Jodie Whittaker is the Thirteenth Doctor

Full BBC press release:

The BBC today announced to the world that Jodie Whittaker will be the new Doctor Who.

The identity of the new Doctor was revealed exclusively on BBC One and on social media around the world after the Men’s Wimbledon Final on Sunday 16th July.

She will be the Thirteenth Time Lord and take over from Peter Capaldi who leaves the global hit show at Christmas.

New head writer and executive producer Chris Chibnall who takes over from Steven Moffat on the next series made the decision to cast the first ever woman in the iconic role.

Jodie Whittaker says: “I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey – with Chris and with every Whovian on this planet. It’s more than an honour to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I can’t wait.”

Chris Chibnall, New Head Writer and Executive Producer says :
“After months of lists, conversations, auditions, recalls, and a lot of secret-keeping, we’re excited to welcome Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor.  I always knew I wanted the Thirteenth Doctor to be a woman and we’re thrilled to have secured our number one choice. Her audition for The Doctor simply blew us all away. Jodie is an in-demand, funny, inspiring, super-smart force of nature and will bring loads of wit, strength and warmth to the role. The Thirteenth Doctor is on her way.”

Peter Capaldi says : “Anyone who has seen Jodie Whittaker’s work will know that she is a wonderful actress of great individuality and charm. She has above all the huge heart to play this most special part. She’s going to be a fantastic Doctor.”

Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content says :
“Making history is what Doctor Who is all about and Chris Chibnall’s bold new take on the next Time Lord is exactly that. The nation is going to fall in love with Jodie Whittaker – and have lots of fun too!”

Piers Wenger, Controller BBC Drama says : “Jodie is not just a talented actor but she has a bold and brilliant vision for her Doctor. She aced it in her audition both technically and with the powerful female life force she brings to the role. She is destined to be an utterly iconic Doctor.”

Matt Strevens, Executive Producer says : “I’m so thrilled that Jodie Whittaker said yes to playing the Doctor. I’ve been a fan for years and always hoped to work with her. She is an actor of great emotional range and inhabits every role with complete passion and conviction. Just thinking about what she will bring to the Doctor makes me as excited as a kid at Christmas. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The First Doctor Returns at Christmas...

Full size image in the Who-Natic Gallery.

BBC Press Release:

The closing moments of this evening’s Doctor Who series ten finale revealed that this year’s Christmas special will be a multi-Doctor adventure featuring the current Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and the First Doctor (David Bradley).

The cliff-hanger ending saw the Doctor fatally injured and beginning to regenerate. Stepping out of the TARDIS into an arctic landscape, he fought off the glowing regeneration energy and fell to his knees, vowing that this time he would not live on and change into a new Doctor. This was declared “ridiculous” by an approaching figure, who mocked the Doctor as he stepped forward through the snow to reveal himself as the very first incarnation of the Time Lord (“The original, you might say”) just before the credits rolled. The story will continue at Christmas.

This will be the first time that the First Doctor has played an active onscreen role in Doctor Who since 1983’s The Five Doctors, when the character returned to the series following his regeneration almost 20 years prior. Doctor Who’s most recent multi-Doctor episode aired in 2013, when The Day of the Doctor marked the series’ 50th anniversary.

Further casting and details for the Doctor Who Christmas special will be revealed in due course. As previously announced, the special will serve as Peter Capaldi’s farewell to the series, and will feature the debut of the next Doctor.

Full size versions of both images are in the Who-Natic Gallery.

News: BBC Confirm John Simm to Return as The Master in Series 10

Following rumours in a certain newspaper, the BBC have confirmed that John Simm will return as the Master in Series 10, alongside Michelle Gomez as Missy:

John Simm will return as The Master to battle The Doctor (Peter Capaldi), new companion Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie) and Nardole (Matt Lucas) in the forthcoming series of Doctor Who. 

John Simm says: "I can confirm that it’s true, thanks to the power of time travel I’m back. It’s always a pleasure to work with this great team of people and I can’t wait for you all to see what The Master gets up to in the next series." 

Steven Moffat, writer and executive producer, says: "Nothing stays secret for long on Doctor Who but you'll have to wait a little bit longer to see exactly what The Master is up to and how he makes his return to face the Doctor. It’s been a huge pleasure to have fan favourites John Simm and Michelle Gomez face to face in the same role! It’s not often you get to see a solo personality clash." 

