The Thirteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver revealed

Thursday, 19 July 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The BBC have released a new promotional image for the forthcoming series of Doctor Who:

Series 11 - Promotional Image (19 Jul 2018) (Credit: BBC/Elliot Wilcox)

Eleventh Doctor Sonic Screwdriver (Credit: BBC Worldwide/Seven20/Character Options)

As can be seen in the above image the Doctor is sporting a new sonic screwdriver - designer Arwel Wyn Jones said:

It’s a privilege to have been asked to redesign the iconic sonic screwdriver for the Thirteenth Doctor and a new generation of audiences. I can’t wait for people to see how the Doctor acquires it!

It was revealed at today's San Diego Comic Con that it will be available to purchase in August - the can be pre-ordered shortly in the UK from Forbidden Planet/Character Options and in the USA from the BBC Shop.

The US and UK toy versions of the Sonic Screwdriver have been created by Seven20 and Character Options, respectively. The new, electronic 8” collectible is a perfect replica of the Doctor’s device, features a light crystal and haa two buttons which control the light and sound elements of the Sonic.

FILTER: - Doctor Who - Press - series 11/37

Teaser Footage Released

Thursday, 19 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

The BBC today revealed the first teaser footage for the brand new series of Doctor Who, featuring Jodie Whittaker, Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole.

Offering a taste of what’s in store for viewers this autumn, the series trail sees the Doctor and her new friends, Ryan Sinclair (Cole), Yasmin Khan (Gill) and Graham O’Brien (Walsh), traveling through space and time

Doctor Who: Series 11 TrailerNew Doctor Who, new friends, new adventures.

FILTER: - Production - series 11/37

Lethbridge-Stewart: Short-Story competition winner announced

Tuesday, 17 July 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books have announced the winner of their recent Lethbridge-Stewart Short Story Competition.

Lethbridge-Stewart short story competition winner Sean Alexander (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce the winner of the Lethbridge-Stewart Short Story Competition. The winning story, Boys Don’t Cry, is written by Sean Alexander from Holyhead, north Wales.

Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar, says:

Sean has written a touching and heartfelt short story. His take on the Brig was unique amongst the entries. His story is set at Brendon School where the Brig has to uncover the truth about an awful tragedy.

Andy Frankham-Allen, range editor of the Lethbridge-Stewart series of books, agrees:

Boy’s Don’t Cry is a wonderful little tale of life in Brendon, and we picked it because it showed a great understanding of the Brigadier, as well as the author displaying a knack for writing great prose. Add to that, the setting is one we’ve wanted to further explore in the main range, so as part of the winning prize, I’ll be working with Sean Alexander on developing another tale of Brendon School which will serve as a back-door pilot for a possible new range of novellas.

Sean Alexander says:

In true Doctor Who producer style, I'm surprised and delighted to be chosen as the winner of Candy Jar's short story competition! Opportunities like this are few and far between, so my heartfelt thanks to Shaun and Andy for selecting me. I look forward to our collaboration on a brand new Lethbridge-Stewart novella later in the year. Splendid fellows, both of them!

Lethbridge-Stewart: Short Story Collection (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

The book also features eight other exclusive short stories featuring Lethbridge-Stewart at various stages in his life. This is a chance for fans to see the Brigadier like they’ve never seen him before!

The eight stories are:

The Stranger Paradox by Thomas Firth
Soldier in Time by Martin Gregory
Burning Daylight by Paul Chase
The Brigadier Rides Again by Ross Hastings
In Machina Exspiravit by Anthony Robertson
Special Responsibility by Gary Tinnams
Shadows in the Glen by Richard Brewer
The Man with the Red Case by Matthew Ball

The idea for the Lethbridge-Stewart Short Story Competition came from the company’s commitment to shedding light on fresh writing talent. Since 2015 the Lethbridge-Stewart novels have championed previously unknown authors such as Jonathan Macho and Gareth Madgwick, alongside famous writing names in the Doctor Who universe including John Peel, Nick Walters, Simon A Forward and David A McIntee.

