The Ood to Return in Second Special

The Ood will be returning for the second Doctor Who special episode which is set to be broadcast later this year. One of the popular aliens was spotted in Newport this morning, filming for the episode with David Tennant, Lindsay Duncan and a small robot. The Ood first appeared in Doctor Who in the series two episodes, The Impossible Planet and The Satan Pit, and later returned in the series four episode, Planet of the Ood. The Ood which was seen is believed to be Ood Sigma, Mr Halpen's personal assistant from Planet of the Ood. You can see a picture of the Ood which was spotted amongst the production crew by clicking here. The Gallifrey Vortex will continue to keep you updated with the latest filming reports and specials news.

The Darksmith Legacy Book Seven and Eight

The covers for book seven and book eight of The Darksmith Legacy series have now been revealed and can both be seen above. Book seven is entitled The Planet of Oblivion and is written by Justin Richards and book eight is entitled The Pictures of Emptiness and is written by Jacqueline Rayner. You can read the synopses for both books below:

Book 7: The neutral ground of the usually lush and beautiful Ursulonamex, known as The Planet of Oblivion, is now scorched and charred. This is where the Darksmiths met their clients to discuss the Eternity Plan, but there is no sign of the clients now, nothing to suggest who they were… as though the mysterious clients have made sure of it. The Doctor and Gisella learn from the few survivors of the Rain of Fire, and that the only clues there might be of what happened could be stored in the observation stations in orbit round the planet. Do any of the observation stations still exist? Are the Doctor and Gisella as alone on board as they think? Who are the Dravidian Hive and are they as benign as they seem…? What is a Dreadbringer? Find out by reading the next exciting instalment of… The Darksmith Legacy!

Book 8: The Doctor finds himself on trial before the Shadow Proclamation where the Crystal is legally returned to Gisella. The Doctor is ready to continue his mission until Gisella betrays him, staying with the Darksmiths. But she accidentally reveals where the Darksmiths are meeting their client. The Doctor arrives on the chosen planet, and becomes involved in an adventure involving missing eyes and souls. Will the Doctor solve this mystery and stop the hand over of the Crystal?

Book seven will be released on the 25th of June and book eigth will be released on the 30th July, both at RRPs of £3.99. Will you be buying any of these books?

Doctor Who Magazine #406 Cover

The cover for issue #406 of Doctor Who Magazine has now been revealed and can be seen above. This issue takes a look at the American Dalek spin-off show which was never made and also includes a comic strip, the latest news and much more including an interview with David Tennant. It will be released on the 5th of March across the United Kingdom and Ireland and will be sold at the price of £3.99. The press release for this issue will be posted here as soon as it is made available. What do you think of the cover for Doctor Who Magazine #406?

Doctor Who Visual Effects Success

Doctor Who has won an award at the seventh Visual Effects Society Awards for the matte paintings from the episodes, Silence in the Library and Forest of the Dead. The paintings were created by Simon Wickers, Charlie Bennett, Tim Barter and Arianna Lago and The Gallifrey Vortex would like to congratulate them on their win. The Cyberking effects by The Mill from last year's Doctor Who Christmas special created were also nominated for an award but unfortuantely lost out to Battlestar Galactica.

The Next Doctor in Canada

Canadian television channel, SPACE, have announced that they will be broadcasting last year's Doctor Who Christmas special, The Next Doctor. The Christmas episode will be broadcast on SPACE on the 14th of March at 9pm, Canadian time. The episode stars David Tennant as The 10th Doctor, David Morrissey as Jackson Lake, Velile Tshabalala as Rosita and Dirvla Kirwan as Miss Hartigan. Will you be watching?

Doctor Who Adventures #104

Today, the 104th issue of Doctor Who Adventures magazine went on sale. This week's issue comes with a bumper Cyberman gift pack, consisting of a Cyberleader or a Cybershade mask, a sheet of stickers and some badges. The magazine also includes an exclusive interview with Velile Tshabalala who played Rosita in The Next Doctor. Below is the press release:

Upgrade to Cyberkind with this week’s Doctor Who Adventures

This week’s issue of Doctor Who Adventures comes with a bumper Cyber pack – with two different Cyber sets to choose from!

One set includes a sinister Cyberleader mask and the other includes a scary Cybershade mask as seen in the last Doctor Who special.

Both come with two different sets of Cyber badges, two cool sticker sheets and a massive double-sided poster of Dalek creator Davros on one side and the Doctor and Donna on the other.

You’ll also find an exclusive interview with the plucky girl who helped fight those Cyber terrors at Christmas – actress Velile Tshabalala who played Rosita.

The Cybermen want to upgrade you – so don’t miss it.

What else?

• Posters: A Clockwork Robot, Rosita, a deadly Dalek and a stomping Cyberman!
• News: Which cover won the top DWA cover of all time?
• Draw it: A little Bannakaffalatta for you to colour in.
• Win: Part of our competition to win a bony Sycorax head, and loads of other goodies.
• Yvonne’s Torchwood Tests: Yvonne needs your help!
• Who’s where: Trouble in the graveyard for the Doctor and loads of enemies.
• Puzzles: Loads of fun things to work out!
• Tales from the TARDIS: A scary scene from The Christmas Invasion.
• Comic strip: A trip to the future with the Doctor and Heather.
• Subscription offer: Subscribe today and get a Dalek adventure on CD!

