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Stuart Mascair

Welcome to the News & Reviews section here at Doctor Who Online! This is where you will find all the latest Doctor Who related news and reviews split up into easy to use sections - each section is colour coded for your convenience. The latest items can be found at the top, and older items follow down the page.

Archived news and reviews can be accessed by clicking on the relevant area on the News / Reviews Key panels to the right.

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28 August 2011

Former Doctor Who star Billie Piper is to star in BBC Three’s new sitcom Tom and Jenny.

The show follows a feuding couple who split-up but remain living in the same house together.

Directed by Ben Palmer (The Inbetweeners Movie), the series is written by Lee Hupfield, producer / co-writer of The Kevin Bishop Show and Star Stories.

Other shows heading to BBC Three include coming of age comedy Pramface, Life Story starring Sharon Horgan and Holly Walsh, plus a new series of White Van Man starring Will Mellor and Doctor Who star, Georgia Moffett.

[Source: BBC Three]

24 July 2011

Matt Smith and Karen Gillan are attending this years San Diego Comic Con, and recently conducted a video interview for G4:

[Source: G4]

21 July 2011

Our friends over at the Bad Wilf Podcast recently attended an acting master class at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, where Christopher Eccleston (The 9th Doctor) shed some light on the real reason behind his decision to quit.

“I left Doctor Who because I could not get along with the senior people. I left because of politics. I did not see eye-to-eye with them. I didn’t agree with the way things were being run. I didn’t like the culture that had grown up, around the series. So I left, I felt, over a principle.

“I thought to remain, which would have made me a lot of money and given me huge visibility, the price I would have had to pay was to eat a lot of shit. I’m not being funny about that. I didn’t want to do that and it comes to the art of it, in a way. I feel that if you run your career and– we are vulnerable as actors and we are constantly humiliating ourselves auditioning. But if you allow that to go on, on a grand scale you will lose whatever it is about you and it will be present in your work.

“If you allow your desire to be successful and visible and financially secure – if you allow that to make you throw shades on your parents, on your upbringing, then you’re knackered. You’ve got to keep something back, for yourself, because it’ll be present in your work.  A purity or an idealism is essential or you’ll become– you’ve got to have standards, no matter how hard work that is. So it makes it a hard road, really.

“You know, it’s easy to find a job when you’ve got no morals, you’ve got nothing to be compromised, you can go, ‘Yeah, yeah. That doesn’t matter. That director can bully that prop man and I won’t say anything about it’. But then when that director comes to you and says ‘I think you should play it like this’ you’ve surely got to go ‘How can I respect you, when you behave like that?’

“So, that’s why I left. My face didn’t fit and I’m sure they were glad to see the back of me. The important thing is that I succeeded. It was a great part. I loved playing him. I loved connecting with that audience. Because I’ve always acted for adults and then suddenly you’re acting for children, who are far more tasteful; they will not be bullshitted. It’s either good, or it’s bad. They don’t schmooze at after-show parties, with cocktails.”

[Source: Bad Wilf]

21 July 2011

The BBC have confirmed the new Adventure Game will be released this October and is called The Gunpowder Plot.

It's the most ambitious Adventure Game to date and stars Matt Smith as the Doctor, Karen Gillan as Amy and for the first time, Arthur Darvill as Rory Williams. This new, dazzlingly epic story gives you the chance to battle aliens in London, 1605. But as well as extra-terrestrial monsters, you'll meet Guy Fawkes (visualisation above) and really get a feel for what was happening at this incendiary moment in Britain's history. It's your chance to virtually step back in time, chat to famous figures and participate in one of the most notorious plots the world has ever known.

The BBC Doctor Who website are delighted to say that The Gunpowder Plot also sees the return of two old enemies... more about them soon! Right now they can confirm that this, the fifth Adventure Game, was written by Phil Ford (Doctor Who: The Adventure Games, The Sarah Jane Adventures and co-writer of The Waters of Mars) and produced by Gary Russell. The executive producers are Steven Moffat, Piers Wenger, Beth Willis, Anwen Aspden and Charles Cecil.

The Gunpowder Plot will be the most advanced of the Adventure Games so far. Gamers will be able to play as the Doctor, Amy and Rory, exploring the immersive environments of this historic period. The adventure will feature multi-linear gameplay, even more sophisticated puzzles, and a complex lighting system specifically designed to recreate the atmosphere of 17th Century London. And for the very first time, the introduction of portal technology will enable gamers to experience for themselves that the TARDIS really is bigger on the inside...

