EP.5 - TIME HIEST (POTENTIAL SPOILERS)

With fifty years of history to draw from, it's no surprise that new Doctor Who episodes are often littered with references to previous stories. Sometimes these nods are blatant, other times they are subtle. A few such nods are given in a blink-and-you'll-miss-them moment in the trailers for the next episode of series eight -- Time Heist.

What's most interesting about the following screen grabs is that not only do we see characters from the original run of the series, but also one from the expanded universe of the comics and books. A very rare occurrence indeed, and in this case a very exciting one... Why? Read on.

Potential Spoiler Space

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First of all, we have a Terrileptil - first seen in the Fifth Doctor story The Visitation in 1981.

Next up is a Sensorite, from the eponymous episode from 1964, a First Doctor story (if you look closely you can see Susan's arm). They are from the planet Sensesphere, in the same area of space as the Oodsphere as seen in 2008's Planet of the Ood.

This one will be familiar to viewers of the series since 2005, having appeared in several episodes of Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures. One of the ever-expansive Slitheen family.

This chap is Androvax, the last survivor of the Veil, as seen in The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Although mentioned a few times in Doctor Who, this is the first time we see the Trickster in the parent show, he's usually haunting Sarah in The Sarah Jane Adventures.

And to continue the spin-off theme, this handsome devil is Captain John Hart (not his real name), ex-Time Agent and one-time lover of Captain Jack Harkness, seen in Torchwood.

And finally, this little rouges gallery is completed with the appearance of the one character that has got Doctor Who fans of old quite excited. Abslom Daak - Dalek Killer has appeared in many Doctor Who comic strips over the years, last seen working alongside the Seventh Doctor in Nemesis of the Daleks. He also appeared in a Doctor Who novel! Can this mean an eventual fully-fledged appearance in television-Who? A lot of excited fans are wondering.

All screen grabs are courtesy of John Davies.

DOCTOR WHOA!

Ever wondered when someone is finally going to get around to staging Doctor Who burlesque show? Come on, we all have.

It’s a programme that so readily lends itself to a burlesque interpretation. Well, good news; the wait is over; Don’t Blink: A Doctor Who Burlesque is performed by the Tango Gorilla Theatre, the Chicago-based troupe responsible for the critically acclaimed The Empire Brings Sexy Back.

The show follows the Doctor who – see what I did there? – is trying solve the mystery of why he has suddenly become a she.  Along the journey there are rollerskating Daleks, Cyberwomen and the odd naked Ood.

Hurry though, as the last show is on the 31^st of May; tomorrow evening. Face it; opportunities to see a naked Ood are very rare - and perhaps that’s something we need to look at as a society – so if you’re in Chicago then go see it - just try not to choke on a jellybaby.

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.