Torchwood Update

Russell T Davies has given some details of the writers for Series One ofTorchwood, the Doctor Who spin-off, in the new issue of Doctor Who Magazine. Episode 1 is by Davies and is called Flotsam and Jetsam; Davies will also write one other script. Episode 2 and at least three more scripts are by Chris Chibnall. Doctor Who script editor Helen Raynor is writing a script which Davies describes as "one of the best I've ever read - it's gone straight into the shooting schedule!" Actor Noel Clarke, who plays Mickey Smith in the Doctor Who series and who also penned the recent groundbreaking UK film "Kidulthood", is confirmed as writing one script for the first season of Torchwood, as is Toby Whithouse, writer of 'School Reunion' for the main series. Already announced, PJ Hammond has delivered the second draft of his script, while Si Spencer has been commissioned for one episode. The first block of episodes, which starts filming in May, will be directed by Brian Kelly. Davies reveals that there are several "over-commission" scripts, which are "not necessarily part" of the first 13 episodes but are a way "of trying a new writer or an experimental idea" - in fact, Helen Raynor's script was initially one of these. And producerRichard Stokes is also interviewed by DWM, and says that "if all goes to plan and the audience enjoy it," there will be more than one series.