Saturday 31 January 2009

Euros Lyn To direct the Last Two Specials

A press release published on the Newsarama website has revealed that director Euros Lyn is to oversee the final two special episode of Doctor Who, seeing out David Tennant's time as the Tenth Doctor. The news was revealed as part of the promotion for Lyn's forthcoming appearance at the New York ComicCon event in the United States, where he is to promote Torchwood: Children of Earth, which he has also directed.

Lyn is the only director to have worked on every production block to date of the new Doctor Who series. He helmed The End of the World and The Unquiet Dead for the first series; Tooth and Claw, The Girl in the Fireplace, The Idiot's Lantern and Fear Her for the 2006 run; the Christmas special The Runaway Bride for the third production block, and most recently the two-parter Silence in the Library and Forest of the Dead for series four in 2008. In addition, Lyn directed the mini-episodes Children in Need Cutaway in 2005 and and Music of the Spheres in 2008, the former of which was David Tennant's first full broadcast scene as the Doctor, meaning Lyn will have bookended the actor's time in the TARDIS.

The first two special episodes to be shown this year are being directed by James Strong and Graeme Harper. No broadcast dates are yet known, but it is expected that Lyn's two-part finale will be shown over the Christmas and New Year period.


BBC AMERICA’s highest rated series, Torchwood, is coming to New York ComicCon 2009 with a sneak peek of the highly anticipated third season, Torchwood: Children of Earth, and a panel session with actor Eve Myles and director Euros Lyn. The Javits Center, location of New York ComicCon, will feature a massive billboard with all-new imagery from the upcoming U.S. premiere season, as well as a teaser running on a jumbotron and monitors inside the building.

On Saturday, February 7, 4:15pm Myles and Lyn make their first U.S. panel appearance. Myles plays police officer turned alien fighter Gwen Cooper and Lyn is the director of the entire third season of Torchwood. He’s previously directed Doctor Who and will direct David Tennant’s final two episodes as the current Doctor.

From creator Russell T Davies (Doctor Who, Queer as Folk), Torchwood: Children of Earth is the new five-part television event to air later this year on BBC AMERICA. It finds the Torchwood team embarking on a single action-packed adventure as they fight for the future of the human race against the fiercest force they have yet encountered.

“Torchwood face their toughest battle to date in this new series,” says Russell T Davies. “This latest threat causes global shockwaves and the team has to fight with everything they’ve got to survive. Viewers are in for a real treat.”

Torchwood has garnered media acclaim including USA Today dubbing it “one of TV’s most entertaining sci-fi romps,” Los Angeles Times calling it "grown-up, dark, energetic” and TV Guide proclaiming, “If John Barrowman’s Capt. Jack Harkness is the head of Torchwood, then Eve Myles’ Gwen Cooper is the heart.”

Fans can catch up on the previous two seasons with BBC Video’s Torchwood: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray/DVD) and Torchwood: The Complete Second Season (DVD) plus both seasons are available for download from iTunes.

Torchwood is part of BBC AMERICA’s Supernatural Saturdays also the home to the hit series Doctor Who, Primeval, Robin Hood and Ashes to Ashes which premieres Saturday, March 7, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Official BBC AMERICA New York ComicCon Panel and Signing Schedule

Saturday, February 7

4:15 – 5:15pm Torchwood: Actress Eve Myles (Merlin, Doctor Who) and director Euros Lyn (Doctor Who) to present a sneak peak of Torchwood: Children of Earth and discuss their creative process and experience working on BBC AMERICA’s highest rated series. Followed by a Q&A session.

6:00 – 7:00pm, Table 1, Autograph Area: Eve Myles and Euros Lyn will participate in an official New York ComicCon signing.

Friday 30 January 2009

Some More Filming videos







Tennant To Host Comic relief

David Tennant will be hosting the first hour of Comic Relief Night it’s been revealed today.

Due to air on 13 March, the Doctor Who star will co-present with Davina McCall. In a pre-recorded video screened at this morning’s press launch at The Empire Cinema, Leicester Square, he 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.”

Also confirmed for this year’s bash, are Steve Jones and Claudia Winkleman, who’ll be hosting the celebrity-packed Let’s Dance for Comic Relief; Fearne Cotton, Denise Van Outen, Alesha Dixon, Cheryl Cole, Kimberly Walsh, Ben Shephard, Chris Moyles, Ronan Keating and Gary Barlow who’ll be attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro; a special episode of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and - best of all - Comic Relief Does the Apprentice.

Contestant Carol Vorderman introduced the latter to the press. “In the past it was very much ring up friends and get things donated and get people to buy auction prizes. It was fabulous and raised a lot of money. This time it was decided - and we didn’t know till we arrived - that it would be a proper Apprentice project as they would give to those in the normal programme.” So no calling in favours from famous friends.

By the looks of the trailer, it appears the teams are tasked with making a television advert - but for what remains unclear.
Lining up, alongside Vorderman, to do Sir Alan’s bidding are: Jack Dee, Gerald Ratner, Patsy Palmer, Michelle Mone, Ruby Wax (”With whom I became more intimate than I have with any other woman in my life”, said the former Countdown star), Fiona Phillips, Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr and Gok Wan.

http://www.offthetelly.co.uk/?p=




David Tennant will be co-hosting the first hour of the BBC's Comic Relief Night, it was confirmed today.


He'll be joined by Davina McCall for the first 60 minutes of the programme, which will air on BBC One on Friday 13th March 2009.

The official press launch for the charity took place in London this morning at the Empire Cinema, Leicester Square. Unfortunately, David couldn't attend as he's currently busy filming Planet of the Dead in Cardiff, however he was featured on a pre-recorded video which was aired during the event.

"It's a great honour for me," he said. "I remember the first Red Nose Day when I was at school, buying the t-shirt and everyone joining in."

He added: "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!"

New Enemy reveled for Plane Of the Dead

He's dealt with some tough baddies, but Doctor Who will face his scariest yet - a halfman half-fly creature.

Called the Tritovore, it will be unleashed in the Easter special to do battle with the Timelord and sidekick Lady Christina de Souza - played by former EastEnders star Michelle Ryan.

Bosses want the monster to become as iconic as the Daleks and Cybermen.

A set source said: "Scriptwriters are confident they'll make a huge impact.

"Everyone remembers the Daleks and the Cyberman, but not a lot else if they're honest.

"The Tritovore will change that. They are disgusting and will last long in the memory."

Series boss Russell T Davies is hoping to use the creatures in three other special shows.

David Tennant quits as the doctor this year. The source added: "Russell is telling everybody to expect some real surprises. He wants him to go out with a bang."

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/01/30/doctor-who-exclusive-new-tritovore-baddies-set-to-be-scariest-ever-115875-21082260/


The enemy for the Doctor Who easter special, Planet of the Dead, has been revealed - look out for the half-human half-fly like creatures called the Tritivore! They are supposed to be the scariest yet too!

Russell T Davies did say they the monsters will have a ten letter name, and Tritivore has only nine letters, so is it a misspelling, or has the name just been guessed by the Daily Mirror, after all we know they fly from the filming reports!

This year's Easter special, Planet of the Dead, will feature a new monster called the Tritovore, according to The Mirror.


The reports claims that the villain, described by show sources as being a 'half-man half-fly creature' will be the Doctor's most challenging nemesis yet.

"They are disgusting and will last long in the memory," said the source.

It's hoped that the Tritovore will become as iconic as the Daleks and the Cybermen.

"Everyone remembers the Daleks and the Cyberman, but not a lot else if they're honest. The Tritovore will change that," the source continued.

They added: "Scriptwriters are confident that they'll make a huge impact."

Thursday 29 January 2009

comment on what we know so far....

So we've got:


Bus returning to present day,
UNIT applauding
People emerging from bus,
Doctor emerging from bus,
Malcom running over and hugging him,
Mogambo arriving,
Malcom leaving,
the Doctor doing some sonic action,
Mogambo saluting,
the Doctor reuniting with the TARDIS,
Christina running over for a chat

More Photos fom last nights filming


Four More videos from last nights Filming







More Photos fom last nights filming





































Damaged Bus Used in Dubai


Extensive damage was caused to a bus due to be used in Dubai for filming Doctor Who special Planet of the Dead.Dubai newspaper 7DAYS has uploaded a report with picture showing the double-decker's roof crushed. It says the vehicle was damaged by a crane operator at Dubai port as it was being brought into the United Arab Emirates state.

The left side of the bus was also crushed inwards, windows were smashed, the frame was bent and paint was ripped from the roof. The vehicle is currently being repaired. (NB: The 7DAYS report could be considered to contain a minor spoiler.)

The accident has also been covered by BBC News, the Telegraph and The Sun. (NB: Both newspaper reports contain plot details.)Although parts of the story's script had to be rewritten, the BBC said that filming was "continuing as normal". Another bus is being used for filming in Cardiff.

BBC editors are scrambling to rewrite a Dubai-based episode of Dr Who after the time traveller’s double-decker bus was smashed by a crane operator at Dubai port. The damage, estimated at tens of thousands of dirhams, has delayed filming of the hit show, which is to base one of four special episodes in Dubai. While the bus may look like it was attacked by the show’s evil Cybermen, it was an unloading accident that left BBC staff rushing to rewrite the plotline to Dr Who’s Dubai visit.

