The BBC have released a new promotional video featuring Matt Smith encouraging fans to use, share and support the #SaveTheDay hashtag.

+  The Day Of The Doctor will simulcast worldwide on 23rd November 2013, at 7:50pm GMT*.
*Time to be confirmed. 

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

The BBC Media Centre has issued some new video interviews with Steven Moffat, Matt Smith, David Tennant, Jenna Coleman and Joanna Page, as well as some new images from The Day Of The Doctor.

Synopsis:

The Doctors embark on their greatest adventure in this 50th anniversary special.

In 2013, something terrible is awakening in London’s National Gallery; in 1562, a murderous plot is afoot in Elizabethan England; and somewhere in space, an ancient battle reaches its devastating conclusion.

All of reality is at stake as the Doctor’s own dangerous past comes back to haunt him.

Written by: Steven Moffat

Directed by: Nick Hurran

Executive produced by: Steven Moffat and Faith Penhale

Produced by: Marcus Wilson

Stars: Matt Smith, David Tennant and Jenna Coleman with Billie Piper and John Hurt

Interviews:

Interview with Steven Moffat

Interview with Matt Smith 

Interview with David Tennant

Interview with Jenna Coleman

Interview with Joanna Page

DWO can confirm that a trailer for The Day Of The Doctor will air on BBC One at approximately 8:00pm this Saturday.

+  The Day Of The Doctor airs on 23rd November at 7:50pm* on BBC One.
*  Time to be confirmed. 

[Source: BBC Media Centre]

BBC Worldwide today announces that the special 50th Anniversary episode of Doctor Who will also be screened in 3D in cinemas across the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Germany and Russia at the same time as the UK TV broadcast on BBC One on 23rd November 2013, with more countries  to be confirmed within the next few weeks. 

In addition to the global TV broadcast, hundreds of cinemas in the UK and around the world are also confirming their plans to screen the hotly anticipated special episode simultaneously in full 3D, giving fans another unique opportunity to be part of a truly global celebration for the iconic British drama series. 216 VUE, Cineworld, Odeon, BFI and Picturehouse cinemas in the UK and Ireland have already confirmed their participation, with tickets for the anniversary screening set to go on sale this Friday October 25th at 9am. Locations include London, Birmingham, Belfast, Dublin, Liverpool, Cardiff and Edinburgh. 

Internationally, German, Russian, American* and Canadian* fans will gather in cinemas to enjoy the simulcast release, approximately 30 cinemas in Germany will screen the special and up to 50 theatres will debut it in Russia.  The celebrations will cross time zones travelling over the equator to New Zealand and Australia where fans will have a choice of 106 cinemas across both countries to view the episode in 3D on the big screen on the 24th November following the simulcast TV broadcast earlier in the morning.

In addition to Matt Smith the one-off special, entitled The Day of the Doctor stars former Time Lord David Tennant and Jenna Coleman with Billie Piper, and John Hurt. 

*BBC America will this week announce details regarding the 3D screenings of the anniversary episode in select theatres across the US and Canada.

+  The Day Of The Doctor will simulcast worldwide on 23rd November 2013, at 7:30pm**.

**Time to be confirmed. 

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

BBC America have released some new promo pictures for the upcoming 50th Anniversary episode of Doctor Who; The Day Of The Doctor:

+  The Day Of The Doctor simulcasts worldwide on 23rd November 2013, at 7:45pm GMT. 

[Source: BBC]

BBC Worldwide today announces that the special 50th Anniversary episode of Doctor Who, the world’s longest running and most successful sci-fi series will, for the first time ever, be broadcast simultaneously to millions of viewers worldwide in a global simulcast on 23rd November 2013.  

From Canada to Colombia, Brazil to Botswana and Myanmar to Mexico, fans in at least 75 countries spanning six continents will be able to enjoy the episode in 2D and 3D* at the same time as the UK broadcast, with more countries expected to be confirmed within the next month. The US, Australia and Canada have also signed up for the simulcast which will be shown in numerous countries across Europe, Latin America and Africa. In addition to Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman, the one-off special, entitled The Day of the Doctor stars former Time Lord David Tennant as well as Billie Piper, and John Hurt. 

