Thursday, April 30, 2009

Captain Jack Harkness Returns

Filming for the last of this year's Doctor Who special episode took place yesterday and John Barrowman who plays Captain Jack Harkness was spotted. Russell Tovey who appeared as Midshipman Frame in the 2007 Doctor Who Christmas Special, Voyage of the Damned, was also seen filming. A picture of John Barrowman filming for the episode can be seen below:

Men in red and white body paint were also seen and some reports state that a Graske and a Raxacoricofallapatorian were also on set. The last two Doctor Who specials will be broadcast at Christmas time and more news on them will be posted here as soon as it is available. What are your thoughts on this news?

Hannah Murray Denies Companion Rumours

Earlier this year, various British newspapers were reporting that Hannah Murray would be starring as the Eleventh Doctor's companion in the fifth series of Doctor Who. BBC Entertainment reporter, Lizo Mzimba, attended the this year's BAFTA Awards and asked Hannah Murray if she was in line to play The Doctor's next companion. You can read a message that Lizo Mzimba posted on his Twitter page below:

Just spoke to the lovely Hannah Murray who says she definitely isn’t going to be Matt Smith’s assistant in Doctor Who. Hannah Murray said: "It was something I could never consider because I’m doing a degree at the moment so I could never commit to a show that big." Hannah Murray continued re rumours: “That was never founded in fact.” And re-asserted that companion was “definitely not” going to be her.

The BBC have not yet announced who will be starring alongside Matt Smith as The Eleventh Doctor's in Doctor Who series five. What do you think of this news?

Doctor Who Magazine #408 Press Release

Issue 408 of Doctor Who Magazine was released today across the United Kingdom and Ireland and the press release for the magazine has now been made available online. This month's issue includes a Planet of the Dead set report, the latest news, the first part of "The Age of Ice" comic strip, The Watcher's Guide to The Second Doctor and much more. You can read the press release below:

THE DOCTOR'S IN THE DESERT – IN DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE 408!

In Doctor Who Magazine 408, DWM recounts the tales of what happened when the Doctor Who team filmed in Dubai... and catches up David Tennant, as he looks forward to his final adventures the Doctor.

Does David reckon he’ll be sentimental on his last day as the Doctor? “I don’t know how I’ll feel when I get there,” he says. “It’ll probably be very scrutinised. I don’t know if the last day will be anything like the last in story terms. Usually you’re so out of sequence that your final scene is something very unimportant – walking down the street or opening a door – so time will tell. But it’s – what? – 12 weeks away, so I’ll cope. I’ll find ways of coping.”

Also in DWM 408:

GAMES WITHOUT FRONTIERS!
The First Doctor becomes invisible while his companions play some decidedly deadly games... Discover the truth behind the story that nearly featured the end of Doctor Who as we know it, as The Fact of Fiction scrutinises that most colourful of black & white stories, THE CELESTIAL TOYMAKER.

WHO IS DOCTOR TWO?
The Watcher proudly presents his essential guide to to THE SECOND DOCTOR, Patrick Troughton, and reveals whether or not this memorable incarnation really was a stove hat-wearing, recorder-playing, Chaplinesque cosmic hobo.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY?
The Doctor’s a Time Lord, everyone knows that... or is he? Find out as the Time Team watch sinister Cybermen, wicked witches and nasty Nazis battle it out in Doctor Who’s 25th anniversary tale, SILVER NEMESIS!

DANGER DOWN UNDER!
The Doctor and Majenta land in Australia and find themselves assisting UNIT in Part One of a brand new comic strip adventure, THE AGE OF ICE, by Dan McDaid, with art by Martin Geraghty, David A Roach and James Offredi.

AND THE WINNER IS...
Find out what DWM readers voted the very best Doctor Who books, audios and DVDs as the results of the 2008 MERCHANDISE AWARDS are finally revealed!

LIFE SAVER!
Discover how Russell T Davies saved the life of Script Editor Gary Russell (sort of!) in PRODUCTION NOTES!

DA-DA-DA-DUM, DA-DA-DA-DUM, DA-DA-DA-DUM, WOOOO-EEEEE-OOOOH!
Neil Harris recalls some of the many memorable melodies – and some of the weird and wacky noises – that have featured as Doctor Who incidental music over the decades in YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

“DING-DING, BRING IT ON!”
Planet of the Dead’s Angela Whittaker, alias actress VICTORIA ALCOCK, chats to DWM about filming in Dubai, what happens when she drinks rosé and being the Eleventh Doctor’s companion (maybe!).

