MICKEY AND MARTHA IN 50TH SPECIAL AFTER ALL?

A few intriguing tweets on the Internet today have reignited rumours relating to two of the Doctor's more recent companions.

Freema Agyeman (who played Martha Jones) posted the following on her Twitter account @FreemaOfficial today:

Her picture [see here] is of herself and Noel Clarke (Mickey Smith), so is it possible that they went off to do a spot of filming for the 50th Anniversary episode? Noel also posted a photo of the two of them on his account (@NoelClarke).

The last time we saw Martha and Mickey they were married, fighting aliens in series finale The End of Time, so it's not unreasonable to presume that if they were to appear on the show they would do so together.

Either that or they were just meeting up for a drink. The only other explanation could be they were filming material for other Doctor Who-related media, which Freema has mentioned previously:

“I’m doing two things for the 50th but nothing to do with being in the drama. I got misquoted hideously once saying that there are some rumblings going on about being involved in the 50th in terms of the drama. It’s not. It’s in terms of conventions and interviews and things like that, which we’re all doing stuff to promote the 50th. We have to. It’s the ‘Doctor Who’ family and we want to.”

As for Noel Clarke, this is what he's said:
“I’m sure if I was gonna be there, I’d know about it already. If they called me, then I’m sure there’d be a conversation, but I’m not calling them or chasing it.” 

We'll leave it up to you to decide whether or not there's anything to make of this, but if Freema and Noel are to reprise their roles, given the cast confirmed so far it's going to make the episode pretty crowded!

EXPLORING THE TARDIS

With Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS still fresh in our minds since Saturday, it highlights one of the elements to Doctor Who that to some may seem overlooked – production design. Given the nature of DW’s most recent episode, the way the TARDIS looks, but also feels was an integral element to the overall episode.

As we watched the character of the TARDIS unfold, we were also given a glimpse into the Doctor’s relationship with his craft. With insurmountable work put into it both in front and behind the camera, we are given further secrets into the nature of this unusual vessel and its place in the DW mythos.

Watch the video below, and you can learn a little more about how production designer Michael Pickwoad chose to shape the design of the TARDIS interior into an impressive example of set design, as well as a spacecraft with flair and personality of its own. Also featuring interviews from Matt Smith, Jenna-Louise Coleman and Stephen Moffat.

RATINGS AND REVIEW

Doctor Who was the third most popular programme on TV last night with 4.9 million viewers. It was beaten by Britain's Got Talent with 9.3 million viewers.

This figure will certainly increase when timeshift figures are included. The audience for The Voice has remained roughly the same with 8.0 million viewers. To read a review by Benjamin Burford-Jones click below.

http://type40reviews.blogspot.co.uk/

STEVEN MOFFAT TALKS

Copyright BBC TV

The BBC have just released a new interview with show-runner, Steven Moffat, who talks about the rest of the current series of Doctor Who. Excerpts below...

When asked about the inspiration behind the Whisper Men (from the forthcoming The Name of the Doctor), he had this to say;

Having brought back two of the classics, the Ice Warriors and the Cybermen, this year we wanted a brand new monster to bring chills in the finale. And the thought of the stylish whispering almost faceless creatures was an idea that firstly scared me and that I thought would work well in an episode that looks forward and back.

Why the change of the look of the Cybermen?

One of the things that the Cybermen historically like to do before involving themselves in a military campaign is run up a new outfit. Throughout the classic series they always changed their appearance and we've been very consistent with them. I thought it was time they went back to their tailor and had a re-model!

What can you tell us about the finale?

It's full of surprises and questions that have never been answered in the history of Who, including the Doctor's greatest secret. We're not pretending, we're not kidding, it's actually going to happen. The episode is called The Name of the Doctor and involves our hero in a conflict that is very, very personal to him. Usually he's saving other people, but this time he might be the one who needs to be saved. We'll also find out what makes his new companion so impossible, and there's a surprise that no one has got right so far, and one that will change the course of Who forever!

Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS is transmitted at 6:30 tonight, on BBC1 and BBC1 HD.

'A THING THAT LOOKS LIKE A POLICE BOX'

An absolutely superb 'previously on...' trailer for Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS, and a celebration of the most amazing timeship in the history of ever...

JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE TARDIS (PREVIEW CLIPS)

Here's two new clips from this Saturday's episode of Doctor Who. Enjoy...

HISTORY OF THE TIME WAR AND REGENERATION BOXSET

In only a couple of days it seems secrets are going to revealed in the new episode of Doctor Who. The BBC have just released this photo, which shows a book residing deep inside the TARDIS... What can it mean?

And if that's not enough, the BBC have also just released information on the upcoming DVD boxset; Regeneration.