One person familiar with the bus accident said that the BBC will now make it look as if the bus was crushed by Dr Who’s enemies. 7DAYS was able to gain access to the bus, which is being repaired at AAA service centre near Festival City.

Gordon, a manager at AAA, said that the bus had suffered impact damage and that the garage was awaiting further instructions from the BBC. The show was due to revolve around a plot in which the time-travelling doctor is zapped to Dubai and faces an “unexpected detour into danger”. However, the detour will now appear more dangerous than previously anticipated, as his bus’ top deck shows extensive damage.

The left side of the bus has been crushed inwards, windows have been smashed, the frame has been bent and paint has been ripped from the roof.The incongruous-looking destination board on the front of the bus remained intact, showing that it was destined for ‘Victoria Station in London, via Vauxhall, Oval and Brixton’.A spokeswoman for a private public relations company that represents the show has declined to comment, saying she could not discuss material for future episodes.

The accident is a minor embarrassment for Dubai tourist officials, who were hoping to promote the city to fans of the show, which is watched by millions of fans from around the world. It is among the top five highest-grossing BBC shows and is also one of the British state broadcaster’s longest running series

http://www.7days.ae/storydetails.php?id=73135&title=Time%20for%20the%20Tardis

Photos from last nights Filming- 28/01/09








Video from last nights Filming

Wednesday 28 January 2009

Tonight's Filing Commences- 28/01/09















They are in Cardiff Bay again tonight, these are BBC cars, not real police 
Thanx to Alun.Vega for this picture!

Bus gets damaged




DOCTOR Who is in chaos after a classic bus being used for filming was EXTERMINATED.
Bosses hired two £20,000 double deckers which were central to the plot of the Easter special.
They shot scenes of star David Tennant on one in Cardiff — while shipping the other to Dubai for filming there.

But a crane operator managed to “total” the second 1980 Bristol VR model while unloading it in Dubai docks.
Series boss Russell T Davies exploded when he heard there was no way of getting a replacement in time.

Only last week he revealed the show revolved around the Doctor taking a “bus trip which takes an unexpected detour into danger”.

Davies was forced to rip up the script and write a new plotline.
An insider said: “This has thrown a massive spanner in the works — the bus was a key part of the episode.
“The scenes in the UK may well have to be scrapped. Russell is not best pleased and is trying to think of some way round it.”
To ship the bus to Dubai would have cost the BBC around £7,000. And production in the Middle East state is costing an estimated £30,000 a week.

The storyline for Planet Of The Dead sees Lady Christina de Souza — played by ex-EastEnder Michelle Ryan — pull off a jewellery heist and escape on the bus where she meets the Timelord.
The bus had already caused a headache with fans disrupting filming in Wales. They kept pressing the buttons at pedestrian crossings, causing the bus to stop.

Noel Clarke to return in the Gap year specials:

DR WHO’S Mickey Smith could be making a Tardis comeback — along with Martha Jones.
We told yesterday how bosses were lining up Freema Agyeman for a shock return.

And now Noel Clarke, who played Rose’s boyfriend in the hit Beeb show, says he’s also up for a second stint.
He told TV Biz: “Who would turn down a Return to Dr Who?

I love the show and have always supported it. I was there from day one when nobody was sure if it was going to be a hit.

“But the show moves on. Who knows? Whatever happens, happens.
“I’ll see if they come knocking.”

Last year, 33-year-old Noel penned an episode of Dr Who spin-off show Torchwood called Combat.

He’s currently up for a Bafta Rising Star gong for his movies Kidulthood and Adulthood.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article2179284.ece

News Roud Up

David Tennant's performance in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Hamlet, has won him the best Shakespearean performance award from the Critics Circle. Tennant shared the award with Sir Derek Jacobi who won for his performance of Malvolio in the Donmar Warehouse's production of Twelfth Night. Tennant described the experience of playing Hamlet "a dream I never imagined I would get to fulfil".

Former companion and Blue Peter presenter, Peter Purves's autobiography is being published by Green Umbrella Publishing on 10th February. The book, which is being promoted as a scandalous read, will cover Purves time on Doctor Who, working with the first Doctor William Hartnell, as well as his later work on Blue Peter and Kick Start. He will be making several appearances at signing sessions around the UK.

Torchwood has been nominated for best Drama Series, in the annual Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) media awards. GLAAD is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The awards will be presented at three separate ceremonies: in New York on March 28, in Los Angeles on April 19 and in San Francisco on May 9.

Former companion Louise Jameson has given an interview to Kent Life. Jameson who played Leela, talks about her relationship with fourth doctor Tom Baker and well as her work on other projects.

Scorenotes.com has uploaded an audio interview with Doctor Who composer, Murray Gold. Gold discusses both Doctor Who and Torchwood in the segment.

Radio Times has put together a selection of photographs from the recent Radio Times Covers Party. They are available on the website.

heres the rest:

Filming

The Sun - Tennant's Eggs-Tra

Mail - Michelle Ryan slips into something comfortable

Telegraph - David Tennant and Michelle Ryan film Easter specia

lio9 - Small filming report on last night

Echo News - Doctor debut for Lee

Freema Aygeman

Den of Geek - Martha Jones back in Doctor Who special

Now Magazine - Freema Agyeman to return to Doctor Who

Digital Spy - Agyeman to make 'Doctor Who' return?
Torchwood

Pink News - Torchwood nominated for GLAAD media awards

Wired - Torchwood, New Season Coming to NY Comic-Con
Misc

EE Times - Steampunk TARDIS Control Console

Den of Geek - The Ingrid Pitt Column: the endurance of Doctor Who

CBBC - Tennant scoops award for Hamlet

Tuesday 27 January 2009

More Filming reports from the Press













Torchwood At New York ComicCon

BBC AMERICA’s highest rated series, Torchwood, is coming to New York ComicCon 2009 with a sneak peek of the highly anticipated third season, Torchwood: Children of Earth, and a panel session with actor Eve Myles and director Euros Lyn. The Javits Center, location of New York ComicCon, will feature a massive billboard with all-new imagery from the upcoming U.S. premiere season, as well as a teaser running on a jumbotron and monitors inside the building.

On Saturday, February 7, 4:15pm Myles and Lyn make their first U.S. panel appearance. Myles plays police officer turned alien fighter Gwen Cooper and Lyn is the director of the entire third season of Torchwood. He’s previously directed Doctor Who and will direct David Tennant’s final two episodes as the current Doctor.

From creator Russell T Davies (Doctor Who, Queer as Folk), Torchwood: Children of Earth is the new five-part television event to air later this year on BBC AMERICA. It finds the Torchwood team embarking on a single action-packed adventure as they fight for the future of the human race against the fiercest force they have yet encountered.

“Torchwood face their toughest battle to date in this new series,” says Russell T Davies. “This latest threat causes global shockwaves and the team has to fight with everything they’ve got to survive. Viewers are in for a real treat.”

Torchwood has garnered media acclaim including USA Today dubbing it “one of TV’s most entertaining sci-fi romps,” Los Angeles Times calling it "grown-up, dark, energetic” and TV Guide proclaiming, “If John Barrowman’s Capt. Jack Harkness is the head of Torchwood, then Eve Myles’ Gwen Cooper is the heart.”

Fans can catch up on the previous two seasons with BBC Video’s Torchwood: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray/DVD) and Torchwood: The Complete Second Season (DVD) plus both seasons are available for download from iTunes.

Torchwood is part of BBC AMERICA’s Supernatural Saturdays also the home to the hit series Doctor Who, Primeval, Robin Hood and Ashes to Ashes which premieres Saturday, March 7, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Official BBC AMERICA New York ComicCon Panel and Signing Schedule

Saturday, February 7

4:15 – 5:15pm Torchwood: Actress Eve Myles (Merlin, Doctor Who) and director Euros Lyn (Doctor Who) to present a sneak peak of Torchwood: Children of Earth and discuss their creative process and experience working on BBC AMERICA’s highest rated series. Followed by a Q&A session.

6:00 – 7:00pm, Table 1, Autograph Area: Eve Myles and Euros Lyn will participate in an official New York ComicCon signing.

Martha Jones To return in the Gap Year Specials

Martha Jones yet again, TV Biz can reveal.
Bosses are lining up Freema Agyeman to make a surprise return in one of this year’s four specials marking David Tennant’s last hurrah as the Timelord.

The move has surprised fans as Freema, 29, reportedly annoyed Who chiefs after she signed up for ITV1’s Law and Order: London.

Show creator Russell T Davies was then forced to tear up scripts for Who spin-off Torchwood, in which she’d been given a starring role.

But sources confirmed the Londoner will reprise Martha for the BBC1 hit later this year. An insider said: “Freema’s on board. It’s early days so it’s unclear what exactly Martha will be up to in the new show.

“Whatever happens it’s good news for Freema and shows that whatever friction there was between her and Who bosses has gone.”

Freema has a chequered history with Doctor Who after signing up in the third series, replacing Billie Piper, 26.

She only lasted one series before she was replaced as 37-year-old Tennant’s sidekick by Catherine Tate, 40.