Doctor Who Adventures #104 is on sale now across the United Kingdom and Ireland at the price of £2.50. Issue #105 will be released next Thursday and will come with a Fobwatch toy from the series three episodes Human Nature and The Family of Blood. Will you be buying this week's issue?

The Doctor Who DVD Files #4

Thanks to Tardis Base for the above scan.
Today, the fourth issue of The Doctor Who DVD Files was released across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This issue features files on the Special Weapons Dalek, Pete Tyler, Donna Noble, the TARDIS Console and includes a behind the scenes look on writing Doctor Who. It also comes with a DVD, featuring the episodes: The Long Game and Father's Day plus a bonus DVD featuring the classic Doctor Who Story, The Five Doctors. The Doctor Who DVD Files #4 is out now at the price of £6.99. Issue five will be released in two weeks time and will feature The Empty Child and The Doctor Dances on DVD. Will you be buying this?

Back in the Spacesuit

David Tennant and The Doctor Who Production recently filmed scenes for one of the 2009 specials in a welsh quarry. David was wearing the Sanctuary Base Six spacesuit which he had previously worn in the series two episodes, The Impossible Planet and The Satan Pit. You can see a video of the filming below, thanks to Skarofighter2:

It has not yet been confirmed which special they were filming although it is expected to be the second one. The Gallifrey Vortex will keep you updated on the latest filming developments and news.

Wirrn Dawn Audio

Big Finish have now announced a new Eighth Doctor audio adventure which is entitled Wirrn Dawn. The story which is written by Nicholas Briggs features the voice of Paul McGan as The Eighth Doctor and Sheridan Smith as The Doctor's companion, Lucie Miller. The cover for the audio book can be seen above and the synopsis can be viewed below:

“This is full scale war. Wirrn and Humankind locked in a deadly struggle for survival. When did that happen?”

The Doctor and Lucie land right in the middle of one of the human race’s bloodiest periods of history. Trying to make a difference here would be like standing up and calling for a cease-fire on the Somme. Certain death...

Or Worse.

Survival can be a messy business.

Wirrn Dawn will be released across the United Kingdom and Ireland on the 30th of June and will be sold at the RRP of £9.99. Will you be buying this?

Matt Smith Asks Billie Piper for Advice

According to The Daily Star, Billie Piper recently recieved a call from Matt Smith who was asking for advice about playing The Doctor. Apparently Billie Piper said: “He called me and said ‘What am I going to do?’” Billie Piper starred as Rose Tyler in the first, second and fourth series of the new Doctor Who and has starred alongside Matt Smith in TV Dramas such as The Ruby in the Smoke. You can read the whole article which includes an extended interview with Billie Piper by clicking here.

Freema Agyeman Interview

Freema Agyeman who played Martha Jones in Doctor Who Series Three and Four and Torchwood Series Two was recently interviewed by Scotland on Sunday. In the interview, Freema talks about if she would ever return to Doctor Who and discusses fan mail and much more. You can read an extract from the interview below:

Is she, or is she not, returning to Doctor Who?
"There has been some speculation but nothing has been confirmed. Talk to anyone in the world of Who and they'll say you never feel like you've left. Ask Billie Piper. David Tennant bounds on to set every day and says, 'Right people, what are we doing today? Am I getting strung up, frozen, flung about a room?' It's a lovely unique environment because people are so passionate. It goes beyond a day job. So, of course, I would resurrect her when the time is right, whether in 10 years or one."

You can read the full interview with Freema Agyeman by clicking here at The Scotland on Sunday website. What do you think of this interview?

Attack of the Cybermen DVD Trailer

It was recently revealed that 2entertain will be releasing the classic Doctor Who story, Attack of the Cybermen, on DVD. A trailer for the DVD features on The Rescue and The Romans double boxset which will be released tomorrow. Colin Baker stars in the story as The Sixth Doctor and Nicola Bryant stars as Peri Brown. You can see the trailer below:

The DVD will be released across the United Kingdom and Ireland on the 16th of March at the RRP of £19.99. Michael Kilgarriff who starred as The Cybercontroller in both Attack of the Cybermen and The Tomb of the Cybermen will be signing copies of the DVD on the 21st of March from 1pm until 3pm.

FEARNet Eve Myles and Euros Lyn Interviews

FEARNet, a popular online horror website recently interviewed Doctor Who and Torchwood Director, Euros Lyn and Eve Myles who plays Gwen Cooper in Torchwood. In the interviews, both Eve Myles and Euros Lyn talk about the what's to come in the third series of Torchwood. You can read an extract from Eve Myles' interview below:

What can you tell us about the storyline for Children of Earth?

