Hadoke about working on the very earliest episodes of Doctor Who.  
·  The Fact of Fiction takes a detailed look at the 1969 Ice Warrior adventure, The Seeds of Death.
·  The Blood of Azrael ­– the Doctor and Clara's latest comic strip adventure continues.
·  The Time Team watch the Tenth Doctor meet an old friend – and some even older enemies – in The Sontaran Stratagem/The Poison Sky.
·  Jacqueline Rayner sees Doctor Who's special effects in a whole new light in Relative Dimensions.
·  The Watcher exposes the remarkable relationship between Doctor Who and the Eurovision Song Contest in Wotcha!
·  Reviews of the latest DVDs, CDs, and books.
·  Competitions, puzzles, and much more!

+  Doctor Who Magazine Issue #473 is out on Thursday 1st May, priced £4.99.

+  Subscribe Worldwide to DWM from just £19.49 via Unique Magazines!

+  Check Out The DWO Guide to Doctor Who Magazine!

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine]

BBC Radio 1 have been in touch to let DWO know about a cool new video they released featuring Arthur Darvill (Rory Williams) singing a parody version of the hit song 'Let It Go' from Frozen.

Watch the video in the player, below
[youtube:TNDyBBAjRHg]

[Source: BBC Radio 1]

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Simon Guerrier

RRP: £8.99 (CD) / £7.99 (Download)

Release Date: April 2014

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 23rd April 2014

Years after he gave up travelling in the TARDIS, Steven Taylor is the deposed king of a distant world.

From the confines of his cell, he shares his story with a young girl called Sida.

And one story in particular – a visit to a whole world at war, which will mark Steven for life…

* * *
Steven Taylor’s life after leaving The Doctor in The Savages has been explored very little in Doctor Who spin-off media. In this newest release of The Companion Chronicles, we not only get to see what has become of Steven but how a certain adventure in his past helped him to get there.

The War To End All Wars is an interesting story of a damaged society trapped in constant battle and though the twist of what is actually happening is not exactly original it is how it relates to the framing story of the older Steven that gives it more power. 

Things haven’t gone too well for Steven. Now a deposed ruler, he sits in his prison cell with his books pondering over the society that he stayed behind to help many years ago.

This older Steven is much wiser than his younger counterpart and his reflections on power and the use and abuse on it really do make up the heart of this story. 

Simon Guerrier’s script is very good and is given vivid life by the brilliance of Peter Purves. The Companion Chronicles have been a excellent showcase for this very talented actor who has over the course of many stories breathed new life into a character he first played in 1965. The Doctor appears very little in this release so it allows us to see more of Steven when not guided by him.

The main story despite some predictable elements is a cracking little yarn but I found myself being attracted much more to the framing narrative between Steven and his young companion Sida played very well by Alice Haig. As Steven tells us about what happened to him on Comfort, we get little hints from Sida that things are much worse in Steven’s present than they ever were in his past.

There is a new story just beginning as this one closes and knowing that The Companion Chronicles are soon to be at an end this is rather sad. I would certainly like to see where the threads started here would lead to as I am very much interested in hearing about the future of Steven Taylor.

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Nicholas Briggs

RRP: £10.99 (CD) / £8.99 (Download)

Release Date: April 2014

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 23rd April 2014

The TARDIS lands in the cargo hold of luxury space cruiser the Moray Rose. The crew and passengers are missing. The agents of Inter-Galaxy Insurance are determined to find out what’s happened and the shadowy Interplanetary Police Inspector Efendi is showing a very particular interest.

Caught up in all this, the Doctor and Leela find themselves facing a horde of metal mantis-like aliens. But throughout it all, Leela is haunted by terrible nightmares and the dawning realization that everything she knows about her life is a lie.

* * *
The Master, that dastardly arch nemesis of our favourite Time Lord returns in the latest release of Season Three of The Fourth Doctor Adventures. 

The Evil One is essentially and unashamedly an elaborate revenge tale. Using the companion as his weapon to kill The Doctor is a believable course of action for The Master, and it develops at a rather cracking pace. Supporting characters are introduced and discarded rather quickly, but the focus always remains on the brain washed Leela hunting The Doctor.

A considerable atmosphere of foreboding is introduced very early on as Leela is plagued by strange dreams, false memories and hallucinations. It pays off in a clever little cliff-hanger that pays homage to Leela’s first television story The Face of Evil. Prior knowledge of that story is not necessarily required to listen to The Evil One, but it certainly makes a lot of the references more enjoyable.

The great revelation of this story is the exploration of some of Leela’s past.

The final scene between The Doctor and Leela is beautifully written and played to perfection by the leads. Tom Baker and Louise Jameson really do cement their Doctor/Companion relationship with this scene. The joy of their reunion since the start of The Fourth Doctor Adventures is watching how gradually the writers are opening up the character’s relationship and here Briggs really expands it with wonderful results.

Geoffrey Beevers is a deliciously evil as The Master, refining his very silky interpretation of the character with each of his Big Finish appearances. His Master is very well suited to Baker’s Doctor, just as Delgado was to Pertwee and Ainley to Davison.

The supporting cast is made up of Gareth Armstrong as Arthley and Blake’s 7's very own Michael Keating as Calvert. Arthley is a thinly sketched character whereas Calvert has much more to do and has some excellent scenes with Tom Baker.

The Evil One is a great little story from Nicholas Briggs whose excellent script and tight direction make this a very enjoyable and surprisingly moving story.

