The wait is over! Today BBC Three confirm the new YA drama, Class, written by Patrick Ness, will drop its first two episodes on BBC Three on Saturday 22nd October.

Peter Capaldi will join the cast of exciting new talent in the opening episode of the series, For Tonight We Might Die. Coal Hill School holds some very dark and deadly secrets in its shadows….but who will survive? 

Commenting on his involvement with the new Doctor Who spin-off series, Peter Capaldi, said:

“The Doctor Who family is growing, and it’s fantastic to be able to welcome the young new cast of Class in to the Whoniverse.”

It’s a new term at Coal Hill Academy, and students are preparing for their Autumn Prom. But when the school comes under attack, four alienated students must form an unlikely alliance to defeat them. And this incursion is only the beginning…

Charlie (Greg Austin), April (Sophie Hopkins), Ram (Fady Elsayed) and Tanya (Vivian Oparah), assisted by their physics teacher Miss Quill (Katherine Kelly), are charged with a great responsibility by the mysterious alien known as The Doctor (Peter Capaldi): guard against the creatures of nightmare that want nothing more than to find a way through to Earth and take it for their own.

Patrick Ness has created intriguing and complex characters that have to navigate their way through more than just teenage hormones, exams and detention. Joining them as series regulars are Jordan Renzo (Chosen, Troubled), Pooky Quesnel (The A Word, Accused), Nigel Betts (Boy Meets Girl, Doctor Who). The first two episodes also feature Ben Peel (The Fall, Vampire Academy), Anna Shaffer (Harry Potter, Hollyoaks), Paul Marc Davies (Doctor Who, Torchwood), and Shannon Murray (The Totally Senseless Gameshow).

YA writer and Class creator Patrick Ness, says: 

“At last, we can tell you a little more about Class! Though there are still many, many secrets to come. Many. Like, a lot. But of COURSE, the Doctor is in episode one! That’s how these things are done. Truly, though, I can't wait for everyone to see the show; we've worked so hard and I'm so proud of it. Soon, soon...”

Grab your tickets now! An exclusive World premiere of the first episode will take place at Rich Mix on Thursday 20th October, the home of Coal Hill Academy, Shoreditch, with doors opening at 6pm. Tickets are limited and are now available via the BBC Shows and Tours website bbc.co.uk/showsandtours. Drawn at random, successful applicants will be allowed a maximum of one pair of tickets each. 

Damian Kavanagh, Controller, BBC Three, adds: 

“We know lots of BBC Three fans are Doctor Who fans so Class on BBC Three is a perfect fit. It’s nice to be back as part of the Doctor Who family.”

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

Back in July, John Barrowman gave us all a glimmer of hope that another series of Torchwood could very well be a possibility. But in the weeks that have passed, it now seems that we may be back to square one. This week, Barrowman added an update, citing 'egos' as the reason for the shows prolonged absence. Today, Steven Moffat hit back at the claims, and rather than trawling through the internet, we have provided you with all the quotes and sources, below:

July 2016 - Barrowman offers hope for the future of Torchwood
Source: Comic Con HQ

Speaking to Comic Con HQ in San Diego at the weekend, Barrowman explained how the wheels are already in motion to bring the show back:

“I’ve already set the ball rolling to get Torchwood back (and that’s an exclusive here at Comic Con), I have a first telephone conversation on Monday about moving it forward to see how we can get it back on television.”

Barrowman then went on to talk about his new Torchwood comic, explaining how its success will help the cause:

“The fans know me well enough, I’m only going to say it if I really mean it and believe it, and if you do believe in Torchwood as you all do and say online, get the comic, just get the series going; it’s like a kickstarter - if you buy the comic you’ll show the support and also it’ll be a huge success because we need Captain Jack back on the screens!”

So what does this all mean for the future of the show? If there really is some bad blood between John Barrowman and Steven Moffat (the writer of Captain Jack Harkness' first ever TV episodes), then there obviously needs to be some resolution before everything can move forward amicably. It's clear, (and one is inclined to believe what Steven says here), that he is not trying to block the show, but according to Barrowman, someone is. The question is who, and, more importantly, why?!

