Watch The New Trailer Online on Thursday Morning

The BBC have announced that the new 90 second "Doctor Who" trailer which is due to air on BBC1 on Thursday evening, will be available to view online on Thursday morning. The Doctor Who Blog states:

We’re delighted to reveal that the new 90 second trailer for Doctor Who will be available to watch here, on the official Doctor Who site, from Thursday morning.

We confirmed yesterday that the trailer will be on BBC ONE on Thursday evening (it’s due to go out at approximately 8pm) and a number of people, worried about missing it, got in touch to ask us about exact timings and possible repeats. So, in order that everyone who’s excited about the new series can catch the trailer, we’ll be making it available right here on Thursday morning. You’ll be able to watch it as often as you like, pause it on those moments that require a little extra attention and you don’t need to worry about missing it as it will remain online up to and beyond Asylum of the Daleks.

The trailer will also be available via BBC America on Thursday.

Support Sam from "The Who Shop" and Team EasilyLED raise money for Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres

I'm sure many of you know or have spoken to Sam at The Who Shop. Really nice chap - but don't tell him I said that. He's taking part in a 20 mile "night hike" across London to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres. Please go to JustGiving.com to donate anything you can. Here are some more details:

For the fourth consecutive year, Team Easily LED will hike 20 miles across London at night in order to raise money for cancer support charity, Maggie's Centres.

The team, made up of employees from Architainment Lighting Ltd, look forward to facing the challenge once again this year in order to raise money for a charity that helps people who are affected by cancer, whether directly or indirectly.

This year’s team includes Architainment Lighting’s Nic Tolkien, Paul Rees, Jonathan Adkins, Maggie Norcross, Ian Davies, Siobhan Wall, Danielle Piggott, Hector Machado and Steve Goodyear. We also have some friends and family joining the team; Steph Tolkien, Graham Freeman, Barbara Goodyear, Neringa Pleskaciute and Samuel Hunt.

Whatever amount you can donate will be greatly appreciated and will help motivate the team both before and during the challenge.

About Maggie's Centres

A Maggie’s Centre is a place to turn to for help with any of the problems, small or large, associated with cancer. Under one roof you can access help with information, benefits advice, Psychological support both individually and in groups, courses and stress reducing strategies. There are several centres across the UK and you don’t have to make an appointment, or be referred and everything we offer is free of charge. A Maggie’s Centre will be many things to many people. There isn’t a one size fits all recipe for how you live with cancer

Once again, please donate anything you can at JustGiving.com.

Alex Kingston to feature in new series of "Who Do You Think You Are?"

Alex Kingston has been confirmed as one of the featured celebrities to trace her genealogical roots on the BBC's intriguing "Who Do You Think You Are?".

The "Who Do You Think You Are?" magazine mentions her discovery of "strong willed and inspirational kin". Did we honestly expect anything different from The Kingston?

The new series is due to begin in August and the "Who Do You Think You Are?" magazine website will feature unseen behind-the-scenes footage.

New "Doctor Who" Trailer to air on BBC1

The BBC have announced that, during the Olympics, they will be airing a series of "Original British Drama" trailers at approximately 8pm every evening.

A trailer for Season 7 of "Doctor Who" is due to air on Thursday 2 August 2012 at 8pm on BBC1. The full trailer schedule is:

Sat 28 July Original British Drama Bundle Trail

Sun 29 July Hunted

Mon 30 July Good Cop

Tues 31 July Accused

Wed 1st Aug The Secret of Crickley Hall

Thurs 2nd Aug Doctor Who

Fri 3rd Aug Merlin

Sat 4 Aug The Paradise

Sun 5 Aug EastEnders

Mon 6 Aug – Sat 11 Aug repeats of above

Sunday 12 Aug - Ripper Street

I'm looking forward to "Ripper Street"...

RIP Mary Tamm

Mary Tamm, who played the first Romana alongside Tom Baker in the "Key to Time" series, has died aged 62 following a long battle with cancer. The full press release reads:

Doctor Who star Mary Tamm, who played companion Romana alongside Tom Baker, has died aged 62.

The actress, who was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, fought a long battle with cancer and died in hospital in London.

Agent Barry Langford, who confirmed the news, said she had a "zest for life".

Tamm's stage and screen career also included films The Odessa File and The Likely Lads, as well as recurring roles in EastEnders and Brookside.

"She was a fantastic actress," said Langford, who was her agent for 22 years.

Tamm joined the Doctor and K-9 on a quest for the Key to Time

"She played stage parts of such range, parts that would take your breath away. She could play any role, and do so wonderfully."