BENNY’S BACK!
LISA BOWERMAN, star of the Seventh Doctor’s final adventure, Survival, talks to DWM about playing a Cheetah Person, the new series of Bernice Summerfield adventures, and her meeting with the Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith!

NEXT STOP: MARS!
DWM examines the clues and tries to work out just what exactly we can can expect from the next Doctor Who Specials, THE WATERS OF MARS.

PLUS!
All the latest news, reviews, previews, competitions and much, much more!


Doctor Who Magazine issue 408 is out now across the United Kingdom and Ireland at the price of £3.99. Issue 409 of the magazine will be released on the 28th of May and will take a look at The Doctor's ability to regenerate and will include the latest news, along with part two of "The Age of Ice" comic strip.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Planet of the Dead Blu-ray Release

Various online retailers are now taking orders for a Blu-ray release of this year's Doctor Who Easter special, Planet of the Dead. Planet of the Dead is the first episode of Doctor Who to be released on Blu-ray because the episode was filmed with high definition cameras. The cover for the Blu-ray DVD features the same artwork as the upcoming regular DVD release of the episode and the Blu-ray DVD will not include any special features. Planet of the Dead will be released on Blu-ray and on regular DVD on the 29th of June across the United Kingdom and Ireland and will be sold at the regular retail price of £15.99. You can order the DVD now by clicking here.

Doctor Who Adventures #113

BBC Magazines today sent us the cover and details for issue 113 of Doctor Who Adventures Magazine which will be released tomorrow. This week's issue is a Sontaran special and comes with a free Sontaran spaceship game, some Sontaran badges and some Sontaran stickers. The cover can be seen above and the press release can be read below:

In this week’s Doctor Who Adventures magazine...

Sontar-ha! There are Sontarans on the loose

Doctor Who Adventures looks at last year’s Sontaran invasion, with a monster who’s who and story guide to the exciting episodes. We also look at the Sontaran warship – a very impressive and magnificent spaceship!

This week’s magazine comes with a Sontaran spaceship game, badges, and stickers.

What else?
  • Posters: The Tenth Doctor, Cybermen, Sontarans and Daleks!
  • Make: You’ll find a Tritovore mask and we show you how to make some alien hands.
  • News: Wilf’s back … but where’s Donna?
  • Blast from the Past: Sarah Jane travels in the TARDIS for the first time and the Doctor meets a Sontaran. Yikes!
  • Puzzles and competitions: Fun things to work out and win.
  • Comic strip: All is not well when the Doctor and Heather go sightseeing.
  • Subscription offer: Subscribe today and get an amazing Doctor Who book!

Doctor Who Adventures, issue 113, priced £2.10, is out Thursday 30 April 2009.

Doctor Who Adventures issue 113 will be released across the United Kingdom and Ireland tomorrow at the price of £2.10. Will you be buying this magazine?

Doctor Who Battles In Time #69

The 69th issue of Doctor Who Battles in Time magazine was released today across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This issue takes a look at Commander Kaagh, the ruthless Sontaran who appeared in The Sarah Jane Adventures series two stories, The Last Sontaran and Enemy of the Bane. The magazine also includes information on The Ninth Doctor, a new comic strip called 'The House at the End of the World', and an exclusive behind the scenes interview with Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures writer, Gareth Robets. The magazine is out now at the price of £2.50 and comes with a free packet of Ultimate Monster Cards and a free packet of Devastator Cards. The final issue, issue 70, will be released in two weeks time and will take at the deadliest enemies of The Doctor. Will you be buying issue 69 of Doctor Who Battles in Time magazine?

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Torchwood Children of Earth Teaser Trailer

The Official Torchwood website has now been updated with a new teaser trailer for Torchwood: Children of Earth. The ten second long trailer features new clips of possessed children and was recently shown in Australia, shortly after the second series of Torchwood had finished being broadcast. The new trailer can be seen on the official Torchwood website and below:

The Torchwood series three trailer that was broadcast at this year's ComicCon event can be seen by clicking here in an older post. The third series of Torchwood will be broadcast this June across five consecutive nights in both the United Kingdom and America. What do you think of the new Torchwood trailer?

Doctor Who Adventures #112

Issue 112 of Doctor Who Adventures magazine was released last Thursday and BBC Magazines have now emailed us the cover and details for it. This issue comes with a monster stationery set and includes a guide to the most notable members of the Unified Intelligence Taskforce. The cover for the magazine can be seen above and the press release can be read below:

In issue 112 of Doctor Who Adventures magazine.

