New Companion Varada Sethu in Gatwa's Second Series

Friday, 12 April 2024 - Reported by Marcus
Varada Sethu, Ncuti Gatwa, Millie Gibson (Ruby Sunday) (Credit: BBC Studios)

BBC Studios have released images of Varada Sethu who will join the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday in Ncuti Gatwa's second season of Doctor Who which will air in 2025.

The pictures released today show the cast together at a read-through for an episode in the series currently being filmed. 

Like many Doctors who have come before him, one companion is not enough for the Fifteenth Doctor and in season two, he will have two by his side as Varada Sethu steps aboard the TARDIS joining Mille Gibson playing Ruby Sunday

Sethu is best known for her  role as Cinta Kaz in the Disney+ Original series “Andor.” Her additional credits include “Jurassic World Dominion,” “Annika” and “Strike Back.”

Sethu says:

I feel like the luckiest person in the world. It is such an honour to be a part of the Whoniverse, and I'm so grateful to the whole Doctor Who family - because that is what they are - for welcoming me with open arms and making me feel so at home. I couldn't ask for a better team than Ncuti and Millie to be on this adventure with, this is SO much fun!

Showrunner, executive producer and writer Russell T Davies says:

I first worked with Varada on a BBC production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and it's a joy to welcome her on board the TARDIS. Right now in the studio, shooting for 2025, we've got Ncuti, Millie and Varada fighting side by side - we need all three, because the stakes are higher than ever!

Currently in production, the second season of Doctor Who, the fifteenth since the revival in 2005 and the 41st since the series started in 1963, is set to debut in 2025 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ in the U.S. and around the world (where available).





FILTER: - Series 15/41 - Production - Varada Sethu

Doctor Who Episode Titles and Guest Star Revealed

Sunday, 31 March 2024 - Reported by Marcus
Golda Rosheuvel (Credit: BBC Studios)

As Doctor Who gears up for its global premiere this May, the episode titles have now been revealed for the season, as well as a guest star who has jumped aboard the TARDIS for the upcoming season.
 

DOCTOR WHO – EPISODE TITLES

Space Babies: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Julie Anne Robinson

The Devil’s Chord: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Ben Chessell

Boom: Written by Steven Moffat, directed by Julie Anne Robinson

73 Yards: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Dylan Holmes Williams

Dot and Bubble: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Dylan Holmes Williams

Rogue: Written by Kate Herron and Briony Redman, directed by Ben Chessell

The Legend of Ruby Sunday: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Jamie Donoughue

Empire of Death: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Jamie Donoughue

Joining Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson in the Julie Anne Robinson directed 'Space Babies', is Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story) who joins Doctor Who as Jocelyn, who the Doctor and Ruby collide with, in their first adventure in the TARDIS together.

Russell T Davies, Showrunner said:

It’s been amazing to see the whole world appreciate Golda’s talents, because of Bridgerton, and it’s been an absolute joy to invite her to Cardiff to help launch Ncuti and Millie’s first season.

Rounding out the explosive double bill is previously announced Jinkx Monsoon who stars in ‘The Devil’s Chord’, the Doctor’s most powerful enemy yet. In this episode, the Doctor and Ruby step back to the sixties to meet The Beatles.

New episodes will then debut weekly across BBC iPlayer, BBC One and outside of the UK on Disney+ (where available), with the Steven Moffat penned adventure ‘Boom’ up next, followed by ‘73 Yards’, ‘Dot and Bubble’, ‘Rogue’, and a massive two-part finale spread across two weeks titled ‘The Legend of Ruby Sunday’ and ‘Empire of Death’.

Over the rest of the season there are an array of brilliant guest stars jumping aboard the TARDIS, including Callie Cooke, Dame Siân Phillips, Alexander Devrient, Bhav Joshi, Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy, Tachia Newall and Caoilinn Springall. They join the previously announced guest cast: Michelle Greenidge, Angela Wynter, Anita Dobson, Aneurin Barnard, Yasmin Finney, Jonathan Groff, Gwïon Morris Jones, Bonnie Langford, Genesis Lynea, Jemma Redgrave, Lenny Rush and Indira Varma.

 

 





FILTER: - Production - Series 14/40

New Trailer Released

Friday, 22 March 2024 - Reported by Marcus
2023 Logo (Credit: BBC Studios)

A new trailer has been released featuring Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor.

The time vortex has been opened with a new trailer for Doctor Who’s upcoming season ahead of its simultaneous global premiere this May.

Audiences will journey the cosmos with the Fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, and Ruby Sunday, portrayed by Millie Gibson, onboard the TARDIS — exploring the groovy sixties, the Regency era in England, war-torn futures and more!