However bosses still featured guest appearances by Martha in five episodes of the last series, as well as putting her in the second Torchwood series.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article2175561.ece

Update: Both Teletext and The Sun and reporting today that Freema Agyeman will return to Doctor Who for one more appearance as Martha Jones before David Tennant leaves the role. Agyeman is, according to the reports, scheduled to appear in one of the four upcoming specials that Tennant will appear in before turning over the role to Matt Smith. Says the Sun, "Freema's on board. It's early days so it's unclear what exactly Martha will be up to in the new show."



Filming Report - 27/01/09




















Here is his report...

Just got back from St Marys Street, filming had been going on since about 8pm, part of the road, just down from Howells had been closed and the red double decker was parked. The one scene, that was endlessly being shot from various angles was David Tennant and Michelle Ryan getting onto the bus. Ryan gets on first, looking rather paniced, talks to the driver, then takes her seat. Tennant follows, flashes his psychic paper at the driver then takes his seat next to Ryan. Nothing too exciting, but I think I got some cracking shots of Tennant.

Special thanx to Scooty for taking and sharing these great pictures!

The transcript of Planet of The Dead

here is all that is readable, from the transcript

A marble plinth, centre......
marble drinking cup. Solid.....
Gl...[BBC Logo]... levels. This is the CUP OF....

SECURITY CHIEF (CONT'D)

And, activating -

He throws a big lever on the wall.

FX: there are four free-standing poles in a square around
the plynth, and from them, a FENCE (OF BLUE LASER BEAMS
activates. Low hum of power. The square of guards are
standing outside the fence, all facing out.

SECURITY CHIEF (CONT'D)

Night then, boys.

He leaves. Footsteps echoing. The door shuts, SLAM!

Silence. Guards on duty.

PAN up to the room, from the PLINTH & FX BEAMS, to

The ceiling. A panel slides open silently -

The Tennant Tapes

As production begins on the four special episodes that will bring the Tenth Doctor's era to a close, David Tennant takes us behind the scenes of his first day back in Cardiff.

Torchwood Series 3 Trailer Coming Soon

A sneak preview of the highly anticipated third series will be shown in New York next month - and it will be available on this site as soon as it's released!

The preview has been made for New York ComicCon 2009 - the second largest pop culture convention in America. The event will include a panel discussion with Eve Myles and director Euros Lyn in attendance.

Torchwood: Children of Earth finds the team embarking on a single action-packed adventure as they fight for the future of the human race against the fiercest force they have yet encountered.

"Torchwood face their toughest battle to date in this new series," says Russell T Davies. "This latest threat causes global shockwaves and the team has to fight with everything they've got to survive. Viewers are in for a real treat."

Torchwood: Children of Earth will air in America on the same day as the UK, meaning American audiences will have almost no lag time in seeing the series. Torchwood has garnered much media acclaim in America, including USA Today dubbing it "one of TV's most entertaining sci-fi romps," Los Angeles Times calling it "grown-up, dark, energetic" and TV Guide proclaiming, "If John Barrowman's Capt. Jack Harkness is the head of Torchwood, then Eve Myles' Gwen Cooper is the heart."

A special preview of Torchwood: Children of Earth will be shown at the New York ComicCon 2009 convention next month.


The preview will be commentated by Gwen Cooper actress Eve Myles and director Euros Lyn.

A billboard featuring all-new imagery from the mini-series will also be on show at the event, which is the second largest pop culture convention in the world.

"Torchwood face their toughest battle to date in this new series," says Russell T Davies. "This latest threat causes global shockwaves and the team has to fight with everything they've got to survive. Viewers are in for a real treat."

Torchwood: Children of Earth will air over one week on BBC One later this year. The team will be embarking on a single action-packed adventure as they fight for the future of the human race against the fiercest force they have yet encountered.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchwood/sites/news/pages/production_news_47_comiccon.shtml

Monday 26 January 2009

Filming Report from Thursday Night











News round- up

Michelle Ryan:Western Mail - Rhys Evans and Michelle Ryan in Cardiff for their new roles
Daily Record - Letter: Your View - A Welcome Return
Wired - Doctor Who to Meet Bionic Woman This Easter
io9 - Look Who's Bringing Leather Jackets Back To Doctor Who
SyFy Portal - Ryan Officially On 'Doctor Who,' But Is She Staying?
TV Guide - Bionic Woman Makes Appointment with Doctor Who
Discover - Who’s that girl?
Zap2It - 'Bionic Woman' Makes Appointment With 'Doctor Who'
Flick Filosopher - okay, okay: Michelle Ryan will be appearing on ‘Doctor Who’
Contact Music - Michelle Ryan - Bionic Woman to join Doctor Who

John Scott-Martin:Telegraph - Doctor Who chief Dalek John Scott Martin dies aged 82
Daily Record - Doctor Who Dalek king John Scott Martin dies aged 82
Standard - Doctor Who’s chief Dalek dies aged 82
Suffolk Free Press - 'Chief Dalek' actor dies at 82
Colchester Gazette - Tributes for 'jobbing actor' best remembered as chief Dalek
The Sun - Dalek operator dies at 82

Misc:
DenofGeek - Tate and Simm to return?
Now - David Tennant: Doctor Who's a bit hand-knitted
io9 - Science Fiction Stories That Make Gandhi Cry
The Spoof - Revealed, the future of Doctor Who

Michelle Ryan and Lee Evans:
CBBC - New stars for Doctor Who special
Coventry Telegraph - Ryan & Evans to appear in next Doctor Who
Telegraph - Michelle Ryan to star in Doctor Who special
Daily Mail - Michelle Ryan to liven up the Tardis
Western Mail - Will ‘Bionic Woman’ be the Doctor’s assistant?
The Sun - It's the Ender the road, Doc
Belfast Telegraph - Lee Evans and Michelle Ryan
Pop Culture - Michelle Ryan Visits “Planet of the Dead”
Digital Spy - Ryan, Evans for next 'Doctor Who'

Michelle Ryan:Guardian - Michelle Ryan - would she make a good companion?
CourierMail - Michelle Ryan to liven up Tardis
Daily Record - Michelle Ryan to be Doctor Who's assistantPress Association - Ryan and Evans appear in Doctor Who
The First Post - Can Doctor Who save Michelle Ryan?My Park Magazine - Michelle Ryan's Doctor role
Hello Magazine - Leather-clad former EastEnder
Brand Republic - Michelle Ryan to star in Doctor Who specialIn other news:
Wigan Today - Ian builds Dalek out of waste
Flick Filosopher - Matt Smtih and Billie Piper... ahem together
Times and Star - Keep the Doctor going - well into his own future
This is Surrey Today - David Morrissey on the Next Doctor teaser
The Mail - Peter Davison's daughter fell in love with Tennant
Shields Gazette - Meet the man who hunts monsters for a living

Torchwood Children of eart Clues

The synopsis for Gary Russell's forthcoming Torchwood Encyclopedia includes an interesting clue for the forthcoming Children of Earth.

The book, which will be published on 15th October 2009, is an A-Z guide providing everything you'd ever need to know about the show. The description confirms that inside there are details of 'the secret of the Children of Earth Operatives from Alice Guppy to Gwen Cooper'.

What does this mean? Who are the Children of Earth Operatives and, more importantly, why is Gwen involved?We'll find out all the answers when Children in Earth hits our screens later this year!

Bus Trouble

Russell T Davies has been forced to re-write several scenes from the upcoming Easter special after a doubledecker bus prop crucial to the plot was badly damaged.

According to various internet sources today, the bus, which features heavily in the episode, Planet of the Dead, was damaged when it was shipped overseas (Dubai?), where filming will be taking place soon.Because of this, Davies has had to make sudden changes to the script.

It's thought that the bus transports its passengers to an alien planet, and recent filming pictures suggest that the Doctor (David Tennant) and his Easter companion Lady Christina de Souza (Michelle Ryan) are onboard!

den of geek has an article on this:

Planet Of The Dead becomes Planet Of The Rewrite as a bust bus scuppers production...
Filming on the upcoming Doctor Who special, due to be screened in Spring, has been dealt such a severe blow that Russell T Davies is in the process of re-writing Planet of the Dead.
But why? It seems that a red double decker bus (integral to the plot) was shipped overseas (reportedly to Dubai) but was so badly damaged that the vehicle is now unusable for filming. This has forced the writer into some hasty re-writes of the script, co-written with Gareth Roberts.

Another red double-decker bus has been spotted cruising around the streets of Cardiff with David Tennant and Michelle Ryan on board. It is rumoured this bus transports its human passengers to an alien world. The story also stars comedian Lee Evans who revealed that his character, Malcolm, is a professor during an interview with Jonathan Ross.
Showrunner Russell T Davies is on record as saying that although this is the "Easter Special", there is no guarantee that Planet Of The Dead will be broadcast at that time; hence the use of "Spring" in the BBC press releases.