On top of the worldwide TV broadcast, hundreds of cinemas in the UK and across the world also plan to screen the hotly anticipated special episode simultaneously in full 3D, giving fans the opportunity to make an event of the occasion and be part of a truly global celebration for the iconic British drama series.  Details about tickets for the anniversary screening will be announced in due course.   

Tim Davie, CEO of BBC Worldwide comments:

“Few TV shows can still lay claim to being appointment viewing but Doctor Who takes this to another level. In its 50th Anniversary year we wanted to create a truly international event for Doctor Who fans in as many countries as possible and the simultaneous broadcast and cinema screening of the special across so many countries will make for a fitting birthday tribute to our Time Lord.” 

Steven Moffat, Showrunner for Doctor Who and Executive Producer of the 50th Anniversary episode adds:

“The Doctor has always been a time traveller - now he's travelling time zones. On the 23rd of November, it won't be the bad guys conquering the Earth - everywhere it will be The Day of the Doctor!”

The free-to-air 3D coverage will be available to those with access to a 3D TV set and to the BBC’s HD Red Button service. This is part of the BBC’s two-year trial experimenting with 3D production and distribution, which has also included selected coverage from Wimbledon 2012 and the London 2012 Olympic Games. 

The 50th Anniversary weekend for Doctor Who in November will also see over 20,000 fans gather at London’s ExCel for the official celebration event which will feature appearances from cast old and new including Matt Smith and former Doctors Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker and Tom Baker. Further information on the event can be found at www.doctorwho.tv.

Since 1963 Doctor Who has been one of the best loved dramas and certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful sci-fi series ever. The show has received numerous awards across its 50 years and has seen huge commercial success with over 10 million DVDs and 8 million action figures sold globally. It is also the number one BBC show on iTunes in the UK. BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the UK broadcaster distributes Doctor Who to over 200 territories across the world.

The 50th Anniversary special of Doctor Who will be simultaneous broadcast with the UK in the following countries:

Europe - Germany (Fox), Finland (YLE), Poland (BBC Entertainment), Russia (Karousel and NKS) 

North America - USA (BBC America), Canada (Space)

Latin America (on BBC Entertainment and BBC HD) - Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala,  Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela 

Africa (on BBC Entertainment) - Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde Islands, Central African Republic, Chad,  Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania & Zanzibar, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe. 

Australia (ABC)

Asia (on BBC Entertainment) - Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand 

+  Day Of The Doctor will simulcast worldwide on 23rd November 2013, Time TBC. 

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

BBC Pictures have sent DWO the promo posters for the 50th Anniversary Special, The Day Of The Doctor. 

The images were designed by Lee Binding, who was resposible for the other Series 7 poster art, as well as some of the recent Doctor Who DVD covers. 

The posters (pictured-right) show The 11th Doctor (Matt Smith) and The 10th Doctor (David Tennant), with John Hurt's Doctor walking out of the carnage of The Time War (presumably). The words 'Bad Wolf' can be seen on brickwork, as well as Daleks and objects with Gallifreyan text.

DWO can also bring you clean versions of the posters (without text) below:

+  Day Of The Doctor will simulcast worldwide on 23rd November 2013, Time TBC. 

[Source: BBC Pictures]

The title of the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special has now been confirmed by the BBC as 'The Day Of The Doctor'.

We also have confirmation of the running time which will be 75 minutes approximately, as well as some of the other planned programming to surround the anniversary. 

Professor Brian Cox will be presenting a lecture on BBC Two on the science behind the hit show. This will be in addition to the drama 'An Adventure In Space and Time', written by Mark Gatiss. The one-off programme stars David Bradley, of the Harry Potter films, as William Hartnell.

BBC Four will introduce new audiences to Hartnell, with a re-run of the first ever story. The four episodes are being shown in a restored format, not previously broadcast in the UK.

BBC Two's flagship arts programme The Culture Show is to present Me, You and Doctor Who, with lifelong fan Matthew Sweet exploring the cultural significance of the BBC's longest running TV drama.

A 90-minute documentary on BBC Radio 2 will ask "Who Is The Doctor?" - using newly-recorded interviews and exclusive archive material to find an answer - while BBC Three will be home to several commissions.