You’ll find loads of TOP SECRET info in the issue of Doctor Who Adventures magazine that’s out now.

There’s a guide to the most important members of the Unified Intelligence Taskforce – aka UNIT. You will remember them from the Doctor’s latest adventure at Easter, when they helped get an old London bus back from an alien planet.

The issue comes with a set of exclusive monster stationery – featuring some of the most monstrous monsters ever!

What else?
  • Posters: A Scarecrow, Malcolm and Magambo from UNIT and a Tritovore.
  • News: Who’s the Doctor’s next companion?
  • Competition: Don’t miss our competition to decorate the Doctor!
  • Tales from the TARDIS: A shock for four humans when the Family of Blood arrive…
  • Make: How to make an Infostamp.
  • Doctor’s Data: Lady Christina.
  • Quiz: Take our Tritovore test and see what you remember about one of the newest aliens seen in Doctor Who.
  • Puzzles and competitions: Fun things to work out and win.
  • Comic strip: The TARDIS arrives in London – and there’s trouble at Crystal Palace.
  • Subscription offer: Subscribe today and get an amazing Doctor Who book!

Doctor Who Adventures, issue 112, priced £2.10, is out now!

Issue 112 of Doctor Who Magazine is out now across the United Kingdom at the price of £2.10. Issue 113 will be released this Thursday and will come with some free stickers, some badges and a monster maze game. Will you be buying this?

Monday, April 27, 2009

Doctor Who Magazine #408 Cover

The cover for issue 408 of Doctor Who Magazine was today revealed online and can now be seen above. This issue features a Planet of the Dead set report, interviews with both David Tennant and Michelle Ryan and also takes a look at this year's remaining three Doctor Who specials. The magazine also includes the latest news, the Watcher's guide to The Second Doctor and much more including a competition to win Doctor Who books, CDs and DVDs. The official press release for the magazine has not yet been released but it will be posted here as soon as it is becomes available. Issue 408 of Doctor Who Magazine will be released this Thursday across the United Kingdom and Ireland at the usual price of £3.99.

Doctor Who BAFTA Results

The British Academy Television Awards for 2008 took place last night at the Royal Festival Hall and was simultaneously broadcast on BBC One at 8pm. This year, Doctor Who was again nominated in the Best Drama category, along with Shameless, Spooks and Wallander. Doctor Who had been nominated in this category for the past three years and won the award each time, but unfortunately Doctor Who did not win this year and Wallander was announced the winner of the award. Einstien and Eddington, the single drama starring David Tennant was also nominated for an award but also lost out. A full list of BAFTA winners can be read by clicking here.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Limited Edition Torchwood Figures

SciFi Collector recently emailed us with details for two exclusive limited edition Torchwood action figures. The figures are of Captain John Hart and Ianto Jones which will also be released in the second wave of the Torchwood figures but what makes these figures special is that they are packaged in wave one figure packaging. 1000 of each figure has been produced and they will be available to buy from the music tours of Gareth David Llyod and James Marsters, as well as from the SciFi Collector online store. Each figure costs £14.99 or £29.90 for both and you can go to SciFi Collector's online store where you can preorder the new figures by clicking here.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

A Cold Day in Hell Graphic Novel

The cover for the upcoming Seventh Doctor graphic novel, A Cold Day in Hell, was recently added to the official Doctor Who Magazine Facebook group. The graphic novel will include the comics, A Cold Day in Hell, Redemption, The Crossroads of Time, Claws of the Klathi, Culture Shock, Keepsake, Planet of the Dead, Echoes of the Mogor, Time and Tide, Follow that TARDIS and Invaders from Gantac. The synopsis for the book can be read below:

The first volume of comics collection the Seventh Doctor's complete strip adventures from the pages of Doctor Who magazine sees the famous Time Lord in no fewer than 11 thrilling adventures through time and space! The Doctor encounters Death's Head, Heat Vampires, Ice Warriors and even himself! The original black and white strips are digitally mastered and collected for the first time ever.

A Cold Day in Hell will be released across the United Kingdom and Ireland on the fourth of May and will be sold at the RRP of £15.99. Will you be purchasing this?

Friday, April 24, 2009

Gillian Anderson to Play The Rani?