This is not the first time Doctor Who has faced problems with overseas production. During the filming of Fires Of Pompeii, some of the production crew arrived a day late due to border problems. Let's hope these current problems don't hinder the production of another excellent adventure for the Time Lord.

http://www.denofgeek.com/television/191243/doctor_who_spring_special_threatened_by_a_brokendown_bus.html

Australian Broadcast of the Next Doctor

The 'fast-tracked' The Next Doctor has debuted in Australia to disappointing ratings. The 2008 Christmas Special averaged only 738,000 in the five major capital cities, compared to the 1 million plus viewers who regularly watched Series Four in 2008. The lower ratings are probably explained by the summer 'non-ratings' period, the Australia Day long weekend and the 1.745 million viewers who watched Australian Jelena Dokic's remarkable progress to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Channel 7. Meanwhile the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will start repeats of series two on ABC1 on Tuesdays at 8.30pm, starting with 'The Christmas Invasion' on 27 January 2009. The national broadcaster will also broadcast the corresponding episodes of Confidential Cutdown for series two, starting with 'New New Doctor' on Tuesday 3 February 2009 at 9.15pm. This will be the free-to-air debut of this series of 'Confidential' on Australian television.

Meanwhile, in the local media, Patricia Maunder of The Age calls 'The Next Doctor' a 'bit of a tease'. TV Tonight in its preview of the same episode also writes that 'ultimately, this Christmas edition feels like the universe, or 'WHOniverse', is undergoing great change – rather like some of the plots we've enjoyed before. With Donna Noble's tale concluded in 2008, The Doctor is now sans assistant. As enjoyable as it tries to be, the writing in this episode is no better or worse than a weekly episode, upstaged by the 2007 Titanic special featuring Kylie..' Meanwhile Ian Cuthbertson of The Weekend Australia writes of 'The Next Doctor' that 'it would be hard to go past a sensational line-up on the national broadcaster this evening, which has a little something for everyone.'

Saturday 24 January 2009

The Spoiler summary

Heres a summary of what we know so far from the specials and series 5 warning look away now if you don't want to be spoiled: Thanks to the DWF:

2009 SPECIALS AND SERIES 5 SPOILER SUMMARY 

Schedule:

Filming for the 2009 specials will commence on 19th January 2009 (DWM #403, post). 
Filming will continue to May, with editing etc. in June, July and August. RTD expects his last day to be in September (RTD in Out Northwest, thanks to this poster ). 
This tallies with previous information (which also said that S5 filming would resume August 2009) (post). 

Regarding DT, the original position was that DT would start filming after Hamlet (ending 10th January 2009; this post, update in this post).
RTD says he is "hopeful" that DT will be able to start filming on the 19th January (and they'll be careful with him!) (BBC News review). 
RTD's hope looks well-founded - as of 3rd January, DT was back rehearsing and performing in Hamlet (Novello Theatre). At present his return will be assessed on a day-to-day basis. (RSC Press Release 3 Jan'09)

It is reported (herehere and here) that work has begun (as of 2nd Aug'08) on the 2009 Christmas Special, with everything presumably in place already for the Easter Special. It is suggested that the 2009 Christmas special will be standalone, followed by a two-parter. 

DWM #400 has further information - RTD (production notes) says "we've already cast two huge parts, which had us all skipping with glee". RTD also says, "even though pre-production won't officially start for a while, the writing has started, and we're already having detailed conversations with the design department, so you could say that work has begun......" 

Elsewhere in DWM #400 it is said that pre-production starts in November with shooting starting mid-January. In DWM #402, RTD confirms preproduction for the specials starts on 24th November (courtesy this post

Note on the specials: these were NOT put in place to allow DT to play Hamlet. RTD, in "The Writer's Tale" (quoted in The Times) mentions promising to DT and the production team after Doomsday was filmed (i.e. late 2005) that they would have a big finish to series 4 followed by a break to allow a new production team to prepare for series 5. DT was only approached for the role of Hamlet after his appearance in the "Who Do You Think You Are" of 27th Sept 2006. (The Metro, 21 Jul 2008)

Format

It is confirmed (RTD, DWM #378; Steven Moffat interview 24 Jul) that there are, in total, five specials to appear between the end of series 4 and the start of Steven Moffat's reign.
  • There is a Christmas Special for 2008 (already filmed).
  • There is an Easter 2009 Special (Julie Gardner in the Telegraph)
  • There is a Christmas 2009 Special (Julie Gardner in the Telegraph)
  • There is a special to be shown "in early 2010" (BBC Press Release 29 Oct 2008)
  • We have nothing from the production team indicating when the other special will be shown.
  • Possible plans - The original plan was Easter 2009, Christmas 2009, Easter 2010. After a Halloween special was briefly considered, this was changed (due to time constraints) to Christmas 2009, New Years Day 2010, Easter 2010 (leading directly into series 5) (RTD, p. 203 of "The Writers Tale"). 
    Later news (see post) was that the three last specials were to be scheduled over Christmas, with two close together (so either 25th, 26th, 1st Jan OR 25th, 31st, 1st Jan). 
    Previous posts on this schedule here and here
    Another poster suggested that the schedule will be Easter, then (possibly) Octoberish time with the denouement Christmas/New Year 2009/2010, and that he heard that the schedule for the specials transmission had been changed (perhaps due to a regeneration?)
    (This post) suggests that we are looking at a Christmas 2009 special and a New Years Day special.
    The last special will be on "New Year 2010" according to these two press releases of 02 Jan'09 and 03 Jan'09which both say, 
    "There will be four Doctor Who specials featuring David Tennant that will run in 2009 into New Year 2010 (dates to be confirmed)." 
    RTD says in the TND podcast (5:20 on) that the specials will be shown before Easter 2010 post)
  • The Advent Calendar contained a podcast for day 22 which confirms that the last two specials form a two-parter; also confirmed by RTD in the TND podcast (5:20 on) (post)
  • A poster reports that Nikki Smith's episode (4.16) is the Christmas special.

The four specials are all an hour in length (SFX #176, RTD interview, reported in this post)
No plans for HD at present (post see also post - going HD eventually is inevitable and the Mill are not a problem.


Locations and sets

RTD says each special is very different and the locations are very different (SFX #176, RTD interview)
A poster reported in July '08 that one of the Specials may be taking place partially or entirely in a location outside the UK. 
A poster reports a rumour that all the filming might be outside the UK with studio and pickups in Upper Boat. The first will definitely be shot abroad

RTD confirms in DWM #403 that passports will be needed for filming 4.15 (post

BBC News review
The first special will be filmed abroad. RTD says, "It's going to be quite exotic. I can't tell you where, but we've got four days filming abroad, to give it a bit of size and a new feel to it."

STATESIDE? 
The News of the World (Aug '08) reports that two specials will be filmed in America, supposedly to raise DW's profile stateside. The specials will apparently also feature a "big-name" American female assistant. 

SyFy Portal Syfy Portal say they had already been following leads on DW filming in the US and suggest the main motivator is financial. 

A poster has since confirmed that his source also suggests filming abroad involving at least the Second Unit and going West rather than East (and possibly moves to show DW sooner after UK broadcast in the US). 

RTD describes rumours of filming stateside as "internet nonsense" (SFX #176, RTD interview) 
The potential SAG strike in the US suggests that any US filming would have to be limited to establishing shots and plates but nothing with actors (which means a major shoot is probably out) - see this post

However media reports of Dubai filming for the Easter special also suggest there will be some filming in the US (Gareth McLean on TV blog (the Guardian website 16 Jan 2009)The Sun (20 Jan'09))



NORTH AFRICA?
Latest word on location shooting - it's happening (72lf) and it looks like Tunisia (post - the location previously mentionedin this post - see "4.15" section). The location is standing in for an alien planet (postpost). This poster confirms this, that the shooting will be in January - and that the location is standing in for Gallifrey. 

The Daily Star claims that one of the specials will be set in Egypt (reported by this poster)

UAE? 
This poster reports a crew member saying filming would be in UAE. 
This poster says that filming is to be six days in Dubai and that James Strong was there scouting the location a couple of weeks back
See more in "Planet of the Dead" section. 


CONSOLE ROOM
A poster reports that as far as he knows the console room is getting a bit of a makeover for the specials, and the console is being rebuilt. "Not changed, but just refreshed. I was also privvy to a conversation about the possibility of "green screening" sections of it to give the illusion of extra rooms and doors off it."

Rich Johnston, "Lying in the Gutters" suggests that the TARDIS console room will be getting a new desktop theme for 2010. 

