Sunday 6th May sees Hampshire’s biggest Dalek event taking place at the Royal Marines Museum in Southsea. The event called ‘Dalek Invasion of Portsmouth’ will take place between 10am and 5pm and terror will give way to panic when visitors come face to face with the Daleks.

Visitors will be able to see the Daleks navigate through an obstacle race, interact with them during an ‘Audience with the Daleks’ show and watch the Dalek ‘X’ Terminate Factor show. Throughout the day visitors can also take part in a Dalek Hunt around the Museum, shop from a selection of Dr Who traders, have a souvenir photo taken with the Daleks or take part in the family craft activities and make your own Dalek.

Children are encouraged to come in sci-fi fancy dress and there will be a prize awarded for the best costume.

Tickets are available online at royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk/daleks or through the Museum reception on 023 9281 9385.

Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for children under 12 and £3 for children under 5.

+  For more details see the website www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk/daleks.

[Source: Royal Marines Museum]

Virgin Media have pulled their latest series of television advertisements featuring David Tennant, at the request of the BBC.

Complaints from the BBC have led Virgin to withdraw the advert (see bottom of this news article) featuring the Doctor Who brand as "a gesture of goodwill".

The ad for Virgin Media's cable TV, broadband and telephone packages sees former Time Lord Tennant perusing his own back catalogue on Virgin’s TiVo service, and pauses on a page featuring the Doctor Who logo and a description of the show. Meanwhile, in the background, Virgin boss Richard Branson is shown constructing a time machine of his own.

Virgin originally responded to complaints by removing the Doctor Who logo but BBC Worldwide - the corporation's commercial arm - argued that it continued to contravene BBC guidelines regarding the endorsement of third parties. 

Virgin has now pulled the ad but will continue to broadcast two others in the series, which also star Tennnant but do not reference Doctor Who.

A joint statement from Virgin Media and BBC Worldwide said:

"Virgin Media has listened to concerns raised by BBC Worldwide about perceived commercial endorsement by a BBC brand relating to the recent Virgin Media ad… As a gesture of goodwill, Virgin Media has agreed to withdraw the ad and BBC Worldwide is satisfied that the issue has been addressed."

[youtube:KelxLtklZeE]

[Source: Radio Times]

Karen Gillan has officially joined the Twitter Social Networking site.

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

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

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

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

[Sources: DWO; Twitter]

Fellow Doctor Who site Blogtor Who is pleased to announce the return of the Blogtor Who Audio Commentaries.

So far Series 6 and Series 1 have been tackled by the commentary team and now they return to Series 2, starting this Saturday 14th April with New Earth.

Easter Saturday saw the release of their commentary for the 2009 Special, Planet of the Dead. You can download the commentaries from Blogtor Who HERE or pop over to their iTunes page HERE. 

Along with the commentary, each podcast also features the thoughts and opinions of listeners.

iTunes

+  http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/blogtor-who-doctor-who-commentaries/id434061130

Planet of the Dead

+  http://blogtorwho.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/planet-of-dead-audio-commentary.html

[Source: Blogtor Who]

The Time Traveling Troupe is a serialized improvised comedy series inspired by Doctor Who that follows the adventures of The Traveler, and her two companions, Travis and Tiffany, as they journey throughout time. Where and when they go, and what happens, will be based on three suggestions they receive at the beginning of each show.

Raychel Winstead plays The Traveler and is accompanied by Kyle Brower and Jessi Kyle, playing Travis Hartnell and Tiffany Smith respectively. Each night they will be joined with various talented improvisers to play supporting characters.

The first season will contain 12 episodes with a run of time of approximately 40-minutes each. Episodes will be available to watch for free via YouTube for everyone.

The team behind the venture are currently in the process of raising money to fund the show through a Kickstarter campaign, details of which, together with further information and a pitch video, can be found here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/78344168/the-time-traveling-troupe

[Source: Dennis Spielman]

BBC Worldwide confirmed today that Karen Gillan will be joining her co-stars Matt Smith and Arthur Darvill at The Official Doctor Who Convention taking place on the 24th and 25th March at Cardiff’s Millennium Centre. 

Karen Gillan said:  “I'm really looking forward to the Convention and meeting all of the wonderful Doctor Who fans!”

The Convention brings the makers of the Doctor Who together for a full day, in-depth event designed to reveal the inner workings of the series. On the main stage live pyrotechnic demonstrations will thrill attendees, while in detailed prosthetics masterclasses fans will see a monster made flesh in front of their eyes. Throughout these sessions the secrets of their craft will be revealed by masters of the trade including Danny Hargreaves, Doctor Who’s SFX Supervisor and Neill Gorton co-director of Millennium FX, Europe’s leading supplier of cutting edge prosthetics, animatronics and special make-up FX.