Danny Cohen, Director BBC Television said:

"It's an astonishing achievement for a drama to reach its 50th anniversary. I'd like to thank every person - on both sides of the camera - who has been involved with its creative journey over so many years."

Smith has already started filming his final scenes as the Doctor, which are due to air in this year's Christmas episode. His replacement, Scottish actor Peter Capaldi, was announced in August.

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer on Doctor Who said:

"50 years has turned Doctor Who from a television show into a cultural landmark. Personally I can't wait to see what it becomes after a hundred."

[Sources: BBC News]

Earlier today, the internet was rife with rumours that Ian McNeice would be returning to Doctor Who to reprise his role as Winston Churchill.

The rumours were sparked after Ian was misquoted at today's 50th Anniversary Convention at The Ritz Cinema in Lincoln, where The Ritz Cinema's own Twitter feed tweeted:

"Ooooo spoilers.... Winston Churchill to return to Doctor Who"

DWO has since spoken directly to Ian McNeice himself, who had the following message for fans:

"I am not doing a new Doctor Who at present, but would be thrilled to return if asked. K.B.O!"

+  The 50th Anniversary Special is due to air in 3D on 23rd November 2013 at 7:00pm.

[Sources: Ian McNeice; The Ritz Cinema]

Speaking exclusively to DWO, Neil Gaiman confirmed his hopes to return to Doctor Who for a third script.

When we asked the acclaimed author, who previously penned the Doctor Who episodes 'The Doctor's Wife' and 'Nightmare In Silver', if he would like to return, he had the following to say:

NG: "Absolutely! I definitely, definitely - I don't want to be coy, you know with Nightmare In Silver it was like I was being coy, but I figured they would like to have me, I would like to do more. The only problem that I'm having right now is the time that I probably would have spent writing a Doctor Who script this year suddenly got eaten by going on tour for this book. So, what I'm hoping, is that I can persuade Steven Moffat, instead of getting the BBC to pay me in cash, cos, you know, I'm now like this best-selling author - I've got enough money! Money is just fine! So I'm wondering if maybe I can get them to start paying me in time. You know, I know he knows people, so if he can just sort of..."

DWO: "And who better than the executive producer of Doctor Who? Time travel!"

NG: "That's what I'm hoping! If I can just get him to send me, you know, like 9 weeks and I can write in it. I don't know, I'd love to write an episode for Season 8, it may well be that I'm over in Season 9, but I promise I haven't gone away! The idea of writing for Peter Capaldi's Doctor is one that I find so thrilling and exciting, I've been a fan of his since Neverwhere when he played the Angel Islington."

Watch DWO's '5 Questions With... Neil Gaiman', below:

Neil is currently touring to promote his latest book, 'The Ocean At The End Of The Lane', which is now available in the shops.

+  Buy 'The Ocean At The End Of The Lane' on Amazon.co.uk for just £9.00.
+  Buy 'The Ocean At The End Of The Lane' on Amazon.com for just $15.22.

+  Follow @NeilHimself on Twitter.
+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter.

[Source: DWO]

DWO was recently approached to take part in a video interview with top Entertainment News site, EntertainmentWise, regarding the New Series of Doctor Who.

Spanned over 3 segments, Doctor Who Online Editor, Sebastian J. Brook, is interviewed regarding the subjects of the new Doctor (Peter Capaldi), The Christmas Special and the 50th Anniversary Special, as well as the future of the show.

Watch all three video interviews on the players below:

Part 1 - The New Doctor:

Part 2 - The 2013 Christmas Special:

Part 3 - The 50th Anniversary Special:

 
+  Check Out the EntertainmentWise website, here.

[Source: EntertainmentWise]

Amid much hype and speculation, Peter Capaldi was unveiled as the next Doctor during a special live television event on BBC One tonight.

Widely regarded as one of the biggest roles in British television, Capaldi will be the Twelfth Doctor and takes over from Matt Smith who leaves the show at Christmas.

Peter Capaldi says:

“Being asked to play The Doctor is an amazing privilege. Like the Doctor himself I find myself in a state of utter terror and delight. I can't wait to get started."

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer says:

“It's an incendiary combination: one of the most talented actors of his generation is about to play the best part on television. Peter Capaldi is in the TARDIS!”

