The next Doctor(s)

Tuesday, 25 October 2022 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The Power of The Doctor: The new Doctor (DAVID TENNANT) (Credit: BBC)

The finale of The Power of the Doctor saw Jodie Whittaker's Doctor regenerate into a surprisingly familiar face in the form of the 10th Doctor David Tennant! The actor was announced as returning back in May 2022 alongside Catherine Tate, reprising her former role as sidekick Donna. At the time showrunner Russell T Davies teased:

Maybe this is a missing story. Or a parallel world. Or a dream, or a trick, or a flashback. The only thing I can confirm is that it’s going to be spectacular, as two of our greatest stars reunite for the battle of a lifetime.

However, with Tennant now revealed to be the 14th Doctor, quite why this has occured and how it will lead into the next Doctor played by Ncuti Gatwa remains a mystery, with Davies commenting:

If you thought the appearance of David Tennant was a shock, we’ve got plenty more surprises on the way! The path to Ncuti’s Fifteenth Doctor is laden with mystery, horror, robots, puppets, danger and fun! And how is it connected to the return of the wonderful Donna Noble? How, what, why? We’re giving you a year to speculate, and then all hell lets loose!

Three specials have been filmed for the 60th anniversary and are due to be shown in November 2023, with Ncuti Gatwa's first official episode to be broadcast over the following festive period.

FILTER: - Doctor Who - Press - David Tennant - Ncuti Gatwa

William Russell to star in Brazilian movie with his son Alfred Enoch

Saturday, 27 April 2019 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Hugo Gloss: Watch on Instagram
Hugo Gloss on Instagram

Desde que Alfred Enoch, que interpretou o Wes na série "How To Get Away with Murder", foi confirmado em @medidaprovisoriaofilme, primeiro filme de ficção dirigido por @olazaroramos, nós ficamos na maior ansiedade para saber mais detalhes do projeto. Durante as filmagens no Rio de Janeiro, o astro realizou o sonho de gravar com seu pai, William Russel, ator inglês que já fez "Doctor Who", e o hugogloss.com teve acesso com exclusividade a um vídeo dos bastidores que mostra esse encontro mais que especial. Com a presença de sua mãe, a brasileira Etheline Enoch, ele gravou pela primeira vez com o pai, no filme que também marca a sua primeira vez atuando em português. Olha que maravilhoso!

Thais Aux Pavão from Doctor Who Brasil reports:

Actor William Russell, who lived the 1st Doctor companion Ian Chesterton, is in Brazil to participate on the film Medida Provisória (Provisional Measure) with his son Alfred Enoch (Harry Potter, How To Get Away With Murder) as part of the cast.

The movie is directed by Lazaro Ramos, a renowned actor from Bahia, Brazil who found fame in soap operas and movies. This is his first work as a Director.

In the cast is also Seu Jorge, Brazilian singer/actor who worked with Wes Anderson in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and recorded its soundtrack, The Life Aquatic Studio Sessions, covering David Bowie songs.

We also have Renata Sorrah, one of the top Brazilian actresses of her time (who also happens to be the face of the "Confused Math Lady" meme).

Shooting of the film is taking place in Rio de Janeiro and Alfred also brought his mother Etheline Enoch, who is Brazilian born, to location.

Lazaro said he couldn't pass on the possibility of inviting Russell over to the movie since this is the first time father and son will work together.

Alfred Enoch said this "has always been my dream. My father is my great reference since always. He was my first teacher. When I told Lazaro we never worked together, that I always wanted it but it never happened, and now that he's 94, I thought I wouldn't have this opportunity. And suddenly he was in and it was beautiful".

William said: "My experience working on this big film which is being made here, people are so nice and kind and very very generous. It makes me feel very happy to be there and to be us, to do anything with them and for them. I hope some of it comes out". He also said his first movie was in the 1950s.

Etheline Enoch also spoke about the film: "As parents, we are very happy that he had this opportunity. And as for me, I'm even happier, since it is in my country. He himself said that he met the cast in January when he was here and he was very excited. That's why he accepted this project and rejected other in America and in Europe".

You can follow the production for this film on the official Instagram account.

A report from filming featuring William, Alfred and Etheline can be viewed (in Portuguese) via the Hugo Gloss Instagram account.

With thanks to: Doctor Who Brasil

FILTER: - Brazil - People - Press

Arachnids In The UK - This Weekend

Friday, 26 October 2018 - Reported by Marcus

A number of new publicity images to promote this week's episode of Doctor Who, Arachnids In The UK

Arachnids In The UK

Writer: Chris Chibnall
Director: Sallie Aprahamian

Something’s happening with the spiders in this city.