DWO would like to hear from our visitors as to what you think about the situation and how you'd like Torchwood to return. Please leave your thoughts in the comments box, below.

[Sources: Comic Con HQ; Radio Times; SciFi Bulletin]

John Barrowman has given fresh hope that a new TV series of Torchwood may be making its way back to our screens.

Speaking to Comic Con HQ in San Diego at the weekend, Barrowman explained how the wheels are already in motion to bring the show back:

“I’ve already set the ball rolling to get Torchwood back (and that’s an exclusive here at Comic Con), I have a first telephone conversation on Monday about moving it forward to see how we can get it back on television.”

Barrowman then went on to talk about his new Torchwood comic, explaining how its success will help the cause:

“The fans know me well enough, I’m only going to say it if I really mean it and believe it, and if you do believe in Torchwood as you all do and say online, get the comic, just get the series going; it’s like a kickstarter - if you buy the comic you’ll show the support and also it’ll be a huge success because we need Captain Jack back on the screens!”

On the first day of term, BBC Three today announce the stars of the Doctor Who spin-off series Class - exciting young new talents Greg Austin, Fady Elsayed, Sophie Hopkins and Vivian Oparah. They will be joined by Katherine Kelly, as she takes the role of a teacher and powerful new presence at Coal Hill School.

Like all sixth formers, these four Coal Hill School students have hidden secrets and desires. They are facing their own worst fears, navigating a life of friends, parents, school work, sex, sorrow - and possibly the end of existence. 

Coal Hill School has been a part of the Doctor Who Universe since the very beginning, but that has come at a price. All the time travelling over the years has caused the very walls of space and time to become thin. There’s something pressing in on the other side, something waiting for its chance to kill everyone and everything, to bring us all into Shadow.

Fear is coming, tragedy is coming, war is coming. Prepare yourselves, Class is coming.

“Time has looked at your faces now.  And time never forgets…”

What if your planet was massacred and you were the sole survivor?

What if a legendary figure out of space and time found you a place to hide?

But what if the things that want to kill you have tracked you down?

And worst of all, what if you haven't studied for your A-Levels…?

Award winning YA writer and Class creator Patrick Ness, says: 

“We searched far and wide for this amazing cast, fantastic actors who understand what we’re aiming for with this show. And how lucky we are to get Katherine Kelly! She’s been stunning in Happy Valley, The Night Manager and Mr Selfridge, just wait until you see her here.”

Steven Moffat, Class and Doctor Who Executive Producer, says:

“There’s nothing more exciting than meeting stars that nobody’s heard of yet. We had the read through of the first few episodes last week, and there was a whole row of them. Coal Hill School has been part of Doctor Who since the very first shoot in 1963, but this new show is anything but history. Class is dark and sexy and right now. I’ve always wondered if there could be a British Buffy - it’s taken the brilliant Patrick Ness to figure out how to make it happen.”

Class is a YA series set in contemporary London. It is scary, funny, and as painful and sharp as youth. It will also shine a light on a whole new corner of the Whoniverse. 

Damian Kavanagh, Controller, BBC Three, adds: 

“I can’t wait for Class to arrive on BBC Three. BBC Three will always back best young British talent.” 

From Writer Patrick Ness, Director Ed Bazalgette (Poldark, Doctor Who), Producer Derek Ritchie, and Executive Producers Patrick Ness, Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin, the BBC Cymru Wales production, co-produced with BBC America and BBC Worldwide, starts filming today and will premiere on BBC Three this year.

Watch a video of Patrick Ness introducing the cast in a special 360° presentation:

BBC Three today announces Class - a new 8-part, 45 minute Doctor Who spin-off from the acclaimed young adult author Patrick Ness.