Tamm, who lived in London, had been suffering from cancer for 18 months.

She trained at Rada, beginning her career at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, alongside Derek Jacobi, Joan Sims and Ronnie Barker.

Her stage work included the roles of Amanda in Private Lives and Beverley in Abigail's Party.

She moved on to work in television and film. Her first feature film was Tales That Witness Madness, with Kim Novak.

More recently, she starred in Wire in the Blood, Paradise Heights and Jonathan Creek on TV.

The Stones of Blood was one of the six stories that Tamm was involved in

Actress Helen Lederer, a friend of Tamm's, said: "Mary was such an energised, talented woman with a great twinkle in her eye and she was so very beautiful."

Tamm leaves behind husband Marcus Ringrose, daughter Lauren and seven-year-old grandson Max.

Mr Ringrose paid tribute to her "sheer talent".

"Mary was truly beautiful in every way. On set and offstage, her earthy northern humour and self-deprecating wit brightened every occasion."

"We will miss her every day."

Her agent Langford revealed that Tamm had been saddened by the recent deaths of contemporaries Elisabeth Sladen, who played Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who, and Angharad Rees, who died last weekend.

He said: "All of these people who she knew were going."

Our deepest condolences to Mary's family.

More pics of Matt, Karen and Arthur from Comic-Con 2012

First off, a huge thank to you to my friend, Pam Buck, who attended San Diego Comic-Con 2012 and has allowed me to use her pictures on this blog. Please, therefore, I would be grateful if you could acknowledge Pam if you use these elsewhere.

Videos - "amadmanwithabox.com" interviews Matt, Karen, Arthur, Steven Moffat and Caroline Skinner

Some great interviews from Comic-Con 2012 by amadmanwithabox.com.

First, Steven Moffat and Caroline Skinner talk about Classic Who as well as upcoming episodes:



Next, Arthur Darvill and Karen Gillan talk about their finale, antics on set and generally just mess about - it's a seriously terrific interview:



And finally, Matt Smith is told there's a blog dedicated to his socks, he explains his love of brightly coloured socks and what it's like being the Doctor for the 50th Anniversary:



Great interviews and I recommend you check out amadmanwithabox.com.

Videos - SFX at Comic-Con interviews Matt, Karen, Arthur, Steven Moffat and Caroline Skinner

A nice little series of interviews by SFX at Comic-Con 2012 start with Matt Smith - who talks about Daleks, his new costume, new companion and more:



Next up, Karen and Arthur discuss Amy and Rory's last episodes:



Finally, the Moff and Caroline Skinner talk about the new costume, new companion effect and plot arcs:

Video - Matt, Karen and Arthur talk about the Pond's farewell

Courtesy of IGN Entertainment, here are a couple of videos from the press line at Comic-Con 201. First, Matt Smith talks about the Pond's farewell, the Western episode and more:



And Karen and Arthur also talk about their farewell and "plotting" with Jenna-Louise Coleman:

"Bert and Dickie" - Matt Smith interviewed in the Radio Times

This week's Radio Times has an interview with Matt Smith ahead of the transmission of "Bert and Dickie" on BBC1 on Wednesday 25 July 2012.

Matt talks about the character of Bert Bushnell together with Bert's prickly relationship with Dickie Burnell.

"Our story explores their relationship and the fact that they didn't get on. But in rowing terms they formed quite a formidable partnership. That's one of the interesting things about the film, with the context of the war and the aftermath. The fact that these games went on at all was a bit of a miracle. There was this sort of cameraderie then - couldn't we do with a bit of that now."

The film climaxes with the pair's race against the Danish favourites for the double sculls. Without giving the game away, you'd best be armed with a box of tissues as they row for 'Chariots of Fire'-style glory. "Even reading the script, I found myself cheering them on," smiles Smith.

Matt also explains that he didn't strive for an impersonation of Bushnell:

"I've had to use more artistic licence," says Smith. He sees Bushnell as someone with an axe to grind, a working class hero with an oar in his hand. "Without causing offence to people who are close to him, the story goes that Bert was chippy. But my grandad, my dad's dad, was a bit like that. He'd been in the war and he was a bit chippy too. I think there was a sort of toughness to people in England at that time but I think that was because you had to be. There was no nonsense," he says.

Matt says that the effort of training and huge amount of food the Olympic Rowers eat was the biggest shock to his system. He also admits to concerns about his back injury:

"The thing that worried me was my back. I had a very bad injury playing football as a kid so I was quite concerned," he says. "But in a weird way rowing actually was good for my back. You are using your arms and legs as a pulley, not your back."