The boxset includes six DVDs that feature the Doctor's regenerations. Of particular note is the advanced released of the recently restored (with animation) The Tenth Planet, the first story to feature regeneration and the very first appearance of the Cybermen! It is due for release in June.

A GALLIFREYAN STAY IN READING!

Fancy living like a Time Lord for the night? Well, you can now (sort of). Tom Nichols (22) has opened his doors to any Whovians across the globe who fancy staying in his Doctor Who-themed room in Reading, Berkshire.

A 10ft replica TARDIS stands guard outside Tom's property, while inside a life-size replica of a Dalek welcomes you to a room choc-full of Who memorabilia including posters, costumes, toys and games. Unfortunately, no actual time travel is available to residents.

While it may seem a bit bonkers, it is all in aid of a good cause. Who-fan Tom is a Scout leader and is giving any money made from renting the room to the Scouting Association. There's a good lad!

You can book a stay in this unique location by going to Wimdu.com.

JOHN BARROWMAN ON WHY HE WON'T BE IN THE ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL!

Image © BBC 2009

As previously announced, John Barrowman will not be returning to Doctor Who for this year's 50th Anniversary Special. Rumours have since spread that it's due to the flagging interest in the character of Captain Jack Harkness (who has been in Doctor Who on and off since 2005's The Empty Child, as well as being the lead character in four series of Torchwood since 2007).

In a recent interview with TVLine Barrowman has explained why Jack won't be returning. 'Everyone on Twitter tries to make it like it’s my decision,' he said, 'but the bottom line is I was not asked.'  He goes on to explain that he's as upset as the fans, and insists it has nothing to do with his busy schedule filming Arrow and Scandal. 'I was told by the producers of Arrow that if I was asked to do the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who they’d let me go and do it.'

Barrowman stresses that if he were asked, he wouldn't have hesistated to say yes!

The Anniversary Special is currently in production, and so far the only characters known to be returning are the Eleventh and Tenth Doctors, Clara, Rose and the Zygons (who last appeared on television in 1975's Terror of the Zygons up against Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor and Elisabeth Sladen's ever-popular Sarah Jane Smith). But still the fans won't accept that other Doctors and Companions are off the menu.

More news when we have it!

MAKING OF HIDE

The BBC have released a behind the scenes featurette on the making of Hide. Narrated by Richard Bacon.

RATINGS AND REVIEW

Doctor Who was the fourth most popular progamme on TV last night with 5.0 million viewers. It was beaten by Britain's Got Talent with 9.7 million viewers.

This figure will certainly increase when timeshift figures are included. Well done to BBC's The Voice with 7.9 million viewers, a substanial increase on last week. To read a review by Richard Kelly click below.

http://type40reviews.blogspot.co.uk/

THE NAME OF THE DOCTOR

The final episode of series 7 is called 'The Name of the Doctor' and now has its own poster to publicise it. Check it out below:

River Song will definitely feature in the episode since Alex Kingston's name appears alongside Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman. What could that tagline possibly mean?

Only a few weeks until we find out.

BRAND NEW SERIES 7 PART 2 POSTERS

Here are the official posters for the later episodes of this series. Check them out below:

What do you think? Let us know below or on Facebook and Twitter

*CYBERMEN SPOILER ALERT!!!!*

Latest bit of news direct from New Zealand, where DW voice supremo NICK BRIGGS did a Q&A.

He has said.....


DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU WANT TO AVOID SPOILERS!

He has said that the Cybermen soon to be seen in the upcoming episode 'Nightmare In Silver' will NOT be the Cybus/ alternative universe ones, but the 'original' Cybermen from Mondas. He also said that they 'Don't speak very much', and that he's recorded a whole range of different sounding voices, from the 'Tenth Planet' style, to a 'Vocoder' style... But he doesn't know which ones will ultimately be used in the episode!

MORE ON SET 50TH PICS

Here are some recent pictures of David Tennant and Matt Smith on set together along with John Hurt:

John Hurt in costume with Smith and Tennant in the background

David Tennant in full costume - parker aside

The two Doctors on set together

All images courtesy SFX

Everybody excited? We thought so.

TARDIS FRIDGE

Check out this quite frankly awesome addition to your kitchen.

Yep, that's a fridge. A TARDIS fridge. It has been created by the folks over at Glass Sculpture and can be bought in separate parts - the door, a side skin and an audio module which makes the TARDIS noise every time you open the door.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

CYBERMEN AND DALEKS TO JOIN ZYGONS FOR 50TH?

Hot off the press from Digital Spy, former Doctor Who writer Robert Banks Stewart has hinted that there may well be a plethora of Who monsters appearing in the 50th anniversary episode. It has already been confirmed that the Doctor's former foes the Zygons will feature.

