Doctor Who Magazine - Issue 507

Tuesday, 20 December 2016 - Reported by Marcus

Two new issues of Doctor Who Magazine are on sale now

Doctor Who Magazine - Issue 507 (Credit: Panini)

Doctor Who Magazine 507 features new companion Nardole who returns in this year’s Christmas Special and for the 2017 series.

Matt Lucas chats to DWM in a rare and exclusive interview

Some people say, ‘I quite liked Nardole, but why does he need to come back?’ Well, there is an answer. I can’t tell you why he needs to come back, but I can tell you that he does need to come back. There’s a job that needs to be done, and it’s not a job that the Doctor can do on his own. Nardole is there to help him. It’ll all become clear.

You can read the full interview inside the new magazine...

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE…

THE RETURN OF DOCTOR MYSTERIO
MEET THE GHOST

Justin Chatwin

ASK STEVEN

Steven Moffat

THE POWER OF THE DOCTOR
REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2016
THE FEAST OF STEVEN
PINBALL WIZARDS!
BE FORGOT

Mark Wright

Mike Collins

TIME TEAM

The Sarah Jane Adventures

The Death of the Doctor

A Christmas Carol

THE RUNAWAY BRIDE
THE POWER OF THE DALEKS

The Power of the Daleks

STOCKING FILLERS
COMING SOON
WOTCHA

PLUS! All the latest official news, Christmas competitions, and The Watcher’s Christmas Quiz.

Doctor Who Magazine 507 is on sale now, price £5.99, with a GIGANTIC FREE POSTER!

Doctor Who Magazine - 2017 Yearbook (Credit: Panini)

The Doctor Who Magazine Yearbook 2017 is a 100-page special edition, packed with all-new content.

There are exclusive interviews with the cast of the recent spin-off Class and the crew of the 2017 series of Doctor Who. The director and costume designer of Friend from the Future describe the making of the mini-episode, and there is an extensive section of tributes to Doctor Who luminaries who passed away during 2016.

Elsewhere there are round-ups up the year’s Doctor Who-related books, records and Big Finish releases, along with a report from November’s launch event for the new Power of the Daleks animation.

Editor Marcus Hearn says:

Even though there wasn’t a new television series in 2016, Doctor Who never stands still. This is our review of the year, and there’s been so much activity – from the BBC, its licensees and the fan community – that we’ve had a job squeezing it all in!

Doctor Who Magazine Special: The 2017 Yearbook is on sale now, price £5.99.

FILTER: - DWM - Steven Moffat

Christmas Special - Sneak Peek

Wednesday, 26 October 2016 - Reported by Marcus

BBC America has released a short video previewing this year's Christmas Special, The Return of Doctor Mysterio.

Doctor Who - Christmas Special SNEAK PEEK

FILTER: - Peter Capaldi - Series Specials - Steven Moffat

Moffat: I'm not blocking Torchwood return

Tuesday, 13 September 2016 - Reported by Josiah Rowe

John Barrowman has recently spoken about the obstacles preventing Torchwood's return to television.

Oh lordy. pic.twitter.com/Ba936I4PZ3
— Jamie (@typicalmadness_) September 11, 2016

Speaking at the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con Barrowman mentioned Doctor Who's current lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat as the reason Torchwood would not be back, to which Moffat has clarified that he is not one of those obstacles:

You may be aware that John Barrowman has been saying, publicly, that I've been blocking a new series of Torchwood. To be very clear - I haven't blocked it; I wouldn't block it; I wouldn't even be ABLE to block it. I didn't even know a revival had been mooted till I read about it on the Internet. As John perfectly well knows, it's not my show and I could no more prevent it happening that he could cancel Sherlock. I am bewildered, and a little cross, even to be included in this conversation. For the record, I really liked the show (especially the third series) and would be very happy to see more - monsters and mayhem, why not? But the fact is, it has nothing to do with me. Please pass this on to the anxious and the angry - I've had enough hate mail now.

Acknowledgement: Wizard World Chicago Comic Con coverage report via YouTube, courtesy of ChristineDoesCons

FILTER: - John Barrowman - People - Steven Moffat - Torchwood

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 502

Wednesday, 27 July 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Doctor Who Magazine 502 (in bag) (Credit: DWM/Panini)

Doctor Who Magazine 502 (Credit: DWM/Panini)

The latest edition of Doctor Who Magazine is on general release on Thursday, and this issue looks ahead to what we can expect in the next series of Doctor Who, currently under production.

Speaking on his feelings about working on his last series for the show, Steven Moffat says:

When I agreed to do one more run, I thought, ‘Sod it, I’m not doing the march to the scaffold. I want it to feel like a brand new show. I want it to feel like Episode 1 of a new series. I want to leave like it’s all just beginning.