Ed Thomas at the 'Wales and the Universe' presentation at Cardiff Millennium centre says that there are no plans to show new TARDIS rooms (though the design department are often to be found doodling little illustrations of what other rooms might look like) (post)

Casting
  • Ace (Sophie Aldred)? (see this thread)
  • Brian Blessed may make his return to the show
  • Agynes Deyn is reported as being in one of the specials. Also here and here. However this poster reports that Agynes herself "knows nothing about it and doesn't know what they're talking about".
  • Rumour (foaf) on IMDB that Bad Girls star Alicia Eyo has been offered a companion role for one of the specials; a role that may play into full-time companion for series 5 (IMDB linkpost)
  • John Simm as The Master - see "Return of the Master" section
  • Georgia Moffet (Jenny, aka the Doctor's Daughter) is reported to have confirmed her return in a special (post);The Sun). Note this post quoting a script for the 2009 specials: 
    Young Teen: Doctor! Where are you going? (Hears the cries of the Doctors Daughter). That said, Georgia was tight-lipped (but hesitant?) at "Bad Wolf"(postpost). Further confirmed by (this poster)
    Regarding Jenny returning in the specials, RTD says ""I've no plans. But who knows what Steven might do?" (DWM #400)
    On the series 4 Soundtrack, and for what its worth, Murray Gold mentions a possible return for Jenny in the liner notes (post)
  • Jennifer Saunders is reported to be cast in a special, playing the Tenth Doctor after a body-swap (see post, info from specials treatment document). Rumour also heard by another poster
    The original poster says that his source still stands by this but the source has heard nothing new on it, and believes it might happen for Easter.
    It is suggested that this rumour was started by Saunders herself for a laugh (post)
  • Albert Finney is reported to be one of the two big names (mentioned by RTD, DWM #400) cast for the 2009 specials (Blogtor Who confirmed by this poster) and this poster
  • Patrick Stewart as the "Meddling Monk" - see "Patrick Stewart" section
  • Hugh Laurie is considering an offer for a guest part in one of the later specials.(post)
  • Michael Jayston (known to the We as the Valeyard) is in talks to appear in one of the later specials, along with Patrick Stewart, Hugh Laurie and Andy Serkis (post)
  • The Guardian suggest Vanessa Redgrave is angling for a part.

Settings, Plots, Heroes and Villains

RTD on the Specials "They're all very different. They're all very colourful. They hit the ground running. [...] There are at least two alien planets, maybe more. 
[choosing words carefully] I would say...how can I put this? Two new monsters...no, three! Yes, three. 
The Doctor is travelling alone. Each story will have a different companion [...] some great guest casting...and it won't always be a young girl." (DWM #400) 

Characters and storylines from series 4 will not necessarily be picked up for the specials (Julie Gardner, Telegraph)

A poster reports that the specials for 2009 will feature an older 10th Doc towards the end of his life cycle, which will accommodate a time gap which could allow DT to return for a film or a special once-off 
  • Winston Churchill (for specials or series 5) - reputedly TV people asked for his removal from "Revenge of the Judoon" so he could be kept in reserve. (Times Online courtesy this post; and hence to the Sun
    Blogtor Who says that sources suggest Albert Finney (see CASTING section) will play Winston Churchill, a role he played on TV's The Gathering Storm. Confirmation of Winston - (post)
  • Sea Devils. "The return of The Sea Devils is definitely planned and all preliminary work has long since been concluded." postpost.
    Another poster confirms Sea Devils: "Top quality moving mouthed, blinky moving eyed, NETTING clad Sea Devils", backed up by "CGI Myrka". The poster cannot confirm if they are in the Churchill episode (we don't know if they will be "fighting on the beaches") (post)
    Another poster says that Sea Devil masks have been provisionally designed and sculpted, and a CGI Myrka is in the initial stages of development
    Another post says that the current whisper is they're still on and the Brig's scheduled to feature in the same episode
  • Checks are done to ensure that various story-lines on TV and the books do not overlap. So chances are none of the enemies from the books will feature in the specials.
    Doctor Who books to be published in 2009 include "Prisoner of the Daleks", "The Slitheen Excursion" and "Judgement of the Judoon" (thanks to this poster). 
    Further books to be released (Sept '09) "The Taking of Chelsea 426" (featuring The Sontarans), "The Krillitane Storm" and "Autonomy" (featuring Autons; post)
  • Donna (Catherine Tate) and Wilf (Bernard Cribbins) over the last three specials, together with the Master (post). Also heard (via DW Yahoo group) by another poster, and (via source) by yet another psoter. CT says in DWM #399 that she would have done another series if she had been asked and regarding a return "anything is possible". This rumour has also made The Sun (8 Sept'08)
    FWIW, CT in the Radio Times (6 Dec'08) said that she thought it would be very hard to bring Donna back (and she'd rather Donna was alive even if her only interest in life were new Pringle flavours) - see summary in this post
  • This poster reports that a friend (recently in a show at the Edinburgh festival) was auditioned for a special. The part was of a humanoid alien who can suck people's emotions/thoughts out of their heads.
  • In the series 4 boxset commentaries, DT requests that the written (but not filmed) 'Shadow Proclamation' scene in The Stolen Earth, featuring monsters from throughout the series, appear in one of the specials (DenOfGeek)
  • Rumour of the Brig appearing in a special? (post) Suggested here to be the same one as the Sea Devils
  • Return of Captain Jack? John Barrowman is reported to star in the last two specials and in the first two episodes of series 5. There is also a chance of the Torchwood team also appearing. (post). This post suggests that most of the familiar characters will be back for the finales, not just Jack and not in a companion type role (post). Note that this does not necessarily contradict RTD saying no companions accompany the Doctor (post) and that RTD said that Moffat requested the end of the specials to be written in such a way as to lead into series 5 (post)
  • RTD: "We’ve got a young female companion at Easter, and then a much older woman next Christmas – someone in her fifties or sixties." (Times)
  • The name of one new enemy from the Specials is "written on this page somewhere" (RTD, Production Notes, DWM #404) - the Forge? The Drought? The Wailing? The Hiatus?(!)
  • The 2009 Christmas special apparently require a lot of snow machines (RTD, TND podcast (3:30) - post) but they are "staying well away from bonnets [i.e. a Victorian/Edwardian setting]" (RTD, quoted in DWM #404)

Return of McGann 

See details in this spoiler summary - it is suggested that this was a "sting" (and is definitely not happening) herehereand here

Return of the Master 

The Master to return: (post). Instead of a cameo in series 4, plans were changed to bring the Master in a much bigger way in the specials (see posts here and here). 

Reports that the Master will return with an unexpected ally.
  • Harriet Jones is not dead (post)
  • Harriet Jones is in league with the Master (and was at the time of "The Stolen Earth") (post)
  • Someone else was in the room when Harriet spoke to the Children of Time and it was Harriet that picked up the Master's ring (post)
  • The above two facts play into the specials along with the Osterhagen key
  • Something in the specials fulfils what the Ninth Doctor said about HJ's terms as prime minister heralding a golden age (post)
Another poster says his source confirms TDT's spoiler. 

The Daily Star (30 Sept'08; reported here) says that the Master returns in the last 2009 special and battles the Doctor until one dies, resulting in a new Doctor. 

Another poster confirms - the Master for the specials. The story line for the special apparently involves the Master trying to be "the saviour" of the Time Lords. (post
Another poster suggests that the Master will appear in the Christmas '09 Special. 
This post says that Simm will appear as the Master, with the Monk, in the last Special.

A poster says he's heard that there is a scene in one of the Specials where the Master creates a new world which he shows to the Doctor, who responds in horror 'BUT WHAT ABOUT ALL THE PEOPLE???'

In the commentaries for the series 4 box-set, "RTD reveals that Harriet Jones died in The Stolen Earth despite Phil Collinson's protestations that she lived" (Den Of Geek

On the other hand, in this Telegraph article, Penelope Wilton doesn't necessarily agree Harriet is dead: 'However, in a recent episode, her character was "exterminated" by the Daleks. "It was fabulous fun," she says. "And I got to sacrifice myself to save the world. Though when you are exterminated on Doctor Who, chances are that you are not dead at all. I could simply have gone to another galaxy. You never know – I might make a return."'

John Simm in an interview with the Times says, “I'm the Master. Simple as that. I don't want to be Doctor Who. I might be the Master again... I'm not allowed to say.” 

This post gives information from another forum that there will be two regenerations in the 2009 Specials. Both The Doctor and The Master will regenerate.

This post elaborates further...The Doctor and the Master will regenerate at the same time - neither wins, neither loses, but the how and why are a closely guarded secret. John is reported as telling a source, "I'm David's Master... I think if he goes, I should too... the thought of us being inseparable even at the end, when we die, is a great idea. It's how it should be!" More on Outpost Skaro 

Patrick Stewart
Patrick Stewart has reportedly been approached to appear in either the specials or Series 5. posts
Reportedly there will be no facial prosthetics or heavy make up;there's a "killer" costume; Patrick is keen to play someone who is "not the good guy for a change" (although the character is "not all bad"); it's a significant enough character to be either moved, removed or revived later, depending on his availability; and he's keen to work again with David Tennant and "have the relationship evolve" (post); PS has been officially approached to play a "significant role" in either one of the specials or Series 5. The part is that of a Time Lord (post) The rumour is that the role could be that of the Meddling Monk. 
This poster has since heard on good authority that Patrick Stewart has been asked to play the Monk.
Reports that Patrick Stewart is still very interested; nothing is certain yet and his schedule does not fit in with the filming right now, but he is willing to accommodate if possible (post). If he can't manage it, the character is likely to be dropped from the special and appear in series 5 instead (post) If PS does appear it will be one of the last specials, possibly the last (post)

Story picked up by The Daily Star and The Sun (who combined PS with the potential Dalek two-part opener to series 5). Also the 
The Sunday Express (reported here)
Clarification here: PS has been approached to play the Meddling Monk in the last of the specials, which will also involve John Simm.

He also (with due warnings) also presents a snippet, which depicts the Doctor arriving in a mysterious, ominous, fan-wanky (!) environment, where he encounters a Patrick Stewart-like figure who announces "THIS IS THE GAME OF RASSILON...Welcome home, Doctor..." Another poster adds that the piece ends with the Doctor asking "What are you playing at, Mortimus!?" the original poster himself doesn't know exactly what this is about...