To accompany the game, BBC Learning will be offering teachers an online resource pack containing unique, downloadable assets to support History and Literacy in the classroom. And in the adventure itself you'll be meeting not just the main figures from the plot, but everyday Londoners who lived through an exciting, dangerous and fascinating era.

The Adventure Games have received over 2.6 million download requests since the launch of the first adventure, City of the Daleks, which SFX called 'the best Who game to date.' The series was a finalist at the Develop Awards and nominated at the Banff World Media Festival for Best Branded Entertainment.

As always, the Adventure Game will be free in the UK and we'll be giving you more information soon. The Gunpowder Plot explodes in approximately three months time. It may not rhyme, but remember, remember... October!

[Source: BBC Doctor Who website]

13 July 2011

The BBC have launched a brand new Doctor Who video on demand service via Facebook.

The service, which currently offers 9 stories from both the Classic Series and the New Series, uses the Facebook credits system as currency, and charges 15 Facebook credits (£0.94) per story.

Titles currently available:

An Unearthly Child

The Tomb of the Cybermen

The Time Warrior

City of Death

Earthshock

Attack of the Cybermen

The Greatest Show in the Galaxy

The End of the World

Silence in the Library / Forest of the Dead

+  Click Here to check out Doctor Who VOD service on Facebook.

+  Like Doctor Who Online on Facebook.

[Source: BBC]

13 July 2011

BBC Worldwide have published their Annual Review for 2011 which highlights Doctor Who as one of the 'most valuable' brands, largely responsible for the corporations commercial success.

The report showed pre-tax profits rose 59pc to £201.2m, or £188m following disposals, on revenues up 7.8pc to £1.16bn.

The Doctor Who franchise saw revenues climb 49pc, following significant growth in the US. It is now sold to more than 50 territories. Doctor Who was also the number-three TV series purchased globally on iTunes in 2010/11.

BBC's Worldwide's top five power brands include Top Gear, Doctor Who, Lonely Planet, Dancing with the Stars and BBC Earth. Headline sales from these brands were £308.1m, a rise of 12.6pc year-on-year.

The corporation also notes in the report how it has embraced the online social avenues. John Smith, the chief executive of BBC Worldwide, said Worldwide will increasingly use Facebook to both market and sell its content and events.

Doctor Who episodes will be available for Facebook users in Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and episodes will be available to view for 48 hours.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

2 June 2011

Planning permission has been sought by Cardiff Council for the construction of a 3000 sq metre building in Porth Teigr that will become the long-term home of the Doctor Who Experience when it relocates from London’s Olympia to Cardiff in 2012. 

Working closely in partnership with BBC Worldwide, the Council is progressing the feasibility of a commercial agreement that could bring this international attraction to the capital city of Wales in Spring 2012. In addition to submitting a planning application the council is carrying out ground investigations to establish substructure costs as part of the feasibility.

The Doctor Who Experience allows visitors to join the Doctor on a journey through time and space, combining a walk-through immersive adventure with the largest exhibition ever assembled of sets, props and memorabilia from the series.  It has been described by reviewers as “exhilarating”, “awe-inspiring” and “the hottest ticket in the Universe”.

BBC Worldwide announced in September 2010 that it intended to relocate the attraction in Cardiff during 2012, following consolidation of its previous Doctor Who exhibitions, including the closure of the former Doctor Who Exhibition in Cardiff’s Red Dragon Centre in March 2011.

The Experience boasts an array of incredible special effects, brand new filmed footage of Matt Smith as the Doctor, a recreation of the modern TARDIS and a breathtaking 3D finale.  The exhibition element includes items never publicly displayed before including original costumes, a full scale recreation of two iconic TARDIS sets from the eras of David Tennant and Peter Davison, and numerous monsters including several generations of The Daleks, Cybermen, Silurians, Ice Warriors, Zygons and the gigantic K-I robot.  The Doctor’s latest sinister adversaries from the current season – The Silence – are also on view.

Philip Murphy, Managing Director for Live Events at BBC Worldwide commented: “The Doctor Who Experience opened to tremendous critical and customer reviews.  Having a long-term home in a purpose-built facility in Cardiff will enable us to develop the Experience even further as the premier fan destination for Doctor Who.  We’ve worked very closely with Cardiff Council to bring the Experience to Cardiff, and we believe that it will draw fans to the Welsh capital from around the world”. 

