RATINGS & REVIEW

Doctor Who was the third most popular progamme on telly last night with 6.18 million viewers. It was beaten by Ant & Dec (7.19 million viewers) and The Voice (6.24 million viewers).

This figure will certainly increase when timeshift figures are included. To read a review by Andy Frankham-Allen click below.

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BRAND NEW CLIP FROM THE BELLS OF SAINT JOHN

The BBC have released a brand new clip from The Bells of Saint John which airs in just three days.

We conFEZ, we're bored of waiting now... roll on Saturday!

Check out the clip below:

NEW PROMO IMAGE

A brand new promo image for The Bells of Saint John has been released.

The first episode of series 7B airs on both BBC One and BBC America on March 30th. The episode sees the Doctor and new companion, Clara, take on a monster lurking in the UK Wi-Fi.

Check out the image below:

Image - Copyright BBC / Adrian Rogers

NEIL GAIMAN EPISODE GETS TITLE

Neil Gaiman's second Doctor Who episode will be called Nightmare In Silver.

The writer has penned a new script featuring classic Doctor Who monster, the Cybermen. Gaiman told Digital Spy last year that he would only be willing to return if he could outdo himself,

"If I ever come up with a plot that is better than [The Doctor's Wife]... I would absolutely come back to it." he said.

We have faith that Gaiman can deliver.

The Doctor returns in The Bells of Saint John on March 30th.

DOCTOR WHO STAMPS AVAILABLE NOW

Today (March 26) sees the release of the special edition Doctor Who stamps.

All eleven Doctors feature on their own first class stamp with their relevant logo and a title graphic in the background.

The TARDIS is also on its own first class stamp and comes as part of a mini-sheet with four second class stamps, each one with their own Doctor Who monster; Weeping Angel, Dalek, Cyberman and Ood.

The stamps have been created to mark the 50th Anniversary of the show and, with pre-registration for the collection three times higher than any other commeroative set Royal Mail has released, they have already broken a record.

Royal Mail's Andrew Hammond said: "These stamps pay tribute to the brilliant actors that have played the Doctor over the years as well as the adversaries that helped make the show so popular."

See the full collection below:

DOCTOR WHO? YOU. THAT'S WHO

The Doctor is coming to PlayStation Home.

Available from March 27th, Wave One lets you enter the world of our favourite Time Lord in more ways than one, from dressing the Doctor in some of his most iconic clothing, to creating your own Sonic Screwdriver. You will also have access to a number of Companion costumes and, if you'd rather take on the role of an alien life-form (other than the Doctor), then feel free to become a Silurian or a Silent.

Image - Copyright Doctor Who Playstation Home

Of course, the TARDIS features heavily in the game and can be used either as a private space or a communal ship where you can meet up with fellow Whovians. The TARDIS comes with a LOOT Active Camera which allows you and your friends to film your own timey-wimey adventures and upload them to your YouTube acount.

Check out the trailer below:

 

CAPTAIN JACK'S NOT BACK

With all the rumours, speculation and secrecy surrounding the 50th Anniversary special, it's hard to believe the cold hard facts that we do receive.

However, this one seems hard to dispute as Captain Jack Harkness himself has confirmed that he is not involved in the 50th via Twitter.

'I will not be involved in the 50th Anniversary Episode of Dr WHO' wrote Barrowman yesterday (March 24).

It appears that this is concrete and there will be no more Captain Jack in the foreseeable future. I guess our hopes lie in the renewal of Torchwood.

AND NOW THE TRAILER...

With the prequel to The Bells of Saint John only just being released, there's now a trailer to go with it.

Take a look below:

 

THE BELLS OF SAINT JOHN PREQUEL

A prequel to The Bells of Saint John has been released by the BBC, one week prior to the Doctor's return.

Check it out below:

PETER JACKSON FOR ... A DALEK

Yep. Peter Jackson has spoken once again of his desire to direct an episode of Doctor Who, naming his fee to be a Dalek.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Jackson announced that he met up with the Moff over Christmas and reiterated his no fee claim.

"They don't even have to pay me," he said.

"But I have got my eye on one of those nice new gold-coloured Daleks. They must have a spare one."

Moffat was also asked to comment on Jackson directing an episode.

"We're theoretically on board for anything," he said, "provided we've got a great story."

What do you think about the idea of Peter Jackson directing an episode? Let us know in the comments below or find us on Facebook and Twitter:

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THE DOCTOR RETURNS... AT 6:15

Doctor Who's first episode of 2013 has its time slot confirmed by the BBC: The Bells of Saint John will air on BBC One at 6:15pm.