Speaking about the casting of Pearl Mackie, casting director Andy Pryor says:

Pearl has this sort of boldness, and an ability to tap into the humour of the part without making it an overtly comic performance. From the word go, she made the part her own. She found things in the part that none of us had envisaged, and she made Bill a rounded person.

Also inside this issue:

CONCEPT ART: DWM comic artist Mike Collins reveals the secrets of his work storyboarding TV Doctor Who!
MARVEL FILES: A fascinating insight into the early correspondence between Doctor Who Magazine and BBC Enterprises.
THE PESTILENT HEART: Part 2 of a brand-new comic strip adventure, The Pestilent Heart, written by Mark Wright and illustrated by Mike Collins.
RELATIVELY SPEAKING: Jacqueline Rayner bows out with her final Relative Dimensions column.
TIME TEAM: The Time Team attempt to distinguish dream and reality as they watch the 2010 episode, Amy's Choice.
FRONTIER IN SPACE: War breaks out in space, in this issue’s Fact of Fiction, which covers the 1973 Third Doctor adventure Frontier in Space.
COMING SOON: DWM previews all the latest Doctor Who CD and book releases.

PLUS! All the latest official news, reviews, competitions, The DWM Crossword... and a MASSIVE poster and FOUR more art cards!

FILTER: - DWM - Steven Moffat

The Two Doctors: David Tennant and Steven Moffat honoured

Tuesday, 5 July 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

David Tennant awarded an honorary doctorate by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Former television Doctor David Tennant today became a Doctor for real, as the actor received an honorary doctorate for drama from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

The actor, who studied at the Conservatoire between 1988 and 1991 when it was called the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, said:

I'm honoured and rather humbled to be here - it's all quite overwhelming but lovely to be back. It evokes some very vivid memories. It was a very important time for me. I don't think I would have survived without my time here - for me it was essential. Three years of getting to practice in a safe environment. I was quite young, quite green, and I did a lot of growing up here and learned an enormous amount. They were very formative years that I look back on very fondly.

David Tennnant talks about receiving his honorary doctorate (via Daily Record)

As reported at the weekend, Doctor Who's lead writer Steven Moffat also received a doctorate today from the University of the West of Scotland.

News Sources: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Daily Record, Radio Times

FILTER: - Awards/Nominations - David Tennant - Steven Moffat

Steven Moffat to receive honorary doctorate

Sunday, 3 July 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Doctor Who's lead writer Steven Moffat is to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of the West of Scotland.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said:

Steven is quite simply one of the country’s greatest screenwriters and through his work on both the small and big screen he has brought joy to millions of viewers worldwide.

He is a further example of success from our wonderful town of Paisley in a long line of truly successful people brought up in the town.

Steven is great role model for anyone, not just our students, and demonstrates that your path in life will be determined by your own passion for the things you believe in and that anyone can have success if they work hard.

Steven is a hugely deserving recipient of this Honorary Doctorate and we are delighted to honour him in his home town.

The graduation ceremony takes place at Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church in Moffat's home town of Paisley on Tuesday 5th July. The writer said:

It's always a joy to go home - but to go back to Paisley to receive a doctorate feels like I finally made it. I feel very honoured, and more importantly very happy.

News source: The Paisley Gazette

FILTER: - Awards/Nominations - Steven Moffat

Series 10 filming begins next week

Tuesday, 14 June 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Matt Lucas and Stephanie Hyam guest star in Series 10

The BBC have released details on forthcoming writers and guest appearances for the next series of Doctor Who, due to start filming in Cardiff from Monday next week.

Matt Lucas will be reprising his role as Nardole, which he played in last year's Christmas Special, The Husbands of River Song. Commenting on his return to Doctor Who, he said:

I’m chuffed to bits that Nardole is returning to the TARDIS for some more adventures. I loved acting with Peter and I’m excited to work with Pearl.

Steven Moffat, lead writer and Executive Producer, added:

Delighted and slightly amazed to be welcoming Matt Lucas back on to the TARDIS - and this time it’s not just for Christmas, he’s sticking around. One of the greatest comedy talents on planet Earth is being unleashed on all of time and space.

Moffat is writing the first episode in the new series, which will be directed by Lawrence Gough (who directed Pearl Mackie's introduction as Bill in Friend from the Future. Peter Bennett returns as producer, with Brian Minchin as executive producer. The second episode will also see the return of Frank Cottrell Boyce, who previously penned In The Forest Of The Night in the 2014 series.

Further writers announced for the series include Sarah Dollard who wrote last year's Face The Raven, Mike Bartlett (writer for the multi-award winning Doctor Foster, and veteran Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss.

In addition to Lucas, Stephanie Hyam has also been announced for a guest role in the new series; the actress appeared in the New Year's Day Sherlock as Jane, and also played Charlotte in Peaky Blinders and Lily Clarke in Jekyll & Hyde.