Various British newspapers have this week been reporting that Gillian Anderson, the actress who is well known for her role as Scully in the American science fiction series, The X Files, will be appearing in Doctor Who. The reports state that she will play the role of The Rani, an old Timelord enemy of The sixth and seventh incarnations of The Doctor who was originally played Kate O' Mara. An apparent BBC insider said:

"Gillian obviously has a massive sci-fi following and it's felt that it would be a major coup to have her appear in Doctor Who. The team behind the show are keen for the next Doctor to have lots of new enemies and Gillian would be a glamorous and impressive addition to the list. The Rani would be a perfect role for her as the character used to be regarded as one of the Doctor's most deadly opponents."

The Daily Telegraph is one of the many newspapers who are reporting this and you can view their report online by clicking here. Please be aware that the BBC have not confirmed that Gillian Anderson will be appearing in Doctor Who or that The Rani will return for series five, meaning that this may or may not be true. Do you think Gillian Anderson would be a good choice to play the role of The Rani?

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Planet of the Dead Final Ratings

BARB have now released the final ratings for the recently aired Doctor Who Easter special, Planet of the Dead. The ratings state that the episode was watched by 9.54 million viewers on BBC One and by 200,000 viewers on BBC HD. Planet of the Dead has now become the highest rated programme on BBC HD and is the fifth most watched programme of the week it was broadcast. The rating is over one million higher then it was estimated and the episode is now one of the eighth episodes in Doctor Who's forty-five year history that has been in the top five most watched.

Planet of the Dead on iTunes

Planet of the Dead, the first of the Doctor Who 2009 specials which was recently broadcast on BBC One and BBC HD has now been made available to download online through iTunes. The episode costs £1.79 to download in standard edition and costs £1.79 to download in high definition. The first, second, third and fourth series of Doctor Who are also available to download, along with various classic episodes and the 2008 Christmas special, The Next Doctor. Once downloaded, the episode can be played on your computer, iPod and can even be put on a disc to watch on a DVD player. You can download the episode by clicking here at the iTunes website.

Torchwood Magazine #15

The fifteenth issue of the official Torchwood magazine was released today across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This issue features exclusive interviews with John Barrowman, Eve Myles and Rick Makarem, an on set preview of Torchwood series three, a guide to the aliens Torchwood have encountered, an episode guide for Greeks Bearing Gifts, readers' questions answered by Eve Myles, T-Mail, part two of a story by Steve Savile, a comic strip by Gary Russell and Adrian Salmon, and much more. An extract from this issue's interview with John Barrowman can be seen below:

"The new Torchwood story drags up a lot of people's secrets, and we all like to see that, don't we? It's the kind of story that, once you start watching it, you will be hooked. Even if you've never seen Torchwood before, you're going to fall for these characters, and you're going to go with them on an amazing journey that will be the biggest rollercoaster ride of their lives."

The magazine will also give readers a chance to win Torchwood books and will include the latest news. Images from this issue's comic strip, Broken, can be seen by clicking here at Torchwood Magazine's official Facebook group. Issue fifteen of Torchwood Magazine is out now nationwide at the price of £4.99.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

The Doctor Who DVD Files #8

Issue eight of The Doctor Who DVD Files was released today across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This fortnight's issue comes with the series two episodes, New Earth and Tooth and Claw on DVD and includes episode guides for both episodes. The magazine also includes guides to The Second Doctor's travels, The Editor, Cassandra's robot spiders, Rose Tyler, Bannakaffalatta, The Ice Warriors and takes a behind the scenes look at the prosthetics used in Doctor Who. The next issue will be released in two weeks time and will come School Reunion and The Girl in the Fireplace on DVD. The Doctor Who DVD Files issue 8 is out now at the price of £6.99. Will you be buying this issue of the DVD Files?

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Torchwood Wave Two Action Figures

SciFi Collector recently revealed the first approved images of their second wave of Torchwood action figures. The wave consists of Ianto Jones who is played by Gareth David Llyod, Toshiko Sato who was played by Naoko Mori, Captain John Hart who was played by James Marsters and the Blowfish who was played by Paul Kasey. All of the figures are highly detailed, fully articulated and include a display plinth. The first wave of Torchwood action figures is currently on sale and consists of Captain Jack Harkness, Gwen Cooper, a Weevil and the Cyberomwan. You can see the approved images of the wave two figures by following the links below:

All of the figures will be released in the Summer of this year and will be sold at the RRP of £9.99. The SciFi Collector online shop has now started taking orders for the upcoming Torchwood figures and you can visit the shop by clicking here.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Doctor Who Wins Theme Tune Poll

Total Sci-Fi Online recently conducted a poll to find out what visitors of the website thought the best science fiction theme tune was. There were ten theme tunes to choose from and Doctor Who was voted the winner of the poll with Red Dwarf coming in second place and The X-Files in third place. Total Sci-Fi Online editor, Matt McAllister had this to say:

“The poll result proves that in addition to being one of the most popular science fiction shows ever created, Doctor Who also boasts the most iconic sci-fi theme tune. Grainer and Derbyshire’s theme manages to convey the outlandish quality of the show and is instantly recognisable to fans throughout the world just by its opening bars.”