The Bells of Saint John poster

According to Matt Smith, the episode is a 'modern day cinspiracy thriller [that's] like Doctor Who meets Bourne meets Bond'. Check out the movie-style posters for the following three episodes below:

Episode 2, The Rings of Akhaten poster (our personal favourite)

Episode 3, The Cold War poster - The Ice Warriors return

Episode 4, Hide poster - a good old fashioned ghost story

The return of the Doctor begins BBC One's new early evening line-up with the second series of The Voice immediately following at 7:00pm. 

THE DOCTOR'S GREATEST SECRET REVEALED?

The Moff, along with Matt Smith and Jenna Louise-Coleman have revealed some rather sintillating facts about the upcoming run of episodes and the 50th Anniversary.

Speaking at a Q&A session after an exclusive screening of The Bells of Saint John, Moffat and co. showed their enthusiasm for the second half of series 7 and gave their impressions on the script for the 50th.

On the subject of the 50th Anniversary, Smith said: "You won't be disappointed... I read it and clapped at the end.

I think it's going to be the biggest, the best, the most inventive, the most exciting year for the show."

Moffat, commenting on the 50th, has stopped anybody from giving him a physical copy of the script:

"I'll tell you, one length I've gone to, which I think is a really, really good security measure - I make sure I don't get a script. Because I will lose it. So I forbid people to hand me one." he said.

Coleman was also asked about her thoughts on the anniversary script.

She said: "It really is epic and I think it's really a treat for the fans of the last fifty years."

In further news, Steven Moffat has also announced that River Song (Alex Kingston) will return in series 7b.

He said: "Yes. She will certainly be in this series."

The trio were later asked to elaborate on their personal highlights, to which Smith and Coleman discussed the show's new mosters and guest stars. Moffat however ended the question with a very big boast:

"And the Doctor's greatest secret will be revealed. And actually will. I'm not lying." 

There is a lot going on and, naturally, the hype will only continue to grow. With the 50th Anniversary on the horizon and the new run of episodes starting in two weeks, we're expecting to bring you a TARDIS full of information very soon. As JNT once said. Stay tuned!

NEW TRAILER

A brand new trailer has arrived for the second half of series 7.

Showing more of the monsters and providing more tidbits of information on new companion Clara, saying we're excited seems pointless. WE CAN'T WAIT.

Check out the new trailer below:

MATT SMITH ON WHO FUTURE AND 50TH

Matt Smith appeared on The Jonathan Ross show tonight (March 16), providing details about his future as the Doctor and dropping a rather underwhelming, yet thought-provoking bit of info on the 50th Anniversary.

When asked by Ross if he had thought about moving on or whether he was still happy in the role, Smith responded:

"I'm very happy doing it... It's sort of one of those that jobs you have to take, year by year really."

He added, "It's a year by year thing and at the moment it's 2013 and we'll see what 2014 holds."

The interview moved on to discuss the 50th Anniversary. Ross pushed for information from Smith and in return, we got one word straight from the Doctor's mouth. What was that word you ask? Well...

"Paintings. That's all I'm saying."

That's right, paintings. If ANYONE out there knows what this means then please get in touch because we most certainly have no idea.

You can check out Matt Smith's interview on The Jonathan Ross Show below, or head to ITV Player for the full episode.

THE DOCTOR AT COMIC RELIEF

Comic Relief has so far raised an incredible £75, 107, 851. This is the most the charity has raised in its 25 year history and, amidst all the usual sketches and specials was the Doctor.

The Time Lord first popped up in a mash-up of One Born Every Minute, Call the Midwife and Doctor Who, where he arrives to warn an in-labour mother of a prophecy regarding her unborn twins, John and Edward.

Smith later appeared on stage with Claudia Winkleman and Dermot O'Leary as the Doctor. Serving as a 'teaser' for the 50th Anniversary in 3D, Smith found himself having to avoid the advances of Winkleman before leaving.

David Tennant also made a surprise entrance as John Bishop, blindfolded, awaited a kiss from co-host Davina McCall, only to receive one from the Tenth Doctor instead (who did not hold back).

Check out the stills and Smith's on-stage appearance below:

The Doctor in the mash-up special

Matt Smith / The Doctor with Claudia Winkleman

David Tennant sneaks up on John Bishop... Oh Yes!

  
All images copyright BBC

The Doctor on-stage below:

LOST DOCTOR WHO SCRIPTS FOUND IN KENT

Six Doctor Who scripts belonging to the creator of the TARDIS and writer, Anthony Coburn, have been discovered by prop-maker, Jason Onion. Mr. Coburn came up with the idea for the TARDIS after seeing a police box outside BBC Television Centre. He sadly passed away in 1977.