The Doctor, Yaz, Graham and Ryan find their way back to Yorkshire – and Yaz’s family – only to find something is stirring amidst the eight-legged arachnid population of Sheffield.

Episode 4 Trailer | Arachnids In The UK | Doctor Who
FIRST LOOK: Episode 4 | Arachnids In The UK

This episode will debut on BBC One at 7.00pm.

Main Broadcast Details
United Kingdom	BBC One	Sunday 28th October	7.00pm BST
United States of America	BBC America	Sunday 28th October	8.00pm EDT
Canada	SPACE	Sunday 28th October	8.00pm EDT
Australia	ABC	Monday 29th October	6.00pm AEST

Full listings here

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

Rosa - Press Reaction

Monday, 22 October 2018 - Reported by Marcus

Rosa: Rosa Parks (Vinette Robinson) (Credit: BBC Studios (Coco Van Oppens))

Press reaction to Doctor Who's Third episode of 2018, Rosa, is once more overwhelmingly positive, with most commentators praising the subject matter and the way it was handled.

Radio Times felt by tackling historical subjects the series was returning to its roots. "What’s pleasing is that there are no Clever Dick solutions. The time travellers work hard to keep time on track. Who’d have thought that getting a tweedy seamstress and a driver on the right bus at the right time would provide dramatic tension? And there’s a sharp beat when the Time Lord realises she and her team are part of history: “We have to not help her."

The Mirror considers the episode a very important one for the series. "It may surprise some for the series to tackle racism head-on rather than with veiled allegories, but with Chibnall promising to bring back the educational element of the series, the show has proved that the showrunner is keeping to that promise, and it is refreshing for the long-running show to offer some vital social commentary - not just on the past but also issues today."

The Independent singles out the lead actress for much praise. "As with her previous adventures, Whittaker’s Time Lord is the best thing about “Rosa”. The actor has finally started to tone down the overenthusiastic tics that threatened to bubble over early on. True, she is once again a gregarious human space-hopper, with a winning line in self-referential zingers – she half-jokes about being Banksy – however, a rumination on Jim Crow oppression calls for a restrained performance, and she delivers. "

The Telegraph disliked the episode thinking it stodgy "When allowed to riff on history rather than be confined by it, Doctor Who(BBC One, Sunday) can be a ludicrous romp (Let’s Kill Hitler) or deeply poignant (Vincent and the Doctor). Barring a couple of good gags about Elvis and Banksy, however, Chris Chibnall and Malorie Blackman’s episode felt overawed by the history it was depicting, short-changing some imaginative direction from Mark Tonderai and bearing a score weighed down by French horns straight from the gloopier end of The West Wing."

Den of Geek praised the actress taking on the difficult role of Rasa Parks. "Rosa is played by Vinette Robinson, who manages to embody Parks with apparent ease. Robinson exudes both a quiet strength and a weariness at the continued injustices thrown her way. There’s a fire in her when she meets the TARDIS team, as she tells them in no uncertain terms to leave Montgomery or face the consequences."

Digital Spy praised the way the episode tackled difficult issues. "Doctor Who manages to tackle her story without feeling glib, treating it with the respect and deference it deserves and resisting the urge to pit Parks against monsters from outer space."

FILTER: - Press - series 11/37

The Ghost Monument - Press Reviews

Monday, 15 October 2018 - Reported by Marcus

The Ghost Monument: Yaz (Mandip Gill), Ryan (Tosin Cole), The Doctor (Jodie Whittaker), Graham (Bradley Walsh) (Credit: BBC Studios (Coco Van Opens))

Press reaction to Doctor Who;s second episode of 2018, The Ghost Monument, is overwhelmingly positive.

The Independent says that Doctor Who remains a delight. "Whittaker once again demonstrates why she may potentially go down as the defining Doctor Who of her generation. Her patter is wry and knockabout. Yet the larking is interwoven with a refreshing sincerity and a determination to be true to her friends."

The Guardian liked the more familiar tone of the series this week "The Doctor feels like the Doctor again. With her unstable-regeneration routine out of the way, Jodie Whittaker has grown almost completely into the role. She nails most of the character’s defining traits with aplomb: disdain for guns, delight in thinking her way out of a problem, and the ability to quickly become ruthless– her takedown of the boorish Epzo was quite something to behold. She is a delight."