All royalties from each book will be donated the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. Shaun, who received chemotherapy treatment at the centre, says:

In 2015 I was diagnosed with bowel cancer, just as we were launching the first Lethbridge-Stewart series. As you can imagine, undergoing six months of treatment was physically and emotionally draining. If it wasn’t for the support of the centre I wouldn’t have got through this difficult time. This is my way of giving something back.

The book can be pre-ordered via the Candy Jar Books website.

Due to public demand, Candy Jar Books will be producing a very limited print run of The HAVOC Files 1, which can ordered via their website.

FILTER: - Books - Candy Jar Books - Lethbridge-Stewart

Radio Times

Tuesday, 17 July 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The new edition of the Radio Times for 21-27th July 2018 features the new Doctor, Jodie Whittaker on the front cover, and has exclusive interviews with both the actress and new series showrunner, Chris Chibnall.

Talking about the casting of the first female Doctor, Chris said the show would have been behind the times if the new Doctor hadn’t been female and that it was important for the new series to be accessible to all viewers:

I think if we hadn’t done it, we would have been behind the world – and Doctor Who has to be out front leading the world, showcasing all the amazing things out there. So it was never a question in my mind. It was time.

Jodie added that as the first female Doctor there was less pressure on her and it’s an honour play a role that’s attainable to all:

And now it isn’t just attainable for half of the population. The other half can be the Doctor as well. Girls will no longer just think, ‘Oh, I could be a companion.’ Being the first female Doctor and showing children that their heroes in shows don’t always look the same is a huge honour for me.

Chris has hopes that the new era for the show will also introduce a new generation of fans:

If you’ve never seen Doctor Who, or want to introduce your children or family and friends to it, this series is the perfect point to start. It was really important to me that there’s no barrier to entry. You don’t need to know about anything that’s come before. We’ve got a new Doctor, all-new characters, all-new monsters, all-new stories. It’s going to be exciting, emotional and the most enormous fun.

You can read the full interviews in the latest Radio Times, available in shops from today.

FILTER: - Magazines - Radio Times - UK

TVNZ to broadcast Jodie Whitaker's premiere series in New Zealand

Monday, 16 July 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

TVNZ have announced that they have the rights to show the new series of Doctor Who in New Zealand when it premieres later this year. The announcement was heralded by the 40 second teaser trailer being broadcast simultaneously across TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2 and DUKE in the lead in to the evening’s 6pm programming.

TVNZ to air Jodie Whittaker series (Credit: TVNZ)

TVNZ Director of Content, Cate Slater, said:

Doctor Who has a special place in popular culture. It’s a global juggernaut with a faithful following. This upcoming season marks the beginning of a new era for the extraordinary Time Lord, with the first ever female Doctor at the helm of the TARDIS.

The time felt right to bring the series back to TVNZ. We can’t wait to share all the action, adventure and humour the show is known and loved for with our viewers, as well as the exciting new twists and turns that are coming their way.

Irene Read, Director of Content Sales for BBC Studios in Australia and New Zealand, says:

We’re delighted that Doctor Who is returning to its original New Zealand home, with TVNZ being an excellent partner to join us for the new era of The Doctor.

The series is expected to air in New Zealand within the same week as the UK, but will be streamed by the channel via TVNZ OnDemand immediately following the UK broadcast.

TVNZ was the first channel to broadcast Doctor Who outside of the United Kingdom, airing An Unearthly Child in September 1964. finally ending its original association with the show with the transmission of The TV Movie in 1999. Since the show's return in 2005 it has been broadcast by Prime.

FILTER: - Broadcasting - International Broadcasting - New Zealand - Press - series 11/37

Lethbridge-Stewart: new book to celebrate 50 years of the Brigadier

Monday, 16 July 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books have announced the latest addition to their Lethbridge-Stewart range of titles, and the first non-fiction instalment in the character’s expanding universe, The Brigadier: Fifty Years of Lethbridge Stewart.