The TARDIS

Onion, a BBC licensed TARDIS maker, was researching the iconic blue police box for Children In Need and was handed a box of paperwork found by Mr. Coburn's widow, Joan Coburn-Moon.

Initially, Onion wasn't aware of what he had discovered:

"With the consent of Anthony's wife, Joan Coburn-Moon, and other family members, the family lent me a box of his work and I saw the scripts, but put them to one side.

"When I scanned the cover later I realised it didn't have the right title for the first episode... as soon as I saw the first few pages I knew it was not the episode that had been televised.

"I just sat there, and stared and stared. I wanted to cover them with glass. They are unbelievably precious, and I had them in my hand."

The six scripts consist of two versions of the first episode, an alternative episode two and three further stories.

One script entitled 'Masters of Luxor' was never made, replaced instead by the original Dalek serial. Reading through the scripts, Onion was able to solve some of the mysteries of Doctor Who that have plagued Whovians for years,

"You can see in these episodes a device to unlock the TARDIS, which became the sonic screwdriver, and the science and regeneration and renewal of the body, which were all created in Anthony's mind.

"It explains the TARDIS's original name, the planet Doctor Who came from and that his granddaughter - Susan in the programmes, but Suzanne in the scripts - was a princess saved from another world.

"He created the cornerstones of Doctor Who that have been expanded and built on ever since."

Discussions are currently underway for a permanent exhibition to commemorate Mr. Coburn. Jason Onion's workshop where he builds TARDIS replicas is reportedly being considered.

SYLVESTER MCCOY ON WHO 50TH

Seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy has stated that he has not been contacted regarding the 50th Anniversary.

"[I've heard] nothing. Niet. Zilch," he said in an interview with IGN. 

He went on to reveal that three other former Doctors have also not been asked to return.

"The other day I was with Tom Baker, Peter [Davison], and Colin [Baker] - the 20th century Who-ers - and Tom asked, 'Well, little man, have you heard anything?' and I told him, 'No, I haven't heard anything'. So none of us have heard anything."

With Peter Davison denying any involvement with the special recently, it seems that every detail is being kept completely under wraps.

We'll bring you more as we hear it.

CAROLINE SKINNER STEPS DOWN

Caroline Skinner, Executive Producer of Doctor Who has announced today (March 13) that she is leaving the show for a new position in London.

With the second half of series 7 just two weeks away and production of the 50th anniversary special around the corner, Skinner has left her position with immediate effect.

Faith Penhale, BBC Wales' Head of Drama who will be taking over the role said:

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Caroline for her contribution to Doctor Who since taking on the role in 2011, on behalf of both the BBC and the show. She leaves the show in good shape – there's a brilliant series starting on Easter Saturday that will see the official arrival of the Doctor's new companion! And the 50th Anniversary plans are on track to deliver audiences an unmissable event! I wish her all the very best for the future."

Skinner provided her own statement on the news:

"It has been an honour to have been a part of Doctor Who, and a privilege to have worked with Steven Moffat and Matt Smith on this extraordinary show. I have hugely enjoyed my time in BBC Wales and would like to thank Faith Penhale, and our wonderful production team for their unending commitment and brilliance. I will miss them all enormously, but I'm leaving Doctor Who in fine form, with the new series starting at Easter and the fantastic plans for the 50th Anniversary already underway. I am delighted to be now returning to BBC Drama Production in London as an executive producer, and the new opportunities and projects that will bring."

We wish her the best of luck in London.

DOCTOR WHO SPECIAL FX COMPANY FOR CLOSURE

Mercury FX Limited, previously known as DarkHorse FX and BBC Design Bristol, appointed liquidators on Monday (March 11).

The reason behind the company's closure is reportedly due to unpaid taxes of over £80,000. Mercury FX have also worked BBC Three's Being Human and hit spy drama, Spooks. 

The closure comes as the build up to the Doctor Who 50th starts to pick up pace. We're confident that this won't affect the anniversary.

What do you think? Let us know your comments.

MOST WANTED LOST EPISODE REVIVED

As most of us know, William Hartnell's final story "The Tenth Planet" is missing its final episode, probably lost somewhere in space and time.

Well good news, Planet 55 Studios have been busy at work fully reanimating the episode. 

Check out the preview below:

We really like the look of this, now let us see the rest!

CLARA CONTINUES?

Will Jenna Louise-Coleman be in Season 8? Yes, according to the actress herself.

Jenna Louise-Coleman: Image - mirror.co.uk

Speaking to Richard Bacon on his Radio 5 Live show yesterday (March 11), Coleman revealed that she will be in the next season of Doctor Who.