Doctor Who companion, Jenna Coleman says:

"I'm so excited Peter Capaldi is the man taking on the challenge of becoming the Twelfth Doctor. With Steven's writing and his talent I know we'll be making an amazing show with an incredible incarnation of number 12. I can't wait to start this new adventure!"

Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One says:

"Peter Capaldi has all the genius and versatility needed to take on the mantel of the great Time Lord and make the role his own.  He'll bring his own particular wisdom, charisma and wit to the Twelfth Doctor and take the show into an exciting new era.” 

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning says:

“We started thinking Peter Capaldi might be the right person to take on this iconic part a few months ago. But it was only when he did a secret audition at Steven's house under the cover of darkness that we knew we had our man. He's an extraordinarily talented actor who can seemingly turn his hand to anything. We can't wait to premiere his unique take on the Doctor on Christmas Day and we are sure he's going to become one of the all-time classic Doctors.” 

Doctor Who Online, fan website says:

"The casting of Peter Capaldi has thrilled a lot of fans. Peter will bring a new angle on the character and mix up the Doctor / Companion relationship. The calibre of acting he brings to the role is stellar and we are incredibly excited to see his first scenes this Christmas. So good to see him introduced on stage during Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor; thumbing his blazer lapels in a Hartnell-style was a knowing nod for the fans, and it's awesome to know he is such a big fan himself."

See Peter introduce himself as The Doctor in the video below:

Peter Capaldi's Biography:

Peter Capaldi is an award winning actor, film maker and lifelong Doctor Who fan. He has enjoyed an illustrious career to date in both film and television.

Before securing the coveted role of the Twelfth Doctor, Peter first appeared in Doctor Who in 2008, playing Caecilius in the episode "The Fires of Pompeii".

Peter grew up in Glasgow and attended the Glasgow School of Art, while studying there he secured his first breakthrough role in Local Hero (1983). He has also had roles in Dangerous Liaisons, The Crow Road, The Devil’s Whore and Torchwood: Children of Earth.

It is his role as Government spin doctor Malcolm Tucker in the BBC comedy series, The Thick of It , that has earned Peter both international and award success. In 2010 he won the BAFTA Television Award for Best Male Performance in a Comedy Role and the BPG Best Actor Award. In both 2010 and 2012, Peter won the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actor.  A film spin-off from The Thick of It, entitled In the Loop, was released in 2009.

As well as appearing in front of the camera, Peter is an award winning film maker.  In 1995, he won the Oscar for Best Short Film (Live Action) for Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life.  He also wrote Soft Top, Hard Shoulder, which won the audience award at the London Film Festival, and wrote and directed Strictly Sinatra. Peter's stage credits include Professor Marcus in The Ladykillers at the Liverpool Playhouse, which saw the play transfer to the Gielgud Theatre in London.

2013 has been a busy year for Peter who has been seen on screen in the film World War Z and in BBC Two drama series The Hour, for which he was BAFTA nominated. Not only will Peter film his first scenes for Doctor Who this Autumn, but he will appear in the forthcoming film The Fifth Estate and the Disney film Maleficent.

Peter is currently filming new BBC One drama series The Musketeers, in which he plays Cardinal Richelieu which will launch in early 2014.

Photo copyright to Rankin.

[Source: BBC]

Famed photographer, Rankin, has just confirmed he has photographed the new actor to play The Doctor, ahead of tonights Live unveiling on BBC One.

Rankin tweeted the news on Twitter this afternoon, but also let slip that the actor is male (not that we doubted it):

"Just photographed the next Dr Who for tonight's announcement. Let me know what you think of the photo? He's going to be an ace Dr."

Some further detective work on Rankin's 'recently followed' list on Twitter, lists DWO's own choice to take over the role, Aneurin Barnard (The White Queen, We'll Take Manhattan). It could very well be a coincidence, however.

All will be revealed tonight at 7pm!

+ Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor airs in the UK on Sunday at 7pmBST on BBC One.
+ Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor airs in the USA on Sunday at 2pm ET on BBC America.
+ Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor airs in Australia on Monday at 4am EST on ABC1.