I can tell you a little bit. Not too much, we don't want to give too much away, because we're quite away off from it yet. But it's very much about morals and – this will sound terribly boring, but it's certainly about… You have to lose something to gain something – that's the strong essence of this particular series. I think it's very interesting that we did, in the first series, an episode called "Countrycide". We and the audience had become very used to the opponent being an alien or something that was not from Earth. And this particular episode was about cannibalism, and it was about humans being actually the worst monster of all. I think that's been taken into the series, and I think it's about mankind, humanity, and when people are put under pressure how they handle it. I think it's very apt – the title is what it is. It is about every child on earth, and it's about the destiny of mankind.

You can read both interviews by clicking here. The third series of Torchwood which is entitled Children of Earth stars John Barrowman as Jack Harkness, Eve Myles as Gwen Cooper, Gareth David Llyod as Ianto Jones and many guest stars. What do you think of these interviews?

Missing Doctor Who Episodes in Zimbabwe?

The Sun are today reporting that missing Doctor Who episodes from the classic series are in Zimbabwe. The BBC removed many episodes of various TV shows including Doctor Who from their archives in the late 1960's to make room for newer shows. Zimbabwe previously bought the first ever series of Doctor Who but the BBC apparently expect the series, along with many other episodes to remain hidden there.

An apparent BBC insider said: "We have looked all over the world for missing Doctor Who episodes but there are still some broadcasters we have not spoken to. Zimbabwe could prove a problem as there is so much red tape. There is a fear that we may never get our hands on the footage and that would be a real shame for fans."

President Mugabe has banned the BBC from Zimbabwe, making it harder for the BBC to get hold of the tapes which, according to The Sun, feature missing classic Doctor Who episodes. Please be aware that this report may not be genuine as the BBC have not officially confirmed any of this information.

David Tennant Talks Matt Smith

David Tennant recently spoke to What's on TV magazine about a recent conversation he had with Matt Smith, the actor who will play The Eleventh Doctor. In the interview, David reveals that he could tell Matt had the 'right idea' about playing The Doctor. You can read what David Tennant said below:

"We chatted on the phone not long ago and we did exchange a few opinions on what’s about to unfold for him, but advice is a very dangerous thing. Matt’s got an extraordinary journey coming up in all sorts of ways and I’m sure he’ll find his own way through it."

"I could tell Matt was very up for it, though, and excited in all the right ways. He says he’s going to take it very seriously and he seems to have the right idea about playing The Doctor, so far as I can tell."

David Tennant will continue to play The Tenth Doctor in four more Doctor Who specials which will be broadcast across 2009 before Matt Smith takes over as The Eleventh Doctor. Do you agree or disagree with David's comments?

Doctor Who Adventures #103

Issue #103 of Doctor Who Adventures #103 went on sale today and BBC Magazines have now sent The Gallifrey Vortex, the cover and details. This week's issue takes a look at Davros, the creator of The Daleks and also includes a competition to create a TARDIS interior for a new comic strip which will feature in a later issue of Doctor Who Adventures. Below is the press release:

Free Dalek playing cards with this week’s Doctor Who Adventures

Learn some cool card games with a set of free Daleks cards – only in this week’s Doctor Who Adventures!

Inside you can discover everything you need to know about the creator of the Daleks – Davros. We look at his many devious schemes to date – from creating the Daleks in Genesis of the Daleks right up to planning the Reality Bomb in Journey’s End. And do you think we’ve seen the last of him?

Also, find out how you can get special access to a secret part of The Darksmith Legacy website – there’s an exclusive screensaver for every reader to accompany the new series of Doctor Who books.

What’s inside?

• Posters: Luke from The Sarah Jane Adventures, Captain Jack, Davros and his Daleks!
• Competition: Design a new TARDIS interior for a one-off comic strip!
• Quiz: How well do you know the Doctor’s TARDIS?
• Terror through time: The Haemovores from The Curse of Fenric.
• Puzzles: Complete our puzzles and win cool goodies!
• Tales from the TARDIS: Find out what happened when Rose bumped into Cassandra on New Earth.
• Comic strip: The Doctor and companion Heather land inside a submarine.
• Subscription offer: Subscribe today and get a Dalek adventure on CD!

Doctor Who Adventures #103 is out now across the United Kingdom and Ireland at the price of £2.10. Issue #104 will be released next Thursday and will come with one of two free gift packs which will include a mask, stickers, badges and a double sided poster. Will you be buying Doctor Who Adventures #103?

Lindsay Duncan Confirmed

The BBC have now confirmed that Lindsay Duncan will be starring in the second Doctor Who 2009 special, after the Daily Record leaked the casting news yesterday. The BBC Press Office issued a press release, regarding Lindsay's casting which includes quotes which were also printed in yesterday's Daily Record. You can view the press release below:

Acclaimed actress, Lindsay Duncan will guest star in the second Doctor Who Special of 2009 on BBC One.

Lindsay is best known for her roles across stage and screen, including Shooting The Past and GBH and is soon to star as Margaret Thatcher in the highly anticipated BBC Two drama, Margaret.

In Doctor Who she will play Adelaide – the Doctor's cleverest and most strong-minded companion yet.

Lindsay commented: "I'm thrilled to be involved in Doctor Who. I've never done anything like this before and I'm really looking forward to working with David Tennant and the Doctor Who team."