Featured in the global trailer is a first look at Indira Varma’s character The Duchess,  who will be causing chaos in Ncuti Gatwa’s first season. Also seen for the first time is Callie Cooke who will be featured in an upcoming adventure.

Additional guest stars who can be seen include Anita Dobson, Yasmin Finney, Michelle Greenidge, Bonnie Langford, Jinkx Monsoon, Jemma Redgrave, Lenny Rush and Angela Wynter.

The trailer also features scenes from last year’s Christmas special The Church on Ruby Road, where audience first met the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday which is available to watch in the UK on BBC iPlayer and on Disney+, where available.

Viewers can also expect some more reveals coming very soon with Easter treats being lined up…

 

SEASON 1 TRAILER | Doctor Who





FILTER: - Series 14/20 - Production

Welcome to the Sixties

Friday, 22 March 2024 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who (Credit: BBC Studios)

Doctor Who (Credit: BBC Studios)

The BBC has released new imagery promoting the upcoming series of Doctor Who

It’s time to strap into the TARDIS and journey back to the sixties with The Doctor and Ruby Sunday as some new images are released from the new season of Doctor Who, which is due to simultaneously premiere globally this May.

New glimpses at the time travelling duo donning some iconic sixties style can be seen in the new images which highlight an episode set in the sixties.

This episode shows off the Doctor and Ruby’s distinctive style as they come face to face with the young Beatles.





FILTER: - Series 14/20 - Production

Steven Moffat Returns to Doctor Who

Tuesday, 19 March 2024 - Reported by Marcus
Steven Moffat (Credit: BBC Studios)

Former Showrunner Steven Moffat is making a return to the new series of Doctor Who as he writes an episode due to air in Ncuti Gatwa’s first season as the Fifteenth Doctor.

Moffat has been lauded for his work on Doctor Who, first writing on the show when Russell T Davies revived it in 2005. He then went on to succeed as Showrunner, leading the show during the Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi eras. Moffat is known for penning some of the most praised episodes in the history of the show as well as creating one of the most terrifying and iconic monsters, the Weeping Angels.

Outside of Doctor Who, Steven Moffat has been celebrated for co-writing and co-creating the multi-award-winning series Sherlock. His play, The Unfriend, recently completed a second West End run. 

Now he’s back, returning alongside Showrunner Russell T Davies, as he writes a whole new adventure for the upcoming season debuting this May.

Directing the adventure will be BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Julie-Anne Robinson, who also kicks off the season by directing the episode that succeeds The Church on Ruby Road that aired at Christmas. Robinson has previously directed some blockbuster television series including Bridgerton, Orange Is The New Black and Scandal, and is now jumping on board the TARDIS to front two of the episodes.

Speaking on his return to the Whoniverse, Steven Moffat says:

Yes, okay, fair enough - apologies to everyone I’ve very slightly misled - I am in fact writing an episode of the series of Doctor Who. Exactly like I said I never would. What can I tell you? There was begging, there was pleading but finally, Russell agreed to let me have another go - so long as I got out of his garden. Working with old friends and a brand new Doctor I couldn’t be happier. Sorry, I was a bit reticent on the subject for so long. It was all part of an elaborate plan that would have delighted millions but at the last minute I forgot what it was.

 

Speaking on directing episodes in the new season, Julie-Anne Robinson says: 

It was a tremendous honour to direct episodes of Doctor Who for the BBC and Disney+. This beloved franchise is 60 years old and still going strong. It is part of our collective memory as Brits. I’ve always admired Russell T Davies and Ncuti Gatwa is an unbelievably talented actor who has stepped into the role of the Fifteenth Doctor effortlessly, alongside the equally talented Millie Gibson. Steven Moffat gave me an intense challenge as a director. I asked him for a keyword to describe the overall tone of the episode he said: ‘Hitchcock’. I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks. I’m grateful to Bad Wolf, the BBC and Disney+. It was an incredible experience”

 





FILTER: - Production - Series 14/40

The Church On Ruby Road

Friday, 1 December 2023 - Reported by Marcus
The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) (Credit: James Pardon/BBC Studios/Bad Wolf)

The BBC has released details of the Christmas episode of Doctor Who, The Church On Ruby Road. 

Long ago on Christmas Eve, a baby was abandoned in the snow. Today, Ruby Sunday meets the Doctor, stolen babies, goblins and perhaps the secret of her birth.

New images have been released from the story where Ncuti Gatwa, takes over the TARDIS for his first adventure. The Fifteenth Doctor will be joined by Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, as she makes her debut as the Doctor’s companion.

Airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, the episode sees the Doctor come face-to-face with the mythical and mysterious goblins as his life collides with Ruby Sunday.

Little is known about Ruby Sunday as she was abandoned on Christmas Eve as a baby. Now living with her mum, Carla and grandmother, Cherry,  her world is about to be turned upside down when she encounters the Doctor and the two set off on their first adventure together.

Alongside Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson is Davina McCall who will be playing herself as she joins the cast alongside Michelle Greenidge as Ruby’s mum Carla, Angela Wynter as Ruby’s grandmother Cherry and Anita Dobson as Mrs Flood.

Davina McCall said:

It is beyond an honour to be asked to appear in not only Doctor Who but also Ncuti’s first episode as the new Doctor. It was such an extraordinary experience and Russell has written you all a Christmas delight!  Now I  just can’t wait for everyone to see it!

Russell T Davies, Showrunner adds

From Day One in this job, I wanted Doctor Who back on Christmas Day!  And with Ncuti, Millie, Davina and the Goblin King, I hope it’s a feast for all the family!

The Church On Ruby Road: Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) (Credit: BBC Studios (James Pardon))The Church On Ruby Road: The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) (Credit: BBC Studios (James Pardon))The Church On Ruby Road: Davina McCall (Credit: BBC Studios (James Pardon))The Church On Ruby Road: Gobins (Credit: BBC Studios (Maxine Howell))





FILTER: - Fifteenth Doctor - Production

The Official Doctor Who Podcast

Saturday, 25 November 2023 - Reported by Marcus
The Official Doctor Who Podcast (Credit: BBC)

As the world gears up for Doctor Who mania, BBC Studios has launched The Official Doctor Who Podcast to accompany the latest episodes of  Doctor Who.

The Official Doctor Who Podcast is a three-way panel discussion between author and columnist Juno Dawson, pop culture TikToker and movies podcaster Tyrell Charles, and cosplayer and digital creator Christel Dee, with exclusive insights from showrunner Russell T Davies. Each week the team will be reacting to the latest episode, discussing their thoughts, and diving into upcoming theories!

Watch the trailer here:

The 30-minute podcast will drop weekly straight after each Doctor Who episode airs on the BBC starting on Saturday 25th November, and can be found on all major podcast platforms globally and BBC Sounds (UK only). It will also be broadcast globally in a video version on the Doctor Who YouTube channel.

Doctor Who writer and showrunner Russell T Davies said:

No show is complete without its own podcast, and this is a chance for viewers to have their say! I’m proud to have this alongside our vast and unrivalled behind-the-scenes coverage.

 BBC Studios’ digital content development director, Chris Allen said

We were thrilled and honoured when Russell T Davies approached us to produce The Official Doctor Who Podcast, And we were even more excited when Juno, Tyrell and Christel all said yes to hosting. Publishing the podcast both in audio via all major podcast platforms, and in video on YouTube means we can reach Doctor Who viewers everywhere, and we hope you join in our conversation.

 The Official Doctor Who Podcast is produced by James Goss for BBC Studios Digital. The executive producers are Russell T Davies, Julie Gardner, Madi Woodstock and Chris Allen.





FILTER: - Production

Radio 2 Celebrates Doctor Who @60

Tuesday, 21 November 2023 - Reported by Marcus
Radio 2 Celebrates Doctor Who @60 (Credit: BBC)

BBC Radio 2 is marking Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary with a number of special programmes available worldwide on BBC Sounds.

Over two new shows, Jo Whiley takes a trip through the Whoniverse to discover the amazing stories behind the rise, fall, and subsequent resurrection of a British institution.

The Classic Years 

  • Whiley hears how the changing attitudes of Britain have been reflected through the TARDIS in a tale that features Dalekmania, Dad’s Army, Mary Whitehouse, Ridley Scott, the Cybermen, Hans Zimmer, the Beatles and the JFK assassination.  
  • With new and archive interviews from Doctors and companions past and present, including Peter Capaldi, Patrick Troughton, William Hartnell, Tom Baker, Jon Pertwee, Sophie Aldred, Bonnie Langford, Peter Davison, Sylvester McCoy, Louise Jameson and showrunner Russell T Davies

 

The Modern Era

  • In the concluding part of this documentary, Whiley finds out how despite being cancelled by the BBC, the combination of its fan base, a drinks party and a forgotten BBC sitcom combined to help bring one of Britain's greatest cultural institutions back to our screens.  Along the way we hear never before heard tales from the teams behind the hugely successful reboot including Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat and Chris Chibnall, plus Doctors and companions past and present including Matt Smith, David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker, Christopher Eccleston, Peter Capaldi, Sophie Aldred, Bonnie Langford, Ncuti Gatwa, Sylvester McCoy, Matt Lucas, John Simm, Billie Piper and Kylie Minogue.

 

Meanwhile, former Doctors, companions, and alumni of the series, introduce the music that has soundtracked their lives and careers, and talk about their involvement with Doctor Who in a series of 9x My Life In A Mixtapes, featuring:

Peter Davison (the fifth Doctor) 
Sylvester McCoy (the seventh Doctor) 
Janet Fielding (Tegan) 
Bonnie Langford (Mel) 
Sophie Aldred (Ace) 
Nicholas Briggs (Voice of the Daleks, Cybermen and numerous other monsters) 
Segun Akinola (Doctor Who composer during the Jodie Whittaker era) 
Ruth Madeley (Doctor Who newcomer)
Plus from the archives, Spiderman star Andrew Garfield (who guest starred in Doctor Who in 2007). 

 

Doctor Who @ 60 (Credit: BBC)

The music of Doctor Who is celebrated in a special concert, recorded at Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff,  featuring the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Singers conducted by Alastair King. 

The music includes composer Murray Gold's best-known Doctor Who themes, the classic years of Doctor Who are also featured by the Radiophonic Workshop's Mark Ayres and Peter Howell. And there are brand new works premiered including The Woman Who Fell to Earth, a full-length suite composed by Segun Akinola and three of Murray Gold's new works, heard here for the very first time before making their debut in the new season of Doctor Who in 2024.

 

All episodes of Radio 2 Celebrates Doctor Who at 60 can be found here

 

And in a bonus episode of the ‘Zoe Ball and Friends’ podcast, David Tennant and Russell T Davies join Zoe to look ahead to the show’s 60th anniversary celebrations

 





FILTER: - Music - Production

Nicola Coughlan Joins Doctor Who

Monday, 13 November 2023 - Reported by Marcus
NICOLA COUGHLAN (Credit: James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)

Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan is set to trade the ballroom for the TARDIS, as she joins the cast of Doctor Who.

The Galway-born actress has made a huge impact in film and television having starred in roles such as Clare Devlin in the award-winning drama comedy series Derry Girls, Penelope Featherington in the regency-era international sensation Bridgerton, and not to forget one of the Barbies in mega-blockbuster Barbie, alongside the Fifteenth Doctor Ncuti Gatwa.

Coughlan is now set to make a big impact when she takes a trip through time and space in this undisclosed role.

On joining Doctor Who, Nicola Coughlan says:

I’m excited to join the Whoniverse under the leadership of the inimitable Russell T Davies. I’ve been a fan of Ncuti Gatwa for some time and getting to share the screen with him as the Doctor has been an absolute joy

Showrunner, Russell T Davies says:

This has been the most brilliant shoot, with Nicola lighting up the set and bringing joy.  From Derry, via Bridgerton, to the TARDIS, it’s the trip of a lifetime.

Nicola Coughlan will appear in Doctor Who next year

Doctor Who returns in November 2023 with three special episodes with David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor to coincide with the 60th anniversary. Ncuti Gatwa’s first episode as the Fifteenth Doctor will air over the festive period.





FILTER: - Doctor Who - Production

Doctor Who Returns 25th November

Wednesday, 25 October 2023 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials (Credit: BBC Studios)

Doctor Who will return to TV screens Worldwide on the 25th of November 2023.

The series will air in the UK on BBC One where it will be at the prime spot launching Saturday's evening entertainment just as it did in November 1963, 60 years ago.

With David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor and Catherine Tate reprising her role as Donna Noble the popular duo will make their spectacular return to mark the shows 60th anniversary with three special episodes running each Saturday.

Get set for three epic adventures starting with The Star Beast (25th November) where the Doctor and Donna will come face to face after all these years but just how, and why, is about to be revealed. Followed by Wild Blue Yonder (2nd December) and The Giggle (9th December) viewers are about to go on an otherworldly adventure through space and time.

Joining David Tennant and Catherine Tate is a stellar cast including, Yasmin Finney as Rose Noble, Miriam Margolyes as the voice of the Meep, Jacqueline King as Sylvia Noble, Karl Collins as Shaun Temple, Ruth Madeley as Shirley Anne-Bingham, Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart and Neil Patrick Harris as the Toymaker, set to cause all kinds of mayhem.

All before Ncuti Gatwa gets the keys to the TARDIS over the festive season.

Viewers outside of the UK will be able to accesss the episodes on Disney+

The first episode of Doctor Who: Unleashed will follow The Star Beast on Saturday 25th November. After every new episode of Doctor Who, viewers can switch over to BBC Three or BBC iPlayer to watch the access all areas show that gives viewers an unmissable insight into the creation of Doctor Who.

 





FILTER: - Production - Fourteenth Doctor