Issue seven of The Finished Product, the unofficial companion to the Big Finish audio series, is released this week.
This issue looks at the audio adventures of two Doctor Who icons from the seventies, Sarah Jane Smith and Davros.
The issue starts by examining the making of series two of Sarah Jane Smith, with extensive interviews with writer David Bishop and producer/director John Ainsworth, as well as actor Jez Fielder who played Josh, newsreader Shaun Ley, guest actor Nicholas Briggs, plus sound designer and composer Steve Foxon.
The second half of the zine is an in-depth examination of I, Davros, with director and producer Gary Russell, while star Terry Molloy gives his views on the series. Writers Gary Hopkins, James Parsons and Andrew-Stirling Brown, Lance Parkin and Scott Alan Woodard reveal what went into their thought processes when crafting their tales, along with contributions from actors Sean Connolly, Sean Carlsen, Daniel Hogarth, Katarina Olsson, David Bickerstaff, and young Davros himself - Rory Jennings. Cover artist Stuart Manning gives his thoughts on designing the covers, plus Steve Foxon talks about the post-production on the series.
Also, writer Nev Fountain reveals all about the Mervyn Stone Mysteries!
Tuesday, 11 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine (out in the shops on Thursday 13th January) features a new look, with 84 pages dedicated to the world of Doctor Who! The new issue looks ahead to the second series to feature Matt Smith as the Doctor, with both him and co-star Karen Gillan discussing what they think of each other and what's in store for their characters this coming year.
Matt comments on forthcoming monsters in the series:
There are some great monsters coming up in Series Two; Steven Moffat has created the greatest monsters since the Weeping Angels. It might even eclipse the Angels for me...
Karen adds:
I think it’s the scariest one yet, physically and just what it does. They’ve got one thing about them that feels almost undefeatable
Also in this issue:
Electric Dreams! DWM talks to the people behind the DVD range – and reveals ALL the Doctor Who DVDs releases coming up in 2011! Will your favourites be among them?
Train of Thought! Doctor Who’s Head Writer, Steven Moffat, takes the train with the Doctor, Amy and Rory, and tells DWM of a fantastic journey accompanied by saucy pictures of Karen Gillan – and a very special copy of the script for Episode 7...
Ghost of Christmas Past!Toby Haynes, the director of A Christmas Carol, gives DWM an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what was the most Christmassy Doctor Who Christmas Special ever, and reveals the thought processes which went into realising the episode.
Initial Success! With just two years to go before Doctor Who celebrates its 50th anniversary, DWM looks back at the actors, writers and stories that helped make it the longest-running and best-loved sci-fi show on television! This issue, DWM reflects on the very first series, which began on Saturday 23 November, 1963...
... By Any Other Name! It’s back! The all-new Time Team of Chris, Emma, Michael and Will get comfy on the sofa and experience an episode of Autons, burping bins and p-p-p-pizza, as they pop on a VHS of the Ninth Doctor’s début story, ROSE! What will they make of it?
There's only one way to find out ...! They’re two of the most fondly remembered Doctors – Patrick Troughton’s Second Doctor and Tom Baker’s Fourth. But who was the most influential actor to play Doctor Who? Toby Hadoke and Johnny Candon argue the toss as they engage in A Battle Of Wits!
Born in the USA! DWM brings together the writer and the star of a brand new audio adventure for 80s companion Peri Brown, as actress Nicola Bryant and writer Nev Fountain interview each other about Peri and the Piscon Paradox.
Time after Time! The Third Doctor, Jo and UNIT battle the Daleks and Ogrons in one of the most memorable stories of the 1970s! Take a trip back through time to 1972 as The Fact of Fiction discovers the secrets behind the Day of the Daleks!
Tweet, tweet! DWM examines Twitter, the social networking phenomenon that’s taken over the internet, and recommends 40 people every Doctor Who fan should follow...
Plus new comic strip The Screams of Death sees the Doctor and Amy visit nineteenth century Paris and encounter murder in the night, the Watcher returns in a new regular column, Watcha!, and the usual news, reviews and competitions.
This issue comes with three more collectible art cards featuring exclusive DWM cover images.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The production office responsible for the new series of Torchwood, Miracle Day, have started up an official Twitter feed, @BBC_Torchwood; the feed will be used to promote the production of the new series, kicking off yesterday with:
17:57 First shot 8:01am. Coffee pots are bottomless today. 20:11 Russell and Julie are here today to oversee filming and attend concept meetings for EP 2 & 3. We LOVE them!
The feed has been officially confirmed by BBC Marketing, and has been created in response to a fake Facebook/Twitter publisher being uncovered last week.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
2|Entertain have reported via their Classic Series twitter feed that two commentaries are due to be recorded in London this coming Sunday. The two remaining original TARDIS travellers William Russell (Ian Chesterton) and Carole Ann Ford (Susan) will be reunited to record the commentary for First Doctor adventure The Sensorites, whilst Third Doctor tale Colony in Space will feature Katy Manning(Jo Grant) alongside (then) assistant floor manager Graeme Harper. Both recording sessions will see additional reflections from other, as yet unnamed, guests.