But to curb some speculation another poster reports that she has been lead to believe that right now there are NO plans for the return of Gallifrey or the Time Lords. (Though Gallifrey is reported as returning in January filming elsewhere -post)

Poster reports that Patrick Steward as the Monk is "a load of tosh Im afraid to say...Patrick is considered for a role should an appropriate come up but so is an awful lot of other actors"

Stewart availability: he is appearing with Ian McKellan in "Waiting for Godot", touring from (approx) March 6th until April 26th 2009; then from 30th April to the end of June (reported by the-writer88, here and here, see also London Theatre News)
Suggestion again that Patrick Stewart is in negotiations to appear in one of the later specials (post

The Doctor to regenerate

The Daily Star (30 Sept'08; reported by chrisakadonkey) said that the Doctor would battle the Master in the last 2009 special until one dies, resulting in a new Doctor. 

David Tennant has confirmed that he is stepping down as the Doctor after the specials. RTD comments "I've been lucky and honoured to work with David over the past few years – and it's not over yet, the Tenth Doctor still has five spectacular hours left! After which, I might drop an anvil on his head. Or maybe a piano. A radioactive piano. But we're planning the most enormous and spectacular ending, so keep watching!" (BBC Press Report, 10 Oct'08

RTD also suggested he knew the Tenth Doctor's second last line (The Writers Tale). 

In a talk (7 Nov'08) at the National theatre, RTD was asked about DT's regeneration. RTD said that he couldn't really talk about the regeneration without...talking about the regeneration (and hence the end of his final show), but that would be different but similar to previous regenerations (post)
As to specifically how... RTD said that the 8 year-old viewer is now used to regenerations standing up (with the implication being that that would be how DT would go) (post)
Also RTD has Ten's last words tentatively worked out (post) but he hasn't started writing the final special as yet (post). 

Radio Times, 6th December 2008 (see extracts on TheDoctorWhoSite) Regarding the title of the Christmas Special, in the light of DT's departure: “Hopefully, that creates a bit more intrigue,” says Davies, “and hints at interesting developments in the show’s future. Let’s just say that regeneration is a complicated process, and never as simple as it seems.”

This poster suggests that the aborted regeneration may have consequences in the specials. For example, it may emerge that each incarnation can only regenerate once (and the Tenth Doctor has used his...) "It wont be the cause of what may occur at the end of the last special but what happened at the end of the Stolen Earth WILL play a big part after his battle with the Master....with regard to what happens next and the difference in this change" 

Children In Need

Appeal night: 14th November 2008. 

Broadcast: first two minutes of "The Next Doctor". 


4:14 The Next Doctor (2008 Christmas special) 
Written by Russell T. Davies Directed by Andy Goddard
Producer: Suzie Liggat
Broadcast on BBC1, 25th December 2008, 6pm. See last spoiler summary for this episode here
4:15 Planet of the Dead (First 2009 Special - Easter) 
Written by Russell T. Davies and Gareth Roberts Directed by James Strong
Producer: Tracie Simpson
CastMichelle Ryan (Lady Christine de Sousa); Lee Evans (Malcolm); Noma Dumezweni (Captain Erisa Magambo)Adam James, Glenn Doherty); Paul Kasey 

(Title shown at the end of "The Next Doctor", as promised in DWM #403) 
Director was named as James Strong in DWM #401 via this post) and also in DWM #404
Since spotted on set (post; picture here).

Broadcast date and Format
Episode will be broadcast "Easter 2009" (DWM #400). See also the official BBC Doctor Who website (bottom of page- "Next episode: Planet Of The Dead - Easter, BBC One" post) and this post - where the "Doctor Who (Easter Special) is to be broadcast on BBC Three on Monday 13th April (the repeat one assumes). The slot requested is for 70 minutes rather than the expected 60.

RTD points out that (naturally) there is no guarantee that the episode WILL be shown at Easter - no actual transmission date has been fixed but it's safe to say it will be shown in the next few months (DWM #404; see also this post)

Development, Preproduction and Production 

Filming started 19th January 2009 as expected (RTD, DWM #404; post) and is ongoing. Information on development and preproduction milestones in previous spoiler summary


In "The Writers Tale" (p. 203), RTD suggests that to have an episode (with filming starting in Jan) shot, CGI and score done and mastering completed for April is nigh on impossible - post-production would normally take 6 weeks (suggesting a low-FX episode or more work done in preproduction - see comment here)


BBC News review: This special will be filmed abroad. RTD says, "It's going to be quite exotic. I can't tell you where, but we've got four days filming abroad, to give it a bit of size and a new feel to it." 

This poster says that filming is to be six days in Dubai and that James Strong was there scouting the location a couple of weeks back

Both the Gareth McLean on TV blog (the Guardian) and Time Out Dubai (see this post) also say that filming for this episode will be in Dubai. 
More media mentions of Dubai: The Sun (20 Jan'09) 'An insider said: “The BBC is going all-out for the final four specials so Dubai and the US are being lined up for location shooting. "' 

7Days, a Dubai newspaper, also reports that one of the specials will film in Dubai and that another will film in America (thanks to this poster, see also OG news page).

There are reports that a red double-decker bus was shipped over to Dubai; but apparently was damaged en route/on arrival (posts hereherehere and here).
There is some confirmation of this from Cardiff set reports - there is a picture of a crushed red double decker bus in the costume and make up van visible from the window (post)
 

Characters, Villains and Casting information 

Features "a new monster" (DWM #399) 
"[W]ith not one but two alien races you've never seen before." (RTD, quoted in DWM #404)
Neil Gorton has done a clay sculpture for (one) new alien, whose name is nine letters long and starts with a 'T' (RTD, Production Notes, DWM #404; quote in this post)

Paul Kasey is filming in the first block (The Stage)


RTD: "We’ve got a young female companion at Easter" (Times

In "The Next Doctor" commentary (post, also post; after 60:00), it was revealed that this episode will feature UNIT and two characters: Christina and Malcolm. Malcolm will (said RTD jokingly) "have a spinoff series." 

RTD, when talking about companions for the specials mentioned Christina and said "watch the sparks fly" (DWM #402 "behind the scenes" mag, via this post

Christina, played by Michelle Ryan is "Lady Christina de Souza", who "joins the Doctor on a bus trip which takes an unexpected detour into danger." RTD is quoted as saying, "Lady Christina is a woman with a mysterious past who's going to have a huge impact on the Doctor!" (BBC Doctor Who Press Release 23 Jan'09).

Malcolm, played by Lee Evans, finds his "life becomes connected to the Doctor's under extraordinary circumstances." (BBC Doctor Who Press Release 23 Jan'09). In the BBC Jonathan Ross Press Release 22 Jan'09, Evans says, "I'm a professor... they asked me the other day, and I said I'd love to do it." 

The return of Noma Dumezweni (Captain Erisa Magambo, previously seen in "Turn Left"), already mentioned (postand (post) is now confirmed in the BBC Doctor Who Press Release 23 Jan'09


Regarding other UNIT returns the following information and rumours were heard...
  • There is a rumour of the Brig appearing in a special? (post)
  • This poster points out that in the commentary for "The Poison Sky", while discussing the Colonel Mace/Captain Price kiss: "To be continued. We'll see more of them."

Note: both the below could refer to casting we already know about...
BBC News review: There is a "great" guest star. 
Christian O'Connell from absolute radio was at the Radio Times cover's party talking to David Tennant when a REALLY famous actor bounded up to DT and said he'd been cast in DW at three days notice (thanks to this poster) 

Plot Information
The treatment contains the words 'jewel', 'fly', and 'chamber' (DWM #400)

The script contains the words 'Athelstan', 'posh' and 'chirrup' and the line 'wonder what she gets up to of an evening' (DWM #401 via this post). It also contains the immortal words, "Hello, I'm the Doctor" (DWM #403, post)

RTD mentions a weird alien pictogram for this episode in Production Notes. (DWM #402, via this post) - sadly this has been dropped from the final draft (DWM #404)

"The next special should be a nice antidote to Christmas, with a bit of sunshine, if we're lucky. And with not one but two alien races you've never seen before. [...] I think it's time to get away from the past, and have an adventure with lots of new elements. And lots of fun too!" (RTD, quoted in DWM #404)

The Christmas Radio Times says that the Easter special will be the Doctor's wildest, maddest adventure yet, with the Doctor travelling without a companion, and without the TARDIS. 

Another poster says that this special is set on a desert world to which present-day humans are transported by aliens (i.e. based on an element of Gareth Roberts' The Highest Science - post). This seems likely due to the presence of a RouteMaster in set reports (reminiscent of the novel). 