The original Doctor Who theme was composed by Ron Grainer in 1963 and was then arranged by Delia Derbyshire. The theme tune has been recreated many times since and the current version of the theme tune which was created in 2005 is composed by Murray Gold. The results of the poll can be seen below:

  • 1) Doctor Who
  • 2) Red Dwarf
  • 3) The X-Files
  • 4) Buffy the Vampire Slayer
  • 5) Star Trek
  • 6) Thunderbirds
  • 7) The Twilight Zone
  • 8) Battlestar Galactica
  • 9) Quantum Leap
  • 10) The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
A full article on the poll can be read by clicking here at Total Sci-Fi Online. What do you think of the results of this poll? Did you vote for the Doctor Who theme?

Doctor Who Adventures #111

BBC Magazines have now sent us the cover and details for issue 111 of Doctor Who Adventures magazine which was released on Thursday. This week's edition of the magazine comes with a free Dalek stationery set and includes a guide to the Doctor Who Easter special, Planet of the Dead. The cover can be seen above and the press release can be read below:

Would you be allowed in the TARDIS?

In the latest issue of Doctor Who Adventures magazine, find out if you’ve got what it takes to travel with the Doctor in the TARDIS. DWA looks at some of the people the Doctor hasn’t allowed to be full-time travellers in his amazing time machine…

There’s also a guide to Planet of the Dead that’s full of essential information about this action-packed story.

The issue comes with a set of exclusive Dalek stationery, which includes a pencil case, notepad, pencil and rubber.

Get yours today!

What else?

  • Posters: The Supreme Dalek, a Tritovore and a vicious Cybershade.
  • Who’s where?: Loads of aliens have joined the Doctor and Christina on the bus!
  • Monster quiz: Find out how well you know your monsters.
  • Tales from the TARDIS: The Slitheen attack!
  • Terror through time: The Daleks.
  • Puzzles and competitions: Loads of things to do and win, including the new Cybermen DVD box set.
  • Comic strip: The TARDIS arrives on a boat in 1918…
  • Subscription offer: Subscribe today and get an amazing Doctor Who book!

Doctor Who Adventures, issue 111, priced £2.10, is out now. Essential reading for young fans of monsters and time travel.

Doctor Who Adventures 111 is out now across the United Kingdom and Ireland at the RRP of £2.10. Issue 112 will be released on Thursday and will come with a monster stationery set. Will you be buying issue 111 of Doctor Who Adventures?

Sunday, April 19, 2009

The Day of the Troll Audio

Various online retailers are now taking preorders for an upcoming Tenth Doctor exclusive audio adventure. The audio story is entitled 'The Day of the Troll' and is the fifth in a series of exclusive audios which includes Pest Control, The Forever Trap, The Nemonite Invasion and will later include The Rising Night. The Day of the Troll will be released by BBC Audiobooks across the United Kingdom and Ireland on the third of September and will be sold at the RRP of £9.99. The cover for the audio will be posted here as soon as it is made available online, along with more information regarding it.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

John Barrowman Digital Spy Interview

Digital Spy recently published an exclusive interview on their website with John Barroman, the actor who plays Captain Jack Harkness in both Doctor Who and Torchwood. In the interview, John is asked about the upcoming third series of Torchwood, if there will be a fourth series and if he will be returning to Doctor Who. Two extracts from the interview can be read below:

What can you tell us about the third series of Torchwood?
"I can tell you that Jack and the team find themselves in a completely different environment to what they're used to. Jack's past comes back to haunt him and the present team. It all sort of backfires on him and he has to clean up the mess that he and the government make."

Can we expect to see you back in Doctor Who to bid farewell to David?
"Jack will always return to the Tardis if the Doctor's in need – to help save the planet or conquer an alien race trying to invade. That's all I can say! You know how secretive we are about all of that. Personally, as John, I would love to go back. If I'm asked, I'll be there in a second."

The full interview can be read by clicking here at the Digital Spy Website. Torchwood will return for a third series this Summer which will be broadcast across five consecutive nights on BBC One. What do you think of this interview?