Radio Times praised what they called a clearly told adventure, realised with pace and panache. "The Ghost Monument does look very good indeed. This isn’t just down to the epic scale of the South African locations – the desert, the mountains, the ruined coastal resort – captured in gorgeous sunlight and thoughtful camera angles. It’s well directed by Mark Tonderai in the smaller details too. The opening montage as seen through Ryan’s eyes, reflected in his pupil – stars, spaceship, medical equipment – is strange and disorientating but resolves on a reassuring close-up of Graham"

The Mirror enjoyed the story but felt the monsters were bland. It singled out Bradley Walsh for praise "Bradley Walsh really does excel when it comes to the more serious acting. His scene trying to talk to Ryan about the death of Grace oozes the empathy and love he has for his family."

Digital Spy said the episode was fast, funny and frenetic. "The Ghost Monument is a hugely energetic episode. Even once the hectic action of the first seven minutes subsides, the pace barely lets up – with Chris Chibnall's script bounding breathlessly from one incident to the next, there's never any risk of growing bored."

Den of Geek single out the Doctor's new best friends for praise, "Toisin Cole's Ryan is still the stand-out for me, with the exuberance of a young guy dropped into the adventure of his life mixed with the vulnerability brought on by his dyspraxia and the lack of self-confidence it causes."

Finally, Nerdist said the highlight of the episode was the reunion of The Doctor with her TARDIS. "Hands down the stand-out moment of the show is the return of the TARDIS. The revelation of the ship being the titular monument doesn’t deflate what ends up being a shockingly emotional reunion. If anything, the hesitant moments in between the race plot’s ending and her arrival allows us, like the Doctor, to feel that tiny sliver of doubt. We got here, we did everything right, where is the TARDIS?"

The Doctor Who News review can be found on our reviews site.

FILTER: - Press - series 11/37

The Thirteenth Doctor arrives in Sheffield

Monday, 24 September 2018 - Reported by Marcus

The Thirteenth Doctor, as played by Jodie Whittaker, has arrived in Sheffield for the press screening of the new series later today.

The event is preceded by a red carpet parade of stars from the show, attened by some lucky fans who won tickets in a public ballot.

The first episode The Woman Who Fell to Earth, was filmed in the city. More pictures from the red carpet event will be released later today.

FILTER: - Jodie Whittaker - Press - series 11/37 - Thirteenth Doctor

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

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

New Logo Revealed

Tuesday, 20 February 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Worldwide have revealed the new logo to accompany Jodie Whittaker's incarnation of the Doctor.

Doctor Who 2018: Landscape (Credit: BBC/BBC Worldwide)

Thirteenth Doctor Jodie Whittaker today teased the new series of Doctor Who by unveiling a new logo and insignia for the brand to over 700 of the world’s top TV buyers and international press at BBC Worldwide’s annual showcase event in Liverpool. In an evening devoted to the new incarnation of Doctor Who, Whittaker built excitement in anticipation of the new era of The Doctor, leaving global broadcasters in no doubt as to the sense of wonder, joy and mystery the forthcoming series promises audiences.

The Doctor Who logo is an iconic and powerful trademark for the franchise that is recognised all around the world. The updated logo and insignia mark a new era of WHO. BBC Worldwide commissioned creative agency Little Hawk to create the brand new designs, working closely with Showrunner Chris Chibnall and Executive Producer Matt Strevens.

BBC Worldwide Executive Creative Director, Rafaela Perera says:

The Doctor Who logo and insignia are the quintessential signifier for the brand. Our aim was to create modern and elegant designs that were anchored in the things that we love most about Doctor Who.

Doctor Who 2018: Insignia (Credit: BBC/BBC Worldwide)

The sound for the animated logo is created by Matthew Herbert. It will launch with a 10 second animation which features the TARDIS blazing a trail through the logo. All official Doctor Who merchandise featuring the new logo will be available at selected retailers from 20th February 2018.

Animated Logo (BBC Worldwide/Matthew Herbert)

FILTER: - Doctor Who - Jodie Whittaker - Leading News - Press

Twice Upon A Time - Press Reaction

Tuesday, 26 December 2017 - Reported by Marcus

Twice Upon a Time: Bill (Pearl Mackie), The First Doctor (David Bradley), The Doctor (Peter Capaldi) (Credit: BBC/BBC Worldwide (Simon Ridgway))

Press reaction to the final Twelfth Doctor story Twice Upon A Time is in and generally positive.

The Guardian found much to admire in the story "There’s so much that is good about the episode. Good jokes – mainly about the First Doctor’s embarrassing un-PC old-fashioned attitudes (“Aren’t all ladies made of glass, in a way?”). I like the second world war spoiler too. “Yes, but what do you mean, [world war] one?” asks the Captain, not understanding the unthinkable. I like Twelve’s “over to you Mary Berry” to One, just because he’s old, I think. Anyway, it’s funny."