His spine may have stood up to the test, but he admits the rest of his body took a beating. "Look at my hands, look at my legs," he says, displaying his war wounds. "I've got blisters on the hand, cuts and bruises everywhere. Calluses. Your bum is the worst thing because those old wooden seats are pretty grim," he smiles. "It is like everything, it is the tiny details. I loved it, although it's taken it's toll physically."

It really is the best of the many TV Magazine "Bert and Dickie" articles that's around at the moment and I do highly recommend you pick up a copy. It's the Radio Times Pick of the Day for Wednesday and Alison Graham, the Radio Times reviewer admits that the drama "made me cry". The Radio Times is on sale now priced £1.40 from all good newsagents.

Matt Smith talks about Football ban

The Press Association have issued a press release where Matt Smith talks about being banned from playing football during filming:

Doctor Who star Matt Smith has revealed his TV bosses have put the boot in - by banning him from playing football.

The actor, 29, said he wasn't allowed to join other cast and crew in a football kick-around during the filming of the hit BBC One sci-fi show.

"I'd love to play football now. Everyone at work plays on Tuesdays, but they won't let me," he told the Radio Times.

"I guess it's the insurance companies and, realistically, if I turn my ankle over and we can't shoot, then we're s****ed, aren't we? You just can't. It's a small price to pay."

The actor also revealed he was suffering physically while filming Bert And Dickie, in which he plays British rower Bert Bushnell in 1948, London's last Games.

Matt spent six weeks being taught the basics of boatmanship by members of the Leander rowing club in Henley-on-Thames for the BBC One drama.

He told the magazine: "I've got blisters on the hand, cuts and bruises everywhere. Calluses. Your bum is the worst thing because those old wooden seats are pretty grim... I loved it, although it's taken its toll physically."

He said of playing a sportsman: "There are so many parallels between that world and the world that I inhabit. There's practice, for one thing, and that sense of discipline and preparation... But it's also about sacrifice. To be a top sportsman you have to really make a sacrifice about the way you lead your life. And that's sort of true of acting as well.

"If you want to give it a good go, you've got to make some sacrifices and be as dedicated as you can be. Particularly with Doctor Who. It's two or three hours of line-learning a night."

New Character Building Mini-Sets Available for Pre-Order

There are three great new Character Building Mini-Sets now available for pre-order from The Who Shop.



First up, the "Doctor in Berlin" set which features Amy and Rory together with motorcycles, gatehouse, barrels and guns. This set can be pre-ordered for £10.99 from The Who Shop - Doctor in Berlin set pre-order.



Next is admittedly my favourite one. "The Girl Who Waited" mini-set. This looks terrific - it's double sided with a sliding door, handbot and timeglass. Really looks very detailed. Again, available for pre-order for £10.99 from The Who Shop - Girl Who Waited set pre-order.



Finally, the Tardis dematerialising mini-set. This has a somewhat transparent Tardis together with Amy and the Doctor micro-figures. I'll probably get this one purely for the Tardis - Amy's micro-figure looks rather like she's had an encounter with "The Walking Dead". Available for pre-order for £10.99 from The Who Shop - Tardis dematerialising set pre-order.

Either pre-order online using the links above or give the Who Shop a call on 0208-471-2356.

No Comic-Con Clips on BBC DW Site - but maybe something else...

Edward Russell, Brand Manager of Doctor Who, confirmed on twitter this morning that the 2 new season clips shown at Comic-Con 2012 would not be on the BBC Doctor Who website.

However, with UK fans unhappy about this, Edward Russell went on to say that "something much more exciting is on it's way for UK audiences". More exciting than 2 clips from Season 7? I'm guessing it has to be a new trailer. Once again, though - remember this is the BBC...so no time frame for this "exciting" something is available.

I STILL think the BBC could give MI5 a good run for it's money.

Photos - Nerd HQ Conversation - Comic-Con 2012

Courtesy of "crissplz" on tumblr, here are some fantastic photos from the Nerd HQ Conversation with Matt, Karen and Arthur at San Diego Comic-Con. Please credit and link to "crissplz" if you use them elsewhere - and please visit his blog for more pics. Click the pics for larger versions.

Video - Doctor Who Panel at San Diego Comic-Con

Thanks to magicinthenumbers for uploading these. No footage of the 2 new season clips due to the fact that no filming of the main screen was allowed:

Comic-Con 2012 - BBC America " Doctor Who" Press Line photos

Matt Smith Brasil have a gallery of superb high quality photos from today's press line at San Diego Comic-Con. A few examples are below but I recommend visiting their Gallery:

Season 7 - Two New Episode Titles Revealed.