Apparently RTD gave an outline involving Sea Devils to Roberts to flesh out, but Roberts may have gone with a new monster or the Hath instead (post)

Set Reports

19 Jan'09: National Museum Cardiff

Pictures: Flickr, and herehere,
  • Confirmed as Easter Special filming - Tracie Simpson (pictured on Flickr) and James Strong directing (post; picture here).
  • The Museum, lit up in pink, is standing in for the "International Gallery" ; a poster outside advertises "Secrets of the Incas, Treasures of Egypt, Artefacts of Pompei". Inside ropes and pulleys have been set up, with which a blonde actress in a black catsuit is being pulled around (picturepostpost with pictures). There is also a small centrepiece with ancient looking stones. A scene was spotted involving a guard saluting someone (post). Later on, a dark brown, almost burnt looking skeleton prop was brought out of the Museum.
  • A red London Double Decker bus was filmed driving past the Museum - signs on its side read: "Neon - unbeatable call tariffs". It was a number 200 and heading to "Braintree" (picturepicture) The writing below the logo says "Neon by Naismith" (spotted two days later - post).
  • Sightings of Michelle Ryan on set (postpostpost) - her casting is since confirmed.
  • The episode also stars Adam James, Glenn Doherty, something else James and Kevin or Keith something. (post)

20 Jan'09: filming in the Coal Exchange in Mount Stuart Square (post) - nothing visible

20 Jan'09 filming inside the Butetown tunnel
(post)
Pictures: hereherehereherehereherehereherehereherehere (photobucket)here
  • Filming was just outside the tunnel entrance with police cars and an armed response team taking up positions aiming guns at something inside the tunnel (post)
  • A flash of light ("a ripple" and some strobe lights) in the tunnel introducing a burning skeleton (postpost with skellie pic)
  • The watching armed police look extremely nervous and agitated, and the two senior officers back away very nervously from the area of the dead smouldering corpse post)
  • The chief policeman gets onto his radio: "Call in UNIT, emergency code one" as he sees the burning skeleton (postpost (NB posters (here and here) suggest he is Adam James whose name was also spotted previously - andthis man on the spot agrees Looks like Glenn Docherty (name spotted previously) is also playing a policeman (beside the chief, wearing a hat).
  • UNIT turns up en mass (mobile UNIT HQ arrives, 20 or so troops surround the tunnel), along with a UNIT officer, tentatively identified as Turn Left's Capt. Magambo (Noma Dumezweni) ([post=7640134post[/post], postpost,post)
  • UNIT advance on the tunnel with the leader ignoring the lead policeman, saying she's "read the file", then he says something like 'you don't understand, there are still people on that bus, she's fine', etc. (post
  • Also unloaded for filming - a big satellite dish and a pair of trough-like objects

21 Jan'09 filming inside and around the Butetown tunnel
Pictures: herehere and here (with photobucket link)
  • The number 200 bus was seen entering the tunnel, full of what looks like extras. (post)
  • There was filming with DT and Michelle Ryan (post), involving the bus and three police cars. On the bus DT and Michelle Ryan are sitting next to each other on the lower deck, DT is holding something in his hand with a blue light. (There are others on the bus). The bus drives into the tunnel followed by the police cars. There was also filming inside the tunnel (post) The bus is still number 200, but with a destination of "Victoria" (post)

22 Jan '09

Quick shoot (90 mins) in alley between Slug & Lettuce and Principality on The Friary (postflickr pic)
Pictures: hereSFXSpoiler TV
  • This featured Michelle Ryan, dressed in tight leather, bursting forth from a door and running into a packed city street. Also armed police were seen to arrest a businessman with a pink shirt. (post)

Big action shoot in Greyfriar's Road/Lloyd-George Avenue with Police, soldiers, the Routemaster bus, and a bit of a car chase
Pictures: herehere
  • James Strong spotted directing, Michelle Ryan also spotted (postpost. DT also on the bus (post
  • Bus had the "Victoria" destination sign, drove up and down the road about 5 or 6 times (post), being followed by half-a-dozen police cars, one of which contained Adam James. DT was using some new gizmo in the bus post)

STATUS: All are apparently heading back to the studio now, though Danny Hargreaves said that we will definitely "hear" the crew on location next week (explosions?) (post



4:16 TITLE TBA (Second 2009 Special) 
Written by Russell T. Davies and Phil Ford Directed by Graeme Harper
Producer: Nikki Smith
(Writer and producer information - DWM #400 via this post

This poster says that this episode will be directed by Graeme Harper
This is confirmed in DWM #404 (post).

Broadcast date and format

This post (and see also here) suggests that this special will be broadcast at Halloween (note: Halloween is on a Saturday in 2009)

On the other hand, this poster reports that Nikki Smith's episode (4.16) is the Christmas special. In addition this postreports Graeme Harper to be directing the next Christmas special.

Development, Preproduction and Production
Nikki Smith reports that she will start work on this special "around December/January" - dates are still being finalised. She has read the story line for this episode and it had her on the edge of her seat(DWM #400)

It seems that Graeme Harper will be directing in January based on this this post
It is confirmed that Harper has had to pull out of appearing at the Los Angeles Gallifrey convention in mid-February due to his filming commitments (post

Characters, Villians and Casting Information
Diana Chire has been cast as "Allegra" in a 2009 production of DW, directed by Graeme Harper.

Plot 
Treatment for the second special contains the words 'oxygen', 'probe' and 'tree' (DWM #400) 
The script contains the words 'Emily', 'pipes', 'carrots', 'legend', 'carrot' and 'concerto' and the phrase 'the map of the Water Snake Wormholes' (DWM #403, post)

This post (and see also here) suggests that this special will be Halloween themed. The episode apparently will appear "live" (same style as "Blair Witch" or "Ghostwatch") and will be similar to Most Haunted, with the Doctor getting involved in a broadcast-live ghost hunt that ends up uncovering something nasty, but not at all ghostly. (This is a similar scenario as was suggested for series 4's "Century House"). 

4:17TITLE TBA / 4:18 TITLE TBA (Third and Fourth Special - two-parter) 
Written by Russell T. Davies Directed by TBA
Producer: Tracie Simpson
(Writer and producer information from DWM #400 via this post)

This poster says that these two episodes will be directed by Euros Lynn.

"A friend of [Graeme Harper]" is directing the New Year episode, which follows Graeme's, and that's when the Doctor regenerates (post)

Broadcast date and format
The Advent Calendar contained a podcast for day 22 which confirms that the last two specials form a two-parter. 

RTD says in the TND podcast (5:20 on) that the specials will be shown before Easter 2010 (post), and that the final special is a two-parter (post

The last special will be on "New Year 2010" according to this press release.

Characters, Villains and Casting
RTD: ""The final special won't be shown for another YEAR, and I know exactly what happens. In fact, I had a phone call this morning about casting it, and we're after a couple of fantastic names for it, and one of those names is booked actually, but you'll discover who that is when we are filming it in May, because it will get out..." (interview in Out Northwest, thanks to this poster

Plot
For the two-part finale, RTD mentions they're doing something fandom-y that they're nervous about including because of the whole in-joke thing, but Julie (the casual-viewer-ometer!) thinks its fine (post

The Christmas Radio Times states that Tennant's reign is heading towards its end (thanks to this poster), "dark forces are gathering. The Gate is waiting, and life will never be the same again."

This has been repeated in Doctor Who Adventures #98, and apparently relates specifically to the final specials 

DWM #404 Production Notes says that there will be one very public scene shot in April or so which will provoke gossip (based on timing will probably be for these two episodes)

SHOWRUNNER AND TEAM: 

RTD leaving and Moffat taking over for series 5, news broken by the Guardian, also see BBC Press Release

This poster reports that the series is "tied up till series 9", with SM having a 5 year contract. 

There is talk that Murray Gold may be leaving the series after the specials too - see discussion thread. The story seems to have originated with Eye of Horus who report, "According to a BBC WALES Source, Murray Gold could be discontinuing his (superb) association with DOCTOR WHO after the 2009 SPECIALS, leaving incoming Producers with the task (if not already completed) of allocating another Composer." This poster adds that a mate suggested a few months back there would be a new composer. Another poster reports that he has heard it is official that there will be a new composer for series 5. 

The job of producer for series 5 is being advertised by the BBC: contract to run from April 2009 until June 2010. (BBC jobs; thanks to this poster

WRITERS: 
Rough ideas were being put together for series 5 "as we speak" (May 2008, post)

SM was writing the first script in July '08 (Comic Con 24 Jul, on withaterrace livejournal). Apparently he started in January! (email from RTD to Benjamin Cook, printed in The Times

Ed Thomas has read this first script and describes it as "very special" (see this post)

According to an interview in Death Ray (Aug '08) with Steven Moffat (summarised here), SM expects to write 5 or 6 episodes.
However, given RTD never managed to predict how many he would write, that could easily change (he refused to be drawn in a previous interview (SM interview, 24 Jul)

A poster reports from the Moffat session at the Edinburgh TV Festival (23rd Aug '08)
  • SM has completed the first episode of the season, it was "the easy part, as I'd written it in my head many times before."
  • SM has a broad overarching plan for the season that he's currently refining.
  • He has had emails from would-be DW writers, including some from "a few quite surprising names".