The Mirror felt the episode delivered. "It's an emotional rollercoaster to watch and the minute's whizz by so fast, too fast. I felt the ticking clock in my living room was ticking a little louder, counting down to the moment we had to say goodbye to Capaldi's Doctor. I'm so glad that the Powers That Be decided to bring Pearl Mackie's Bill back to the show for one more outing. In an episode that can't really escape from a looming theme of death, Bill brings not only a sense of fun but also heart to the episode."

However, The Telegraph wasn't impressed. "Heavy on stagy dialogue and light on action, the narrative got mired in its own mythology, too busy making knowingly nerdy references to construct a coherent adventure. Ultimately, even the hero admitted there wasn’t a villain."

The Daily Mail found the episode wretchedly dull. "We had to endure an age of Capaldi wringing his hands and begging humanity to ‘be kind’. David Bradley reprised the First Doctor, originally portrayed by William Hartnell in the Sixties. His chief role was to make scandalising remarks about the importance of having a woman about the place to do the dusting, and to look horrified when Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie) hinted she was a lesbian."

Radio Times felt the story was lacking substance but praised the nostalgia inherent in the story. "I get a little surge of joy that on Christmas Day 2017 the BBC1 audience will glimpse clips from 1966’s The Tenth Planet of William Hartnell and Michael Craze, both long dead, and my very alive pal Anneke Wills. The lamentable recast versions of companions Ben and Polly are kept mercifully brief, but in a coup of televisual magic a monochrome Hartnell transmogrifies into Bradley in HD colour. The first Doctor rematerialises right before our eyes."

The Independent praised the two lead actors. "Peter Capaldi, as ever, turns out an incredible performance as the Twelfth Doctor. In fact, you wouldn’t expect anything less given that his entire run as the Time Lord has been nothing short of magnificent. Unfortunately, given that this is his Doctor’s finale, David Bradley steals the show as the First Doctor. "

Digital Spy felt the episode delivered where it needed to, also praising David Bradley's portrayal of the First Doctor. "His performance really is spot on – a little spiky, pompous, yet warm and humane. Bradley puts his own stamp on the first Doctor, while remaining enough like his predecessor William Hartnell to soothe the Whovian hardcore. You're left hungry for more – for a story where Bradley's first Doctor is more than a distraction from the main event."

Den of Geek felt the acting plaudits belonged to one of the guest stars. "I can’t overstate just what superb work Mark Gatiss does too, as The Captain. Even before the moving revelation as to who his character really is comes out (maybe it’s Christmas, that that gave me a very warm punch), Gatiss’ quiet, diligent, matter-of-fact performance was tinged with a melancholy edge. Appreciating he had to do some of the ‘what are you talking about’ dialogue to the Doctors, I thought he played it superbly. Polite, baffled, and quietly curious."

AV Club felt the episode was a fitting tribute to the Twelfth Doctor. "This is a thoughtful, funny, incredibly moving episode about kindness, bravery, and the way small choices can make a huge impact. It allows Moffat to reflect on Doctor Who as an entire 54-year series while also serving as a more specific tribute to the 12th Doctor. And it gives Peter Capaldi a beautiful final showcase that demonstrates just how much he’s grown into the role since his rather ominous beginnings back in season eight."

Some felt the regeneration was too drawn out inculding IndieWire "The tradition of the Doctor pushing back against his regeneration is a recent one, and it makes for a prolonged and unnecessary goodbye. Regenerations are at their best when we’re tricked into forgetting they’re coming, like Eccleston’s magnificent and premature departure in 2005’s “The Parting of the Ways.” So having David Tennant, then Matt Smith and now Capaldi each deliver a drawn-out Christmas special swan song feels like three wasted episodes."

iNews praised the writing of Steven Moffat's last story. "The sharply-written interplay between both Doctors, in fact – and later Bill – was one of the joys of this episode. “Atmospheric? (It’s like) a restaurant for the French,” sneered Bradley’s First, gazing around the Twelfth’s hugely modified control room. “I thought I’d become… younger,” the earlier incarnation mused, gazing worriedly at his older self."

Finally Inverse found the episode a fitting final appearance for the twelfth Doctor. "“Kind” is the defining word for the 12th Doctor. It’s what moves him at the Christmas Armistice in Ypres, and it’s part of his final advice to his next self. That the incarnation who began his existence so prickly and aloof would end it as the champion of kindness speaks to just how much this Doctor grew and developed over this three seasons."

The Doctor Who News review can be found on our reviews site.

FILTER: - Press - Series Specials

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