Lindsay joins David Tennant as he continues his role as The Doctor in the second instalment of the four Doctor Who Specials to be screened throughout 2009, which will follow Planet Of The Dead, due to air this Easter on BBC One.

Executive Producer and writer Russell T Davies said: "Lindsay is an incredibly talented actress and I've been an admirer of her work for some time. We are delighted to announce that she will be joining the team and playing the Doctor's most strong-minded companion yet."

The second episode is written by Russell T Davies and Phil Ford.

It is due to go into production in Spring 2009 and will be screened on BBC One later this year.

The Producer is Nikki Wilson; Executive Producers are Julie Gardner and Russell T Davies.

Doctor Who is produced by BBC Wales and is filmed in Cardiff.

The second 2009 special is written by Phil Ford and Russell T Davies but the title still remains unrevealed. What do you think of this casting news?

Lindsay Duncan for Second Special?

According to The Daily Record, Lindsay Duncan has been cast as the companion for the second Doctor Who 2009 special. Lindsay Duncan is a Scottish actress, best known for her roles in television dramas such as Rome and GBH. Apparently, Lindsay said:

"I'm thrilled to be involved in Doctor Who. I've never done anything like this before and I'm really looking forward to working with David Tennant and the Doctor Who team."

The paper also claim that Doctor Who lead writer, Russell T Davies, said:

"Lindsay is an incredibly talented actress and I've been an admirer of her work for some time. We are delighted to announce that she will be joining the team and playing the Doctor's most strong-minded companion yet."

The title of the second 2009 special which is written by Russell T Davies and Phillip Ford has not yet been revealed. The BBC have not yet confirmed this report but The Gallifrey Vortex will keep you updated on this subject.

The Tennant Tapes - Tape Two

David Tennant recently recorded moments from his first day of filming the first Doctor Who 2009 special, Planet of the Dead in the second edition of The Tennant Tapes. In the video, the Doctor Who production team have closed down Bluetown tunnel in Cardiff for filming and David Tennant talks to first assistant Director, John Bennett and Producer, Tracie Simpson. You can see the video on The Official Doctor Who site or below:

The video was originally available on The Official Doctor Who Site and you can see the first edition of The Tennant Tapes in an earlier post by clicking here. Filming for Planet of the Dead, has been completed and production for the second special episode will start soon.

Torchwood Magazine #14

The cover for issue #14 of Torchwood Magazine has now been revealed and can be seen above. Inside the magazine is an exclusive interview with Gareth David Llyod, a comic strip written by John Barrowman, the latest Torchwood news and much more including:

• Episode Guide: Countrycide
• Beyond the Hub: Cannibals
• Director Euros Lynn’s Column
• Love in the Hub
• Which character are you?
• New Fiction by Andy Lane
  
  

Torchwood Magazine #14 will be released on Thursday across the U.K and Ireland at the new price of £4.99. Will you be buying this magazine?

Doctor Who Stage Show?

The Sun are today reporting that the BBC are planning to create a Doctor Who stage show which will go on tour across the United Kingdom. According to the newspaper, the multi-media extravaganza will feature an amazing light and sound show featuring many monsters from the TV series including The Cybermen. Apparently, a BBC insider said:

"The BBC know they’ve got a massive hit show on their hands, so they want to take it to the next level. They want it to be a Doctor Who experience which will blast fans with amazing visuals and music. The emphasis will be on technology so it’s unlikely any of the show’s stars will be on stage. But they are expected to feature in video elements. That said, the idea of using real actors hasn’t been ruled out.”

Please be aware that a Doctor Who stage show has not yet been confirmed by the BBC, meaning that it many not happen. What are your thoughts on this?

Peter Davison SFX Interview

SFX, a popular science fiction and fantasy magazine, recently interviewed Peter Davison who played the fifth incarnation of The Doctor in the early 1980s. In the interview, Peter talks about his thoughts on the casting of Matt Smith as The Eleventh Doctor and if he would return to Doctor Who again. You can read two extracts from the interview below:

What was your reaction when you heard about Matt Smith being cast? Did you think they’d go for someone more well known? Or someone older?

I only ever had one thought on my wish list – get an actor. With that inmind he seems a perfect choice. However, I hope they don't get too dogged about never casting older in the future.

Can you see yourself ever going back to Doctor Who again, as you did for Time Crash?

I can certainly see myself, but I don't think it will happen.

The whole interview is available to read online at the SFX website by clicking here and extracts from the interview can also be seen in the latest issue of SFX Magazine which is on sale now at the price of £3.99.

Planet of the Dead Dubai Filming Pictures

The Official Doctor Who Site has been updated with five new pictures of filming the upcoming Doctor Who special, Planet of the Dead. The pictures were taken in Dubai and feature David Tennant and Michelle Ryan who play The Tenth Doctor and Lady Christina De Souza in the episode. The five new pictures do not feature spoilers and can be seen below:

Planet of the Dead will air at Easter time on BBC One and will also be broadcast in high definition on BBC HD. What do you think of these new pictures?