Today also saw the first read-through for the series take place:

NEW PIC!
Brought to you fresh from @Pearlie_mack's first read-through with Peter Capaldi for #DoctorWho series 10 👍 pic.twitter.com/ab2D70LtH9
— Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) June 14, 2016

FILTER: - Guest Stars - Production - Series 10/36 - Steven Moffat

Steven Moffat receives his OBE

Thursday, 4 February 2016 - Reported by Marcus

Doctor Who Executive Producer Steven Moffat has been presented with his OBE for services to drama.

The award, announced in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours list, was presented to the writer by The Prince of Wales at a ceremony held at the Queen's London Residence, Buckingham Palace. It makes Moffat an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

Steven Moffat told the Scottish Daily Record he was delighted to recieve the award

It was very thrilling and formal and slightly, slightly, just very slightly, like being back at school. But nicer because everyone got a prize.

Talking to other people before I came in, I kind of feel everyone's here for a better reason than me. I've got not one, but two dream jobs so to get this lovely thing for already indulging myself in public, seems like an excess of good fortune.

He said it will be sad to leave Doctor Who, but exciting to do something new.

Ahead of me this year I have 14 Doctor Who and 3 Sherlock films, so the last thing I am doing is contemplating work beyond that.... The reason you end up leaving Doctor Who, much as we all love it, is because it's all year round. It's a really tough gig

The interview indicates Steven Moffat's last Doctor Who episode will be the 2017 Christmas special.

Full interview here.

FILTER: - Awards/Nominations - Steven Moffat

Steven Moffat to Step Down as Showrunner

Friday, 22 January 2016 - Reported by Marcus

The BBC has confirmed that Doctor Who Showrunner Steven Moffat, is to leave the programme after Series 10.

The Corporation confirmed the news on the official Doctor Who Twitter feed, announcing that writer Chris Chibnall will take over in 2017.

Steven Moffat has been the guiding force behind Doctor Who since 2010, casting both Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi in the role of the Doctor. Series Ten will be his sixth series in charge, and the 36th in the show's long history. The 12 part swan song for the producer will be screened in the spring of 2017 meaning that only the 2016 Christmas special, and the new spin off series Class, will be screened this year.

BBC One Controller Charlotte Moore explained the reasons for moving the series back to the spring.

I have decided to schedule Steven’s big finale series in Spring 2017 to bring the nation together for what will be a huge event on the channel. 2016 is spoilt with national moments including the Euros and Olympics and I want to hold something big back for 2017 - I promise it will be worth the wait!

The new showrunner, taking over for Series 11, will be Chris Chibnall, best known for his work on Broadchurch. Chibnall has written six episodes of Doctor Who, as well as many episodes of Torchwood, where he was Co-Producer.

Moffat talked about his feelings on leaving the show

Feels odd to be talking about leaving when I’m just starting work on the scripts for season 10, but the fact is my timey-wimey is running out. While Chris is doing his last run of Broadchurch, I’ll be finishing up on the best job in the universe and keeping the TARDIS warm for him. It took a lot of gin and tonic to talk him into this, but I am beyond delighted that one of the true stars of British Television drama will be taking the Time Lord even further into the future. At the start of season 11, Chris Chibnall will become the new showrunner of Doctor Who. And I will be thrown in a skip.

Charlotte Moore paid tribute to the outgoing showrunner

I want to thank Steven Moffat for everything he has given Doctor Who – I’ve loved working with him, he is an absolute genius and has brought fans all over the world such joy,” she added. “I will be very sad to see him leave the show but I can’t wait to see what he will deliver in his last ever series next year with a brand new companion.

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Chris Chibnall, a wonderfully talented writer who I know will bring something very special to the hit series.

Like his two predecessors Chris Chibnall is a life long fan of the series, even appearing on a BBC One discussion programme about the series in 1986. He talked about his love of the show

Doctor Who is the ultimate BBC programme: bold, unique, vastly entertaining, and adored all around the world. So it's a privilege and a joy to be the next curator of this funny, scary and emotional family drama. I’ve loved Doctor Who since I was four years old, and I’m relishing the thought of working with the exceptional team at BBC Wales to create new characters, creatures and worlds for the Doctor to explore. Steven’s achieved the impossible by continually expanding Doctor Who's creative ambition, while growing its global popularity. He’s been a dazzling and daring showrunner, and hearing his plans and stories for 2017, it’s clear he’ll be going out with a bang. Just to make my life difficult.

Polly Hill, BBC controller of drama commissioning, added:

Like Charlotte I would like to thank Steven for his brilliance, which has made Doctor Who a global hit under his tenure. Chris Chibnall is the perfect successor to take over the reins of this incredible show, so I am delighted that his love for Doctor Who has made it impossible for him to resist ! Chris is an incredible writer and his vision and passion for Doctor Who gives it an exciting future and promises to be a real treat for Doctor Who fans across the world.