As usual, this announcement should not be taken as an indication of the stories coming out on DVD imminently, as commentaries are often recorded way in advance of release to take advantage of the commentators' availability!
Charity group Hyde Fundraisers are staging some displays of their replica Doctor Who characters to raise funds for BBC Children In Need and their other nominated charities. Characters will include Judoon, Ood, Scarecrows, Clockwork Droids, Auton and their latest addition, The Smiler.
The special displays take place at
Ladysmith Shopping Centre, Ashton-under-Lyne - Saturday February 26th and Saturday March 5th.
The Pitt Building, Cambridge Science Festival, Cambridge - March 19th & 20th.
A booklet looking into the early life and Ancestoral History of the First Doctor, William Hartnell has been created by Stephen Bray.
The 31 page booklet, WHO Do You Think You Are? - A Genealogical Enquiry Into the Ancestry of William Hartnell, TV's First Doctor Who digs into the most cobwebbed of corners illuminating Hartnell's earliest years and those of his ancestors, going right back to the 1500s. There's a few surprises and a couple of scandals throughout the journey!
The booklet is fully illustrated throughout with maps, contemporaneous photographs and genealogical charts.
The author is offering privately printed copies from the auction site Ebay.
Saturday, 8 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Readers in the United Kingdom may watch the interview via BBC News.
David Tennant and Catherine Tate appeared on BBC's Breakfast this morning to chat about their latest project together.
The two are to appear in a production of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, which opens in London's Wyndham Theatre from 16th May 2011. They will be playing the roles of combative lovers Beatrice and Benedick in the play, being directed by Bush Theatre Artistic Director Josie Rourke.
This is the duo's first full collaboration together, though they have been firm friends since meeting for the first time on the set of Doomsday and have presented The Jonathan Ross Show for BBC Radio 2 together a number of times. Catherine Tate explained:
The idea came from us, we went to them. I'd always wanted to do it, but never said, because I thought it was too close to the Doctor Who time when I was thinking about doing it ages ago, with David - he would have been absolutely my ideal Benedict. And then David just rang in the summer and said "look I'd like to do it, what do you think?" and I said oh god I've been wanting to ask you for years!
David Tennant's last appearance on the stage playing Hamlet met with critical acclaim, and he talked about returning to the theatre:
Theatre is where we both started really, and it still to me feels like my proper job a little bit. And although I've had the opportunity to go and do lots of exciting things elsewhere on tv, films and so on, going back to the theatre feels like something that I would naturally do. And to get the chance to go to work with your mates and do a play you really wanted to do just felt like an opportunity that was too good to miss.
David Tennant is not a stranger to the role, having previously played Benedick in a BBC Radio 3 adaptation of the play alongside Samantha Spiro as Beatrice. The play first broadcast September 2001, was repeated in November 2005 - a month before his debut story as the Doctor, The Christmas Invasion.
Catherine Tate is currently appearing in Season's Greetings at the National Theatre, alongside Mark Gatiss and David Troughton.
The issue of tickets were discussed on the programme (available to book now from the theatre), especially in regard to how quickly tickets sold out for Tennant's performance in Hamlet - subsequently this morning has seen the booking facilities for the play overwhelmed by fans of the duo trying to obtain tickets!
Saturday, 8 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The BBC have released details on the new series of Torchwood - which has now been renamed from The New World to Miracle Day.
The release introduces the plot of the new story, plus cast and character details.
The principal guest stars which have been mentioned in the news over the last couple of months are now formally confirmed, with a couple of character name changes. As reported last month, the principle role of CIA operative Rex Matheson will be played by Mekhi Phifer (most recently seen as FBI agent Ben Reynolds in Lie to Me), whilst protagonist Oswald Danes will be played by Bill Pullman (Independence Day). Alexa Havins (One Life to Live) will play field agent Esther Drummond, whilst Arlene Tur (Crash) plays Doctor Vera Jaurez.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
REX MATHESON (Mekhi Phifer)
He’s the golden boy. The embodiment of the American dream and has been all his life. Harvard education, Rex is destined for success and could make a fortune in Wall Street or Hollywood, but he chose the C.I.A. because he believes in justice and will fight for it. He can talk his way into anything, then charm his way out, fast. This may be just what he needs as he joins forces with Jack and Gwen to fight a global mystery behind “Miracle Day” that has them racing from one crisis to another, dodging assassins, blackmail, corruption and conspiracy, from Washington to Wales and the slums of Shanghai.
CAPTAIN JACK HARKNESS (John Barrowman)
Jack looks like a hero. He's handsome, witty and subversive with a killer smile. But there's a reason for that glint in his eye. His dashing style hides a secret. Truth is Jack Harkness is immortal, the only one of his kind. He once ran the Torchwood Institute, a British organization dedicated to fighting the strange and bizarre. But Torchwood closed down, and Jack disappeared, to start yet another of his many new lives. When a new, epic danger affects the whole planet, Jack finds himself back at the center of events, fighting not just for his own life, but for everyone on Earth.