As of the end of 2008 scripts for episodes 1 and 4 have been written - Matt Smith has read them (Matt Smith's extended interview around 4:00; see also post). They are presumably Moffats - Matt in commenting on them talks about how SM is "a brilliant writer" and adds "a funny writer"

Mark Gatiss gave a talk on TV and film horror that had influenced him at Nottingham's Broadway Cinema. He confirmed that he has been approached to write for Series 5 (though nothing else - he said in so many words "I know nothing") (post
The Scotsman report Mark Gatiss as "busy writing episodes of the next full season of Doctor Who, for an as yet un-cast (or so he says) Doctor" (post)

Skins writer Jack Thorne is apparently down to write for Series 5 (post)

Gaiman is still on the cards and has been asked to prepare two different ideas. Paul Cornell is likely too...(post) "And I'll confirm the Gaiman and Cornell thing" (post)
One of the ideas Gaiman is provisionally working on is the Ice Warrior story (post)
The poster now reports the Gaiman/Ice Warriors/"Faces in the Dust" is not happening. 
This is confirmed by Neil Gaiman in his blog (quoted in this post) which states that he is not writing a Doctor Who episode called "Faces in the Dust". However he is NOT denying anything else about Doctor Who (or confirming anything, other than dinners with Moffat) 

When asked if he'd be writing for Steven Moffat, Paul Cornell said "Way too soon to say" (NewCON convention, Oct'08, reported in this post

PLOTS/STORYLINES: 

"THEY'RE BACK"... apparently. We don't yet know what "They" are (assuming SM wasn't just looking for a strong opening line!) (Steven Moffat, DWM 397) 

SM confirms that there will not be a series of "Blink"-type stories, "[Y]ou couldn't have a whole series like that [...] You can't have that as the first episode. It's just too grim. So it's different contemplating it from this position, very, very different." The series will also continue to embrace a wide range of tones and genres, Moffat said. Rather than adapting the show to his particular writing style, he looks forward to experimenting with different voices to maintain the show's variety. SM also looks forward to "get[ting] to write episodes that I wouldn't normally write, that wouldn't be expected of me." (Moffat interview, ScifiWire)

SM has said (Death Ray #15, Aug '08, summarised here) he thinks the Doctor works best when solving problems rather than fighting armies, that the Doctor has always been a sexy, flirty character, albeit one who doesn't pursue love interests. Also...
It makes no sense, especially when you look at what I was praised for...They'd say "It will be great when Moffat takes over, because there won't be so much romance, there won't be all that soapy stuff, there won't be all this comedy..." But I do all those things, even more than Russell does! And I've got the record for gay jokes. (quoted in this post
Don't despair of returning monsters in the Moff's reign; "Steven talked about the future in terms of... well, to the extent that I said 'Don't tell me any more!' I want to find out as a viewer. I was even surprised, because I was half-expecting there to be a No Old Monsters rule under The Moff. But no. So that felt good." (RTD, A Writers Tale

"Zygons. Series 5. Apparently." (post);
This poster adds that there will be a zygon companion hiding in human form (with another poster confirming though his cough...) 

It is reported on this blog that Mark Gattis has been asked to adapt his novel "Nightshade" for series 5 (via this post).
Another poster reports having heard this, a few weeks back, but as far as he knows Gattis hasn't said yes yet. 
Another poster reports that Gatiss "has no idea about the current idea about 'Nightshade' being adapted for series 5". 
Mark Gatiss has been approached to write for Series 5 (see writers section)

Information (from the series 5 bible):
  • Zygons This post and this post). According to this post Tennant demands Zygons...he gets Zygons. This postsuggests that there may be "Zygon infiltration horror for the Doctor". Plus, apparently "the guys who did Walking With Dinosaurs have been asked to help design and create a CGI Skarasen for Season 5" (post)
    This post says the Skarasen is being worked on
  • Ice Warriors.post All checks out with post. He couldn't possibly deny any of that. Ice Warrior provisional title: The Faces In The Dust (post)
    This post suggests that Ice Warrior, Ice Lord and "something else from Mars" has been sculpted. 
    An Ice Warrior has been modelled in CGI - but for what purpose is unknown. (post)
  • Daleks (post). Two-parter Dalek episode to open Series 5 post
    The plan at the moment is that the series is coming back with a two part Dalek story. As far as I know they won't appear in the series again that year. (post) 
    This post clarifies the situation - IF the Daleks make an appearance in series 5, they will do so in an opening two-parter, probably set in Edwardian Britain. However SM doesn't really want to use the Daleks, and may persuade the BBC to replace them with something new for that adventure.
    A two-parter intro to the series looks unlikely given that Matt Smith has read scripts for episode 1 and 4 (as opposed to 1 and 2 - Matt Smith's extended interview around 4:00; see also post)
  • The enemy who will reveal themselves in the series denouement will have been in every episode of series 5.(post)

Story picked up by The Sun (with some confusion over the specials and series 5) mentioning Daleks, Zygons and Ice Warriors. 

Note : And in light of all this information, Moffat has delivered his Series 5 plans to people for considerations, feedback, planning etc.... (post, Sept '08) The Moff has presented his preliminary "bible", series 5 stuff is "subject to change but it is the initial outline for the next full series, with a two part opener and a very insidious and, in my opinion, excellent, arc culminating in the finale" (post

Note: This poster has been doing some digging and has discovered that Moffat has apparently seen the relevant posts. His source states that rtd has really done all you can with the daleks and has no plans to bring them back for a while.
As for zygons, he got a hmmmm and a nod.
As for moffs submitted bible, as it were, only a few have seen it.
Basically, what was reported sounds great but it didn't ring any bells with the powers that be.
Also this post mentions rumblings heard previously about the Ice Warriors.
Latest from this post is that SM take on these rumours was "B*ll*x "to most of it.


FILMING DATES: 
This poster has heard (from Piers Wenger) that filming will follow its usual pattern (so probably July 2009). 
Filming will commence in "Autumn 2009" (The Sun [18 Jul 08]); August according to this post 

A BBC job ad for Doctor Who producer says series 5 is "shooting from July 2009." (BBC jobs; thanks to this poster)

There is a distinct possibility they'll film the 2010 Christmas special in April 2010 i.e. immediately after series 5 (post)

Format and scheduling

Moffat says he has fourteen episodes of Who to do. Since the special at Christmas 2009 will be an RTD special and Julie mentions a series return with thirteen episodes (Julie Gardner, Telegraph), the fourteenth episode is perhaps for Christmas 2010? 

Series 5 will be shown in "Spring 2010" (DWC, "The Eleventh Doctor", BBC1, 3rd Jan '09) 
- this ties in with dates given by BBC Entertainment News here ((6 Jul 08)) and here (23 Aug 08)

Though there is a rumour that series 5 could be moved back to a January 2010 start (post)

In the series 4 boxset commentaries, SM says that he prefers two-parters but that this will not affect how he approaches the series (Den Of Geek). See full quote in this post: although they are easier to write, there will not be more two-parters in the series.
SM has also said that the current pattern of three two-parters was a good balance and it was hard to imagine straying too much from that (post regarding BAFTA Writers: Time Travel in TV Drama and Comedy Cardiff 6th Oct 2008

CASTING: 

The Doctor

For all pre-10th October discussion on DT's participation in series 5 - see here
For background on DT stepping down, links about his departure and links to casting discussion see previous spoiler summary here.

Matt Smith is the Eleventh Doctor (DWC - "The Eleventh Doctor", 3 Jan'09), see here for the BBC answer to "Who on earth is Matt Smith?"

The Companion
Female companion(post) A Celtic companion. Non contemporary.post Confirmed with the addition that there will be no romantic interest with the Doctor (post - see also here

Oh and Celtic means Scottish, Irish or Welsh (post)

This post reports that the companion will not have a one-series arc; they are keen for her to remain for series 6. This hinges on the Doctor-lite apparently. 

This poster confirms that the companion is not for one series (he suggests she will be there to ease the transition to a new Doctor). 

The character name is Lucy (provisional name and subject to change) (post)
It looks like she will be an Edwardian maid (post), from Scotland (post).

On a blog, it is suggested that Annabel Reid is in the running for this part (reported in this post).

It is suggested (in this post) that SM is considering moving away from a Scots/Irish companion; also that he is considering casting Sheridan Smith as the 11th Doctor's first companion, though not as Lucie and probably not as a contemporary character (though at the same time there is a whisper that she may be introduced to the Doctor through Jack. More on Outpost Skaro

Michelle Ryan rumoured to be the new companion in series 5 ([url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/sunday-mirror/2009/01/18/who-s-that-girl-115875-21049376/]The Mirror (18 Jan'09) and Telegraph. Might have be sparked by her (at that time secret) casting in PotD, might not. 


Supporting Cast
It has been suggested that casting has started already for series 5 - see this post - unnamed reoccuring actor and this post for reoccurring actor

  • Kylie to return? Old rumours from early 2008 : (post 1,post 2Yahoo Australia Lifestyle Newspost)
  • Negotiations in train to get back Alex Kingston (River Song) and Georgina Moffett (Jenny) for series 5? (post). See rumours upthread re specials.
    When asked (Oct'08) when she would be coming back, Alex Kingston said there were no plans (post)
  • Tom Baker (unknown role) - originally reported in Comic Book Resources, and then in the Daily Star (reported in this post)
    This has since made the Sky TV website - Den of Geek point out that it references a Sun story which appears to have been pulled from their website.
    (Many suggestions that Tom would be perfect for Professor Nightshade/Edmund Trevithick - see section above) -this poster reports that Tom himself is unaware of any casting in the offing, but he is very keen and thinks it would be a great idea.

Film rumours
Nothing new in a long time - see this spoiler summary to see what was said...