Ben Miller is set to guest star opposite Peter Capaldi when the new series of Doctor Who returns this autumn.

Commenting on his role, Ben Miller said:

"As a committed Whovian I cannot believe my luck in joining the Twelfth Doctor for one of his inaugural adventures. My only worry is that they'll make me leave the set when I'm not filming."

Miller achieved fame as half of comedy duo Armstrong and Miller before success in dramas, including Primeval and more recently, as DI Richard Poole, the central character in the first two series of the BBC’s Death in Paradise.

Miller’s partner in comedy, Alexander Armstrong, appeared in Doctor Who’s 2011 Christmas Special (The Doctor, The Widow And The Wardrobe), playing Reg Arwell, but it’s Miller’s first time on the show and he’ll be starring in an episode written by Mark Gatiss.

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, added:

"Mark Gatiss has written us a storming villain for his new episode, and with Capaldi in the TARDIS, we knew we needed somebody special to send everybody behind the sofa. And quite frankly, it's about time Ben Miller was in Doctor Who!"

Other familiar faces confirmed to join Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman in the new series, which will TX on BBC One later this year, include Tom Riley and Keeley Hawes.

Mark Gatiss' story will be Episode Three, which DWO believe to be currently titled, Robots Of Sherwood. 

+  Series 8 of Doctor Who will air in August / Early September 2014.

[Source: BBC Media Centre]

Doctor Who and Mark Gatiss' An Adventure In Space And Time have both received nominations in the 2014 BAFTA's.

Doctor Who was recognised in the Audience category with the nomination for The Day Of The Doctor. It features competition from Breaking Bad, Gogglebox, The Great British Bakeoff, Broadchurch and Educating Yorkshire.

An Adventure In Space and Time was recognised in the Best Single Drama category, featuring competition from Complicit, The Wipers Times & Black Mirror: Be Right Back.

Fans can cast their vote for the Audience award on the Radio Times website.

+  The awards take place on Sunday 18th May.

[Source: Tim Vine]

Doctor Who is arguably one of the finest British sci-fi productions ever. In fact, this highly acclaimed TV series featuring Doctor Who  – the Time Lord – won the 2006 British Academy Television Award for being the best drama series. It also won 5 National Television Awards (between 2005 & 2010) in the UK.

In 2011 a BAFTA television award for best actor was presented to Matt Smith – the first time in the history of the show that such an accolade was awarded. More significantly, Doctor Who holds the record for the longest running sci-fi series on TV in the Guinness Book of Records. The show first aired in 1963 to 1989, for 26 seasons. It was picked up again in 2005 and is already in its 7^th season.

The premise of the show for those who have not had the pleasure of seeing it is about an alien time traveller known as the Time Lord who explores the universe in his TARDIS. Of course there are many enemy combatants along the way, but Doctor Who is tasked with saving civilization and helping ordinary people at every juncture.

It has become a popular cult favourite in the UK and indeed across the United States of America. Television producers certainly hit jackpot pay dirt when they decided to reintroduce Doctor Who back in 2005. There's certainly no gamble when it comes to this show’s popularity. The Time Traveller seems to have it all figured out – much like a skilled card player employs blackjack strategy while sussing out opponents at the table!

Long may the show continue to wow audiences, far into the future!

Doctor Who is arguably one of the finest British sci-fi productions ever. In fact, this highly acclaimed TV series featuring Doctor Who  – the Time Lord – won the 2006 British Academy Television Award for being the best drama series. It also won 5 National Television Awards (between 2005 & 2010) in the UK.

In 2011 a BAFTA television award for best actor was presented to Matt Smith – the first time in the history of the show that such an accolade was awarded. More significantly, Doctor Who holds the record for the longest running sci-fi series on TV in the Guinness Book of Records. The show first aired in 1963 to 1989, for 26 seasons. It was picked up again in 2005 and is already in its 7^th season.

The premise of the show for those who have not had the pleasure of seeing it is about an alien time traveller known as the Time Lord who explores the universe in his TARDIS. Of course there are many enemy combatants along the way, but Doctor Who is tasked with saving civilization and helping ordinary people at every juncture.

It has become a popular cult favourite in the UK and indeed across the United States of America. Television producers certainly hit jackpot pay dirt when they decided to reintroduce Doctor Who back in 2005. There's certainly no gamble when it comes to this show’s popularity. The Time Traveller seems to have it all figured out – much like a skilled card player employs blackjack strategy while sussing out opponents at the table!

[Source: Reach Web]

It is with deepest regret that DWO announces the passing of Classic Series Doctor Who Actress, Kate O'Mara.

Kate was perhaps best known to Doctor Who fans for playing the role of The Rani in the Classic Series adventures; The Mark Of The Rani, & Time And The Rani. She also appeared as The Rani in the 1993 Children In Need charity special, Dimensions In Time.

Kate's other career highlights include roles in; Z Cars, The Brothers, Dynasty, Howards' Way and Benidorm.

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

[Source: BBC News]

It is with deepest regret that DWO announces the passing of Classic Series Doctor Who Director, Derek Martinus.

Derek was perhaps best known to Doctor Who fans for directing the Classic Series adventures; Galaxy 4, Mission To The Unknown, The Tenth Planet, The Evil Of The Daleks, The Ice Warriors & Spearhead From Space.

He was also the first person to direct a colour episode of Doctor Who (Spearhead From Space).