Class is a YA series set in contemporary London. Incredible dangers are breaking through the walls of time and space, and with darkness coming, London is unprotected. With all the action, heart and adrenalin of the best YA fiction (Buffy, Hunger Games), this is Coal Hill School and Doctor Who like you've never seen it before.

Steven Moffat says:

“No one has documented the dark and exhilarating world of the teenager like Patrick Ness, and now we're bringing his brilliant storytelling into Doctor Who. This is growing up in modern Britain - but with monsters!”

On his first television series, writer Patrick Ness says:

"I'm astounded and thrilled to be entering the Doctor Who universe, which is as vast as time and space itself.  There's so much room there for all kinds of amazing stories, and to work with Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin to find a place to tell one of my own has been an absolute joy. I can't wait for people to meet the heroes of Class, to meet the all-new villains and aliens, to remember that the horrors of the darkest corners of existence are just about on par with having to pass your A-Levels."

Damian Kavanagh, Controller BBC Three, adds:

“We’re excited to give Patrick Ness this opportunity to work with us at BBC Three and the Doctor Who family. Patrick understands young audiences and I’m delighted he will use his incredible skills as a storyteller to delight audiences on BBC Three. BBC Three will always innovate and offer opportunities for brilliant new talent."

Polly Hill, Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning, adds:

“I am thrilled that Patrick Ness is writing his first drama series for BBC Three. The combination of Patrick and Steven Moffat is an exciting partnership that has created a brilliant Doctor Who spin-off for our BBC Three audience.”

Class is executive produced by Steven Moffatt, Patrick Ness and Brian Minchin. It was commissioned by Damian Kavanagh, Controller of BBC Three, and Polly Hill, Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning.

An 8x45 minute series is produced by BBC Cymru Wales in association with BBC Worldwide for BBC Three.

The series will film in and around Wales from Spring 2016 and be on air next year. 

Since the announcement broke, Patrick Ness has confirmed that the show will also be broadcast on BBC One:

Btw, plan is, "Class" airs on BBC3 online, then on BBC1, at which point the new episode of "Class" hits BBC3. It's cool.

— Patrick Ness (@Patrick_Ness) October 2, 2015

Fan reaction appears to be generally positive, but some fans have taken to Twitter sharing their dissatisfaction at the premise. Fans took particular umbrage in the way the BBC teased the announcement before 11pm last night.

DWO Verdict:
Wait until the show airs - as Doctor Who fans, there was a time we would have grabbed anything available with both hands. Let's show Class the support it deserves and come together as fans instead of fragmenting over something we have very little information about.

For the BBC to have invested in the spin-off, shows immense trust and commitment to the brand, in a time when cuts and cancellations are at the forefront of news. It also shows trust and commitment to the spin-off itself, so, to bookend our 'verdict', lets wait until the show airs.

[Source: BBC Press Office]

Torchwood star, Eve Myles, who played Gwen Cooper in the series, recently spoke to BBC Breakfast regarding the future of the show.

Watch the Torchwood segment of the interview in the video below:

[Sources: BBC Breakfast]

I know, I know...we only just got done with Series 4 of Torchwood, right? Well, if a certain 10-second teaser at the end of the Australian airing of Torchwood: Miracle Day is anything to be believed by, fans can expect to see more Jack as soon as January 2012.

The 10-second promo (which you can view at the end of this news item), which features the familiar Torchwood 'T' in the background, flashed up with the tagline 'Jack will be back - January 2012'.

Now, let's refresh ourselves with a certain interview with Russell T. Davies from a 26th June 2011 edition of The Guaradian, where he had the following to say regarding more Torchwood:

"It's hugely exciting and I've got to do this again. I've got one more story that I can tell – just one more that has Gwen right at the centre of it – that would be fantastic. So I'm my own worst enemy."

Maybe there will be new Torchwood in January, but with just 4 months to go, surely they're cutting things a little close? Either way, looking at the ratings worldwide for Miracle Day, an official announcement cannot be far off...can it?

UPDATE - 9:50am - Sunday 11th September: It now looks like the teaser is simply to promote a planned series of repeats. More news as we get it.