Listen to the full interview below:

We have to admit, we're slightly surprised at this announcement as, with the nature of Coleman's character, Clara (you know she keeps dying and all), we had expected her to be a relatively short-lived companion.

Although it seems that Coleman is in the show for quite some time, we find ourselves asking more questions...

DOCTOR WHO POINTLESS CELEBRITIES SPECIAL

The Doctor Who special of Pointless Celebrities has been confirmed for Saturday March 23 at 6pm on BBC One, just one week before the Doctor returns in the new run of episodes.

Image - Copyright BBC

The one-off edition will see four pairs of Doctor Who stars face off against each other as they try to win the Pointless Trophy. Bernard Cribbins and Jacqueline King are the 'noble team', Andrew Hayden-Smith (replacing Colin Baker who was taking part in I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here at the time of filming) and Nicola Bryant form the 'sixth Doctor' team with Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred making up the team of the 'seventh Doctor'. Finally, the 'companion' team consists of Frazer Hines and Louise Jameson whilst K-9 (John Leeson and Mat Irvine) will be on hand to assist hosts Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman.

Osman, a fan of Doctor Who, recently spoke to Doctor Who Magazine regarding our favourite Time Lord:

"Doctor Who's got everything hasn't it? It's got amazing stories. It's got a sort of soap opera behind the scenes of who's going to be the next Doctor. It's got great writers and an intelligence and a humanity behind it. Doctor Who has brought nothing but good things into the world."

Doctor Who returns to BBC One on 30 March. 

GOOGLE CELEBRATES DOUGLAS ADAMS

Image - thealmightyguru.com

Legendary writer Douglas Adams would have been 61 today. Born in Cambridge on March 11 1952, Adams died of a heart attack in Santa Barbara, California aged 49. To celebrate his life Google have created an interactive doodle.

Creator of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and former Doctor Who script editor and writer, Douglas Adams will continue to be missed by sci-fi fans around the world.

TOBY WHITHOUSE TO REPLACE THE MOFF?

Being Human creator, Toby Whithouse, has denied the reports that he will take over from Steven Moffat as Doctor Who showrunner.

Image - danowen.blogspot.com

Speaking to SFX magazine, Whithouse said: "I have heard the rumours. I've been hearing them for years now... In terms of my future on Doctor Who, this kind of speculation only takes places in the heads of the fans. I'm going to be busy doing The Game [BBC One spy drama] for however long that lasts and I think Steven is doing incredible work on Doctor Who and I'd much rather he stay there."

Although this sounds like Whithouse most definitely will not be taking over the reigns, he did go on to say that he would be interested in the position.

"Whether or not it's something the BBC is considering, I genuinely have no idea. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued by the idea, but also it would be terrifying. It's definitely something I'd be really tempted by."

Whithouse's Being Human came to an end after its fifth series and was hugely popular on BBC Three. Personally, we feel that Whithouse would be a good fit for Doctor Who, what do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

MOTHER'S DAY DOCTOR WHO STYLE

Struggling for a Mother's Day gift?

Well, the BBC has got you covered (provided your mum is a Doctor Who fan, otherwise ignore this post). TARDIS earrings, Doctor Who mugs and a Dalek teapot are among the Mother's Day range.

Check out the images below:

All images copyright BBC

HUGE CELEBRATION PLANNED FOR THE DOCTOR'S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

BBC Worldwide has revealed plans for a three day event at London's ExCeL to celebrate the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary.

Taking place over the 50th anniversary weekend, from Friday 22nd November to Sunday 24th November, 15,000 Doctor Who fans from around the world will be treated to the ultimate time travelling experience.

BBC Worldwide's Chief Brand Officer, Amanda Hill said: "Generations of fans young and old gave been captivated by the Doctor and we've seen Doctor Who go from strength to strength, enjoying something of a global march over the past few years attracting new followers from Turkey to Brazil to South Korea. This year long celebration is an opportunity for fans around the world to come together and celebrate the glorious past, present and future of Doctor Who."

Details on guests, itinerary, booking information and ticket prices have not yet been revealed so watch this space for the details as they arrive...

Check out the trailer for the new episodes of Doctor Who, coming March 30th:

PETER DAVISON ON WHO 50TH

Fifth Doctor Peter Davison doubts his involvement with the anniversary special.

Image - Wikipedia

Although Davison has confirmed that he is due to enter talks, he revealed at fan convention, MystiCon that he does not expect to play a physical role in the drama, predominantly due to age and appearance,

"I don't think it will involve the older Doctors, certainly in their present form, because of course we're meant to look exactly as we did when we left the TARDIS and none of us really do."