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

[Source: Tim Vine]

Doctor Who and Mark Gatiss' An Adventure In Space And Time have both received nominations in the 2014 British Academy Television Craft Awards.

Doctor Who was recognised in the Special, Visual & Graphic Effects category with the following nomination:

MILK VFX, REAL SFX, THE MODEL UNIT Doctor Who: The Day Of The Doctor - BBC Cymru Wales/BBC One

An Adventure In Space and Time was recognised in three categories:

Editing: Fiction
PHILIP KLOSS An Adventure in Space and Time - BBC Cymru Wales/BBC America/BBC Two

Make up & Hair Design sponsored by MAC Cosmetics
VICKIE LANG An Adventure in Space and Time - BBC Cymru Wales/BBC America/BBC Two

Costume Design
SUZANNE CAVE An Adventure in Space and Time - BBC Cymru Wales/BBC America/BBC Two 

+  The awards take place on Sunday 27th April 2014.

[Source: Mike Tucker]

As many of our regular readers will know, DWO is a spoiler-free site, and we very rarely post news items based around rumours, but we're hearing from several sources about some possible episode titles for the upcoming Eighth Series of Doctor Who.

We would of course like to remind fans that these titles are unconfirmed at this stage and are not official until the BBC states so, but we encourage discussion on them either way, in the DWO Forums thread link at the bottom of this article.

8.1: [Untitled] - written by Steven Moffat
8.2: [Untitled] - written by Phil Ford
8.3: Robots Of Sherwood* - written by Mark Gatiss
8.4: Listen* - written by Steven Moffat
8.5: Time Heist* - written by Stephen Thompson
8.6: [Untitled] - written by Gareth Roberts
8.7: Kill The Moon*
8.8: Mummy On The Orient Express*
8.9: Flatline*
8.10: [Untitled]
8.11: [Untitled]
8.12: [Untitled]
8.13: [Untitled]

* Unconfirmed

+  Series 8 of Doctor Who will air in August / Early September 2014.

[Source: DWO]

Further to our recent report about Lego lifting its ban on Doctor Who Lego Cuusoo submissions, one project has now successfully achieved 10,000 votes and entered the review process.

Lego posted an official updated on GlenBricker's project page, stating:

"Congratulations, GlenBricker and Kaminoan on reaching 10,000 supporters on LEGO CUUSOO!

You've presented a very nice TARDIS exterior and interior playset, and an assortment of characters from which to choose. We're looking forward to considering this project in the LEGO Review, but for now excuse us while we go make an electroshock device ... just in case this really IS a Nestene plot to take over the world via a toy factory!

We now officially advance this project to the Review phase.

What happens now?

This project moves from the Idea stage to the Review stage. A "LEGO Review Board" composed of designers, product managers, and other key team members will examine the idea. We'll build concept models and determine if the concept meets our high standards for what it takes to be a LEGO product. This includes factors such as playability, safety, and fit with the LEGO brand. Every potential LEGO product goes through a process like this and must meet the same standards.

The LEGO Review Begins in May

This project qualifies for the Second 2014 Review beginning in May and ending in September. For more information about the LEGO review process, see this knowledge base article.

The review is a thorough process and from its start, and can take several months. When finished, we make a "go/no go" decision to develop and sell a product based on the Doctor Who concept.

When the review is complete, we will inform you of our decision. If green-lit, this project goes into the longest phase of the project; the Development phase. During this time, LEGO model designers refine the product and develop it for release, we create the product materials (box, instructions, marketing), and get everything ready for a production run. This also takes several months."

DWO got in touch with Glen and Jared from the GlenBricker team to discuss their Doctor Who project:

When you first heard about Lego’s plans to open up the Doctor Who projects, what was your first thought and how did you come to settle on the project you submitted?

Glen: Ha..well, I kind of had three thoughts at the same time...kind of Left Brain/Right Brain thinking with the Geeky Brain in the back interrupting...he is always interrupting.

Left Brain: Go talk to JARED RIGHT NOW! Right Brain: You don't have time for this! Geeky Brain: NESTENE PLOT!

When Jared got back with me we were totally in sync on the set.

Jared: Basically we knew we needed a TARDIS, console, and some characters (Both good and bad), I had 2/3rds of the puzzle, Glen had the other 1/3rd 

How did it feel when you found out you had made it to the review stage?

Jared: Excited and nervous, want to know NOW!

Glen: Exhausted...and Groggy,  I tried staying up for it, like New Years Eve, but I fell asleep.  I don't sleep much but I had just finished up at SXSW (http://sxsw.com/) so my body was sore from walking all over the place for five days, lugging a laptop in a backpack...so, I woke up, Laptop right in front of me...as I said, I fell asleep in front of it.  Pressed Refresh and there it was..."Achieved."

It was very exciting, but it is only the starting of the next stage.  Now is the wait, and then the review, and then the reveal.  The real awesome thing though was that I finally felt everything snap...it was kind of like a Regeneration ;).  I had focused so much on this idea and now it was done. 

Sure, I have to write up a few articles on the next stage and what this really means to Doctor Who fans who are not familiar with the Lego Cuusoo Review process.  But I had shelved all these other ideas while working on this singular concept, so it is so rejuvenating to get back to them, let all these Tangents breath: how can I do a Silurian in Lego? a Sontaran?  How do I make Granny Weatherwax's Beehive (http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/36302).

What would your dream Doctor Who Lego set be?

Jared: I think we all want a themed series, but Cuusoo is simply for a set, so I believe the dream set is much as we pitched to LEGO, A TARDIS (preferably with light and sound, like the one I made, but couldn't show due to Cuusoo restrictions), 2-3 Doctors + 2 companions, Angels, Daleks, Cybermen, and a few other aliens.  LEGO still doesn't want to load up a set with figures at a lower price point, but needs to do so, or needs to have other sets to go along with this one to capture everyone's "Cuusoo" (Wish).

Glen: That is an interesting and very intelligent question.  The easy answer is of course, the one we presented in the project.  But, it is much more complex than that.  When I make Cuusoo projects I try to take my Love of the subject (in this case, Doctor Who) and find where it intersects with the widest audience and thus greatest chance of resulting in actual production.  

It is pretty easy for high-end Lego fans like myself and Jared to recreate what we like most from Dotor Who.  The majority of episodes take place in standard cities,  future environments, and of course quarries,  all of which lend themselves well to Lego. 

There is, however, not that much Lego designed for...well...London Circa 1892...Personally, my ideal Official Doctor Who set would be one based on "The Snowmen."  There are so many great characters in that episode and great visuals.  Plus a carriage.   

A close competitor for it would be one based on "The Girl in the Fireplace."  The story is phenomenal, and again, rare visuals to be had.  There would of course be the fireplace, and those beautifully creepy Clockwork Droids! 

Man, so hard to choose.  I could of course also go for a Tom Baker set like "City of Death."

More news on the review stage as we get it... 

[Sources: DWO; Lego]

Keeley Hawes will join the cast of Doctor Who, following rave reviews for her outstanding performance as DI Lindsay Denton in the hit BBC drama Line Of Duty.

Starring opposite The Doctor, Hawes will guest star for one episode in Peter Capaldi's first ever series as the Time Lord.

Set to transmit in the autumn this year, Hawes will play Ms Delphox, a powerful out-of-this-world character with a dark secret. Travelling across space and time The Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and his companion, Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman), will come face to face with the mysterious Ms Delphox when they arrive on a strange and puzzling planet.

Written by Steve Thompson (Sherlock) the episode will be directed by Douglas Mackinnon (Line Of Duty, Doctor Who).

Commenting on her role, Keeley Hawes, said:

“I am delighted to join Doctor Who and to be working with this incredible team. Ms Delphox is a great character and someone I've had a lot of fun playing.”

While lead writer and executive producer, Steven Moffat, added:

"Anyone watching Jed Mercurio's amazing Line Of Duty will know that Keeley Hawes is having one hell of year. And now it's about to get even better as she achieves the greatest villainy yet attempted on Doctor Who: she plays a banker."

+  Series 8 of Doctor Who will air in August / Early September 2014.

[Source: BBC Media Centre]

Fans of Doctor Who are set to find the TARDIS materialising at a new location this Easter as a selection of the Time Lord’s classic adventures in time and space start screening on Horror Channel.

The UK’s prime home for fans of horror, fantasy and sci-fi has completed a deal with BBC Worldwide to broadcast 30 stories from the Classic series which ran 1963 to 1989 featuring the first seven Doctors, starting with William Hartnell and concluding with Sylvester McCoy.

This specially curated season give fans old and new a chance to get re-acquainted with favourite companions Jamie, Jo Grant and Sarah Jane Smith, rogue Time Lords such as The Master, Omega and The Rani and all those iconic monsters including Daleks, Cybermen, Sea Devils and Ice Warriors.

Launching on Friday 18th April (Good Friday) the season begins with the very first story ‘An Unearthly Child’, starring William Hartnell as The Doctor. It then leads into a special WHO ON HORROR weekend - a classic marathon featuring one story from each of the Doctors across the Easter weekend.  There will then be weekday double-bills in daytime and evening slots with stories shown in chronological order starting on Easter Monday 21st April. 

Horror Channel is screening many of the stories that are regarded as the most memorable that the show produced including ‘The Mind Robber’, ‘The Daemons’, ‘Genesis of the Daleks’, ‘The Talons of Weng-Chiang’, ‘The Caves of Androzani’, ‘Attack of the Cybermen’ and ‘The Curse of Fenric’. Many emphasise the horror elements of the programme from the first scary moments the Daleks appeared, to encounters with giant spiders and maggots, and even battles with Mary Whitehouse over the violent content of the show during Tom Baker’s era. 

Alina Florea, Director of Programming, said today:

“There are many horror themes that Doctor Who has tackled over the years and people of all ages have been terrified and found cowering behind the sofa. Our selection from the classic series include the original appearances of some of the most revered monsters and TV moments which captured the imagination of children and adults throughout the decades.  Doctor Who is an iconic brand and we are proud and thrilled to welcome this giant of British television to our channel.”

The classic Doctor Who series complements the growing segment of cult television series available on the channel.  Wonder Woman, Xena: Warrior Princess, New Twilight Zone, Star Trek and The Invaders fill the daytime schedule, reflecting the expansion of the channel acquisitions into the fantasy, adventure, and science fiction genres. Doctor Who will have been the first taste of frightening television for many Horror Channel viewers, and following on from the show’s record-breaking 50th anniversary celebrations last year, they will now have the opportunity to relive those terrifying moments and exciting cliff-hangers again.

[Source: Horror Channel]

Time is running out! This issue will no longer be available from 26th March 2014 so make sure you don’t miss out. From the lavish presentation pack to a beautifully framed set of stamps, the Royal Mail Doctor Who stamp collection offers fans the perfect souvenir of the world’s longest running science fiction series. 

Explore the Doctor Who collection now at Doctor Who Stamps at Royal Mail Shop or call one of the team on 08457 641 641 (+44 131 316 7483 from overseas) who will be more than happy to help. Phone lines are open between the hours of 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

+  Explore the collection now at Doctor Who Stamps at Royal Mail Shop.

[Source: Royal Mail]

Episode #316 of the DWO WhoCast, Doctor Who Podcast is Out Now!

In this week's episode of the DWO WhoCast...

Thomas and Dave look at The Monster Collection books and Thomas has a natter with Stephen Cole, author of Sting Of The Zygons.

Listen to Episode #316 of the DWO WhoCast in the player below:

+ Rate / Review the DWO WhoCast on iTunes!
+ Rate / Review the DWO WhoCast on the DWO Forums!
+ Follow the DWO WhoCast on Twitter!
+ Like the DWO WhoCast on Facebook!

[Source: DWO]

The man who put The Doctor aboard a cursed pirate ship and took us to parts of the TARDIS we’d never seen before has been confirmed as a writer on the forthcoming 8th series of Doctor Who.

Steve Thompson will write the as-yet-unnamed fifth episode of the series to be shown later this year (which DWO believe *could* be titled Time Heist).

It’s the third time the writer has penned a Doctor Who story, following last year’s Journey To The Centre of the TARDIS and 2011’s pirate adventure The Curse of the Black Spot.

Steve Thompson has also provided scripts for BBC1’s Sherlock such as The Blind Banker, series two finale The Reichenbach Fall and The Sign of Three which was broadcast in January.

Filming is underway on Peter Capaldi’s first series as The Doctor. He’ll be joined by Jenna Coleman as Clara and a new recurring character, Danny Pink played by Samuel Anderson. 

The new series, to be screened on BBC1, will also feature episodes by lead writer and series producer Steven Moffat.

+  Series 8 of Doctor Who will air in August / Early September 2014.

[Source: BBC Doctor Who Website]

Doctor Who: The Web of Fear is the biggest selling classic Doctor Who title in its first week of sales in the UK, BBC Worldwide confirmed today. Approximately 15,000 copies were sold in that period, as The Web of Fear replaced Doctor Who: The Enemy of the World at the top of the week one classic Doctor Who charts. 

Both of the top two titles were believed lost forever but were returned to the BBC in 2013 sparking celebration among fans of the world’s longest-running sci-fi drama and global media interest. Unseen in the UK for over 45 years, they were discovered in a relay station in Jos, Nigeria by TV archive specialist Phillip Morris, before being lovingly restored by the Doctor Who restoration team in the UK.

They were subsequently released on iTunes, and The Web of Fear was released on DVD on Monday 24th February 2014. 300 fans gathered to enjoy a marathon screening of the two stories at the Prince Charles Cinema in London to celebrate the release of The Web Of Fear on 22nd February. 

Fiona Eastwood, Director of Consumer Products at BBC Worldwide said:

“We knew that The Web of Fear would be a popular release; Yetis on the London Underground – need I say more? There’s a real appetite for exploring the extensive back-catalogue of classic stories, particularly following the 50th anniversary last year, and we’re committed to continuing that exploration for Doctor Who fans in the future.”

These figures continue a successful year for Doctor Who DVDs, with strong sales across the classic range and contemporary releases alike. The 50th anniversary special The Day of the Doctor achieved the biggest ever week one sales for a Doctor Who title when it was released in December 2013.

+  Doctor Who: The Web of Fear is available to buy now at BBC Shop. 

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

Our friends over at ResinSparkles would like to invite you to check out their handmade, SciFi inspired resin jewellery.

With items ranging from mini potions, fandom items and heart pendants, there will be something special for you to choose as a gift for someone else or even for yourself! Why not treat yourself to a cute K9 pendant or pair of earrings?

Pick up something special today. New items being added all the time so be sure to have a look. 

+  Visit the ResinSparkles Etsy store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ResinSparkles

[Source: ResinSparkles]

It's something DWO has been championing for years, but could the tide be turning to finally allow official Doctor Who Lego?

According to a recent update on the official Lego Cuusoo 'License Conflicts and Resolutions' page, it seems that the doors are now open for Doctor Who related projects. The update, posted yesterday, states: 

"If your project was previously turned down, archived, or deleted due to a licensing conflict that is now resolved, you may re-submit it as a new project. Supporters from past projects cannot be applied to a future project.

Resolved Past Licensing Conflicts

We now welcome projects based on the following licenses that used to have conflicts:

Doctor Who - February 2014"

Following the news, DWO caught up with Lego PR & Promotions Manager, Emma Owen, who simply stated:

"We cannot answer any Doctor Who related questions"

It's clearly a no-go subject for the company to discuss further at this point in time, but should any of the Doctor Who Lego Cuusoo projects get more than 10,000+ votes (and we very well expect them to), then the project goes to the consideration for production phase. As this would be a Doctor Who product with Doctor Who branding, Lego would therefore need a license to distribute the product.

There are some truly fantastic Doctor Who Lego Cuusoo projects up for consideration at the moment, and one of our favourites is Andrew Clark's 'Doctor Who And Companions' project. It currently has 1700+ votes and needs 10,000+ to be considered for production, so get your votes in here!

Back at the 2013 Toy Fair, however, Lego's position on Doctor Who was clear:

"Obviously we realise the popularity is massive in the UK for Doctor Who and as I've heard as well it's popular overseas but it doesn't have that complete global appeal, which obviously we have to have when developing a product. We don't develop products that are just one country specific. It has to have mass appeal because obviously the investment that goes behind a product business-wise, we're operating on a complete business sense"

Listen to DWO's 2013 Toy Fair interview with Lego's Emma Owen, below:

We then got in touch with Character Options regarding the future of their Character Building range and were told that the company cannot confirm anything past their projected releases (seen at Toy Fair 2014).

Either way, it seems there is a delicate situation in place where Lego have thrown their hat in the ring, and are in a position to allow products for consideration. It is unlikely that the market will allow for two lines of Doctor Who brick related construction toys, but without a solid confirmation from either company we have to play the waiting game for now.

More news as we get it... 

[Sources: DWO; Lego]

Doctor Who Director, Douglas Mackinnon has paid to Sarah Jones, a camera assistant who was tragically killed on the set of Midnight Rider on 20th February.

Jones, who grew up in West Columbia, S.C., began her career interning on the TV show Army Wives, and later went on to work on The Vampire Diaries.

It is understood that she was killed when a freight train struck and killed her on set filming the Greg Allman biopic, Midnight Rider. The crew were filming a dream sequence on a railroad trestle when a train unexpectedly crossed the bridge. Four other people were injured in the accident.

Whilst filming the new series of Doctor Who with Peter Capaldi, Mackinnon tweeted a tribute picture from the set, featuring a clapperboard with the words “In memory of Sarah Jones”.

When reports broke, there was some initial confusion as to whether it was the same Sarah Jones who worked on The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot, with online news sources and IMDB providing conflicting confirmation. Peter Davison (The 5th Doctor), got in touch with DWO to confirm it is not the same Sarah who worked with him:

"Hi. Thought I should log on and say no, it is not the same Sarah Jones who worked with me on The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot. Have checked this with the production co-ordinator, who spoke to her on the 27th of Feb." 

[Sources: Variety; Twitter; Peter Davison]

Acclaimed British screenwriter, producer and actor Mark Gatiss will be visiting Brazil in March in a special publicity tour for BBC Worldwide to talk about British drama including international TV sensation Sherlock and his work on global hit Doctor Who, which celebrated its 50th Anniversary last year.

Gatiss, who is the co-creator and executive producer of Sherlock which has sold to over 200 territories across the world, has been invited to speak at the prestigious Rio Content Market – an annual industry event for producers, TV content buyers and commissioners in Latin America. At the conference, he will be giving a presentation on his career in British drama with a focus on Sherlock and also An Adventure in Space and Time – the drama about the genesis of Doctor Who which he wrote and produced last year as part of the brand’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. He will also talk about his work writing for and acting in various episodes of the sci-fi series. The event will be hosted by TV journalist Liv Brandao and Brazilian stage director Claudio Botelho.

As part of the tour, Mark will also be meeting fans at two events specially organised by BBC Worldwide. The first will be a screening of The Empty Hearse – the opening episode of the latest series of Sherlock, written by Gatiss and in which he stars alongside Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock’s brother Mycroft Holmes. The screening will take place at Livraria Cultura (Cine Victoria) in Rio de Janeiro on Friday 14th March at 7pm. As part of the event, Mark will take part in a Q and A and signing session with fans.

The second event will take place at Livraria Cultura (Shopping Iguatemi) in Sao Paulo at 7pm on Saturday 15th March. Fans will have the opportunity to ask questions about Mark’s work Doctor Who, Sherlock and the recent drama An Adventure in Space and Time.  He will also take part in a limited signing of Sherlock and Doctor Who merchandise. Further details of both events and how to obtain tickets will be released soon on www.doctorwho.tv/events. Details of the venues can be found at http://www.livrariacultura.com.br/

Commenting on the forthcoming tour Mark Gatiss says:

“It’s fantastic that British TV is being enjoyed all across the world and I’m really looking forward to meeting Brazilian Doctor Who and Sherlock fans!”

Sherlock and Doctor Who have both seen notable growth in Latin America in the last year, with a huge number of fans engaging with both shows on social media. The official Sherlock Facebook page has seen an 80% increase in the number of Brazilian fans in the last year and the Doctor Who page a 54% increase – the highest for any country in the world. Both series air on BBC HD and BBC Entertianment in Brazil which are pay-TV channel wholly owned and operated by BBC Worldwide. They are also both available on Netflix Latin America.

+  Download DWO's 'iWho' Doctor Who App for iOS! 
+  Download DWO's 'iSherlock' App for iOS!  

[Sources: BBC Worldwide; DWO]

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Alan Barnes

RRP: £10.99 (CD) / £8.99 (Download)

Release Date: February 2014

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 26th February 2014

A close encounter with a stray missile leads the Doctor to materialise his TARDIS on a planet that hangs in the dark at the edge of the known universe. A planet so dark that it exists in near-permanent night. A planet that enjoys just a single day’s light once every thousand years…

Exactly what happens on the planet in its rare daylight hours – that’s what a geographical survey headed by Senior Tutor Bengel is stationed here to establish. They, the Doctor and Leela are about to discover that when daylight comes, the White Ghosts rise…

* * *
At the conclusion of last month’s The King of Sontar, The Doctor and Leela had reached a crisis in their relationship. Shocked by her actions, The Doctor felt that it may be time he and Leela were to go their separate ways. Thankfully this does not happen and their adventures continue in this second release for the third season of The Fourth Doctor Adventures.

White Ghosts is that classic of Doctor Who scenarios; the base under siege story, and while there are lovely ideas throughout, it feels let down by its slightly rushed ending.

The main character in this particular story to me is more Leela than The Doctor. The falling out between The Doctor and Leela in The King of Sontar is resolved rather quickly, which is disappointing as I would’ve liked to have seen it continue a bit longer in future stories. Thankfully though the ramifications are not so quickly swept under the carpet and it does inform our two main characters throughout the story.

I like how writer Alan Barnes continues to show the development of Leela, as she has now taught herself to read and uses a book - in this case, one of English fairy tales to make comparisons between it and the events around her. It makes for some lovely metaphors when Leela assesses the danger of the situation the characters in the story are in.

Leela is at the centre of an inspired moment in the story, where we get to see inside her head as she goes into battle. The moment feels like it is from a Companion Chronicle but it helps the scene not only from an audio drama point of view but lets us more inside the character of Leela. It is a stand out moment and one I hope Big Finish use again in future stories.

The cast is very good, especially guest star Virginia Hey (of Farscape fame) putting in an excellent performance as Senior Tutor Bengal. Tom Baker is still as delightfully eccentric as The Doctor and there are some nice supporting characters played by Bethan Walker, James Joyce and Gbemisola Ikumelo respectively.

I like the idea of the Time Lords still using The Doctor to do their dirty work and his dilemma at the end of the story echoes Leela’s previous actions in The King of Sontar. This may prove to be one of the season’s running plot arcs and I hope we see it reappear again.

The story does have an excellent build up but the ending feels rushed especially with the sudden addition of another antagonist from out of nowhere. It makes sense as a creepy addition to the story, but with the constraints of two episodes it feels tacked on somewhat.

I put this down less to the writing but more to the constraints of the two part format, as this story could’ve used at least one more episode to make that conclusion more believable.

White Ghosts is still an entertaining story with some excellent development for our two heroes.

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Ian Potter

RRP: £8.99 (CD) / £7.99 (Download)

Release Date: February 2014

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 26th February 2014

After travelling with the Doctor through time and space, Ian Chesterton is back in his own time. But the mystery of how he and Barbara Wright disappeared in the year 1963 has alerted the authorities – and both are suspected of being enemy agents in the Cold War.

Ian protests his innocence. He has a story to tell about travelling through time and space.

And one adventure in particular – a visit to the city of Hisk…

* * *
A Companion Chronicle with William Russell is always going to be worth my attention but this time around I found the experience to be an underwhelming affair.

At first The Sleeping City feels like it is going to be an exclusively two hand piece performed by William Russell and guest star John Banks. Sadly it only turns out to be a framework for the main story narrated by Russell.

The strongest part of the audio is the framework element as I found the idea of Ian and Barbara being interrogated about their disappearance and the whereabouts of Susan to be far more interesting than the actual story. The audio then cuts at certain moments for the two main characters to comment upon what is happening, and once again these exchanges are by far the most interesting thing about it.

That is not to say main story is bad, not at all, The Sleeping City has some intriguing ideas and is certainly a nice piece of nostalgia for lovers of the Hartnell era. William Russell gives a very good reading but I found the tale personally not very engaging.

The Sleeping City is an intriguing premise but it ultimately feels let down by its ending. Understated though it is, it plays with the notion that John Banks' character Gerrard knows a lot more than he is letting on but the reveal is still a little disappointing.

It does have its moments but overall The Sleeping City is not one of the strongest stories in the Companion Chronicles range.

Speaking at the recent BBC Worldwide Showcase in Liverpool, Steven Moffat talks about the “insane” idea of remaking Doctor Who for international audiences.

When asked if any foreign TV channels had ever enquired about making their own version of Doctor Who, Moffat replied:

"If anyone were to ask me, I'd say it's an absolutely insane idea. You couldn't have more than one Doctor Who in the world. It would just be dreadful."

Despite events like the BBC Worldwide Showcase and the sums of money to be made from selling programmes to foreign channels, Moffat says he does not write shows with overseas sales in mind.

"I don't think creatively it makes any sense at all to try to imagine selling your show to the rest of the world. You'd get it wrong anyway. Sherlock and Doctor Who are both doing rather well but they couldn't be more definitively British. They're obtusely British. They're about as British as it gets. You shouldn't be afraid of being British because that's what you're selling."

[Source: BBC News]

Samuel Anderson (The History Boys, Gavin & Stacey, Emmerdale) is set to join the cast of Doctor Who as a recurring character in series 8, which will also introduce Peter Capaldi as The Doctor to millions of viewers for the first time.  Anderson will play Danny Pink, a teacher at Coal Hill School where companion Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) also teaches. 

On joining the show Samuel Anderson said:

"I was so excited to join Doctor Who I wanted to jump and click my heels, but I was scared I might not come down before filming started! It’s a quintessential part of British culture and I can’t believe I’m part of it. It’s an honour to be able to work alongside Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman and I can’t wait to show people how my character becomes involved with such a fantastic duo!"

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, added:

"For the fourth time in Doctor Who history, Coal Hill School is coming to the aid of the TARDIS. In 1963 teachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright accompanied the First Doctor. These days it’s the turn of Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald. And very soon now, Sam Anderson as Danny Pink will be entering the world of the Doctor. But how and why? Answers are coming later this year in Peter Capaldi’s first series of Doctor Who!"

Filming recently began on episode 4 of the new series which will co-star Robert Goodman (Gangs of New York, Game of Thrones) and episode 5, co-starring Jonathan Bailey (Broadchurch, Groove High), and Pippa Bennett-Warner (The Smoke, Death in Paradise).

+  Series 8 of Doctor Who will air in August / Early September 2014.

[Source: BBC]

Our friends over at Movie Figures have been in touch with some fantastic SciFi merchandise offers.

Movie Figures is a UK reseller that sells all kinds of exciting stuff, largely inspired by the movies, but also TV too. Movie Figures focuses on three areas: Statues, Prop Replicas and Action Figures. All are at great prices with FREE delivery.

Check out some of the latest offers from Movie Figures, below:

Prop Replicas including Star Wars lightsabers from Hasbro
http://www.moviefigures.co.uk/prop-replicas-182-c.asp

Lightsabers are pretty tough to find at good prices in the UK, but Movie Figures is comparable to US pricing which is great! They stock Luke Skywalker’s (green and blue), Darth Maul’s and Darth Vader’s. They also stock a load of other interesting prop replicas from movies like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter,  The Hobbit and Star Trek with more being added all the time.

Statues including Star Wars Characters from Attakus
http://www.moviefigures.co.uk/statues-142-c.asp

These are high-end, limited edition, hand-painted statues made by French company Attakus. You can get 7” or 15” versions which range in price from £55 to £350. Many popular characters have been covered including Luke, Han, Darth Vader and many more. Also they have some of the more unusual characters like the numerous clone troopers, Bib Fortuna and more.

Action Figures Including ¼ Scale Predators from NECA
http://www.moviefigures.co.uk/action-figures-141-c.asp

NECA’s Predator action figures are almost 20” tall and offer stunning detail for the price. With a wide range of articulation, stunning texturing, netting on the skin and awesome weaponry, these guys have to be in any predator fans possession.

As for Doctor Who, Movie Figures have just started stocking some items, which can be found at: http://www.moviefigures.co.uk/zeon-doctor-who-tardis-collectors-watch-1817-p.asp

We particularly like that they are stocking the awesome Doctor Who Tardis Collector’s watch by Zeon. A perfect timepiece for any Doctor Who Fan!

Other benefits of shopping with Movie Figures:

- They offer FREE delivery within 2 to 5 days on all items.
- They have an average review of 5 stars on ReviewCentre!
- They offer a best price guarantee.
- They are a genuine UK company registered at Companies House.
- They carefully pack their items to try and ensure they get to you pristine.
- They offer a item sourcing service.

If they haven’t got what you are after, just email them at info@moviefigures.co.uk and they will do they best to help you.

+  Visit the Movie Figures website at: http://www.moviefigures.co.uk

[Source: Movie Figures]

Publisher: Race Point Publishing

Written By: Cameron K. McEwan

RRP: £18.99

Release Date: 9th January 2014

Reviewed by: Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 20th February 2014

Now, it’s no secret that we’re good buddies with Blogtor Who owner, Cameron K. McEwan, and when we heard he was coming out with a Doctor Who book that would act as "a whovian guide to friends, foes, villains, monsters and companions", we were very excited indeed - especially considering his vast knowledge and love for the show.

Once you finally get over adoring the beautifully embossed ‘Doctor Who’ lettering on the cover, which also features The 10th, 11th and 12th Doctors (yes that is the correct numbering), you are presented with the simple, yet effective contents page that typifies this straight-up, no-nonsense guide which does exactly what it says on the proverbial tin.

The various sections within the book (The Doctors, The Companions, Friends & Allies, Robots, Time Lords & Ladies, Villains and Aliens & Monsters) are laid out beautifully and clearly in alphabetical order to easily find who you want.

As you thumb through pages and pages of character breakdowns, coupled with pictures and illustrations gloriously brought to life by Andrew Skilleter, you realise just how concise the book is. With over 50 years to draw from you will find information about characters you have long since forgotten (Rita from The God Complex), or even facts about the ones you thought you knew everything about.

The Who's Who Of Doctor Who is essential reading for anyone wanting to know anything from 'Ace' to 'The Zygons', and with over 300 entries to explore, you’ll be reaching for it time and time again.

+  The Who's Who Of Doctor Who is Out Now, priced £18.99.
+  Buy this book on Amazon.co.uk for just £15.77. 

+  Follow BlogtorWho on Twitter.
+  Follow DrWhoOnline on Twitter. 

Marvel have released a 15-second teaser trailer for their upcoming 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' movie, which features Karen Gillan as Nebula.

No it's not the movie about the owls (Legends Of The Guardians) or that one about Jack Frost (Rise Of The Guardians) - this is the movie based on the Marvel Superhero team.

Below is the movie synopsis and trailer.

Synopsis:

In the far reaches of space, an American pilot named Peter Quill finds himself the object of a manhunt after stealing an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan.

In order to evade Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a group of misfits including Gamora, Rocket, Drax the Destroyer and Groot. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand - with the galaxy’s fate in the balance.

Trailer:
[youtube:hbFPyMOHcHQ]

+  Guardians Of The Galaxy hits cinemas on 1st August 2014.

[Source: Marvel]