UPDATE - 1:00pm - Tuesday 13th September: BBC Australia have now added the teaser to their Torchwood dedicated site, citing that 'Jack will be back - keep checking back for updates'.

[Sources: BBC Australia; The Guardian]

The BBC Press Office have issued a Press Pack for Torchwood: Miracle Day.

The pack kicks off with a 5-minute introduction interview with John Barrowman:

The highly anticipated series of Torchwood – Miracle Day, starring John Barrowman and Eve Myles, starts on Thursday 14 July on BBC One. The new series created by Russell T Davies welcomes Mekhi Phifer, Bill Pullman and Alexa Havins, plus recurring guest stars Arlene Tur and Lauren Ambrose.

One day, nobody dies. All across the world, nobody dies. And then the next day, and the next, and the next, people keep aging – they get hurt and sick – but they never die. The result: a population boom, overnight.

With all the extra people, resources are finite. It's said that in four months' time, the human race will cease to be viable. But this can't be a natural event – someone's got to be behind it. It's a race against time as CIA. agent Rex Matheson investigates a global conspiracy. The answers lie within an old, secret British institute. As Rex keeps asking "What is Torchwood?" he's drawn into a world of adventure, and a threat to change what it means to be human, forever.

+  Interview with Russell T Davies

+  Interview with Julie Gardner

+  Interview with John Barrowman

+  Interview with Eve Myles

+  Interview with Mekhi Phifer

+  Interview with Bill Pullman

+  Interview with Lauren Ambrose

+  Interview with Alexa Havins

+  Interview with Arlene Tur

[Source: BBC Press Office]

The BBC have uploaded 3 clips for Torchwood: Miracle Day, which we have included below:

Clip 1 - Esther Meets Captain Jack:

Clip 2 - Captain Jack explains Torchwood:

Clip 3 - What future for Oswald Danes:

[Source: BBC]

The BBC have finally confirmed the aridate for Torchwood: Miracle Day as Thursday 14th July at 9:00pm on BBC One.

The official BBC Torchwood website have also uploaded a short teaser trailer, which we have included below:

[Source: BBC]

BBC Worldwide and Starz have announced the production of an i nteractive app tied to “Torchwood: Miracle Day.”

The app, titled “Torchwood: Web of Lies”, will feature 10, three-minute motion comic narratives providing clues to “Torchwood: Miracle Day.” The app and first motion comic narrative will be available for download on iTunes prior to the premiere of “Torchwood: Miracle Day” - produced by BBC Worldwide Productions, airing this summer in the UK on BBC One and in the U.S. on Starz.  Additional narratives and games will be available for download following each week’s broadcast transmission.

“Torchwood: Web of Lies” is an episodic interactive experience for iOS that fuses together motion comic and gameplay elements to tell an original and digitally exclusive Torchwood story.  Players will participate in a parallel storyline to “Torchwood: Miracle Day” that includes lead characters Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper – voiced by John Barrowman and Eve Myles. 

"Torchwood: Web of Lies" runs alongside weekly premieres of “Torchwood: Miracle Day”, providing fans with a way to engage in the world of Torchwood between episodes.  It reveals a past day in the lives of Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper - a day they’ve both forgotten.  The events of that day fuel a modern day conspiracy-laced treasure hunt, as Holly Mokri, voiced by Eliza Dushku (“Dollhouse,” “Tru Calling,” “Buffy The Vampire Slayer& ;rdquo;), labors to uncover the secrets of Miracle Day. Each week a new episode unlocks, allowing players to access another piece of original motion comic narrative and game which ties into and extends plot developments of the show, as well as providing new twists in its own narrative. 

The first narrative and game will be released promotionally and the remaining nine can be purchased inside the app in packs of three, each for 59p.  A special bundle for all 10 narratives and game can be purchased for £1.79.