Gillan joins a full contingent of Doctor Who professionals ready to give fans an unrivalled glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of Doctor Who. Everyone from the Production Designer Michael Pickwoad, responsible for Doctor Who’s eye-popping visuals to Casting Director Andy Pryor revealing what it takes to find a Doctor, will be gathering in one place to celebrate the creativity (and elbow grease!) that goes into the series. 

The Official Doctor Who Convention line up includes: Matt Smith; Steven Moffat; Karen Gillan; Arthur Darvill; Mark Sheppard; Nick Briggs; Ian McNeice; Raquel Cassidy; Neill Gorton; Danny Hargreaves; Tom MacRae; Toby Haynes; Barnaby Edwards; Caroline Henry; Stephen Pehrsson; Michael Pickwoad; Andy Pryor; Gary Russell; Simon Fisher-Becker and Marcus Wilson.

All tickets include:

•  Official Doctor Who Convention souvenir ticket.

•  Official Doctor Who Convention souvenir lanyard and pass.

•  Official Doctor Who Convention exclusive postcard pack.

•  Official Doctor Who Convention bag.

+  Tickets are on general sale now, priced at £99 and available at: www.dwconvention.com.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

Matt Smith last night proposed to his long-standing girlfriend at the Doctor Who Experience in London. The marriage offer, which Matt had been planning for weeks (with some help from BBC Worldwide), came as a complete surprise to his girlfriend who was under the impression she was visiting the capital for a shopping trip.

The Doctor Who Experience at London’s Olympia, a walk through exhibition where The Doctor takes you on a spectacular adventure though time and space, has already been enjoyed by over 200,000 fans both young and old, and was chosen by Matt as the perfect setting for his proposal to girlfriend and avid Doctor Who fan, Stacie-Anne Dilkes, 23. The attraction is in the final three weeks of its year-long London run.

Matt, 22, from Rochford, Essex coincidentally shares the same name with the star of the globally successful BBC TV series and even chose to dress in a tweed jacket and bow tie for the occasion, the standard uniform of the Eleventh Timelord. He stunned his wife-to-be by pretending to be an exhibit in a section of the Experience which hosts original props, costumes and monsters from almost 50 years of the programme – before bending down on one knee and asking for her hand in marriage. And happily, she said YES!

Matt Smith, who plays the real Doctor, instead of protesting at this apparent, albeit brief identity theft, was also in on the surprise and sent a personal message of congratulations to the happy couple, commenting: "Matt Smith proposing to his girlfriend! Firstly, being a Smith means phone calls to the bank take so much longer - there are so many Smiths!! But I bet none of them have proposed at the Doctor Who Experience! Amy and Rory would be proud. Next - babies in the TARDIS...? Congratulations to you both and many years of happiness. Love, Matt.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

The Doctor Who Facebook page are giving away a 32-inch HD TV together with a blu-ray player and a copy of Doctor Who: The Complete Sixth Series - Limited Edition and Christmas Special 2011 blu-ray.

The competition can be entered by 'liking' the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/doctorwho and entering details at http://www.facebook.com/DoctorWho?sk=app_111113792337055.

About the 2011 Christmas Special:

Evacuated to a house in Dorset from war-torn London, Madge Arwell and her two children, Lily and Cyril, are greeted by a madcap caretaker whose mysterious Christmas gift leads them into a magical wintry world.

Complete Sixth Series Episodes:

A Christmas Carol, The Impossible Astronaut, Day Of The Moon, The Curse Of The Black Spot, The Doctor’s Wife, The Rebel Flesh, The Almost People, A Good Man Goes To War, Let’s Kill Hitler, Night Terrors, The Girl Who Waited, The God Complex, Closing Time, The Wedding of River Song. 

[Source: Taylor Herring]

Former Doctor Who star David Tennant has been named best actor at the inaugural BBC Audio Drama Awards.

The awards, which were also hosted by Tennant, aim "to celebrate and recognise the cultural importance of audio drama, on air and online". Tennant won for his role as Kafka in Kafka: The Musical. Rosie Cavaliero was named best actress as Ruthie, in Lost Property: A Telegram from the Queen.

The best use of sound award went to Doctor Who Director, Julian Simpson's Bad Memories.

Tim Davie, director, BBC Audio & Music, said he hoped the awards would bring "wider recognition of the many talented people who work in the genre".

[Source: BBC News]

Matt Smith (The 11th Doctor) and Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) have both scooped up an award at this year's National Television Awards.

Matt won in the Best Drama Performance - Male category, and Karen won in the Best Drama Performance - Female category. Doctor Who failed to pick up the award for Best Drama, losing out to ITV1's Downton Abbey.

There was some mild controversy backstage as Matt Smith was quoted talking to the Radio Times as saying "I've got a year of Who left", but later amended the statement, speaking to the BBC Entertainment News team stating he has "no plans to leave [Doctor Who]", and that he has "No idea who the next companion will be".

[Sources: NTA; Radio Times; BBC Entertainment News]

CBBC is delighted to announce Russell T Davies' return to children’s television with brand new action adventure drama, Aliens Vs Wizards.