During the "Doctor Who" panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2012, two new episode titles were revealed for Season 7.

Episode 2 - written by Chris Chibnall and starring Mark Williams and Rupert Graves is titled "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship".

Episode 3 - written by Toby Whithouse is the Western themed episode starring Ben Browder. This episode is called "A Town Called Mercy".

Video - Nerd HQ Conversation with Matt, Karen and Arthur

Yup - it's available already. Terrific panel (video courtesy of The Doctor Who Media:

G4TV - John Barrowman interviews Matt, Karen and Arthur at Comic-Con 2012

John Barrowman interviews Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill at Comic-Con 2012:

Game Trailers - E3 2012

Coming Soon - Team Nerdist v Team Doctor Who All Star Bowling

All-Star Celebrity Bowling. Yes, you read that correctly. Each episode, Chris Hardwick and Team Nerdist challenge a group of celebrities for the chance to win $10,000 to their selected charities. At Comic-Con 2012, Team Doctor Who took up the challenge. Did they win? Only time will tell.

The video will be posted "soon" at Team Nerdist All Star Celebrity Bowling channel on youtube.

Nerd HQ Conversation with Matt, Karen and Arthur to be streamed live

The panel itself may be sold out but Nerd HQ are streaming it live online via ustream.

The sold out "Conversation" takes place at 6.45pm PDT which is 2.45am in the UK. You can watch it live here: Nerd HQ at Ustream.

The rest of the live streaming Nerd HQ schedule is:

Saturday 7/14 (All times are PDT)
10:00a-11:00a NTSF:SD:SUV (Adult Swim)
11:00a-12:00p Grimm Signing
12:00p-1:00p Tomb Raider
3:00p-4:00p Joss Whedon
4:30p-5:30p Damon Lindelof
5:45p-6:45p Grimm
6:45p-7:45p Dr. Who

Sunday 7/15
3:00p-4:00p Jared Padalecki

Video - Comic-Con 2012 - Wired.com chat to Matt, Karen and Arthur

Wired.com are the latest to nab an interview with Matt, Karen and Arthur at Comic-Con 2012 (it's a brightcove video so bear with it for a few seconds but you might have to click on the white space below!):

Karen Gillan to star in horror film "Oculus"

According to Deadline.com Karen Gillan will star in a new horror film called "Oculus":

Karen Gillan will play the lead role in Oculus, a horror film being produced by Trevor Macy and Marc D. Evans and fully financed by their Intrepid Pictures. Production is set for the fall in Alabama. The plot begins 10 years after a horrifying family incident left two young children orphans. Although authorities charged the brother with murder, his sister, Kaylie, believed that the true culprit was a haunted antique mirror. Now rehabilitated and in his 20s, the brother is ready to move on but Kaylie is determined to prove that the mirror was responsible for destroying their family. Anil Kurian will executive produce for Intrepid. U.S. distribution is being handled by FilmDistrict, and international by Focus Features International. Gillan, who currently stars on the BBC cult hit Doctor Who, is repped by UTA.

Intrepid, which recently announced it has acquired screen rights to the young-adult novel 13 Days To Midnight, has the Henry Cavill and Bruce Willis starrer The Cold Light Of Day coming out September 7 via Summit Entertainment. It also was behind Safe House with Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds and the John Cusack-starrer The Raven.

Video - Comic-Con 2012 - Matt, Arthur and Karen interviewed by EW

EW.com are running a series of brief interviews with various guests at this year's Comic Con. Here's their interview with Matt, Karen and Arthur:

"Bert and Dickie" - UK Transmission date - at last!

Sometimes the BBC could easily rival MI5 with their attitude to secrecy - schedules and transmission dates especially. We've been waiting on confirmation of a UK transmission date for "Bert and Dickie" for months - and finally, it appears to be confirmed.

It's not on the BBC Media Centre/Press Office yet, but about an hour ago, one of the BBC drama personnel tweeted the above photo. Tom Spilsbury of DWM has also just tweeted: "Bert and Dickie, starring Matt Smith, will air on Wednesday 25 July. At last!"

I'm taking this as the best confirmation we'll get short of an actual press release from the BBC Press Office.

So. "Bert and Dickie" - Wednesday 25 July 2012 at 8.30pm on BBC1.

The Wand Company and BBC Worldwide Unveil The Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control

Oh, I can't wait for this - a replica of Eleven's Sonic Screwdriver that will work with TVs, DVDs etc. It will be available from 31st August 2012 in the UK and here's the full press release:

The Wand Company - known for developing the World’s first infrared remote control magic wand and BBC Worldwide today reveal the must-have accessory for Doctor Who fans – the Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control.