The Brigadier: 50 Years of Lethbridge-Stewart (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

Since acquiring the rights to the character of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart in 2014, as well as other iconic Doctor Who figures such as the Great Intelligence, Candy Jar has published over twenty works of fiction in the Lethbridge-Stewart series, with more titles already in the works. Given the enthusiastic response of Doctor Who fans the world over, it would be fair to say that the series has met a long unfulfilled demand.

Head of Publishing, Shaun Russell, says:

The Brig is one of Doctor Who’s most beloved characters, yet over the years, he became increasingly sidelined in the Doctor Who universe. We thought the character had a lot of untapped potential, so we took a punt and started exploring his origins, with the aim of telling the story of what he was up to in the years between his introduction to Who in The Web of Fear, and the formation of UNIT in The Invasion. From the feedback we’ve received from the fans, it seems this was a story they were waiting to be told.

But as all fans of Doctor Who know, the story is just the start of the appeal; the legions of fan forums, Meet-up Groups, or a brief glance at social media in the wake of new episodes, attest to the fact that unpicking storylines – why did this character do that? What are the implications of this? How does X relate to Y? – is half the fun.

Andy Frankham-Allen, range editor of the Lethbridge-Stewart range, says:

Fan speculation, theories and fiction, is what kept Doctor Who alive in the sixteen years it was off television. And the engagement of the fans is still what makes the series special; Doctor Who isn’t just a show, it’s a community, and it’s a community that loves nothing more than to explore the Doctor Who universe together. We take our role as the custodians of the Brigadier seriously; that’s why our stories revel in the continuity of the show. But we thought there was still one thing missing from our range, and that was something exploring just who the Brigadier is. Over the years, and across the TV show, miscellaneous book series, comics, audio dramas, and our own range of titles, he’s got a lot done. We thought a book that collected his continuity into one place, that explored his motivations, his effect on the universe, and his relationship with other pivotal figures, was something that the fans would love. This has never been done, and it’s long overdue. But we couldn’t just explore our own range; we had to look at the character as a whole.”

Accordingly one of the centrepieces of the book is a collation of the Brig’s television adventures over the years, establishing the definitive chronology of the character for the first time. Put together by Simon A Forward, a Doctor Who writer for over two decades, the piece takes its place alongside a raft of pieces by established Doctor Who names, not least an exclusive interview with John Levene, who played the Brig’s long-time sidekick John Benton, giving a rare behind the scenes look at the experience of shooting Doctor Who’s golden era.

Other contributors include Darran Jordan, Philip Clarke, and a host of names still to be announced. Between them, they explore topics including the Doctor’s relationship with the Brig (and vice versa), the life of Nicholas Courtney (through thirteen objects of personal significance), as well as tackling the thorny question of whether or not the Brigadier counts as an official companion. With a comprehensive approach encompassing all BBC, Big Finish and Candy Jar media, the book looks set to become the definitive reference for this staple of the Doctor Who universe for years to come.

The book is available to pre-order direct from Candy Jar Books.

FILTER: - Books - Candy Jar Books - Lethbridge-Stewart

First Trailer for Series 11 Released

Sunday, 15 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

Doctor Who PreviewNew Doctor Who, new friends, new adventures.

FILTER: - Production - series 11/37

New Trailer to be Broadcast Sunday

Friday, 13 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

The BBC have confirmed that UK viewers will get their first look at the new series of Doctor Who this coming Sunday, with an exclusive new trailer shown during the BBC coverage of the World Cup final.

Doctor Who Preview

The #WorldCup may not be coming home but the TARDIS is on its way. Tune into the World Cup Final this Sunday.

FILTER: - series 11/37

William Hughes 1998-2018

Friday, 13 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

William Hughes, the actor who played the Master as a young boy, has died at the age of 20.

William Hughes played The Master in the 2007 story The Sound of Drums. At the age of eight, he was the youngest actor to play the renegade Time Lord. He also appeared in the 2008 Torchwood story Sleeper.

Hughes, from Mumbles in Swansea, Wales, gave up acting shortly after appearing in Doctor Who. His interests turned to Boxing, joining the Bonymaen ABC boxing gym in Swansea.