Aliens Vs Wizards has been created by Russell T Davies and Phil Ford (The Sarah Jane Adventures, Doctor Who) and will be produced by BBC Cymru Wales in association with FremantleMedia Enterprises.

From the dark side of the moon, aliens are scanning the Earth searching for magic and are prepared to destroy everything in their path to get it. All that stands in the way of Earth’s imminent destruction are two 16-year old schoolboys, Tom and Benny. It’s Ray Guns vs Wands; Science vs Magic and Aliens vs Wizards.

Russell says: “Writing for children is the biggest challenge of all and I think CBBC stands right at the heart of broadcasting. So I'm delighted to launch this show, a true nationwide collaboration - a Salford commission from a BBC Wales team. We're joining genres too - the show's a wild, funny, thrilling and sometimes scary collision of magic and science fiction.“

Tom Clarke lives a seemingly ordinary life with his dad and grandmother. However he hides a deep secret - Tom’s family are wizards and when the Nekross arrive, hungry for magic, they find themselves on the menu.

The Nekross may be equipped with ray guns, teleports and high-tech robots but they haven’t reckoned on Tom and his friend, science super-brain Benny. They form an extraordinary duo, using Tom’s magic and Benny’s science to battle the Nekross and save the Earth.

Russell adds: “Wizards have never met aliens before, and when they do, the result is spectacular! The mysterious Nekross know exactly what to do with magicians. Eat them! Let battle be joined!”

CBBC Controller Damian Kavanagh, who commissioned the new series, says: “This is going to be an incredible rollercoaster ride of an adventure. We believe children deserve the best and we’re delighted to be working again with Russell and the talented teams at BBC Wales and FME to bring the story to life.”

Faith Penhale, Head of Drama BBC Cymru Wales, says: We're so excited to be working with Russell again on this ground-breaking and hugely ambitious drama for CBBC. Filmed here in our brand new studios in Roath Lock, Cardiff, Aliens Vs Wizards promises to be spellbinding television drama for children."

Sander Schwartz, President, Kids & Family Entertainment, FME, comments: “This series has all the ingredients to become a global hit – the extraordinary battle between aliens and wizards is guaranteed to entertain kids around the world, not to mention the incredibly talented team behind the series, led by the wonderful Russell T Davies. We are thrilled to be partnering with CBBC once again on what will be a fantastic addition to FME’s ever expanding portfolio of family entertainment brands.”

Russell started his career in children’s television, writing and producing dramas such as Dark Season (BBC One) and Children’s Ward (ITV) before going on to pen a host of hit adult award-winning dramas including Queer As Folk (Channel 4) and Casanova (BBC Three).

In 2005, he brought Doctor Who back to the BBC after a 16-year hiatus and, as executive producer, oversaw the production of two spin-off series, Torchwood (BBC Three) and The Sarah Jane Adventures (CBBC) that ran for five series on the channel.

Aliens Vs Wizards (12 x 30mins) will be produced by BBC Cymru Wales for CBBC for broadcast in Autumn 2012. The executive producers are Russell T Davies, Bethan Jones and Gina Cronk for the BBC and Bob Higgins and Sander Schwartz for FME. The producer is Brian Minchin and co-producer Phil Ford.

[Source: BBC Press Office]

Being Human is back, having controversially parted ways with two of the three regulars and parachuted in a new vampire and werewolf. 

Why this is relevant, aside from SciFiNow going behind the scenes on the new series – as recounted in the latest issue by the stunning scribblings of our senior staff writer Jodie Tyley – and Toby Whithouse dropping a few Doctor Who Series Seven nuggets in there, is that the backlash to the casting change instantly draws comparisons to another slab of BBC telefantasy with a devoted following. 

One of the voices proclaiming that the series should just end rather than replace its original cast had for his Twitter icon an image of Matt Smith. The irony alarm had to be unplugged it was making so much noise. 

I know, I know, that’s a bit unkind. The ability to change the core cast of Doctor Who is central to the concept, and that’s not the case for Being Human, but you have to remember that it wasn’t always so, and change was just as alarming 40-odd years ago as it is now. 

William Hartnell left, perhaps because of his glove habit (+10 Who Points if you laughed at that), and the production team were left with a number of options: they could find another crotchety old character actor, kill the show dead, or cast a radically different new face into the same rough chassis of the old one, while inventing some guff about the Doctor’s alien race needing periodic renewal to smooth over the cracks.

How would you have reacted in 1966 when you heard the cult show of the day was just sweeping the previous three years under the carpet? “Pffft, a new Doctor!?” you might have screeched on whatever passed for Twitter in the Sixties. “You might as well change the police box into a rocket-powered Cadillac, because it’s clearly not going to be the same show.”

It wasn’t the same show. Well, it kinda was, but it also wasn’t. The concept expanded and matured, and the dynamic shifted radically, and then in 1969… they did it all over again!