FILTER: - Leading News - Production - Steven Moffat

The Husbands of River Song: press interviews

Thursday, 10 December 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The Husbands of River Song (Credit: BBC/Simon Ridgway)

The BBC have released interviews with Peter Capaldi, Alex Kingston and Steven Moffat to promote the forthcoming Christmas special, The Husbands of River Song.

What can you tell us about the Doctor Who Christmas special this year?
Well the Christmas special is very Christmassy, which I’m sure everyone will be relieved to hear. It finds the Doctor in a Dickensian kind of world, in a Christmas card sort of world which he’s been brought to in order to do a favour for a king. So there’s quite a festive spirit to the episode. But the favour is more complex and isn’t exclusively for the benefit of the king, but more for the benefit of the king’s consort.

What is your favourite scene from this episode?
I have lots of favourite scenes from the Christmas episode, but I think being met by Matt Lucas on a wonderful wintery Dickensian street with the TARDIS covered in snow was delightful, because it was like a Doctor Who Christmas card. Matt is such a fabulously funny person to have around, so I loved that!

Do you like filming Christmas episodes?
Yes I do like them - last year’s was a bit scarier than this one, this is more openly festive. I like the idea of ghost stories at Christmas and frightening things seem to work rather well in the festive environment.

Would you like to see River Song return?
Yes of course, because Alex is fabulous and it’s always lovely to work with her.

Who is Nardole?
The character of Nardole is played by Matt Lucas so you can expect a lot of laughs and pathos. He is, as ever, a hugely loveable personality, a little naïve, a little out of his depth and quite cosmic.

What was it like to come back?
I was quite surprised when I was asked to come back, but I was happy to because I just thought it would be great fun. It’s such a great character, she’s become so beloved by lots of fans and I’ve had them saying it would be so great for her to come back and to see her interacting with Peter Capaldi’s Doctor. I was actually thrilled when Steven decided he wanted to explore that too.

What did you think of the script?
It’s a wonderful slapstick caper. There’s a lot of great laughs, there’s a lot of fabulous River one-liners. The fans are going to love the things she says and there’s a lot of play. They’re also fighting a very interesting alien played by Greg Davies. It’s a really great episode and Steven has done my character proud.

Has this episode been challenging?
I’ve been really lucky in this episode as River gets to do an awful lot. She gets to run around in snow, I’ve been flying and have done harness work against a green screen. She’s got quite a few husbands in this episode and there’s a lot of fabulous quick-fire dialogue between her and the Doctor. She gets to snog the most handsome man in the work, his character name is Ramone. It’s all going on!

What were your favourite moments during filming?
The favourite moment so far for me was stepping back on to the TARDIS, because the interior of it has changed yet again. I’ve been on two different TARDIS incarnations, and to walk into this one and know it’s a familiar space but at the same time it’s different, was great. I love this one - everything works which is really fun, I stand there pressing all the buttons, it’s great!

Can you give us an introduction to the episode you’ve written this year?
The Doctor is an all new man and has been for a while. It may have slipped his mind that out there, in a very tangled and complicated way, is his wife that has never seen this face before and doesn’t even know about this incarnation. We’re about to stand with the Doctor and see what River is like when she doesn’t know he’s looking. We’re about to see what River thinks of Matt Smith turning into Peter Capaldi.

What made you want to write this episode?
River Song meets the Capaldi Doctor, that’s got to be fun - I’d like to write that. That’s what made me want to write. I knew it had to be a big romp for Christmas day and there’s nothing like River Song to make that evident - River brings a whole storm of camp glamour to it.

Is it any different writing a Christmas episode of Doctor Who?
Yes, you need to have a bit of Christmas in it, but that’s never felt to me like a tremendous impediment, it’s a hook to hang it on. Sometimes we go very Christmassy - ‘A Christmas Carol’ was incredibly Christmassy, so was ‘The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe’ and ‘The Snowmen’ had the appearance of Christmas without being very Christmassy. Last Christmas is actually the least Christmassy episode we’ve ever done, except for the fact it actually had Santa Claus in it - I rather loved last Christmas. This year’s episode starts Christmassy and has a comedy romp!

Do you enjoy writing a Christmas episode?
I like Christmas specials - I know some people don’t. Some friends of mine don’t like Christmas specials very much and they’re always complaining about all the tinsel, the goodwill and the twinkly stars, and the lovely snow on the rooftops. I love all that, I love Christmas as a day and as a festival. I love that it’s dark, twinkly and rich red, all those things I adore so it’s no hardship for me at all.

Who is King Hydroflax?
King Hydroflax is a very bad King, who as it turns out is mostly cyborg - in fact only his head has remained. He’s a vicious, terrible and deeply stupid man and a dreadful tyrant.

FILTER: - Peter Capaldi - Press - Series Specials - Steven Moffat

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