Sarah Jane Adventures Red Nose Day Special

The BBC today revealed that a special mini episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures will be shown at the Comic Relief telethon this year. Elisabeth Sladen, Tommy Knight, Daniel Anthony and Anjli Mohindra will reprise their roles as Sarah Jane Smith, Luke Smith, Clyde Langer and Rani Chandra and legendary comedian, Ronnie Corbett will guest star. Russell T Davies said:

"It's an honour to get involved with Red Nose Day, and with Ronnie Corbett, K-9 and an old enemy's return, we can promise Sarah Jane Smith's most extraordinary adventure yet!"

The Comic Relief Telethon will be broadcast on the 13th of March and the first hour of the show will be presented by David Tennant and Davina McCall. Will you be watching The Sarah Jane Adventures Red Nose Day Special?

Doctor Who Adventures #102

BBC Magazines have now sent The Gallifrey Vortex the cover and details for issue #102 of Doctor Who Adventures magazine. This issue has a special fact file on Matt Smith, the actor who will be taking over as The Doctor in 2010 and comes with a free mystery stationery set. The magazine also includes posters, puzzles, a Sontaran guide, a comic strip and much more. You can view the press release below:

Free mystery gift with this week’s Doctor Who Adventures

What mystery gift will you find inside this week’s Doctor Who Adventures? There’s something special with every issue.

This week, Doctor Who Adventures has a fascinating fact file about the actor who has been chosen to be the Eleventh Doctor – Matt Smith.

Also, do you suspect your friend is an alien? Some creatures are masters of disguise and it’s difficult to tell what they really look like. We’ve got a feature all about the monsters that look human and are therefore very dangerous.

The issue, out now, is perfect for young Doctor Who fans everywhere. Don’t miss it!

PLUS:

• Posters: Martha Jones poster and the Doctor and the Gelth from The Unquiet Dead.
• News: Pictures from the Easter special, Planet of the Dead.
• Monsters: The ultimate guide to Sontarans.
• Tale from the TARDIS: DWA readers’ favourite scene from The Next Doctor. The CyberKing rises!
• Puzzles: Fun things to work out!
• Reader survey: Tell us what you think of Doctor Who Adventures!
• Colour it!: The Dalek Sec Hybrid is waiting for you!
• Comic strip: The Doctor and Heather land in the largest supermarket in the universe.
• Subscription offer: Subscribe today and get a Dalek adventure on CD!
• Plus loads more…

Doctor Who Adventures #102 was released yesterday and is now on sale across the United Kingdom and Ireland at the price of £2.10. Will you be buying this issue of Doctor Who Adventures?

Supreme Dalek Toothbrush and Bath Gel

A rotary Supreme Dalek will be released later this year, following the success of the Cyberman rotary toothbrush. The toothbrush features an oscillating head, along with a replacement head and a Supreme Dalek handle but batteries are not included. A Supreme Dalek Bath gel has also been announced for release. The Supreme Dalek features 250ml of bath gel which can also be used as bubble bath. Both Supreme Dalek products are expected for release on the 30th of September and the rotary toothbrush will be sold at the RRP of £9.99 while the bath gel will be sold at the RRP of £5.99. You can see a picture of both items by clicking here.

Matt Smith's Five Year Deal?

The Sun and The Telegraph are today reporting that Matt Smith, the actor who will be playing The Eleventh Doctor, has signed a deal with the BBC to play the role for five years. Both of the newspapers are claiming that Matt Smith will receive £200,000 each year for playing The Doctor. Apparently, a BBC insider said: “Bosses don’t want Matt doing a David and leaving when things are going great.” Matt Smith will star as The Eleventh Doctor in the fifth series of Doctor Who which will be broadcast next year. Please be aware that the BBC has not confirmed these reports, meaning they may be fake and completely made up.

The Doctor Who DVD Files #3

Thanks to Tardis Base for the above scan.

The third issue of Doctor Who DVD Files was released across the United Kingdom and Ireland today and is now on sale at the price of £6.99. This issue comes with some free divider cards to sort the pages in your binder and a DVD featuring the episodes, Word War Three and Dalek. Inside the issue, you can read all about The Slitheen, K9, sonic technology and much more including a behind the scenes look at Dalek Sec. Issue four will be released in two weeks time at the usual price of £6.99 and will come with the episodes The Long Game and Father's Day on DVD plus a bonus DVD featuring the classic story, The Five Doctors. Will you be buying issue three of Doctor Who DVD Files?

Doctor Who Goes to Dubai

It has now been revealed that parts of the upcoming Doctor Who special, Planet of the Dead, will be filmed in Dubai. Dubai is part of The United Arab Emirates and has a very humid climate which will provide some great new footage for the episode. Today, The Doctor Who production team and cast including David Tennant and Michelle Ryan flew out to Dubai for three days of filming which will start tomorrow. Location filming in Cardiff has now been completed and the scenes in Dubai and in the BBC studios are the only scenes left to be filmed. Planet of the Dead is written by Russell T Davies and Gareth Roberts and will be broadcast at Easter time on BBC One.