Keith Jones, Director of BBC Cymru Wales, says: “Wales is the home of Doctor Who – our original made-in-Wales drama success story – so locating this fantastic experience in Cardiff Bay is a great development.  The show will have moved into its brand new production home at Roath Lock Studios by this time next year.  It’s therefore very exciting that around the same time audiences will be able to come and enjoy such a thrilling experience, within a stone’s throw of where the magic is made”.

Councillor Rodney Berman, Leader of Cardiff Council, said: “Cardiff is proud of being the home of Doctor Who which has undoubtedly helped raise the profile of the city. The new Doctor Who Experience coming to Cardiff Bay is a very exciting proposition and one that fans of the show are greatly looking forward to. This promises to be a great new attraction for the city with the added bonus of people being able to visit the Doctor Who Experience right next door to where the series is filmed.”

The Doctor Who Experience remains open at Olympia Two in London and tickets are currently available to book there through to 20th November 2011.  Further information about the closing date of the London run and the launch of The Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff will be released after planning permission has been obtained.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

22 May 2011

Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss' Sherlock won in two categories at this year's BAFTAs.

Sherlock won the best Drama Series award, beating Being Human, Downton Abbey and Misfits. Martin Freeman also won under the Sherlock banner for best Supporting Actor.

Matt Smith sadly missed out on winning the Leading Actor award for his role as The Doctor in Doctor Who. Smith lost out to Daniel Rigby for his role in Eric and Ernie. Smith, however, is commended for being the first Doctor Who actor to be nominated for a BAFTA.

[Source: BAFTA]

18 May 2011

This year's TV Choice Awards are upon us, and Doctor Who is nominated in 3 categories.

First up is the show proper, where Doctor Who is nominated in the Best Drama Series category, along with The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Matt Smith is nominated in the Best Actor category for Doctor Who, along with David Tennant (Single Father) and Christopher Eccleston (The Shadow Line), as well as numerous other actors that have appeared in the show.

Karen Gillan is nominated in the Best Actress category for Doctor Who, as well as Elisabeth Sladen (The Sarah Jane Adventures) and numerous other actors that have appeared in the show.

Also worthy of a vote in the Best New Drama Series category is Steven Moffat's Sherlock.

Finally, just as we were about to press publish on this news item, Steven Moffat tweeted that Sherlock needs your votes for the BAFTA YouTube Audience Award.

+  Click Here to vote in the 2010 TV Choice Awards.

[Sources: TV Choice; Steven Moffat]

16 May 2011

A Doctor Who fan is seeking approval for a full-size replica of the tardis to be installed on a Kent seafront.

Local prop-maker Jason Onion said it had been his vision for Herne Bay for 32 years, since he was aged three. He said it would be in recognition of BBC scriptwriter Anthony Coburn, who lived in the resort and conceived the idea of a police box as a time machine.

Mr Onion said a 9ft (2.7m) blue box would be a good excuse to get "coach-loads of people down to Herne Bay". "I feel that there's a lot going for Herne Bay - there's a lot of rich heritage for this town," he said.

Mr Onion said he was planning other things for the town over the next couple of years in the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. "I'm donating a full size replica of the 1963 version of the tardis to Children in Need and also to Herne Bay library, so it's all going to be linked up together. "When fans think of Doctor Who, they are going to think of Herne Bay too. "It's the best programme in the world ever. It encompasses everything, and it draws everybody in," he said.

Mr Onion said he would be talking to council officials about his plans over the next couple of weeks.

[Source: BBC News]

28 April 2011

The BBC Doctor Who website have added The Game of Rassilon to their Games section.

Legends tell of a Time Lord challenge that would test the guile, intelligence and fortune of those brave enough to step forward. The challenge was known as The Game of Rassilon.

The Time Lords may be near to extinction and Gallifrey consigned to history, but after centuries in abeyance the game will be soon be resurrected…

This is not an Adventure Game but a series of games that test your knowledge of Doctor Who. Featuring clips, images, exclusive new footage with Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill plus other members of the cast and crew, the games are not to be taken lightly. You'll be able to challenge your friends or take the test in solitude.

For centuries the mighty Time Lords played The Game of Rassilon. Now it is your turn...

+  Play The Game of Rassilon.

[Source: BBC Doctor Who website]

27 April 2011

Doctor Who star, Matt Smith has been nominated as Best Actor in this years BAFTA Awards for his role in Doctor Who.

It is to be noted that this is the first time an actor who has played The Doctor, has ever been nominated in the role, and will be going head-to-head with Sherlock star, Benedict Cumberbatch.

Other Doctor Who related personalities to receive BAFTA nominations include:

Steven Moffat & Mark Gatiss - Best Drama Series - Sherlock

Toby Whithouse - Best Drama Series - Being Human

Anna Maxwell-Martin - Best Actress - Red Riding

Lynda Baron - Best Supporting Actress - Coronation Street

Stephen Fry - Best Entertainment Performance - QI

+  The awards take place on Sunday 22nd May 2011.

[Source: Neil Marsh]

20 April 2011

The BBC have confirmed that 'something suitable is being planned' for Saturday Night to mark the recent passing of Doctor Who Actress, Elisabeth Sladen.

DWO contacted the Doctor Who PR department who confirmed this, and although no further information can be given currently, it is understood that it will take the likely form of a textual tribute on screen at either the beginning or the end of 6.1: The Impossible Astronaut.

The BBC have also confirmed that the CBBC channel will air an Elisabeth Sladen tribute titled 'My Sarah Jane: A tribute to Elisabeth Sladen', and had the following text to accompany the announcement:

Elisabeth Sladen created one of Doctor Who's best loved and most enduring characters, Sarah Jane Smith. For over 35 years she brought the feisty, compassionate journalist to life, creating a figure that was adored by audiences of all ages - truly a heroine whose appeal had no boundaries.

This 15 minute programme is both a tribute and a celebration of Elisabeth Sladen. It brings together stories from friends and colleagues and draws on a rich archive of material to remind us of Sarah Jane's journey, from companion to the Third Doctor to the central character in CBBC's award-winning The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Produced by Gillane Seaborne and Brian Minchin, My Sarah Jane: A Tribute to Elisabeth Sladen is on CBBC on Saturday, at 6.45pm, straight after the end of The Impossible Astronaut.

+  Click Here to read Elisabeth Sladen tributes from DWO visitors and Doctor Who related Celebrities.

+  6.1: The Impossible Astronaut airs on BBC One this Saturday at 6pm.

[Source: BBC]

20 April 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kris Schultz via DWO Facebook

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

Rob Carpenter via DWO Facebook

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

Christopher Joseph Kerr via DWO Facebook

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

Richard Teta via DWO Facebook

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

doctorwho2013 via DWO Twitter

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

bergie72 via DWO Twitter

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

jennnlovesyou via DWO Twitter

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

jimmyboulton via DWO Twitter

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

Patrick Sanders via DWO Email

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

Dale Who via DWO Email

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

Mark Scott via DWO Email

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

Celebrity Tributes to Elisabeth Sladen:

Colin Baker via Twitter

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

Nicola Bryant via Twitter

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

Murray Gold via Twitter

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

Mark Gatiss via Twitter

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

Gareth Roberts via Twitter

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

Stephen Fry via Twitter

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

Elsewhere on the internet:

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

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

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

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

[Sources: DWO; TwitterYoutube; BBC News; The Sun; Sky News]

19 April 2011

Unconfirmed reports are coming in that much-loved Classic Series Doctor Who Actress, Elisabeth Sladen has died.

It would be an understatement to say that Doctor Who fandom is in shock with this news, especially after the recent shock of Nicholas Courtney's passing.

It is understood that Elisabeth had been ill for some time, and that filming on Series 5 of The Sarah Jane Adventures had to be postponed as a result.

We are still waiting to hear official confirmation from the BBC, but Doctor Who Magazine, Gallifrey One, Nicola Bryant and Matthew Sweet (to name just a few) have all confirmed the news on their Twitter feeds.

We would like to extend our sympathies to Elisabeth's friends and family, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

On a personal note, Elisabeth's portrayal as Sarah Jane Smith solidified her place as one of our favourite Doctor  Who companions of all time. Members of our team have met Liz on several occasions, and she held a very special place in her heart for fans of Doctor Who and Sarah Jane Smith.

DWO would like to hear from our visitors with their thoughts, memories and messages about Elisabeth, some of which we will add to this news item. You can get in touch with us via Email, Twitter, or on the DWO Facebook page.

[Source: Adam Reynolds]

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