There’s a lot we can still learn from Doctor Who. A show with this sort of lengthy and cluttered history, with incredible highs and lamentable lows, is a good vantage point from which we  can look down at the rest of science fiction and fantasy.

Like the Doctor himself with his centuries of perspective, our love for a show that is nearly half a century old is a wondrous aid for putting things into perspective. There’s a new vampire in Being Human? Pffft, whatever, my favourite show replaced its lead actor ten times!

SciFiNow Issue #64 is out now, with a massive behind the scenes feature on the controversial new series of Being Human, and an eight-page Complete Guide to the Second Doctor. You can buy it digitally from the Apple Newsstand, or online from the ImagineShop. Check it out at www.scifinow.co.uk.

In September 2011, BBC Three controller Zai Bennett cancelled the Doctor Who Confidential programme as a cost-cutting measure. Confidential was a programme that went behind the scenes of the making of the BBC's flagship drama, Doctor Who. It also covered various events in the series for broadcast on BBC One, and provided a full disc of extras for the DVD and Blu-Ray box set releases.

A highlight of the last series was the 'Script To Screen' segment in which schools were encouraged to enter a competition to write a script that would be filmed and broadcast on Confidential - the mini-episode would even star Matt Smith.

After the cancellation, a huge campaign to save the show was initiated by fans of the show leading to a petition with fifty-five-thousand signatures and support from various members of the industry, including the writer Neil Gaiman.

A group of Doctor Who Podcasters decided to write and record a song about the cancellation. The collective eventually became known as 'No Touch Pod'.

Tony Gallichan from the Flashing Blade and DWO WhoCast podcasts wrote the tune and some of the lyrics, aided by Karen Dunn from the Staggering Stories podcast. Then a good number of podcasters from around the world recorded their own take on the song. These were then assembled and the music track recorded by producer Chris Adams.

It must be stressed that the song is not intended as a serious protest record. It is a bit of fun, a gentle parody of the 'Doctor In Distress' record from nineteen eighty five. Several 'Who Celebs' have contributed to the song, including the writers Nev Fountain and Stephen Gallagher, and the 'Voice Of Axos', Bernard Holley.

However, whilst light hearted, it does make the point that Confidential is a source of inspiration to both children and adults. It shows them how their imaginations, which have been fired by Doctor Who, can be harnessed to create, to write, to produce music, film and literature. Indeed, the people both behind and onb the song have all felt that inspiration from the shows.

[youtube:iIHZSGOkbzY]

The petition to save Confidential has been presented to the BBC Trust and can be found here: http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/savedwc

The song, avaliable in several versions, as well as the video, can be found here: http://www.netconjurer.co.uk/confidential/

[Source: DWPA]

The Doctor Who team are planning on streaming a live Q&A session from the Series 6 Box-set signing taking place today at Westfield Stratford City with Matt Smith, Karen Gillian and Arthur Darvill in conversation with Jo Whiley between 4:00pm and 4:30pm.

The team will be taking over the BBC Worldwide YouTube Channel with a Doctor Who Skin at www.youtube.com/bbcworldwide from 4pm GMT, giving fans the chance to take part in the chat on the right hand side of the page.

[youtube:USsOcO3wvoI]

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

This BBC have released more details for tomorrow's Doctor Who additions to BBC One's Children In Need television appeal.

Fans of the Doctor should tune into Children in Need on Friday night on BBC One.

There'll be a sneak peak of the Christmas Special plus a brief treat for anyone who can't wait until December to catch up with our favourite Time Lord! Written by Steven Moffat and starring Matt Smith as the Doctor, the Children in Need exclusive represents a first in the history of Doctor Who... But we'll tell you more about that nearer the end of the week!

The entire Doctor Who team has been an enthusiastic supporter of Children in Need for decades and over the years the big night has involved everything from clips to cast appearances. You can find out more about Children in Need here and don't forget to tune in on Friday evening to catch all the fun!

A quick look at the Official Doctor Who Twitter account gives us a few more tidbits of information for the specially recorded segment:

"Hurray! Things ARE going according to plan! Steven Moffat’s mini-script has just hit the in-boxes of a lucky few… Must look over shoulders…"

"We’ve seen the short script and it is NOT what you’d expect. Oh, it’s funny and fast and Doctorish and brilliant… but not what you’d expect..."

"Not what you’d expect, UNLESS you’re from the future. In which case, wasn’t it good? Talking of the future, we’ll have more news tomorrow..."

"Great to see people reading the CiN mini-script for the first time. They read a bit. Pause. Smile. Look up and usually start laughing."

"‘Really? Wow!’ is another common response... Quick reminder! #DoctorWho on Children in Need, Friday night, BBC ONE"

"Great news! Richard Senior, who directed the brilliant Let’s Kill Hitler is onboard and will be directing Children in Need’s #DoctorWho bit."

"CiN update. Matt has wrapped! The first time The Doctor has been filmed at BBC TVC since 'Ghost Light' in 1989!"

Three new promotional pictures featuring Matt Smith and Pudsey have also been released [pictured right].

+  Click Here to place your bids on the DWO Children In Need Auction!

+  Donate to Children In Need directly on the following link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/donate/.

[Source: BBC]

Britain’s biggest TV stars travel through time and space to meet fans at Westfield Stratford City.

Stars of BBC One’s phenomenally successful TV show, Doctor Who, will be landing in their TARDIS at Westfield Stratford City on Monday 21st November to celebrate the release of the Doctor Who Series 6 boxset on DVD and Blu-ray.

Matt Smith (the Doctor), Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) and Arthur Darvill (Rory Williams) will be at Europe’s biggest shopping centre, the recently opened Westfield Stratford City, to sign copies of the newly released boxset and take part in a Q&A hosted by celebrity Doctor Who fan Jo Whiley.

Fans of Doctor Who can get the chance to see the stars of the show at Westfield Stratford City in two ways:

DOCTOR WHO SERIES 6 BOXSET SIGNING

WHERE: HMV Westfield Stratford City

WHEN: Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill will be signing copies of the Doctor Series 6 Boxset on Monday 21st November at 1.30pm

HOW TO GET TICKETS: 250 wristbands will be issued in HMV on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event from 8.30am 

DOCTOR WHO Q&A WITH JO WHILEY

WHERE: The gallery area at Westfield Stratford City

WHEN: Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill will be in conversation with Jo Whiley between 4 and 4.30pm

TWITTER: Join the conversation #DoctorWho

[Source: 2|Entertain]

Harry Potter director David Yates is teaming up with the BBC to turn its iconic sci-fi TV series Doctor Who into a big screen franchise.

Yates, who directed the last four Potter films, told Daily Variety that he is about to start work on developing a Doctor Who movie with Jane Tranter, BBC Worldwide's L.A.-based exec VP of programming and production.

"We're looking at writers now. We're going to spend two to three years to get it right," he said. "It needs quite a radical transformation to take it into the bigger arena."

Doctor Who follows the adventures across space and time of a super-intelligent alien in human form, who battles a variety of cosmic bad guys aided by plucky human companions.

"The notion of the time-travelling Time Lord is such a strong one, because you can express story and drama in any dimension or time," Yates said.

The series ran from 1963 to 1989, and then was successfully rebooted in 2005 by writer Russell T. Davies and subsequently by Steven Moffat (The Adventures of Tintin). Tranter oversaw the revival when she was the BBC's drama topper in London.

Doctor Who, starring Matt Smith as the 11th incarnation of the Doctor, is now one of the pubcaster's most lucrative global TV franchises.

Yates made clear that his movie adaptation would not follow on from the current TV series, but would take a completely fresh approach to the material.

"Russell T. Davies and then Steven Moffat have done their own transformations, which were fantastic, but we have to put that aside and start from scratch," he said.

Yates and Tranter are looking for writers on both sides of the Atlantic.

"We want a British sensibility, but having said that, Steve Kloves wrote the Potter films and captured that British sensibility perfectly, so we are looking at American writers too," he explained.

There are two previous films, based on the TV series: Doctor Who and the Daleks (1965) and Doctor Who: Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966), both starring Peter Cushing.

The BBC has since made a few unsuccessful attempts to develop a Doctor Who feature, and shot a one-off telepic in 1996 at a time when the TV series was dormant.

But the combination of Yates and Tranter means this is the most high-powered effort to date to launch "Doctor Who" onto the bigscreen.

Before directing Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and both parts of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Yates worked with Tranter on several BBC TV series, including The Way We Live Now and State of Play.

DWO will keep you posted with more details as we get them.

Update -Tuesday 15th November @ 9:00am

Since the posting of our news item yesterday, many more media outlets have picked up the story. Certain circles at the BBC, however, appear to be playing down the movie news as rumour.

Doctor Who Brand Manager, Edward Russell, commented on his Twitter channel:

"Off Twitter for a few hours and the Doctor Who world explodes. There's always talk of a movie. Perhaps? Maybe one day. But not right now!"

Doctor Who Magazine had the following to say on their own Twitter channel:

"To those hearing Doctor Who movie rumours, it's just the same rumours which have been going round for years. Nothing's currently happening!"

BBC America tweeted confirmation that the movie is in development:

"A Doctor Who feature film remains in development w/ BBC Worldwide Productions in LA. As of yet no script, cast or production crew in place."

The official BBC Doctor Who website posted an update to the movie rumours this morning too:

"We can confirm that a Doctor Who feature film remains in development with BBC Worldwide Productions in Los Angeles. However, there is currently no script, cast or production crew in place.

We'll bring you any significant movie developments as they're confirmed, but right now there's a lot more Doctor Who coming your way which is imminent and incredible... You'll get a glimpse of what we mean when we release the first image from the amazing Christmas Special later this week!"

Many of you are asking us what we think about it all. The BBC are certainly correct that the movie isn't happening right now, but with David Yates confirming he is directing a Doctor Who movie (to renowned entertainment news site, Variety), and that it is 2-3 years away, surely this is confirmation that something iS happening, and that the movie IS going ahead...albeit in the planning stages.

We have received thousands of tweets from our followers on DWO's own Twitter channel. Many of you are excited at the prospect of a new Doctor Who movie, but there are a lot of fans expressing worry at the fact the movie will be separate to the TV series. It is worth noting that, as previously mentioned, everything is at a very early stage right now. Surely we should all give this project a chance and take the 'wait and see' approach? What do you think? Leave your comments below or discuss in the DWO Forums on the buttom below.

+  Are you happy at the news of a new Doctor Who Movie? Vote Now in the DWO Forums!

[Sources: DWO; BBC Doctor Who website; Variety]

BBC Worldwide today revealed details of the first ever official Doctor Who Convention since the series’ regeneration in 2005. The event will take place on the 24th and 25th March 2012 at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff, Wales - the current home of the show.  

Billed as the ‘Ultimate Doctor Who Fan Event’, there are just 1500 tickets available for each of the days – the programme is the same on each day to give attendees the most  in depth experience possible. Fans who manage to snap these up will gain unrivalled access to Eleventh Doctor star Matt Smith, Series Lead Writer and Executive Producer Steven Moffat and many more key members from the award-winning cast, crew and production team including Doctor Who Special FX Supervisor Danny Hargreaves, Production Designer Michael Pickwoad, Doctor Who Producer Marcus Wilson and the award-winning Millennium FX team. 

The unique interactive programme will include theatre sessions and Q&As with cast and crew; behind the scenes sessions show-casing the script to screen process; discussions with episode directors and writers and demonstrations from Special FX and prosthetics experts that will illustrate the challenges and scale of their work on the world’s longest running sci-fi show. Autograph and photo opportunities will also be available with attending cast members and there will be official Doctor Who merchandise and collectables on sale.

Convention attendees will be let into the secrets of Doctor Who special effects as Danny Hargreaves and his talented team, reveal the tricks used to create the stunning physical effects that leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Watch them recreate a spectacular battle scene with live pyrotechnics, amazing explosions and laser effects. 

Even more tricks of the trade will be unveiled by the award-winning Millennium FX team responsible for creating some of Doctor Who’s most iconic monsters including the Silence; the Silurians; the Weeping Angels and the Ood. The team will be giving a live demonstration of the skilful process involved in prosthetics application that fans can watch up-close and learn from the team how each stage is achieved. 

Convention attendees will also be able to get up close and personal with rare costumes and props from the show where designers and experts will be on hand to answer questions about the origins and history of the items on show. The Millennium Centre itself has starred in several episodes – it was the setting for a hospital in New Earth in Series 2 run by the cat-like Sisters of Plentitude, in Tom McRae’s episode The Girl Who Waited in Series 6 the building featured as a principle location on Apalapucia – the kindness facility where people were quarantined, see if you can spot the top floor balcony where Amy fought with a Handbot!

Matt Smith commented on the convention’s announcement: “It’s brilliant that the first official convention is being held in Cardiff, the home of Doctor Who. I’m really looking forward to seeing the fans there, and remember – bow ties are cool!” 

Steven Moffat said: “A whole weekend dedicated to all things Doctor Who, brilliant! We’re going to be celebrating the whole team behind the show, people who bring to life the Doctor's craziest adventures and letting fans into some of our trade secrets. If you want to get under the skin of Doctor Who this is an unmissable event!”           

All tickets will include:

-  Official Doctor Who Convention souvenir ticket.

-  Official Doctor Who Convention souvenir lanyard and pass.

-  Official Doctor Who Convention exclusive behind the scenes images postcard pack.

-  Official Doctor Who Convention bag.

+  Tickets are priced £99 will go on general sale on November 14th from 9am from: www.dwconvention.com.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

David Tennant is taking a double starring role as twin teachers at rival schools in Nativity 2, a sequel to Debbie Isitt's 2009 UK hit comedy.

Pic, backed by UK distributor Entertainment One, started shooting on 17th October for six weeks in the English Midlands and North Wales. Like the first movie, the low-budget sequel is based around a school putting on a Christmas performance in competition with other schools.

Tennant, best known for Doctor Who, plays a temp teacher who must lead a group of under-achieving kids in the national contest, while his golden-boy brother (also Tennant) leads the challenge from a posh rival school.

Written and directed by Isitt, Nativity 2 is produced by Nick Jones of Mirrorball Films, and co-financed by Premiere Picture and Media Pro Six.

[Source: Variety]

In a recent interview with VH-1, it seemed that Matt Smith may have set his sights on Hollywood, and that his Doctor Who days are numbered. That is, of course, if you read into things a little too much (like a few well-known tabloids did last week).

But throwing a curveball at all the doubters, a new interview with Matt Smith via What's on TV, puts our minds at rest...for now:

"We work very long hours every day for nine months. The schedule is pretty brutal, but I'd never complain about it. I love playing this role, and I don't want to give it up any time soon,". "I feel very lucky. In the current climate for actors, I'd never say, 'This is too much' - quite the opposite, in fact. I'd say, 'Bring it on.'"

[Source: What's On TV]

On Saturday 29th October, The Doctor Who Appreciation Society will be staging their annual 'Time' Doctor Who convention at Hammersmith's Riverside Studios.

Time 5 will be an unmissable event for Doctor Who fans - not just because of their fantastic guest line-up, but also due to the fact that Episode One of the Classic Series Jon Pertwee adventure Invasion of the Dinosaurs is going to be screened in colour for the first time since its original broadcast on 12th January 1974!

DWO will also be in attendance on the day offering a wide selection of Doctor Who related merchandise, and giving away a FREE Doctor Who Micro Figure to the first 50 customers!

Guests:

Paul Darrow (Tekker in Timelash, Hawkins in Silurians)

Richard Franklin (Mike Yates Pertwee era)

David Bailie (Taren Capel in Robots of Death, Celestial Toymaker at Big Finish)

Louise Page (costumes for the Tennant era)

Mike Tucker (VFX classic and New Who and bringing props!)

Dan Hall (Commissioning editor 2Entertain with surprises!)

Chris Guard (Bellboy from Greatest Show)

Andrew Hayden-Smith (Jake Simmons from Rise of the Cybermen and Doomsday)

Daniel King (Davenport in Unicorn and the Wasp)

Ayesha Antoine (Dee Dee Blasco from Midnight)

And Gareth David Lloyd (Ianto Jones in Doctor Who and Torchwood)

In other DWAS related news, the society now has a presence on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, so make sure you follow them, and stay tuned to their YouTube channel as some great Doctor Who related content will be added over the coming weeks and months.

+  For more info or to book tickets to DWAS events, visit the DWAS website at:http://www.dwasonline.co.uk/.

[Source: DWAS]

Doctor Who took the top slot as well as 4 other entires in the BBC iPlayer Top 20 requests for September 2011.

Torchwood: Miracle Day aslo faired favourably with three placements in the Top 20 figures.

BBC iPlayer Top 20 requests - September 2011:

1 Doctor Who Series 6 Episode 10 - 1,156,000

2 Doctor Who Series 6 Episode 9 - 1,105,000

3 Outnumbered Series 4 Episode 1 - 1,039,000

4 Doctor Who Series 6 Episode 11 - 1,011,000

5 Doctor Who Series 6 Episode 12 - 965,000

6 Outnumbered Series 4 Episode 2 - 806,000

7 Waterloo Road Series 7 Episode 11 - 711,000

8 Outnumbered Series 4 Episode 3 - 686,000

9 Outnumbered Series 4 Episode 4 - 622,000

10 Torchwood Miracle Day Episode 8 - 612,000

11 Planet Dinosaur Lost World Episode 1 - 604,000

12 Torchwood Miracle Day Episode 9 - 590,000

13 Spooks Series 10 Episode 1 - 583,000

14 Waterloo Road Series 7 Episode 12 - 573,000

15 Torchwood Miracle Day Episode 10 - 566,000

16 Doctor Who Series 6 Episode 8 - 545,000

17 EastEnders 16/09/11 - 526,000

18 Mock the Week Series 10 Episode 8 - 518,000

19 Mock the Week Series 10 Episode 9 - 502,000

20 EastEnders 13/09/11 - 491,000

[Source: BBC Press Office]

Ex-Doctor Who star Tom Baker is giving his free time for a special signing for St Michaels Hospice in East Sussex.

The signing will take place on Sunday 30th October at The Arthur Eastern Centre, St Michaels Hospice, Upper Maze Hill, St Leornards on Sea, East Sussex, TN38 0LB, between 12-4:00pm.

Tom will be signing photographs on the day and all proceeds will be going to the hospice.

[Source: Steve Corke]

Ex-Doctor Who star David Tennant will be lending his vocal talents to Postman Pat: The Movie - You Know You're The One.

The movie, which also stars Stephen Mangan (Episodes), Rupert Grint (Harry Potter) and Jim Broadbent (Harry Potter) will see the animated postman taking part in a television talent contest and achieving overnight fame.

Postman Pat made its debut on BBC One in 1981 and the announcement was made to mark the character's 30th anniversary.

+ Postman Pat: The Movie - You Know You're The One will be in cinemas in 2013.

[Source: Empire]

Ex-Doctor Who star David Tennant is to co-host the Children in Need Rocks Manchester concert on 17th November.

Tennant will be joining Fearne Cotton and Chris Moyles to host the event which will air on BBC One and BBC Radio 1. The show which takes place at Manchester's MEN Arena - will also feature Michael Buble, JLS, N-Dubz and Hugh Laurie.

The concert, which raises money for the popular Children in Need appeal, has been hosted at London's Royal Albert Hall for the past two years, and the move to the north-west of England ties in with the relocation of several BBC departments to Salford.

Tickets go on sale on Friday with details at www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey.

[Source: Press Association]

Doctor Who, David Tennant and Karen Gillan have all won awards at this years TV Choice awards.

Hosted at London's Savoy Hotel, the 2011 TV Choice Awards saw a number of nominations for Doctor Who and its related actors.

Doctor Who won the Best Family Drama category, beating off Waterloo Road and The Sarah Jane Adventures.

David Tennant won the Best Actor category for his role in Single Father, beating off current Doctor Who star, Matt Smith and previous Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston for his role in The Shadow Line.

Karen Gillan won the Best Actress category for her role in Doctor Who, beating off competition from numerous other actors including Doctor Who stars, Elisabeth Sladen (The Sarah Jane Adventures), Freema Agyeman (Law and Order UK) and Alex Kingston (Marchlands).

Finally, Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss' Sherlock was also honoured at the event, scooping an award for Best New Drama.

[Source: TV Choice]

On Monday 19th September, David Tennant can be seen in Sky Atlantic's new comedy; This is Jinsy.

Packed with surreal sketches and infectiously catchy songs, each episode follows the adventures of the island's pompous arbiter Maven (Justin Chubb) and his beleaguered assistant Sporall (Chris Bran) as they enforce the wishes of The Great He, and generally find trouble at every turn. 

Featuring a who's who of comic guest stars including Peter Serafinowicz, Simon Callow, David Tennannt, Harry Hill and Catherine Tate, the eight-part series is set to bring bags of off-kilter charm to British screens.

In the first episode, it is wedding lottery time again on Jinsy and residents are making frantic last-minute preparations before being randomly assigned new partners for the next three cycles. Over-seeing the proceedings is local celebrity Mr Slightlyman (David Tennant), an outrageously camp wedding planner with a penchant for plastic surgery.

Fans can catch a glimpse of Tennant camping it up on the hilarious clip below:

[youtube:8UbkmxpXLUE]

+  This is Jinsy begins on Sky Atlantic on Monday 19 September at 10:10pm.

[Source: Sky]

The TARDIS is set to land on Caerphilly Castle, just before the BBC Proms in the Park takes place in the town.

This is the first outdoor concert ever staged in Caerphilly. The event is expected to attract thousands of people, some avid BBC Proms in the Park followers and many who have never experienced being part of BBC Proms before.

The TARDIS is on show from 6th-12th September and visitors can see the TARIDS up close within the castle walls.

On Saturday 10th September Caerphilly town is turned into ‘Fringefest’ in celebration of BBC proms in the Park and Caerphilly Castle throws is free all day between 9:30am and 5pm.

Inside the Castle between 10:30am – 4pm there is entertainment such as Twerlin the Wizard, Fiery Jack with Escapology, Dragon Stories and a Dragon Parade.

Take a stroll into Caerphilly town and enjoy ‘Fringefest’ with an eclectic mix of music, comedy, entertainment and art.

To purchase proms tickets go to www.blackwoodminersinstitute.com or call The Visit Caerphilly Centre on 029 2088 0011 or go into the centre seven days a week between 10am – 5:30pm.

Tickets are just £10 per adult, children 12 and under are Free with an accompanying adult and £12 on the night.

[Source: Campaign]

On Sunday 4th September, in front of a packed Riverside Studios, Colin Baker (The 6th Doctor), proudly accepted the post of Honorary President of the Doctor Who Appreciation Society.

His surprise appearance at the "Day of the Daleks" convention held in Hammersmith, London followed a poll amongst DWAS members where he received more votes than all the other candidates combined. The post had been vacant since the death earlier this year of Nicholas Courtney, who had previously been the incumbent since 1997.

Colin received a rapturous reception from the audience, and was genuinely taken aback by both the title that was bestowed and also the response from those present.

Colin said: "I feel humble and truly delighted. To follow Jon Pertwee and Nicholas Courtney is a great honour. I am abashed and very grateful." 

[Source: DWAS]

Former Doctor Who star Billie Piper will return to the stage to star in the UK premiere of Neil LaBute's Reasons to Be Pretty, which runs at the Almeida Theatre from 17th November 2011 (previews from 10th November) to 14th January 2012.

Reasons to Be Pretty, which will also be directed by LaBute, examines our perception of beauty and asks whether it is as much of a curse to be conventionally attractive as it is to be considered ugly.

The play had its world premiere at New York’s Lucille Lortel Theater in 2008 and has previously been tipped for the West End and connected with names including Lily Allen, Julia Stiles and Ugly Betty’s America Ferrera.

Billie Piper made her stage debut in 2007 in the West End revival of Christopher Hampton’s Treats. The former pop star’s many television credits include Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Doctor Who, A Passionate Woman, Mansfield Park, The Ruby in the Smoke, ShakespeaReTold and Things to Do Before You’re 30.

[Source: What's On Stage]