Elisabeth Sladen: The Autobiography

Aurum Press have revealed that Elisabeth Sladen who plays Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures is writing her own autobiography. You can read the book's synopsis below:

When Elisabeth Sladen first appeared as plucky journalist Sarah Jane Smith in 1973 "Doctor Who" story "The Time Warrior", little did she know the character would become one of the most enduring and fondly remembered in the series' history. The coming years would see her traverse time and space alongside classic Doctors Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker, whilst a generation of children crouched behind the sofa, terrified but transfixed as their tea time heroine found herself menaced by Daleks, dinosaurs, Cybermen, man-eating alien flora, Egyptian mummies, extras in bubble wrap and even the Loch Ness Monster. By the time she quit the TARDIS in 1976, making front page news, Elisabeth had become one of the most familiar faces of a TV golden age. But that wasn't the end of Sarah Jane. Since then Elisabeth has reprised the role many times appearing in anniversary specials; a 1981 spin-off with robotic sidekick K-9; radio plays; and for the BBC's "Children in Need". She's toured the weird, wide and wonderful world of "Doctor Who" fandom and regularly tops polls of fans' all time favourite companions. So when TV wunderkind Russell T. Davies approached her to come back again, this time to a Doctor Who backed by multi-million pound budgets and garlanded with critical plaudits, how could she possibly say no? Now Elisabeth Sladen tells the story of her remarkable career.

Elisabeth Sladen's Autobiography will be released as a hardback in March 2010 and will be sold at the RRP of £16.99. The cover for the book will be posted on this site as soon as it is has been revealed.

Torchwood Series 2 on Watch

Popular new entertainment channel, Watch, will be showing repeats of Torchwood Series 2. The repeats will start on February the 14th and will continue to be broadcast every Saturday at 9pm from then on. Watch previously repeated the first series of Torchwood and can be viewed on Virgin channel 124 and Sky channel 109. Will you be watching The Torchwood repeats?

Possible Doctor Who Movie

Doctor Who lead writer, Russell T Davies recently revealed that he is confident a Doctor Who movie will be made in the future. I an interview with The South Wales Post, Russell said:

"There must be ways and means of doing it. I suspect one day it will happen. I think once something is talked about often enough then it starts to happen. Being talked about in the papers could almost bring it into existence. It gives us an idea of whether or not anyone would want to go and see it at the cinema."

"I think the important thing to say is that if it ever happened it wouldn't take the television version off air," he explained. "That would be terrible and it would also be breaking the BBC's charter."

"In Voyage of the Damned, our design department did a brilliant job. But in a film version it would have had huge, vast ballrooms and towering inferno-type sets with everything collapsing. Doctor Who might seem as if it's a film sometimes, but if you actually look at films they're even bigger."

Russell T Davies will continue being lead writer of Doctor Who until work on the 2009 specials is complete. Steven Moffat will take over Russell's role as lead writer in 2010.

The Dalek Project Graphic Novel

BBC Books have now revealed the cover and synopsis for their first Doctor Who graphic novel, The Dalek Project. The new graphic novel is written by Justin Richards and is illustrated by Mike Collins who has previously worked on Doctor Who Magazine. The Dalek Project also includes an introduction by Doctor Who lead writer, Russell T Davies. You can read the synopsis for the new book below:

1917: The Great War is at its fiercest and most terrible. But things are about to get even worse… When the Doctor arrives at Hellcombe Hall in England he discovers a house full of mystery. There are locked doors and forbidden rooms, dustsheets cover guilty secrets, the maid Mary Carter is scared of the ghosts... And that’s before Corporal Anderson finds that his muddy corpse-filled trench ends in the drawing room.

Armaments manufacturer Lord Hellcombe has a new secret weapon he believes will win the war. But when the Doctor witnesses the final demonstration he begins to realise how much danger everyone is in. Because Lord Hellcome claims to have invented the Dalek. Except, of course, that nothing is quite what it seems.

The Doctor and his new friends must draw on every type of early 20th century technology and every element of human ingenuity and bravery if they are to discover the truth and to survive. If they are to prevent the entire Western Front of World War One from becoming part of The Dalek Project.

The Dalek Project will be released on the 24th of September and will be sold at the RRP of £14.99. Will you be buying this graphic novel?

Attack of the Cybermen DVD

The classic Doctor Who story, Attack of the Cybermen has been announced for a DVD release. The story features The Sixth Doctor, played by Colin Baker and his companion Peri Brown who is played by Nicola Bryant. You can read the synopsis for the story below:

The TARDIS is lured to Earth in 1985 by a distress call sent by Lytton, who has made contact with a group of Cybermen based in London's sewers. The Doctor and Peri are then captured and forced to take Lytton and the Cybermen in the TARDIS to the Cybermen's home planet Telos. The Cybermen have stolen a time vessel from another race and plan to change history by crashing Halley's Comet into Earth and obliterating it before it can bring about the demise of their original home world, Mondas, in 1986.

The DVD will be released on the 16th of March at the RRP of £19.99. You can preorder the DVD now at Amazon by clicking here. Will you be buying this DVD?