Banks Stewart, creator of the shape-shifting aliens, said "The Zygons are in there with all the others - particularly the Daleks and the Cybermen." Currently promoting his new crime thriller novel The Hurricane's Tail, Banks Stewart told Digital Spy. "[But] nobody yet knows what the plot of the 50th will be - Steven Moffat and his team in Cardiff, they are quite rightly keeping it all secret."

It's safe to say that fans are expecting a monster-fest for the November special, so this is encouraging news. While the Cybermen are due to re-appear in a Neil Gaiman episode as part of the current season (7B), there's no reason why they wouldn't make another appearance later on.

Delete! Delete! Delete!

MCGANN AND THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY EPISODE

New Zealand news site ZBTV features an interesting bit of news from down under, where Eighth Doctor Paul McGann is currently appearing at the Lords of Time convention in Auckland. Interviewed about his role in the long-running series, he is also quizzed about the 50th anniversary episode which is currently filming in the UK.

Paul has previously indicated he would be up for returning to the show as his incarnation of the Doctor, but in the interview he makes reference to Christopher's Eccleston's role in the eagerly-awaited special due for broadcast in November.

"Whatever it is that they're planning and they are making, they've got time to do it. It's my feeling [and] this is just a personal thing, once they resolve Chris Eccleston's participation or non-participation either way, then they're free to [figure it out]... Being actors anyway, they'll call us on the Friday and say, 'You're starting on a Monday'." McGann then added: "We're not going to know until the 11th hour. Half past 11... I can't count the times as an actor, when [you're] offered something and you start next week!" 

Watch the interview here:

 

RATINGS AND REVIEW

Doctor Who was the third most popular progamme (again) on telly last night with 5.7 million viewers (slightly higher than last week). It was beaten by Britain's Got talent (10.5 million viewers) and The Voice (6.7 million viewers).

This figure will certainly increase when timeshift figures are included. However, Doctor Who will struggle to beat BGT. To read a review by Andy Frankham-Allen click below.

http://type40reviews.blogspot.co.uk/

ECCLESTON IN 50TH? QUITE POSSIBLY! *EXCLUSIVE*

An undisclosed source close to the Doctor Who production team indicated to us this morning that Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston may well be seen in the 50th Anniversary special, despite his recent comments to the contrary, and that he could have already filmed his part...!

Eccleston has recently said that he did have a meeting with showrunner Steven Moffat about a possible involvement in the end-of-year spectacular, but came away saying he wouldn't be involved.

However, my tight-lipped source refused to confirm or deny this in a very 'I know something you don't know' manner, which is a very strong pointer towards seeing the Ninth Doctor on our screens, joining Matt Smith and David Tennant.

Tennant, if you remember, recently denied all knowledge and involvement in the same way that Eccleston has.

Remember - you read it here FIRST on Type40 News!

Wouldn't it be FANTASTIC to see him?

MATT AND JENNA FILMING IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE!



Source: London Evening Standard

The TARDIS lands in Trafalgar Square! Well not so much lands as dangles. But the dangling doesn’t stop there as beneath it clings Matt Smith who, along with Jenna-Louise Coleman, were there to film scenes for the 50th anniversary episode.


As a large crowd watched from under umbrellas the time ship was hoisted into the air and suspended from a huge crane over the Square. Apart from Matt being in danger of getting squished by the eponymous blue box just think of what the pigeons are going to do to the paintwork!

BLAKE'S 7 GETS REBOOT

Terry Nation’s classic TV series Blake’s 7 is being developed by US cable network Syfy in association with FremantleMedia International. Heroes’ Joe Polaski will be writing the thirteen hour-long episodes, produced by Georgeville TV, while Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) is set to direct.

So  will there be perms and funky BBC space fashion? Probably not as the new Blake’s 7 is being described as a “revolutionary reinvention” of the cult show which first aired in 1978 and followed seven criminals – one innocent – as, led by Blake, they rebel and ‘do a runner’ in an alien ship.

David Ellender, CEO at Fremantle Media, said, “Blake's 7 was such a forward-thinking concept that the show continues to have resonance with audiences today." He added, "Its complex characters and gritty storylines, coupled with the highly talented team and modern production techniques are sure to appeal to both original fans of the show and new viewers."

Let’s hope they keep that epic theme music and get a voice for Orac as wonderful as Peter Tuddenham’s.  And maybe a happier ending as the last one left me traumatized and in counselling for years. Come on, it pre-empted Tarrantino. 

ON LOCATION AT THE TOWER OF LONDON - DOCTOR WHO 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

The BBC have released a video from the location shoot at the Tower of London, featuring Jenna-Louise Coleman, Jemma Redgrave and Ingrid Oliver (look out for a very interesting-looking scarf....!).