Happy Birthday David Tennant

The Picture above was made by me.
Today, the eighteenth of April, is David Tennant's thirty-eighth birthday. David Tennant is well known for his role as The Tenth Doctor in the new series of Doctor Who and and will continue to play the role for three more special episodes this year. Over the years, David has appeared in many television programmes such as Casanova, Secret Smile, Blackpool, Learners, Recovery, Einstein and Eddington, and many others. You can find out more about David Tennant and his acting career by clicking here at Wikipedia. I would like to wish David a very happy thirty-eighth birthday and all the best for the future. You can leave your birthday messages for David in the comment box which is linked below.

Friday, April 17, 2009

BAFTA Cymru Nominations

The nominations for this year's BAFTA Cymru Awards have now been announced and this year Doctor Who has been nominated in for nine awards, Torchwood has been nominated for two and The Sarah Jane Adventures has been nominated for one. A list of this year's nominations for Doctor Who and it's two spin-off shows can be read below:
  • Best Drama - Doctor Who
  • Best Interactive - Official BBC Doctor Who Website
  • Best Director of Photography - Rory Taylor, (DW: Silence in the Library)
  • Best Sound - Doctor Who Sound Team (DW: Midnight)
  • Best Editor - Philip Kloss (DW: Midnight)
  • Best Make-up - Barbara Southcott (DW: The Next Doctor)
  • Best Screenwriter - Russell T Davies (DW: Midnight)
  • Best Original Music Soundtrack - Murray Gold (DW: Midnight)
  • Best Film/Drama Director - Euros Lyn (DW: Silence in the Library)
  • Best Design - Edward Thomas (TW: Adrift)
  • Best Costume - Ray Holman (TW: From Out of the Rain)
  • Best Children's Programme - The Sarah Jane Adventures

The results of the awards will be announced on Sunday the seventeenth of May at the Wales Millennium Centre and will be posted here shortly after. You can read the full list of nominations by clicking here at the BAFTA Cymru website.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Planet of the Dead Appreciation Index

The appreciation index for the recently aired Doctor Who Easter special, Planet of the Dead, has now been announced. The episode which was broadcast last Saturday on BBC One was given an appreciation index of 88 and the repeat which was show on the following Sunday was given an appreciation index of 89. On average, dramas that are broadcast on BBC or ITV channels receive an AI result of around 77 and any rating above 85 is classed as excellent. Unofficial ratings state that Monday's repeat of Planet of the Dead was watched 1.8 million people on BBC One and by an additional 30,000 people on BBC HD. What do you think of this AI result?

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Doctor Who Battles in Time #68

Issue 68 of Doctor Who Battles in Time magazine was released today and is now on sale across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This issue takes a look at the CyberKing from last year's Doctor Who Christmas special, The Next Doctor, and includes a pack of Ultimate Monsters cards and Devestator cards. Also inside this fortnight's issue:

- Cyberman VS Riversong
- FAQ: Who is... The Eighth Doctor?
- Comic Strip: The Rebirth of Corah
- Mutant Mayhem
- And Much More!

Doctor Who Battles in Time issue 68 is out now at the price of £2.50. Issue 69, the second to last issue in the collection, will be released on the 29th of April and will take a look at the ruthless Sontaran, Commander Kaagh.

Doctor Who Series Five Producers

The BBC have today announced the producers of Doctor Who series five. Tracie Simpson, the producer of the recent Doctor Who Easter special, Planet of the Dead, and Peter Bennett, the producer of Torchwood series three will both be joining The Doctor Who production team as producers. Beth Willis, producer of the award winning Ashes to Ashes will be joining forthcoming Doctor Who lead writer Steven Moffatt and Piers Wenger as an executive producer. Steven Moffat had this to say:

"Beth and Tracie and Pete aren't the A Team, they're the people the A Team call. Tracie and Pete are the backstage stars of Doctor Who and having them on board as producers isn't just the best possible news for Matt Smith's first series, it's a massive relief. And Beth Willis, fresh from the brilliant Ashes To Ashes, is joining Piers and I as an executive so finally there'll be someone to wear the trousers."

The fifth series of Doctor Who will begin to be filmed in a few months time and will be broadcast in Spring 2010. Twenty-six year old actor Matt Smith will be taking over from David Tennant as The Doctor and Steven Moffat will be taking over from Russell T Davies as lead writer. What are your thoughts on this?