Fighting for the club he won 3 Welsh titles, before winning gold and bronze at the Great Britain championships. He won Gold at the 2017/18 British Universities and Colleges Sports Championships.

He was described as tremendously talented by former World Champion boxer Enzo Maccarinelli, who mentored the young athlete.

Absolutely heartbroken my little protege Will Hughes passed away today words can’t describe what the young man meant to me I loved him like family rest in peace will x

Hughes studied at Bishop Vaughan Catholic School in Swansea, where he was described as an exceptionally talented sportsman.

His warm and gentle character meant that he had many friends and they, the staff and the governors all hold his family in their thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time

Hughes had just completed he first year of a finance degree at Queen Mary University in London. It is believed he died on 9th July while on holiday on the Greek island of Corfu. A spokesman for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office confirmed their staff were supporting the family of a British man following his death in Corfu and were in contact with the Greek and UK police.

FILTER: - Obituary - Series 3/29

Thirteenth Doctor figurine range

Wednesday, 11 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

BBC Studios have revealed the first of the new toy ranges for Doctor Who Season 11. Ahead of San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), this is the first-look of the new Thirteenth Doctor figurines.

Doctor Who licensee Titan have produced two limited-edition 6.5” vinyls collectibles for S11: one 6.5" Thirteenth Doctor TITAN, and one 6.5" Thirteenth Doctor Kawaii TITAN, both of which will be debuting at SDCC 2018 at BBC AMERICA booth #4129 and Titan Entertainment booth #5537.

Remaining TITANS post-SDCC will be available to buy after the close of Comic-Con from Hot Topic & the BBC Shop in the US and from Forbidden Planet in the UK. Pre-order for these potential store purchases opens after the close of San Diego Comic-Con on Monday 23rd July 2018.

From Funko, The Thirteenth Doctor Pop! and The Thirteenth Doctor Rock Candy will be available to see at SDCC 2018 on the BBC AMERICA booth #4129 and the Funko booth #5341/5347, and in retail in both the US and UK this autumn. A new Doctor also means a new costume and Her Universe is debuting the Thirteenth Doctor’s fashionable rainbow striped top, long coat, and blue trousers, which will be available at SDCC at Her Universe booth #1321 and later in the autumn at Hot Topic stores.

Away from SDCC, UK Master Toy Licensee Character Options has unveiled its brand new Doctor Who figure, the first 10” figure of the Thirteenth Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker.

The new, highly detailed 10”/26cm fully articulated, collectible figure comes dressed in real fabric high-waisted culottes, rainbow striped dark blue shirt and coat. The figure also comes with the Doctor’s essential Sonic Screwdriver accessory.

Alasdair Dewar, Character Options’ Director of Product Development commented:

The new 10 inch Adventure Figure is a fantastic addition to the range. Made even better by the use of 3D scan data. The likeness is absolutely fantastic and along with the scaled fabric clothing kids and collectors alike will enjoy this bigger sized figure to play without display ... and ... it’s by sheer chance perfectly in scale with our 2006 12 inch Doctor Who range

Rikesh Desai, Licensing Director at BBC Studios, says;

As the UK Master Toy Licensee for Doctor Who, Character Options consistently produce great toys for the brand. The new Thirteenth Doctor figure is no exception; the attention to detail, real clothes and quality of the product make it a great collectible for fans of all ages.

The new figure will be available from August, for more information visit www.character-online.com.

BBC AMERICA will hold a panel at SDCC on Thursday, 19th July at 11:45am PT in Hall H, introducing the Thirteenth Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker. Marking a new era for the legendary Time Lord, Whittaker will be joined on the panel by two of her Doctor Who co-stars, Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill, who play Ryan and Yasmin, as well as award-winning series showrunner Chris Chibnall (Broadchurch) and executive producer Matt Strevens (An Adventure In Space And Time). BBC AMERICA will also have additional exclusive Doctor Who merchandise from BBC Shop available at booth #4129.