Ever since Patrick Troughton, the Second Doctor, first produced it from his jacket, the sonic screwdriver has been the Doctor’s most trusted tool. Now, for the first time, Doctor Who fans have the opportunity to bring the Time Lord’s extremely cool and iconic gadget into their own homes.

A high quality metal replica of the Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver currently used by the Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith, the new Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control is a gesture-based universal remote control that utilises infrared (IR) technology to manipulate almost all earth-based home entertainment systems - from TVs and iPod docks to DVD/Blu-ray players and beyond.

With a green flashing tip and an impressive four operational modes – including a practice mode – and three memory banks, a total of 39 commands can be stored in the Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control, giving aspiring Time Lord’s the option of operating multiple home entertainment devices with different flicks of the wrist.

Control is straightforward – even for humans. The Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control works through a series of 13 short gestures, such as rotating, flicking or tapping, and a guided set-up procedure uses spoken prompts to match gestures to commands learned from existing remote controls.

And, for those fans who wish to transport a little more of The Doctor into their own homes, the FX operational mode features a range of authentic vintage Doctor Who sound effects.

All unauthorised alien usage of his device can be avoided as the Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control comes with an inbuilt security setting - a three digit PIN can be set by the primary user - offering ultimate human control of the ultimate alien device.

As time travel is not readily available to most humans, Doctor Who fans will have to wait until August 31st 2012 to own a Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control, when it is available from UK retailers.

Matt Smith named National Youth Theatre Patron

Matt Smith has been named as the latest patron of the National Youth Theatre. The press release reads:

Doctor Who star Matt Smith has been named as the latest patron of the National Youth Theatre (NYT).

Smith, who trained with the theatre as a teenager, surprised current members by visiting rehearsals in London.

The 140-strong cast were putting the final touches to their Olympic and Paralympic welcome ceremonies.

Smith said the theatre "completely transformed my life. No understatement. I'm proud to be a part of it still. I care very deeply about it".

The NYT's artistic director and chief operating officer, Paul Roseby, knew Smith when he was training with the theatre.

"Matt is a perfect role model for the latest generation of brave new talent. Raw, fearless and a passion for theatre is something that doesn't just sum up our company but also the wonderful Matt Smith.

"As we continue to operate in challenging economic times, like everyone in the arts, it's always good to have a Doctor in the house."

Smith joined the NYT in 2002 and won critical acclaim for his performances as Thomas Beckett in its production of Murder in the Cathedral at London's Southwark cathedral and Basoon in The Master and Margarita at the Lyric theatre in Hammersmith.

The NYT has also announced it is changing its age range for budding actors and theatre technicians from 14 - 21 to 16 - 25 in order to help young people not in education, employment or training get on to its social inclusion programme.
Financial constraints

Founded in 1956, the NYT's alumni include Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Colin Firth, Rosamund Pike, Daniel Day-Lewis, Orlando Bloom, Catherine Tate, Sir Ben Kingsley, Ashley Jensen, Sir Derek Jacobi, Chiwetel Ejiofor, David Walliams, Matt Lucas and Hugh Bonneville.

But the organisation, which is a registered charity, found itself in financial difficulty earlier this year.

A statement issued in April said the theatre was, like many arts charities, "operating in a challenging economic climate and currently experiencing some financial constraints".

But thanks to support from Arts Council England and other organisations, the NYT says it is now back on track.

Matt Smith - More Wimbledon Pictures

Matt Smith being in attendance for the Wimbledon final on Sunday certainly caused a bit of a stir on twitter - with a good number of people wishing for the cameraman to spend more time focussing on Matt than the Beckhams. A few photos and screencaps have started to emerge:

Courtesy of Sky News:



Courtesy of The Doctor Who Site:



Courtesy of The Daily Mail



Courtesy of Geronimoiscool

New Daily Mail Article means more spoilery photos

The above photo is courtesy of the Daily Mail - another new article about recent filming means a few more spoilery photos.

The rest of the pics are under the cut.

Video - Matt Smith interviewed at the Wimbledon Men's Final

Courtesy of SirTommyPigeon, here's the video of Matt Smith being interviewed prior to today's Wimbledon Men's Tennis Final between Andy Murray and Roger Federer:

Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman - Llantrisant Photos

The above photo is courtesy of the Daily Mail Online who have a very spoilery article with a number of photos from the recent filming.

The following photos are courtesy of CardiffTimelord who has uploaded more photos to his Flickr Gallery. A number of the photos on flickr are spoilery - however, here are a few of the more non-spoilery Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman pics: