The Doctor Who MMO online role-playing game, Doctor Who: Worlds In Time is to cease operation on 28th Februay 2014, with full service shutdown on 3rd March 2014.

The announcement came in the form of an email to current players and newsletter subscribers, as well as a notice on the site which reads:

"We are sorry to report that Doctor Who: Worlds in Time will discontinue service on Monday, March 3rd, 2014 at noon PST.

As of today, January 14th, 2014, the game will no longer be accepting transactions from players. Existing players are welcome to use their earned in-game currency over the next two months. Customer support and game maintenance will be available through the shutdown date.

We want to thank the loyal players of Worlds in Time for supporting the game through its years of operation."

In the game, players were able to control the player and the TARDIS as they complete challenges set by The Doctor to save the universe from various enemies. Players were able to solve puzzles to complete some of the tasks. In most of the adventures, players were also paired up with other controllable players, or with other real-time players if you chose to join a team to complete the mission.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

The new Doctor, Peter Capaldi, stepped on set today for his first full day of filming as production begins on series eight of the hit BBC show.

Arriving on set in Cardiff to begin filming, Peter Capaldi, said:

“New job, first day, slightly nervous. Just like the Doctor, I'm emerging from the TARDIS into a whole other world.”

Steven Moffat, Lead Writer and Executive Producer, added:

“First the eyebrows! Then, at Christmas, the face! Coming soon, the whole Doctor. In the Cardiff studios, the Capaldi era begins.”

Accompanying The Doctor on his adventures will be companion Clara Oswald, played by Jenna Coleman.

The first episode of series eight has been written by Steven Moffat, with the second episode penned by Phil Ford. These are the first episodes that Peter will shoot and they are directed by Ben Wheatley.

Ben Stephenson, Controller of Drama Commissioning, said:

"Excitement and anticipation fills the air as Peter Capaldi’s Doctor takes control of the TARDIS for the very first time today. It’s going to be one hell of a ride and I can't wait for the journey to start."

Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One, commented:

"A new year, a new face, a new Doctor! 2014 has arrived and it's Peter Capaldi's time so let the adventures begin!"

Filming is taking place in Cardiff until August 2014. Doctor Who is executive produced by Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin, and produced by Nikki Wilson and Peter Bennett. It is a BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC One.

Just before Christmas DWO and Blogtor Who met Peter Capaldi who had the following to say on his new role and the upcoming series:

"I met with Matt last night, who gave me some advice about dealing with the attention. He's a lovely guy!

I've just been working this week on the new series and we did the read through yesterday. I've never seen so many people at a read through!

I hope you like the Christmas episode and to see what were going to do with the show."

Watch Peter Capaldi's DWO video greeting:

[youtube:YdKFnh-fzKI]
More news as we get it...

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

[Sources: BBC; Tim Vine]

Our friends over at The Film Cell have just uploaded some fantastic new Doctor Who gifts and fancy dress ideas ideal for all those cosplay readers. They have a great range of official BBC Dr Who scarves and knitwear made to look just like the ones wore in the 1970’s & 80’s. Are you looking to dress up as your favourite Doctor? Then they also have some great Doctor Who Fancy Dress ideas which will help make your party or event extra special. 

If you are a fan of Sylvester McCoy they have 2 items that are going to blow you away. Firstly there is one of the most famous jumpers/tank tops of all time, the question mark top as worn by the 7th Doctor, McCoy. This is now available in a number of different sizes from small to extra large, a must-have item for fans of the McCoy era. 

To finish off the McCoy look they also have the 7th Doctor Who scarf which is both highly collectable as well as wearable. This authentic silk scarf comes presented in a collectors box, so makes a great presents for birthdays or Doctor Who gift for fans of the original series, Whovian’s or yourself this winter.

Not a McCoy fan? Then check out their iconic Doctor Who scarf as wore by Tom Baker which is an amazing 13 foot in length, that’s almost 4 meters long. This is one of the most iconic items of clothing from the original Doctor Who series especially while Tom Baker was playing the time lord between 1974 & 1981.

Their range of Doctor Who Fancy Dress are also now available, these were very popular at Christmas parties and continued their success on New Year’s Eve parties. If you are looking for a complete costume and haven’t got the time to make up the look yourself with the accessories above then these are a much easier option. These complete outfits are also a great idea for sci-fi events around the UK with the 50th Anniversary being such a big hit.

They have 3 options available currently, if you are a fan of the original series you can dress up as the 4th Doctor, Tom Baker. With the iconic scarf and wide-brimmed hat the costume is complete with all in one top.

If you’ve only just started to get into Doctor Who over the past few years then the next two options will probably be more to your taste, David Tennant at Matt Smith. The 10th Doctor costume comes complete with long sleeved jacket & mock waistcoat and shirt with tie all in one. Where as the 11th Doctor comes complete with long sleeved jacket & mock shirt with iconic bow tie.

Ideal if you are looking to dress up as a group why not all dress up as a different Doctor? There is also the weeping angel costume ideal for the ladies who want to join in and don’t want to choose one of the many assistants our favourite time lord has had over the years.  

They also have some of these products on SALE in their January sale so make sure you check out www.thefilmcell.com for all you movie and TV needs. All you will need now is a time machine and Sonic screwdriver which you can also get from The Film Cell. Unfortunately they don’t sell time machines!!

+  For all these and more, check out The Film Cell.

[Sources: The Film Cell]

In late 2013, DWO caught up with Doctor Who Actor, Tom Baker, to discuss his recent role in the 50th Anniversary Special; 'The Day Of The Doctor', Christmas and his future plans.

Millions of Doctor who fans worldwide were given a very special treat when we all saw you return in the ‘The Day Of The Doctor’. How long ago did you find out you would be in it, and what was it like coming back to the main TV series after 32 years?

I was invited to be in the Special about 7 months before transmission. I was reluctant at first but a very persuasive Miss Skinner convinced me that it was a good idea and that the fans would be happy to see me again. The second part of that argument convinced me: I never wanted to do more than please the fans. By the time the shooting date drew near Miss Skinner had disappeared though her argument remained, so I stood by my promise.

I was driven through the night to record the scene in Cardiff on a very cold and dreary morning. No glamour on a film lot, caravans scattered everywhere and tea was simply a dream of long ago when I was in lovely Sussex: long ago? well five hours but this was BBC Cardiff at 5 am! Never mind. At last 8 am crawled into view and make-up, costume and weak tea too! And then the scene.

Matt Smith came to find me with such affectionate enthusiasm that my anxieties were allayed. The film set was packed with people, scores of them, full of curiosity to see the old Doctor with the reigning one. Whatever I offered, Matt responded with terrific jollity: he was just so generous and I was grateful. As you know the scene was very brief, very, very brief; and in 4 and a quarter hours it was complete and I fled.

Your Big Finish range continues to do very well indeed. Now that you’re coming up to 2 years with them, how have you found working with your past companions and what can we expect to look forward to in the upcoming series?

I don't know exactly how long or how many adventures I have recorded for Big Finish but I am full of enthusiasm for whatever they offer me this year. I have told David Richardson more than once that I have never been happier than I am doing their scripts.

I have not discussed happiness with the other actors, except Louise, and she tells me she is delighted to be part of the group. I think that means she is very happy. But I can tell from the atmosphere in the Green Room and from the waves of laughter I hear that Big Enthusiasm is the house style at Big Finish. I have mostly had a happy time with other actors; not always but mostly. Generally actors are nice people to be with.

With the Christmas season upon us, do you have any traditions you like to keep each year? 

I don't have any particular rituals at Christmas. Nearly all the planning and organising is done by my wife. I try to help out by doing my share of shopping and by being sociable at mealtimes. Christmas is no longer a novelty at my age; nor is New Year.

Do you have a particular favourite Christmas Movie, Song or Book?

I used to like the Alistair Sim Christmas Carol for many years but now I would prefer to watch Frank Capra's film "It's a Wonderful Life."

Last year I recorded the complete Dickens' script, “A Christmas Carol”, not a word missed out. One person told me she liked it, so I got something right. I think one can justifiably make some cuts to the text as there are some obscurities here and there. But James Stewart was such a wonderful actor in “It’s a Wonderful Life”, so warm and sincere and so funny; and that slightly cracked voice and his hesitant quacking just makes me yelp with joy. And the title of the film is great, eh? 

Your autobiography has recently been released on Kindle, but you’ve had some more adventures since its original release in 1997, and with the recent success of ‘The Boy Who Kicked Pigs’ as a stage play, do you have any plans to write any more books?

My autobiography and “The Boy who Kicked Pigs” remain in print and that pleases me. The pig book is published in 5 languages including Chinese, Dutch and German. But I'm not a writer and those two efforts were little attacks of inspiration, so I don't feel another book coming on.

I still enjoy going to conventions and interacting with the fans who have supported me for so long. Some of them I know quite well and some I even know their grandchildren!  

I wish you all a heartfelt Happy New Year and many thanks for all your encouragement over so many years. 

From old Tom Baker

Watch Tom Baker's DWO video greeting:

[youtube:tlDY49cfHQ0]
+ Buy Tom Baker's Autobiography for Kindle on Amazon for just £4.94!

[Source: DWO]

2013 was quite a year for The Doctor. As well as celebrating his 50th Anniversary and regenerating at Christmas, The Doctor was also the subject of a special stamp issue from Royal Mail.

The eleven stamps, launched in March and all at 1st Class value, feature eleven of the actors who have played the role of the Time Lord over the last 50 years, from William Hartnell right through to Matt Smith. The Doctors are also joined by stamps of some of their fiercest adversaries, such as the Daleks and Cybermen, who have enthralled generations of fans.

And it’s not too late to get your hands on the Doctor Who stamps and collectibles. From the presentation pack to the framed set of the Doctor Who stamps, the Royal Mail collection offers Doctor Who fans the perfect memento of one of the biggest years in our hero’s history.

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

[Source: Royal Mail]

Here at DWO were always keen to help out our friends from other sites and companies, and Martin Johnson (of Big Finish acclaim) is no exception. His brand new Science Fiction audio drama series, Osiris, is entering the last few days of its Kickstarter project.

Osiris Synopsis:

A spaceship buried beneath Sherwood Forest for thousands of years brings epic unexpected space adventure to Jason Fox.

Check out the video promo for Osiris, below:

[youtube:CsH7z2VaC6Y]

The kickstarter project ends on 31st December 2013!

+  Preorder Osiris via Everybodyelse now!

[Source: Martin Johnson] 

DWO are thrilled to unveil our Christmas video for 2013, and this year it is particularly special as we team up with fellow fan site, Blogtor Who!

Featuring DWO Editor, Seb J. Brook, and Blogtor Who Editor, Cameron K. McEwan, the 2013 Christmas video is the result of a simple challenge the two sites set themselves:

Film a Doctor Who themed video in just 1 hour with 1 iPhone, with just 20 minutes to work on a script!

So as a bit of fun for all our site visitors and social media followers, we present below, 'The Embargo Of The Doctor':

Synopsis:

Having received a time-sensitive press release, Seb (Doctor Who Online) and Cameron (Blogtor Who) are summoned to the National Gallery in London to acquire the airtime of the 2013 Doctor Who Christmas Special.

With a refusal of permission to gain entry, and time literally against them, the duo must work together to save internet fandom from meltdown.

[youtube:j1Vu9IN3_44]
+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter.
+  Follow @BlogtorWho on Twitter.

[Source: DWO]

To celebrate the upcoming Dr Who Christmas special, Direct Blinds look back at their favourite Christmas special and reflect on the allure of villains in the series.

Thought For The Day - Why Do We Love The Villains More Than The Hero?

Every hero needs an anti-hero – Superman has Lex Luthor, Sherlock has Moriarty, and the Doctor has, of course, the Master.

Naturally, he has faced far more foes than this, but for one true nemesis, you just can’t beat the Master. I remember, as a kid, being terrified by Peter Pratt and Geoffrey Beever’s corpse-like appearances in The Deadly Assassin and The Keeper of Traken. However, that was simply the shock factor itself – it wasn’t until the reboot that (in my opinion) The Master became a true villain. 

I know he’s a ridiculously popular choice, but I simply cannot fault John Simm’s performance as the Master first time around. His transformation from old, kindly yet troubled Derek Jacobi to deviously slick Simm is simply superb, and the juxtaposition against my (and many others) favourite Doctor, David Tennant, is just brilliant.

Shame though about the Toclafane, which I feel were a bit lacklustre. 

Anyway, back to the main point – whilst rewatching the episodes with a couple of friends, we all found ourselves simultaneously rooting for the Master. Yes, he’s evil, he’s tricked the last of humanity into doing his evil deed, he’s caged the Doctor and attempting to kill a tenth of the human race, so why do we root for him?

It all seems to come down to one factor – he has a purpose.

The Master, mad from staring into the Untempered Schism, is driven to his actions and as Harold Saxon, a high ranking member of the Ministry of Defence, seeks to forge an empire. You can’t knock him for effort, and the sheer glee he takes from it lends him that evil charisma.

It’s his passion, focus and glee in everything that makes him the audience favourite. The Doctor simply acts reactively – everything he does is because of the Master, much the same as with Moriarty and Sherlock.

But is it as simple as this? Is it more that we see a damaged soul that has the wrong viewpoint so much that we feel that we should help them? Maybe he’s not such a bad guy – he’s just taken a wrong turn or had his view of the world skewed by others. Is iy because we inherently know that good will ultimately triumph and want to see what will face the hero until then? Or is it something else?

Let’s get a debate going!

And in the meantime, check out the TARDIS blind that we at Direct Blinds have designed – we’re working with Doctor Who Online to provide a fantastic discount of 33% - and it’s made to measure, so it will suit the home/TARDIS of any Whovian!

[Source: Direct Blinds]

Doctor Who Magazine have sent DWO the cover and details for Issue 468 of DWM.

Doctor Who Magazine joins in the festive spirit with a bumper-sized 100-page Christmas issue. And to celebrate the fact that Christmas Day will see the broadcast of the 800th episode of Doctor Who, the mag comes complete with a HUGE double sided-poster – one side celebrating Matt Smith's years as the Doctor, and the other featuring images from every single episode – all 800 of them! – since the series began.

Also inside this issue:

-  The Time of the Doctor – a preview of the Christmas Special, with exclusive new photographs.
-  Steven Moffat talks exclusively to DWM in an in-depth interview.
-  The life and times of Doctor Who's first writer, Anthony Coburn.
-  DWM tells the previously unknown story of one of the men instrumental in the creation of Doctor Who: CE 'Bunny' Webber.
-  The DWM Review of 2013.
-  The Watcher’s Guide to the Eleventh Doctor.
-  A look back at the Doctor Who Celebration at the ExCeL.
-  A Christmas Carol - an in-depth guide to Matt Smith's first Christmas Special.
-  Production Notes – showrunner Steven Moffat talks candidly about the biggest day of his career.
-  Pay the Piper Part 1 - a brand new comic strip.
-  Author Jacqueline Rayner looks back on Doctor Who's Christmas past.
-  The Time Team watch 2007's Voyage Of The Damned.
-  The Watcher’s Fiendishly Festive Christmas Quiz!
-  Competitions, puzzles, and much more!

+  Doctor Who Magazine Issue #468 is Out Today, priced £5.99.

+  Subscribe Worldwide to DWM for just £85.00 via CompareTheDalek!

+  Check Out The DWO Guide to Doctor Who Magazine!

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine]

The BBC have released the full trailer for The Time Of The Doctor.

Watch the Trailer in the player, below:

[youtube:njNnTDiLOd4]
+  The Time Of The Doctor will air on Christmas Day, at 7:30pm on BBC One. 

[Source: BBC]

Speaking at last nights BFI, 11th Doctor Celebration Event, Steven Moffat confirmed that Series 8 of Doctor Who will not be split.

Back in October, Moffat also confirmed that there would be "at least 13 episodes" in Series 8, with no confirmation (as-yet) if it counts the 2014 Christmas Special.

There had previously been rumours that the series itself would consist of 12 episodes with the Christmas episode making up the thirteenth.

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

[Sources: BBC; Tim Vine]

The BBC have released some more promo images for the upcoming 2013 Doctor Who Christmas special; 'The Time Of The Doctor'.

Synopsis:

Orbiting a quiet backwater planet, the massed forces of the universe’s deadliest species gather, drawn to a mysterious message that echoes out to the stars - and amongst them, the Doctor.

Rescuing Clara from a family Christmas dinner, the Time Lord and his best friend must learn what this enigmatic signal means for his own fate and that of the universe.

Two promo images have also been released, which can can view in the right-hand column.

Watch the Teaser Trailer for The Time Of The Doctor, below:

[youtube:DMOOLd_44Mo]
+  The Time Of The Doctor will air on Christmas Day, at 7:30pm on BBC One - [UK].
+  The Time Of The Doctor will air on Christmas Day, at 9/8c on BBC America - [USA]. 
+  The Time Of The Doctor will air on 26th December, at 7:30pm on ABC1 - [AUSTRALIA].  

[Source: BBC]

Forbidden Planet have teamed up with Character Options for another Exclusive Doctor Who Toy.

'The Other Doctor' action figure features The Other Doctor as played by John Hurt, from the 50th Anniversary Doctor Who special; The Day Of The Doctor.

Product Details:

The ‘Other Doctor’ is the Doctor’s dark chapter, a hitherto unknown incarnation whose existence has spent centuries repressing a secret he wants no one to know of.

He is a relic of the past, part of the great Time War, when he spent centuries fighting alongside his fellow Time Lords against the Daleks and made the final decision to end it with a desperate act that cost that incarnation the right to use the name “Doctor”.

This haunted and battle-worn Other Doctor is finally forgiven after helping find a new solution to end the war, giving the Eleventh Doctor a new purpose as he heads into further adventures.

Contents:

•  The Other Doctor Action Figure.
•  The Other Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver Accessory.
•  The Moment Accessory.
•  The Eighth Doctor alternate head.

+  'The Other Doctor' action figure is released on 28th February 2014, priced £14.99.
+  Preorder Now from Forbidden Planet!

[Source: Forbidden Planet]

The BBC have released a short video interview with Paul McGann, who discusses his return to Doctor Who for last month's red button minisode; 'The Night Of The Doctor'.

Watch the video, below:

[youtube:u2pI9LH1txQ]
Shortly after the minisode aired, DWO caught up with Paul for a slightly longer interview, which you can watch below:

[youtube:HxSHTmGKiUY]
+  Follow @PaulJMcGann on Twitter.
+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter.

[Sources: BBC; DWO]

The Doctor Who 50th Anniversary special; 'The Day Of The Doctor' has set a new record on the BBC iPlayer for the most number of requests in a 24-hour period.

A total of 1.27 million people watched the episode on the iPlayer within the first 24 hours and has beaten the previous record which was held by the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony.

In total, 12.8 million people watched The Day Of The Doctor, making it the most-watched programme of 2013, and was simulcast worldwide in 94 countries.

Commenting on the ratings success, Ben Stephenson (controller of BBC drama commissioning) had the following to say:

"The Doctor Who 50th was a hugely ambitious event on the BBC and it's only fitting that it has taken the top spot as the highest-rating drama across all channels this year.

It's a fantastic tribute to both Steven Moffat and the creativity of all those involved in the show throughout its history.

Next stop the regeneration at Christmas!"

+  The Time Of The Doctor airs on Christmas Day at 7:30pm on BBC One.

[Source: BBC News]

The finalised viewing figures are in for The Day Of The Doctor.

The episode achieved a final figure of 12.8m viewers - a 2.6m shift from the overnights. 2.7m views were on the BBC iPlayer.

It was the most-watched programme for the week and is currently the second most-watched programme for the year (after I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here).

The Day Of The Doctor is now rated the 16th highest in Doctor Who's 50-year history.

Final BARB ratings will be available within the next 10 days.

Series 7 - Final BARB Ratings roundup:

7.1: Asylum Of The Daleks = 8.3m
7.2: Dinosaurs On A Spaceship = 7.57m
7.3: A Town Called Mercy = 8.42m
7.4: The Power Of Three = 7.67m
7.5: The Angels Take Manhattan = 7.82m
7.6X: The Snowmen = 9.87m
7.6: The Bells Of Saint John = 8.44m
7.7: The Rings Of Akhaten = 7.45m
7.8: Cold War = 7.37m 
7.9: Hide = 6.61m
7.10: Journey To The Centre Of The TARDIS = 6.50m
7.11: The Crimson Horror = 6.47m
7.12: Nightmare In Silver = 6.64m
7.13: The Name Of The Doctor = 7.45m
7.14: The Day Of The Doctor = 12.8m

+  What did you think of the episode? Rate / Discuss in the DWO Forums!

[Source: DWO]

The BBC have released some details and a some promo images for the upcoming 2013 Doctor Who Christmas special, which now has a title; 'The Time Of The Doctor'.

Synopsis:

Orbiting a quiet backwater planet, the massed forces of the universe’s deadliest species gather, drawn to a mysterious message that echoes out to the stars - and amongst them, the Doctor.

Rescuing Clara from a family Christmas dinner, the Time Lord and his best friend must learn what this enigmatic signal means for his own fate and that of the universe.

Two promo images have also been released, which can can view in the right-hand column.

Watch the Teaser Trailer for The Time Of The Doctor, below:

[youtube:DMOOLd_44Mo]
+  The Time Of The Doctor will air on Christmas Day, at 7:30pm on BBC One. 

[Source: BBC]

The overnight viewing figures are in for The Day Of The Doctor.

The episode achieved a figure of 10.2m viewers, with an audience share of 37.4%, and Doctor Who was the second most-watched programme for Saturday, being beaten marginally by Strictly Come Dancing.

Top Overnights - Saturday 23rd November:

1 - 10.6m - Strictly Come Dancing - BBC One
2 - 10.2m - Doctor Who - BBC One 
3 - 7.7m - The X Factor - ITV1

** Figures do not include BBC iPlayer or Cinema viewings.

Final BARB ratings will be available within the next 10 days.

Series 7 - Final BARB Ratings roundup:

7.1: Asylum Of The Daleks = 8.3m
7.2: Dinosaurs On A Spaceship = 7.57m
7.3: A Town Called Mercy = 8.42m
7.4: The Power Of Three = 7.67m
7.5: The Angels Take Manhattan = 7.82m
7.6X: The Snowmen = 9.87m
7.6: The Bells Of Saint John = 8.44m
7.7: The Rings Of Akhaten = 7.45m
7.8: Cold War = 7.37m 
7.9: Hide = 6.61m
7.10: Journey To The Centre Of The TARDIS = 6.50m
7.11: The Crimson Horror = 6.47m
7.12: Nightmare In Silver = 6.64m
7.13: The Name Of The Doctor = 7.45m

+  What did you think of the episode? Rate / Discuss in the DWO Forums!

[Source: DWO]

The BBC have released Peter Davison's comedy sketch 'The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot', which premiered last night on the BBC Red Button.

Synopsis:
A star studded special written and directed by Peter Davison. With the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who about to film, the 'Classic' Doctors are keen to be involved. But do they manage it?

Make sure you keep watching until the very end, as the implications will make The Day Of The Doctor seem even better :)

Watch The Five(isn) Doctors Reboot, below:

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!
+  Follow @PeterDavison5 on Twitter!
+  Follow @SawBonesHex on Twitter!
+  Follow @TheWitchPrime on Twitter! 

[Source: BBC]

The BBC have unveiled a short teaser trailer for the as-yet untitled, 2013 Doctor Who Christmas Special.

Watch the trailer, below:

[youtube:DMOOLd_44Mo]
Rumoured titles for the Christmas Special include: Twelfth Night, The Twelfth Hour, The Time Of The Doctor & The Fall Of The Eleventh.

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Source: BBC]

Our friends over at Buckingham Covers have some rare Doctor Who first day covers, but with some limited editions of only 50 or less, these are only for a select few.

Most will be snapped up by first day cover collectors because Buckingham first day covers are world renowned in the stamp world.

That means few, true Doctor Who fans will even hear of them, let alone get a chance to buy one - but DWO followers, here’s your chance! 

Royal Mail is selling Doctor Who first day covers too but don’t be confused. The ones on offer from Buckingham are much smaller editions and are more sought after by collectors. Also, Buckingham Covers has a reputation for offering top autographs – always genuine – on their first day covers.

So far their Doctor Who covers have been hand signed by:

Sylvester McCoy (7th Doctor)
Colin Baker (6th Doctor)
Tom Baker (4th Doctor)
Peter Davison (5th Doctor)
Nicola Bryant (Peri)
Louise Jameson (Leela)
Bonnie Langford (Mel)

with more autographs expected to be announced in the next few months.

+  Check them out at: www.buckinghamcovers.com/doctorwho

[Source: Buckingham Covers]

To coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, Google have dedicated their homepage to a brand new Google Doodle, featuring an addictive Doctor Who, multi-level game.

The game, which was designed by Matthew Cruickshank, features all 11 Doctors as well as Daleks and Cybermen.

Speaking to The Guardian, Cruickshank said:

"It's the first game that I've designed, but it's the technicians and programmers that actually make the game. I just art direct, create the assets, set the visual tone, design the characters, and then do pieces of animation.

It was about four months ago that an employee here who's a massive Doctor Who fan added it to our list of potential doodles. We looked through it and realised that this was something special, a chance to really celebrate a national institution.

The thing is that he's a Time Lord, a time traveller, so I really wanted to get the feeling across that you could travel to different eras. I definitely didn't want you to just play one level and that is it, I love the idea of the Doctor being able zoom around the universe."

See some screenshots from all 5 levels below (just don't look at our time):

+  Read the full story behind the doodle on The Guardian website.

[Sources: Google; The Guardian]

Following tonight's airing of Mark Gatiss' fantastic Doctor Who docudrama, 'An Adventure In Space And Time', DWO are thrilled to present a short video interview with David Bradley (William Hartnell), in which we ask him the all important question;

Would you be up for a return as The 1st Doctor in the main series?

"Well that’s a big question, and it was put to Mark Gatiss the other night at the BFI screening and he was hedging his bets over it.

In a way we feel like we’ve honoured the Doctor Who history and honoured William Hartnell’s memory in a way, so, if that was it, then we’d all be perfectly happy because it feels like the writing and the direction and the performances have all gone down very well with the audience.

If we left it at that I’d be perfectly happy, but if someone came up with the notion of doing it, of course, you know, it’s such an honour to be in Doctor Who anyway and to have played such a great iconic actor in such an iconic part of TV history.

We’ll have to wait and see but if someone put the bright idea then I’d have to think about it, yeh. But so far it hasn’t been put to me."

Watch DWO's short Interview with David Bradley, below:

[youtube:7JeKXN8FzGA]

+  Follow @MarkGatiss on Twitter.
+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter.

+  Rate / Discuss 'An Adventure In Space And Time' in the DWO Forums.

[Source: DWO]

BBC Worldwide are looking to create a gallery of the best pictures of fans celebrating The Doctor’s 50th anniversary at cinemas around the world.

The BBC Worldwide team got in touch with DWO, with the following message for fans:

"We’d be really grateful if you could let visitors to your site know that we’ve set up the inbox Doctorwho50@bbc.com to collate all of the best DW images from around the world this weekend. We’ll be sharing the best images on our official Facebook page and will make them available for press use as well."

+  The Day Of The Doctor will simulcast worldwide on 23rd November, at 7:50pm GMT.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Source: Puffin Books]

To coincide with tonight's airing of Mark Gatiss' Doctor Who docudrama, 'An Adventure In Space And Time', DWO caught up with its star, David Bradley (William Hartnell), who introduces the programme for DWO visitors.

Watch David Bradley's DWO Episode Intro, below:
[youtube:N2mB7SS7P7M]

Fans can also expect another exclusive video right here on DWO after the episode has aired, in which we ask David a very important question.

+  Follow @MarkGatiss on Twitter.
+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter.

+  An Adventure In Space And Time will broadcast Tonight at 9:00pm on BBC Two.

(With thanks to the Showmasters team)

[Source: DWO]

Our friends over at Digital Spy have released a video interview with Matt Smith and David Tennant, in which they talk about the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who and what makes the show so successful.

You can watch the interview below:

+  The Day Of The Doctor will simulcast worldwide on 23rd November, at 7:50pm GMT.

[Source: Digital Spy]

To celebrate Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary the new issue of Radio Times (on sale from Tuesday 19th November) features 12 different collectable covers each with a different Doctor and monsters from their era, with 26 pages on the iconic show inside.

The first cover can be seen to the right with three covers being unveiled every day from Saturday 16th November to Tuesday 19th November on the Radio Times DiscoverTV app.

Radio Times DiscoverTV is a new daily TV and radio recommendations and discovery service; helping you discover your new favourite programmes today wherever they are - on TV, catch-up or on-demand.

Available on iPad and optimised for iOS7, Radio Times DiscoverTV is a freemium app with a 30-day free trial of the premium features. A free limited service is available without subscription with easy-to use, 14 day customised TV and radio listings, by provider and location, and basic programme information. Download for free here.

What's in the 50th Anniversary Special Issue?

Why you can't destroy the Doctor, by Steven Moffat
The show-runner writes exclusively for Radio Times on a cultural legacy so strong that it even endured a 16-year television hiatus. Not that he would ever let that happen again, of course…

Retrospectives of each Doctor
From the first Doctor, William Hartnell, to the 11th, Matt Smith, we examine each Time Lord's era, taking in companions, villains and using exclusive archive interviews with the actors themselves. It’s the ultimate guide to the mad man in a box.

Interviews with Matt Smith, David Tennant and John Hurt
It’s not all about the past, though, for The Day of the Doctor is coming. Radio Times talks to Matt Smith and David Tennant about acting together – “Have I just woken out of a dream?” asks the tenth Doctor – while screen legend John Hurt (the War Doctor) tells us why he wasn’t a fan of the 1963 series. 

Interactive issue
The issue is not just packed with great Doctor Who words and pictures, it also contains a treasure trove of interactive content, such as video, 3D pages and detailed guides. To access the interactive content, simply download the free Blippar app to your smartphone or tablet; then open the app and hold your device over the interactive symbols.

Start with the cover to reveal an exclusive video message from the 11th Doctor, and the opportunity to create and star in your own Radio Times Doctor Who cover to share on social media.

Inside, there’s even more, including a comprehensive episode-by-episode guide for each Doctor, animated and video Doctor Who content, over 100 pictures from the Radio Times Doctor Who archive, a gallery of all Radio Times's Doctor Who covers, plus exclusive 3D content.  

An exclusive shot from The Day of the Doctor
The tenth Doctor and Joanna Page’s Queen Elizabeth I look rather cosy, don't they?

My love of Doctor Who, by BBC Director General Tony Hall
The DG writes exclusively for Radio Times about how he fell in love with Doctor Who in 1963 and is now thrilled to be the man in charge at its height. He even tells a nifty little tale of how he once flew the Tardis…  

Interviews with famous Doctor Who fans
Charlie Brooker, Jonathon Ross and Jo Whiley are among the stars sharing their favourite Who moments in extracts from Steve Berry’s book, From Behind The Sofa.

Win the Doctor’s actual bow tie!
And finally, as if we haven’t spoilt you lot enough, we’re also giving readers a chance to a win a money-can’t-buy prize: the bow tie worn by Matt Smith’s Doctor on screen.