Torchwood Children of Earth Trailer

The first trailer for the upcoming third series of Torchwood was shown at this year's annual ComiCon event in New York. Eve Myles and Euros Lyn were there to present the trailer which was simultaneously shown on the official relaunched Torchwood website. The new trailer features action-packed clips from the new series of Jack, Gwen, Ianto, possessed children and much more. You can see the trailer below:

The third series of Torchwood, Children of Earth, will be broadcast across five consecutive nights on BBC One later this year. What do you think of the trailer?

Doctor Who Magazine #405

Issue 405 of Doctor Who Magazine was released today and is now on sale across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This issue features an exclusive interview with Matt Smith who will be taking on the role of The Eleventh Doctor in 2010. You can read the press release for the magazine below:

The Eleventh Doctor Speaks... in DWM 405!

Following in the tradition of previous Doctors, Paul McGann, Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, the Eleventh Doctor Who – Matt Smith – has given his first interview to the official Doctor Who Magazine.

In Issue 405 (published Thursday 5 February 2009), Matt talks exclusively in his only interview since getting the role...

On how he plans to go about playing a 950-year-old Time Lord:
“The script is where it starts, it’s always about the words, and luckily we’re in the hands of Steven Moffat [Doctor Who’s incoming Head Writer], who has this show ingrained in his soul and searing through his blood. It’s really born into his whole fabric – and that’s the job for me over the next few months, to make this show part of my fibre. I think Steven is going to be the main creative source for me, and we’re going to discover it together – who the Doctor is in Steven’s mind and words, coupled with pockets of my personality, my history, my life, and the man and the human being that I am. I’ve got a meeting with Piers [Wenger, executive producer] next week to discuss that, but I think we’ll start rehearsing and, you know, just sit around Piers’ or Steven’s kitchen table, read the scripts together, talk about the part. We’ll talk about my intentions, their intentions, how we feel it can fly, and sing, and be as brilliant and as Doctor-y and as excellent as it can be.”

On what he might wear as the Doctor:
“I’m a big fan of long coats and rather dashing scarves in everyday life, so who knows? For the audition, I rocked up in whatever, so I think they’re having to tone down what I wear in real life for the Doctor! I am a rather elaborate dresser. That’s what’s lovely, there are all these exciting things – what’s he going to wear, what’s he going to do in his first scene with his companion, which monsters will he meet, will he meet the Daleks? This show is so alive, it really is. I can’t ever quite forget that I’m the Doctor – which is weird, because it’s still so far away. But it’s always there in my subconscious, because it’s the Doctor! It’s like, there’s Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, and Doctor Who. It has resonance in our cultural fabric.”

Also in DWM 405:

NEW DOCTOR DAY!
Showrunner-in-waiting Steven Moffat shares exclusively with DWM readers just what it's like to cast a new Doctor Who in Production Notes.

REALITY TV?
Remember the Zygon gambit? The Yeti in the Underground? Or that, frankly, unmissable invasion by thousands of Daleks after Earth was transported billions of miles across space? DWM investigates why so many people in the Doctor Who universe, apparently, don't!

SUSIE CUES!
She's worked on some of the most highly-acclaimed Doctor Who stories of all time! Susie Liggat talks candidly to DWM about her experiences as the producer of the UK's best-loved drama series.

ANTIMATTER MATTERS!
It could mean the end of the universe! The Fourth Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith journey to the furthest reaches of space and encounter anti-matter monsters as The Fact of Fiction revals some surprising secrets about 1975's Planet of Evil.

DAY OF THE LOKHUS!
Can the Doctor and Majenta prevent the Day of the Lokhus? And what will become of Maxwell Edison? Find out in the final thrilling part of DWM's latest comic strip, The Stockbridge Child by Dan McDaid, with art by Martin Geraghty.

DEAR MATT SMITH...
Neil Harris writes an open letter to Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith, full of helpful – and not so helpful! – advice, in You Are Not Alone.

DWM turns the tables on the BBC's 'Doctor Who correspondent' as we ask the questions of the one-and-only Lizo Mzimba in Who on Earth Is!

Plus! News, previews, reviews, competitions and more!

Doctor Who Magazine #405 is out now at the price of £3.99. Issue #406 of the magazine will be released on the 5th of March and will feature the latest news, interviews and the monthly comic strip.

Doctor Who Adventures #101

BBC Magazines have now sent The Gallifrey Vortex, the cover and details for issue #101 of Doctor Who Adventures magazine. This week's edition is a Sontaran special and even includes an exclusive interview with Kaagh actor, Anthony O'Donnell! You can view the press release below:

Get a free K-9 with this week’s Doctor Who Adventures!

This week’s issue of Doctor Who Adventures is a Sontaran special – and it’s full of Sontaran secrets!

There’s an interview with actor Anthony O’Donnell who played Kaagh in The Sarah Jane Adventures plus the second part of a guide to the baked potato-headed creatures. The Sontarans live to fight – so you’ll find our facts very important if they ever return to Earth.

Get ready for Red Nose Day with Freema Agyeman, who tells us how you can get involved in events to raise money for charity.

The issue, out Thursday 5 February 2009, also comes with a FREE robot dog K-9 and loads of great stickers too.