GWEN COOPER (Eve Myles)
Gwen once lived the ultimate double life - the funny, salty, earthy woman who loves home and family, combined with the tough, ruthless warrior, who loves the thrill of the fight. She was the heart and soul of an organization called Torchwood. She was a defender of the human race. But now she lives in seclusion, with her devoted husband Rhys and baby Anwen, knowing that one day trouble would come calling again. When events surrounding “Miracle Day” push Gwen to the limit, she'll need to call on resources she never knew she had and make the most terrible decisions, on behalf of all mankind.
ESTHER DRUMMOND (Alexa Havins)
Esther is an innocent, in a world of assassins, liars and zealots. She got where she is with the C.I.A through diligence and application. Hard work keeps Esther focused but she still dreams of active duty as a field agent serving her country. The dream is going to happen faster than she thinks and in no time at all, Esther finds herself running alongside Jack, Gwen and Rex, living off the grid, gun in hand, fighting a global conspiracy against enemies ranging from big business to the state. It’s a tough, brutal, hard lifestyle where survival is hard won and life-changing choices have to be made.
OSWALD DANES (Bill Pullman)
Well-educated and a former school teacher, Oswald’s a convicted child killer, both guilty and unrepentant. But when Oswald survives his own execution, he’s given a whole new life. The most infamous man in the world, he becomes the most provocative figure in modern media. He’s a flare, reviled yet mesmerizing, whose very existence embodies how the world changed on “Miracle Day”.
DR. VERA JUAREZ (Arlene Tur)
An attending surgeon in Washington D.C., she’s smart, fast talking and hard working, Vera is on the frontline of medical care on “Miracle Day”. As the world crisis grows, Vera's surgical and ER experience sees her recruited to advise on government think-tanks until she has to make a moral choice of enormous consequence. Sexy, confident and passionate, Vera's life is soon inextricably tangled up with Rex's.
The plot of Torchwood: Miracle Day takes place over the course of the ten episodes of the series:
One day, nobody dies. All across the world, nobody dies. And then the next day, and the next, and the next, people keep aging -- they get hurt and sick -- but they never die. The result: a population boom, overnight. With all the extra people, resources are finite. It’s said that in four months’ time, the human race will cease to be viable. But this can’t be a natural event – someone’s got to be behind it. It’s a race against time as C.I.A. agent Rex Matheson investigates a global conspiracy. The answers lie within an old, secret British institute. As Rex keeps asking “What is Torchwood?", he’s drawn into a world of adventure, and a threat to change what it means to be human, forever.
Though launching in the United Kingdom (BBC1) and the United States (Starz), BBC Worldwide plan to distribute the new series around the world. Torchwood has previously been seen in countries like Korea, Japan, Italy, Spain, Israel, Russia and across Latin America.
A number of news-sites (including ourselves) had reported in the last day or so that the transmission date for the forthcoming Torchwood has been revealed for BBC1 in the UK and Starz in the US.
BBC Marketing have informed us, however, that the "Torchwood" Facebook Page and Twitter feed which purported to 'announce' the series premier date is not an official site as claimed, and has no links to the BBC itself.
The transmission date will be officially announced by the BBC and Starz later in the year.
Production shifts into gear to start filming next week, with members of the production team recently confirmed in the latest Torchwood Magazine - all of which have established sci-fi credentials!
Production designer is Greg Melton (whose previous work includes the Zombie series The Walking Dead) and within the UK is joined by the original designer for Torchwood, Ed Thomas. Costumes are being handled by Shawna Trpcic (who has worked on shows like Angel and Firefly), and Makeup by Todd McIntosh (Pushing Daisies, Buffy the Vampire Slayer). The Director of Photography is Nate Goodman (whose credentials include Heroes).
The series will be produced by Kelly Manners (who worked on Angel and co-produced Buffy the Vampire Slayer); he will be joined in the UK by the producer of The Sarah Jane Adventures, Brian Minchin. The first episode is due to be directed by Bharat Nalluri (whose credits include directing the first episodes of BBC successes Life on Mars, Spooks and Hustle).
As previously reported, the writers for the series are Jane Espensen, John Shiban, Doris Egan, and John Fay, and of course executively produced by series creator Russell T Davies alongside Julie Gardner.
You can view all of our recent articles on casting and the development of The New Worldhere.
An earlier version of this article cited a launch date for The New World - this has been reported by BBC Marketing as incorrect and has been removed. More news soon!
TV Line are reporting that Alexa Havins and Dichen Lachman have both been cast in the forthcoming series of Torchwood.
Havins will play Esther Katusi, a CIA Watch Analyst who possesses an unshakable faith in human nature and a monster crush on colleague Rex Matheson (Mekhi Phifer). Details about Lachman’s character are still to be released officially but Michael Ausiello of TV Line says that she also works at the CIA. Alexa Havins's credits include American soap operas One Life to Live and All My Children.
Dichen Lachman has appeared in Australian soap opera Neighbours and American science fiction series Dollhouse.
The Finished Product.
Blue Box
Charity group 
A number of news-sites (including ourselves) had reported in the last day or so that the transmission date for the forthcoming Torchwood has been revealed for BBC1 in the UK and Starz in the US.
Production shifts into gear to start filming next week, with members of the production team recently confirmed in the latest 
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