Twelve collectible covers
View all 12 covers in our gallery, below:

 +  Buy this issue of Radio Times as well as past issues from CompareTheDalek.com!

[Source: Radio Times]

The BBC have released a preview clip for An Adventure In Space And Time, featuring Sydney Newman (Brian Cox) and Verity Lambert (Jessica Raine).

You can watch the clip below:

[youtube:pUtOs0lUvXU]

Watch the official trailer for An Adventure In Space And Time, below:

[youtube:dEwikIhEZrE]

+  An Adventure In Space And Time will broadcast on BBC Two on 21st November at 9:00pm.

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

After the hugely popular reaction to the recent minisode, DWO caught up with The 8th Doctor, Paul McGann, for an exclusive video interview.

Speaking to DWO Editor, Seb J. Brook, Paul talks about The Night Of The Doctor, keeping secrets, future appearances, his costume and more!

Below is a transcript of the interview, and you can watch the video itself at the bottom:

Obviously it’s great to see you back on our screens again, how hard was it keeping it a secret?

That was tough, keeping it a secret! What’s actually slightly disappointing is when you realise you can’t keep a secret now. And you know it should have gone out next week, but they had to put it out this week because someone was about to put it out.

When did you film it?

We shot it in May.

That’s a long time to keep a secret!

Yeh, it wasn’t easy. I mean a couple of mates knew - family knew, and I’m pretty good at keeping a secret, but of course so many people work on something, you know, technicians and everybody else, and publicity people, you know, I’m not pointing the finger, except I’m saying, somewhere along the line, someone couldn’t resist pressing send.

A couple of days ago we were seeing still pictures from the episode going out before it had gone out, so Steven Moffat presumably thought “I’ve gotta do something”, so we released it.

But it all worked out ok in the end, didn’t it?

All’s well that ends well! But also, I was getting tweets back in July, and there were people saying things that they could only have known - so you can’t keep a secret!

Well one of the big questions we’re getting at the moment is that it’s been even more popular that even the fans thought it would be. It had everything they wanted for the past 6 years of Doctor Who stories in about 6 minutes…

…Well yeh and also, I suppose, it reconciled a narrative gap.

It did, yeh, definitely, but this is the thing, people are wanting more now…

…people are always want more! There are people here today saying “when are you gonna do a series”

Well that’s the thing, they want to know if you were offered to do a mini series would you do a mini series? 

Well, it’s like with the mini episode - if they send you the script and it’s good, you’ll do it. So, you know, these things are only as good as the material. So the real question is if the material was good enough and if you were available, you’d do it - cos it’s a Who!

Now you just had a birthday didn’t you?

On that day!

On that day! I mean, what a great present?!

So I regard it as Steven Moffat’s birthday present to me!

That’s great! So I imagine we’re going to have an action figure of you now in your new attire!

That costume in the mini episode, I think looks cool. Proper Time Lord!

It was an evolution of the one you had on-screen in the 1996 TV Movie.

Yeh…distressed, as they used to say in retail! Yeh, yeh, distressed! Yeh, it looked good, I thought.

Fans are saying the way you picked up The Doctor was seamless, you’ve evolved since doing the Big Finish stuff and it’s almost as if we’ve had three series of you on screen anyway because your Doctor has evolved through the audios.

Well I think that’s fair. Since doing the Big Finish’s, of course, I’ve been in it, I’ve still been part of things, so in a way it was easy - I’m glad you think it was seamless. Still, having said that, going on screen is a whole different thing.

Was it a bit surreal?

Yeh! Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss was there, a few people were there, you know, and everyone’s a fan as well, of course, and everyone was really excited to see it. (And probably sneakily trying on all the gear while I wasn’t looking).

Did you honestly think you would ever come back again?

Well not after…well, how long has it been? 17 years. After 10 years I though if they’re not going to ring me up now, they’re not going to ring me up.

You look pretty much the same though…

…keep talking! (smiles).

Well your hair now is actually half the length of the original wig you had in the series…

…I don’t wanna talk about it! (smirks) Bad memories! (looks at recent photo of the 8th Doctor) Well, I suppose, yeh, I could just about get away with it.

Well thank you very much and I hope you had a great birthday, and here’s hoping this isn’t the last time we’ve seen you on screen as well, honestly, it was a real treat for everyone!

Well, with Doctor Who you just never know…you never ever know, do you…

Watch DWO's video interview with Paul McGann, below:

[youtube:HxSHTmGKiUY]
Fans have started a petition to get the BBC to sign up McGann for a live action series. Show your support and sign the petition! 

+  Follow @PaulJMcGann on Twitter.
+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter.

(With thanks to the Showmasters team)

[Source: DWO]