Davison went on to say that he sees his role in the 50th as footage from his days as the Time Lord,


"I think we'll be featured somewhere but I should think it's probably footage lifted from older Doctor stories."

It seems as though no one really knows what's going on when it comes to the 50th... or do they?

BRAND NEW IMAGES

New images have been released from the new run of Doctor Who episodes which begin on March 30th.

The return of the Doctor is edging ever closer and this latest bundle of images is exactly what we needed as we wait just that little bit longer. Check out the images below:

Clara is properly introduced, but what is her secret?

Clara and the Doctor

David Tennant just turned up on set

The Doctor and Clara... and a laptop

A monster from episode 2, 'The Rings of Akhaten'

Looking worried in episode 3 featuring the return of the Ice Warriors

Fighting the Ice Warriors aboard a submarine

A scene from episode 4 which guest stars (look below)

Dougray Scott as Alec Palmer

and Jessica Raine as Emma Grayling

The return of the Fez!

It's good to be back

All images Copyright - BBC

New TARDIS. New costume. New companion. Roll on March 30th.

ICE WARRIORS ANIMATION EXCLUSIVE

The BBC have released an exclusive sneak preview of The Ice Warriors animation. Originally junked from the archives, these two missing episodes are currently being recreated by award-winning animation studio Qurios for the new DVD release.

Dan Hall, producer of BBC Worldwide’s classic Doctor Who range, said: “We’ve been discussing the various ways Qurios could reconstruct these episodes for over three years. So it’s really, really satisfying to finally see them animated. Qurios have a great track record in excellent and innovative animations.”

FIRST FULL LOOK AT THE NEW ICE WARRIORS

Only yesterday did the type40 team bring you the first images of the brand new and revamped Ice Warriors.

Well, the BBC have now released the first full image for the returning monsters and they look fantastic.

Check out the image below:

Image - BBC

Stockier, more menacing and with less fur, these new Ice Warriors will face the Doctor once more in episode three of the new run of episodes.

Although the Moff had previously stated that he didn't like the Ice Warriors, he has since changed his tune and claimed that the episode, written by Mark Gatiss, is "an absolute cracker".

With so much to come this year, we have to say that this looks sure to be a nostalgic highlight.

Doctor Who returns to our screens on March 30th on BBC One. Check out the trailer for the second half of series 7 below:

FIRST LOOK AT THE ICE WARRIORS AND 50TH UPDATE

We brought you the news last month that the Ice Warriors would be returning to Doctor Who in a new episode penned by Mark Gatiss.

Well, the first official image for the second half of series 7 has been released and if you look hard enough, the Ice Warriors can be spotted in the broken glass as Matt Smith and Jenna Louise-Coleman motorcycle down the side of London's Shard building.

Check out the new image and enlarged images of the Ice Warriors below:

Image - BBC

Image - whopix.wordpress.com

Image - whopix.wordpress.com

These newly designed Ice Warriors are not too dissimilar from the original monster and with teeth baring they do look rather frightening. Let's see what Mark Gatiss can pull out the bag when the episode airs in April.

CAPTAIN JACK IS BACK... MAYBE

Image - fanpop.com

John Barrowman has confirmed that he is in talks for the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special.

It was only in January of this year that the actor said he would be disappointed to miss out on the milestone episode. However, during an interview on This Morning a few days ago (March 1), Barrowman announced that he had been contacted:

"I haven't had any information up until just about right now - all I can say to you is that we're discussing things... that's a total exclusive! You guys are the first to ever hear it."

Despite his clear excitement at being involved in the 50th anniversary, Barrowman did go on to emphasize that the talks are in the very early stages:

"Even yesterday I was giving interviews and I was saying I have heard nothing, and now I can give you a little bit of an exclusive. I've heard something."

Since revealing his potential involvement, Barrowman has taken to Twitter, seemingly to calm down fans. He tweeted "Re 50th I didn't say in what capacity or what medium so stay calm and carry on. JB."

With so little having been revealed, speculation and rumours surrounding the 50th are spreading every day. We'll keep you updated when we know more.

MARTHA IS OUT

Image - thesun.co.uk

Freema Agyeman has stated that she will not be starring in the 50th anniversary special. Her claim was made on Twitter on March 3rd and read:

"I'm contributing 2a programme for BBC AMERICA but not involved in the drama. Excited 2watch tho."

The actress who is currently in the US starring in The Carrie Diaries did go on to say that she would play Martha Jones again, providing it was done the right way:

"Would I play Martha Jones again? : Yes - under the right circumstances ie character development opportunity."

We haven't seen Martha since her Sontaran hunting days with hubby Micky (Noel Clarke). Will we see her again?...