Grab a copy before the Sontarans steal them all! Sontar-ha!

ALSO:

• Posters: Brave Captain Jack, deadly Davros, a scary Pyrovile
• News: Freema tells us how you can join in Red Nose Day fun.
• Fact file: A look at the brave people who’ve helped the Doctor save worlds.
• Blast from the Past: Back in time to a dangerous adventure for the Fifth Doctor – Black Orchid.
• Quiz: How well do you know Donna?
• Console quest: Stick some stickers on the TARDIS console!
• Doctor’s data: All about the Brigadier!
• Comic strip: The Doctor and Heather help plug a temporal hiccup.
• Subscription offer: Subscribe today and get a Dalek adventure CD!
• Plus loads more…

Doctor Who Adventures #101 is out now across the United Kingdom and Ireland at the price of £2.10. Will you be buying this?

The Rising Night Audiobook

BBC Audiobooks will be releasing a new original Tenth Doctor audio adventure later this year entitled The Rising Night. The audiobook is written by Scott Handcock, exclusively for the BBC and the actor or actress who will be narrating the story has not yet been announced. You can read the synopsis for the audio below:

The story of a brand new adventure for the Doctor, as played by David Tennant in the hit BBC One series. The TARDIS arrives in an 18th Century village in the Yorkshire Moors, where livestock has been vanishing from the farmland and strange lights have been seen in the skies. Something is very wrong here, and he soon becomes involved in a nightmarish adventure, in which he is helped by a young local woman named Charity. Who is feeding on the blood of the locals, and where will the carnage stop...?

The cover will be posted on this site as soon as it is available. The Rising Night is the fourth in a series of original audiobook adventures and will be released on the 2nd of July at the RRP of £9.99. Will you be buying The Rising Night?

K9 is Coming Back

It has now been announced that robot dog K9, will be returing to our TV screens this autumn in the third series of The Sarah Jane Adventures! K9 was previously seen in the first series of show, helping to seal off a black hole. Nikki Smith, producer of The Sarah Jane Adventures, said in issue #405 of Doctor Who Magazine:

We've already got 10 scripts at first draft stage, and I can now announce that K9 is going to make a return to Sarah Janes attic! Hes been locked away in that safe, saving the world from a Black Hole, for far too long now. I can promise that the fun is only just beginning - just wait till he gets to meet Mr Smith properly.

K9 will also be appearing in his very own show later this year which is currently being made in Australlia. Are you excited about K9's return?

Doctor Who 2009 Specials in HD

The next issue of Doctor Who Magazine which will be released tomorrow reveals that all four Doctor Who 2009 specials will be broadcast in High Definition. The high definition specials will be shown on BBC HD but will also be shown as normal on BBC One. This also means that the BBC may possibly release Blu-Ray Doctor Who DVD's and continue to show Doctor Who in high definition for series five and beyond. The first Doctor Who special, Planet of the Dead which features Michelle Ryan will air at Easter time on BBC One. Will you be watching Doctor Who in HD?

Children of Time Sticker Poster Book

BBC Children's Books have announced a new upcoming Doctor Who sticker poster book called Children of Time. The book features twenty-five reusable stickers from the series 4 episodes, The Stolen Earth and Journey's End. You can read the book's synopsis below:

Join the Doctor and his companions, the Children of Time, on this epic battle against the Daleks. Use the stickers to create your own poster scene.

The Children of Time sticker poster book will be released on the 28th of May and will be sold at the RRP of £3.99. Will you be buying this?

Win a Cybershade Helmet

All visitors to The Art of Doctor Who Exhibition at Spaceport in Merseyside between now and the 22nd of February will be entered into a competition to win a Cybershade helmet. The Cybershades appeared in last year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Next Doctor and were used by The Cybermen in their attempt to upgrade Victorian London. Ken Moss, Spaceport Manager, said:

"We wanted something big to celebrate the fact that we have extended The Art of Doctor Who exhibition until March 1st, and we're absolutely delighted to have the Cybershade head - it's a ‘money can't buy' piece of celluloid history.

The winner will be announced on the 27th of February. The Art of Doctor Who Exhibition also features many of the props, costumes and monsters from Doctor Who including the Daleks.

David Tennant to Present Comic Relief

It was recently revealed that David Tennat will be presenting the first hour of Comic Relief 2009 with Davina McCall. He will not only be presenting the first hour of the Comic Relief telethon but will also be presenting Comic Relief: The Fools' Guide. On a specially recorded video, at the Empire Cinema, David Tennant said:

"It’s a great honour for me. I remember the first Red Nose Day when I was at school, buying the t-shirt and everyone joining in, And then, later, at drama school, me and my mate Alan McCue formed a Proclaimers tribute act and went busking in Sauchiehall Street. We were rubbish, but earned £65 in our lunch hour. The people of Glasgow are very generous."

The Comic Relief Telethon will air on the 13th of March and Comic Relief: The Fools' Guide will air on the 3rd of February at 10:35pm. The money raised for Comic Relief helps thousands of people living in abject poverty, or facing terrible injustice, in Africa and in the United Kingdom.