Developed by BBC Worldwide Productions and BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games, “Torchw ood: Web of Lies” is written by “Torchwood: Miracle Day” writers Jane Espenson and Ryan Scott. The motion comic and app is published by BBC Worldwide, with Double Barrel (“Tron: Legacy,” “Repo Men,” “Spartacus: Blood and Sand”) producing the motion comic and Powerful Robot (“Star Wars,” “Green Lantern,” “Scooby Doo,” “Total Drama”) producing the app.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

A full trailer is now making the rounds for Torchwood: Miracle Day, and DWO has an HD version of it below:

+ Torchwood: Miracle Day airs in the UK and the USA on 8th July 2011.

[Source: Devan Edwards]

TV features website; TV Line, have unveiled the promotional poster and airdate for Torchwood: Miracle Day.

The new series will air on Friday 8th July 2011, as previously posted on the DWO News page.

Doctor Who spin off show, The Sarah Jane Adventures has scooped an award at this year's Royal Television Society Awards.

The show picked up the award in the Children's Drama category. Also winning at the awards was Steven Moffat, who picked up the Judge's Award.

[Source: Royal Television Society]

The BBC have been in touch with some more details on the new series of Torchwood, now titled; Torchwood: Miracle Day.

Bill Pullman, Mekhi Phifer, Alexa Havins and Arlene Tur join John Barrowman and Eve Myles for new series as plot and character details exclusively revealed.

BBC Cymru Wales, BBC Worldwide and US premium entertainment network, Starz Entertainment, today announced new cast, plot and character details for the new series of hit BBC ONE  hit drama Torchwood. This highly anticipated new series will have the title Torchwood: Miracle Day and will premiere this July.

ER and Lie To Me star Mekhi Phifer will play Rex Matheson, a C.I.A. operative who joins forces with Captain Jack and Gwen Cooper to fight a global conspiracy that reaches from Washington to Wales and the slums of Shanghai whilst Bill Pullman, best known for his big screen roles such as While You Were Sleeping and Independence Day will take on the role of Oswald Danes, a convicted child killer who survives his own execution to become the most infamous man on the planet.

Also making their Torchwood debuts are Alexa Havins as Esther Drummond, a deskbound C.I.A employee who dreams of active duty and who suddenly finds herself running alongside Jack, Gwen and Rex; and Arlene Tur as Dr Vera Juarez, a Washington D.C. surgeon, who ends up on the frontline of medical care on “Miracle Day” advising the government think-tanks on the best course of action for the world’s population. 

The plot of Miracle Day is the most explosive Torchwood storyline yet. One day, nobody dies. All across the world, nobody dies. And then the next day, and the next, and the next, people keep aging -- they get hurt and sick -- but they never die. The result: a population boom, overnight. With all the extra people, resources are finite. It’s said that in four months’ time, the human race will cease to be viable. But this can’t be a natural event – someone’s got to be behind it. It’s a race against time as C.I.A. agent Rex Matheson investigates a global conspiracy.  The answers lie within an old, secret British institute. As Rex keeps asking “What is Torchwood?", he’s drawn into a world of adventure, and a threat to change what it means to be human, forever.

John Barrowman and Eve Myles will return in their roles as Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper respectively.

The 10-episode instalment has been written by a team led by Torchwood creator, Russell T Davies, and produced by BBC Worldwide Productions.

Davies and BBC Worldwide Productions’ SVP Scripted, Julie Gardner, return as executive producers with BBC Worldwide Productions EVP Jane Tranter, and BBC Wales’ Bethan Jones. The series has been commissioned by Controller BBC Drama, Ben Stephenson, and Starz President and CEO, Chris Albrecht.

BBC Worldwide, having previously distributed Torchwood to territories such as Korea, Japan, Italy, Spain, Israel, Russia and across Latin America will distribute the new series to broadcasters globally.

While previous series were based on location in Cardiff, Wales, this new instalment will feature locations in Wales, the US and around the world.

The series was originally commissioned and produced in 2006 by BBC Cymru Wales, with the latest high octane series, Torchwood: Children of Earth capturing UK audiences of more than 6 million.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]