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Planet of the Dead DVD

2entertain have now revealed the cover for the DVD release of this year's Doctor Who Easter special, Planet of the Dead. The cover is of the same style as the recent Next Doctor DVD release and the style will continue to be used on future Doctor Who DVDs. The cover can be seen to the left and the official synopsis can be read below, thanks to Doctor Who Online:

Bionic Woman and Merlin star Michelle Ryan plays the mysterious Lady Christina de Souza who joins the Doctor on a bus-trip which takes a very unexpected detour into danger. British comedy star Lee Evans also joins the cast playing a character called Malcolm whose life becomes connected to the Doctor's under extraordinary circumstances and Noma Dumezweni returns as Captain Erisa Magambo - last seen helping Rose and Donna save the world in Turn Left.

The DVD will not include any special features and no plans for a Blu-ray release have yet been announced. Planet of the Dead will go on sale on the 29th of July and will be sold across the United Kingdom and Ireland at the RRP of £15.99.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Doctor Who BAFTA Craft Award Nominations

The nominations for this year's BAFTA Craft Awards have now been revealed and Doctor Who has been nominated in three different categories. Russell T Davies has been nominated for writing Midnight, The Mill who create the CGI for Doctor Who have been nominated for their work on The Fires of Pompeii, and Philip Kloss has been nominated for his editing work on The Doctor's Daughter and Midnight. This year's awards will take place on the 17th of May and will be hosted by Alexander Armstrong who provides the voice of Mr Smith in The Sarah Jane Adventures. The results of the awards will be posted here shortly after they are announced.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter From The Gallifrey Vortex!

Today, the twelfth of April, is Easter Sunday. Easter is celebrated every year across the world and happens because Christians believe that Jesus Christ was resurrected on this day. Easter also marks marks the end of Lent, a period of time when people give up one thing that they like for forty days and forty nights. On this day, people are given chocolate eggs which represent new born life and some people have parties. You can find out more about Easter including how it began by clicking here at Wikipedia. I would like to wish all of my visitors a very happy Easter and hope that you enjoy the rest of the day. How are you celebrating Easter today?

Planet of the Dead Overnight Ratings

Unofficial overnight ratings for Planet of the Dead, the Doctor Who Easter special, have now been released online. The ratings state that the episode was watched by 8.41 million people on BBC One and by 184,000 people on BBC HD. These ratings make Planet of the Dead the most watched programme on BBC HD to date. According to the ratings, last night's episode of Doctor Who Confidential was watched by 0.46 million people and the most watched programme of the night was Britain's Got Talent which had 10.52 million viewers. These ratings are yet to be finalised and the official BARB ratings will be posted here when they are released in ten days.

The Tennant Tapes - Tape Five

The BBC have now added the fifth video in The Tennant Tapes series to their official Doctor Who website. The video includes moments recorded by David Tennant while staying in Dubai to film the Doctor Who Easter special, Planet of the Dead. The video can be seen on the official Doctor Who website and can also be seen below:

You can see the previous four Tennant Tapes by clicking here, here, here and here in older posts. Doctor Who will return at some point later this year and more Tennant Tapes are expected to be released over the coming months.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

The Waters of Mars Teaser Trailer

Planet of the Dead was broadcast for the first time earlier tonight and the episode was followed by a short teaser trailer for the second Doctor Who special of the year. The trailer confirms that the episode is entitled 'The Waters of Mars' and includes clips of water firing zombies, Adelaide who is played by Lindsay Duncan and much more. You can see it below:

The Waters of Mars will be broadcast later this year but an exact date has not yet been confirmed. The episode is written by both Russell T Davies and Phil Ford and stars David Tennant as The Doctor and Lindsay Duncan as Adelaide.

Planet of the Dead Tonight

The Picture above was made by me.
Tonight, Doctor Who will return in the long awaited Easter special, Planet of the Dead. The episode will see The Doctor and a bus full of people being transported to the planet San Helios where they have to fight for their lives against the carnivorous Swarm and encounter Tritovores. The one hour long episode will be broadcast on both BBC One and on BBC HD and the accompanying episode of Doctor Who Confidential will air shortly after. Below is tonight's Doctor Who schedule:

6.30pm - Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead - BBC One
6.30pm - Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead (HD) - BBC HD
8.30pm - Doctor Who Confidential: Desert Storm - BBC Three

David Tennant is written by Russell T Davies and Gareth Roberts and stars David Tennant stars Tenth Doctor and Michelle Ryan as The Lady Christina De Souza. The title for the second Doctor Who special of the year will be revealed at the end of the episode and a trailer for it will be shown. The trailer will be available to watch here shortly after. Are you looking forward to Planet of the Dead?