RATINGS AND REVIEW

Daleks? Not a problem. Cybermen. Same goes. But when it comes to Ant and Dec The Doctor may need a bigger sonic screwdriver.  Saturday’s ‘The Rings of Akhaten’ had an audience of 5.5 million, sharing 28.8% of the total TV audience.  Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway topped the list with 7.3 million tuning in, while The Voice came next with 6.4 million viewers.

Once again The Doctor was third place. This perhaps reflects the lighter nights and early time slot, but the dark reach of Ant and Dec should never be underestimated. The final ratings are due to be released next week and are expected to show a notable increase in ratings for those who timeshift. Ant and Dec may have won the battle but will the Doctor win the war.

Still, ‘The Oncoming Storm’ took down Harry Hill again, with Doctor Who winning the time slot against You’ve Been Framed Rides Again! (attracting an audience of 3.4 million). Bow ties beat big lapels!

To read a review of The Ring of Akhaten click below:
http://type40reviews.blogspot.co.uk/

MIRROR ONLINE CLAIMS ECCLESTON NOT TO RETURN AS NINTH DOCTOR

Eccleston: 'not in the episode'

News just in from Mirror Online: apparently Ninth Doctor Christoper Eccleston has declined to take part in the eagerly anticipated 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who, due to air later this year.

"The BBC has confirmed that although the Ninth Doctor thespian met with show runner Steven Moffat last year to discuss potential involvement, the 49-year-old declined to sign up for the project. 'Chris met with Steven Moffat a couple of times to talk about Steven's plans for the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary episode,' a spokesperson told Mirror Online. “After careful thought, Chris decided not to be in the episode. He wishes the team all the best."

We're a bit disappointed to hear this news, but are holding on to the possibility that it's a cunning smokescreen designed to keep details of the forthcoming episode under wraps.

We'll bring you more news when – and if – we have it!

PREVIEW CLIP FROM THE RINGS OF AKHATEN

Check out a preview video of the next Doctor Who episode 'The Rings of Akhaten'
which airs this Saturday.

Matt Smith and Jenna Louise-Coleman talk about the next installment of the time traveller's adventures, set in the future with lots of aliens!

Here's the clip:

DAVID TENNANT ON SET

He's back in the suit.

Check out the photos below of David Tennant on set with Joanna Page and an old foe:

 

Images - Wales News Service

All together now... ALLONS-Y!

COMPANIONS

A brand new Doctor Who book is now available from Candy Jar Books for pre-order. Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants is an unofficial and frank guide of the Time Lord’s adventures in space and time. Drawing on plots from the TV series as well as other media, this book is fascinating reading for fans of both the classic and current series of Doctor Who.

To coincide with the launch of the book the publisher, Candy Jar, is asking fans to vote for their favourite Doctor Who companion. The results will be released when the book is published in June. To vote go to:

www.candy-jar.co.uk/companions/index.html

Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants provides readers with an in-depth account of each Doctor's fellow travellers.

Andy Frankham-Allen has been a Doctor Who fan since his childhood and has relished the opportunity to write this book in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the series. Andy, who penned several Short Trip stories for Big Finish, feels the time is right for a more detailed look at the journey of the Doctor Who companion. He said: “It's been a long time since there's been an honest and frank look at the Doctor's journey and the lives he changes. This book will challenge the notion that he always takes the best.”

Gary Russell, former Doctor Who Magazine editor, Big Finish producer, BBC script editor and Doctor Who novelist, has provided the book’s foreword. Garysaid: “Of course there have been books about companions before – but few of them go into this amount of detail, display this amount of in-depth knowledge and above all, this amount of love. As a celebration of everything that makes the Doctor’s (and therefore our) best friends unique and special, this book is essential.”

Signed copies of the book are now available to pre-order from the Candy Jar Books website (www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/companions.html) for no additional charge.

JUST LET ZYGONS BE ZYGONS

The Ice Warriors are officially old news. The Zygons are returning for the 50th!

Image - BBC

Yes, that's right, the Zygons are back! We haven't seen them since the Fourth Doctor adventure, Terror of the Zygons and although this was their only proper appearance, they still remain a firm fan favourite.

We can't wait to see them back on our screens... more news as we get it. Wahey!

FIRST 50TH ANNIVERSARY PICTURES

We are sure you've heard the news that David Tennant IS in the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary special, but if you don't believe us, here is some photo-proof:

 

Images - BBC

So there you have it; Tennant, Smith, Coleman, Joanna Page and scripts. What more proof do you need?

We'll bring you more as we get it.