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Source: Twitter]

ABC1 is set to simulcast LIVE to Australia the one-off BBC television special Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor, in which the next Doctor will be exclusively revealed to the world, this Monday 5th August at 4am EST.

Following the ABC1 broadcast the half-hour show will be available to watch on iview throughout Monday, and replayed at 8.30pm Monday evening on ABC2. 

Brendan Dahill, Controller ABC1 says:

“We are extremely excited to be able to reveal the highly anticipated next Doctor to Australia as the breaking news happens live, direct from the UK - a first for the ABC.”

Regarded as one of the most hotly contested roles in British television, the 12th Doctor will be unveiled during their first ever interview, in front of a live studio audience set against the backdrop of a swirling vortex, amongst Daleks and the TARDIS.

The special will also include live special guests, Doctors old and new, as well as companions and celebrity fans, and will feature clips and moments from across the show's 50 year history. 

Current Doctor Matt Smith and lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat will both give interviews about one of the biggest roles in TV and set out just what it takes to be the Doctor. 

Steven Moffat said:

“The decision is made and the time has come to reveal who’s taking over the TARDIS. For the last of the Time Lords, the clock is striking twelve.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news about the show and special guests by following facebook.com/ABCTV and twitter.com/ABCTV

The BBC released a trailer to promote the show which you can view below (UK only):

+ Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor airs in the UK on Sunday at 7pm BST on BBC One.
+ Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor airs in the USA on Sunday at 2pm ET on BBC America.
+ Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor airs in Australia on Monday at 4am EST on ABC1.

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Source: ABC1]

Earlier today, Metro.co.uk leaked an embargoed BBC press release detailing a planned programme for this Sunday on BBC One, which will unveil the actor who will play the 12th Doctor.

DWO will be adding the full press release, as planned, just after midnight tonight, the details of which will be found below in this very news item.

Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor

In a special one-off live television event on BBC One this Sunday 4th August at 7pm, the next Doctor will be exclusively revealed to the nation.

Widely regarded as one of the most hotly contested roles in British television, the show's host Zoe Ball will unveil the 12th Doctor in the first ever interview in front of a live studio audience set against the backdrop of a swirling vortex, amongst Daleks and the TARDIS.

The half hour show will include live special guests, Doctors old and new, as well as companions and celebrity fans.

Excitement will reach fever pitch as they speculate and recall their favourites, plus feature clips and moments from across the show's 50 year history.

Current Doctor Matt Smith and lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat will both give interviews about one of the biggest roles in TV and set out just what it takes to be the Doctor.

Steven Moffat says:

“The decision is made and the time has come to reveal who’s taking over the TARDIS. For the last of the Time Lords, the clock is striking twelve.”

Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One says:

“BBC One is the home of big live events and this special live show is the perfect way to reveal the identity of the next Doctor and share it with the nation. The Doctor is a truly iconic role and I’m more than excited about the booking.”

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning says:

“We can't wait to unveil the next Doctor with everyone live on BBC1 on Sunday night.  Amongst all the speculation and betting, there has been lots of fun and intrigue at work as we've been using the codename Houdini as a decoy! It’s the biggest secret in showbiz, even those working with the new Doctor on other projects at the moment have no idea they are in the presence of the 12th incarnation.”

The special live show is made by BBC Entertainment and Events for BBC One, Guy Freeman is Executive producer and Pinki Chambers is Executive Commissioning Editor. Commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One.

The show will be simulcast live on BBC America.

The BBC have released a trailer to promote the show which you can view below:

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Source: BBC Press Office]

The BBC have worked out a deal with broadcasters worldwide to simulcast the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special on 23rd November.

The decision will help prevent leaks or spoilers from surfacing online and will enable viewers worldwide to watch the special at exactly the same time.

Currently, the timeslot is scheduled at 7:00pm GMT which would air in the USA at 11:00am PST and in Australia at 6:00am on Sunday 24th November.

The special will feature Matt Smith, David Tennant and John Hurt as The Doctor, and according to recent reports, a fourth actor is expected to reprise his role as The Doctor.

There is still no confirmation as to when a trailer (which Comic Con attendees saw last weekend) will appear, but DWO will bring you more as we get it.

+  The 50th Anniversary Special is due to air in 3D on 23rd November 2013 at 7:00pm.

[Source: Radio Times]