Sarah Jane and Luke Smith Return

More filming for one of this year's Doctor Who specials took place yesterday and this time the Doctor Who production team were filming at Clinton Road which appears as Bannerman Road in The Sarah Jane Adventures. Both Elisabeth Sladen, the actress who plays Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures and Thomas Knight, the young actor who stars as Luke Smith in The Sarah Jane Adventures were seen. The scenes which were filmed yesterday included one of Luke nearly getting hit by a car while crossing the road but getting saved by The Doctor. Luke and Sarah Jane recently appeared in the Doctor Who series four episodes, The Stolen Earth and Journey's End to help The Doctor defeat the Daleks to save the whole of reality from destruction. The latest news on Doctor Who specials filming will be posted here on The Gallifrey Vortex shortly after it takes place.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Another Wedding for Donna Noble?

Please be aware that this post contains pictures and information that could be classed as spoilers. Filming for one of this year's Doctor Who specials took place today at a church where Catherine Tate was spotted in a wedding dress. It is presumed that Catherine's character, Donna Noble, will be getting married for the second time. You can see two pictures from today's filming below (click to enlarge):


Bernard Cribbins was also seen on set today wearing Reindeer antlers which backs the previous rumours that the third and fourth specials will be shown at Christmas time. The Gallifrey Vortex will continue to keep you updated with the latest filming news. What are your thoughts on today's filming?

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Michelle Ryan on GMTV

Michelle Ryan, the actress who will star in Planet of the Dead on Saturday as the Lady Christina De Souza was a guest on this morning's edition of GMTV. On GMTV, Michelle discussed working on Doctor Who, doing her own stunts and much more including future roles in television. You can see Michelle Ryan's appearance on GMTV from earlier today below:


Planet of the Dead will be broadcast on Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One and BBC HD. You can see Michelle Ryan on Blue Peter by clicking here on BBC iPlayer and you can see her on The Paul O' Grady show by clicking here on C4 on Demand.

Torchwood Magazine #16 Collector's Cover

Issue 15 of Torchwood Magazine has not even been released yet but Titan Magazines have now already revealed the cover for a special collector's edition of the sixteenth issue. The special collector's edition cover which can be seen above features exclusive artwork by Michael Golden to tie in with Torchwood Magazine's Rift War comic strip storyline. This special edition of Torchwood Magazine will only be available to buy in various comic stores at some point in July 2009 and an alternative cover which will be widely distributed will be released in the same month. What do you think of the special collector's cover?

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Planet of the Dead BBC Website Update

The Official BBC Doctor Who website has been updated for the upcoming Doctor Who Easter special, Planet of the Dead. The website now features a section for the episode which includes desktop wallpapers, videos and even a new game. The aim of the game is to destroy desert debris while on a double decker bus to unlock an exclusive script extract and five wallpapers that can be seen below:




You can visit the BBC website for Doctor Who by clicking here and you can play the game by clicking here. What do you think of the new updates?

Michelle Ryan's TV Appearances of Today

Michelle Ryan, the famous actress who will star in Doctor Who this Saturday as The Lady Christina will be a guest on today's editions of Blue Peter and The Paul O' Grady Show. She will be interviewed about how she found working on Doctor Who on both shows and will also participate in various activities. Blue Peter will air at 4.35pm on BBC One and The Paul O' Grady Show which will today be hosted by Melanie Sykes will be broadcast at 5pm on Channel Four. If you miss Michelle Ryan's appearance on Blue Peter, it will be available to watch shortly after on BBC iPlayer and if you do not catch The Paul O' Grady show, it will be repeated at 6pm on Channel 4+1.

The Doctor Who DVD Files #7

The seventh issue of The Doctor Who DVD Files was released today and is now on sale at various shops and newsagents across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This issue comes with the last episode of Doctor Who series one, The Partings of the Ways, and the 2005 Christmas special, The Christmas Invasion, on DVD. Inside, you can read about the origins of the Daleks, the Krillitanes, the Brigadier, the Second Doctor's travels through time and space, the Game Station and much more including a behind the scenes look at dressing the Tenth Doctor. The Doctor Who DVD Files #7 is on sale now at the price of £6.99. The eighth issue of the DVD Files will be released in two weeks time and will come with the first two episodes of Doctor Who series two, New Earth and Tooth and Claw on DVD. Will you be buying this issue of The Doctor Who DVD Files?