John Simm was last seen as The Master on New Year’s Day 2010. Viewers will have to wait to see exactly when and how The Master will return to the new series, which starts on Saturday 15 April at 7.20pm on BBC One. 

As previously announced, Doctor Who series ten will also star Michelle Gomez as Missy - a later regeneration of The Master. Other returning foes include the Daleks, the Ice Warriors and - returning for the first time in almost fifty years - the Mondasian Cybermen. An exciting line up of new faces and adversaries will debut across the series, including adorable-but-deadly Emojibots and David Suchet as The Landlord. 

Doctor Who returns to BBC One with episode one The Pilot at 7.20pm on Saturday 15 April.

News - Series 10 - Matt Lucas to join as Series Regular plus writer news

The BBC have announced today that Matt Lucas (Nardole in "The Husbands of River Song") will join Peter Capaldi and Pearl Mackie as a series regular in Series 10.  Stephanie Hyam ("Peaky Blinders", "Murdered by my Boyfriend" and "Sherlock") will also have a guest role in the new series.  Steven Moffat will write the opening episode and Frank Cottrell-Boyce ("In the Forest of the Night")  will write the second.  Block 2 writers are Sarah Dollard ("Face the Raven") and newcomer to Who, Mike Bartlett (writer of award-winning "Doctor Foster").  The full press release is as follows:

Following his hilarious appearance in The Husbands of River Song, Matt Lucas returns to Doctor Who from the opening episode of series 10 which starts filming next week in Cardiff (Monday 20 June). 

Commenting on his return to Doctor Who, Matt Lucas, 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.” 

Bringing her energy and zest to the show, Pearl Mackie embarks on her first week of filming as she takes up the role of the Doctor’s companion. In her first major television role following her West End appearance in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, she’ll be bursting on to screens in the opening episode. 

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.” 

Stephanie Hyam will play a guest cast role in the new series and is recognised for her performance as Lily Clarke in Jekyll & Hyde. She’s also appeared in Peaky Blinders, Murdered by My Boyfriend, and Sherlock. 

The opening episode of series 10 is written by Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat,executive produced by Brian Minchin, produced by Peter Bennett and directed by Lawrence Gough. The second episode in the new series has been crafted by award winning screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce. 

Block 2 writers are Sarah Dollard (writer of acclaimed episode Face the Raven) and Mike Bartlett (multi award winning Doctor Foster). 

Doctor Who is a BBC Cymru Wales produced drama for BBC One. It will return in December 2016 with a Christmas Special, followed by the new series in 2017.

News: Steven Moffat Leaving - to be replaced by Chris Chibnall

The Radio Times are reporting that Steven Moffat will leave after Series 10 and Chris Chibnall will take over as showrunner.  They also state that Series 10 will air in Spring 2017 following a Christmas Special later this year - which won't be a surprise to many.

Steven Moffat has decided that his “timey wimey” as showrunner of Doctor Who has come to an end and he will step down as the show’s lead writer and executive producer after six series at the helm, RadioTimes.com can reveal. 

Moffatt will hand over the keys to the TARDIS at the end of the next series in 2017 to Broadchurch writer and Doctor Who fan Chris Chibnall. 

BBC1 has decided to air Moffat’s final 12-part series - the 10th of the modern era - in spring 2017. Chibnall’s debut series as head writer and executive producer will launch in 2018. 

A Christmas special WILL air this year overseen by Moffat, though it is unclear whether Peter Capaldi’s new companion will feature. The companion, who will replace Jenna Coleman's Clara Oswald, will definitely be in place for the spring 2017 series, say BBC sources. 

Explaining the decision to hold Moffat’s last series until next year, BBC1 controller Charlotte Moore said: “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!” 

It is unclear if the plan is now to make Doctor Who a series which regularly begins its runs in the spring when Chibnall becomes showrunner. “That is all to be decided,” said a BBC source, who pointed out that it began airing in the spring when it was relaunched by Russell T Davies in 2005. 

Moffat said of his decision to quit: “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.” 

Moore, who next month takes over a super controller’s job at the BBC, paid tribute to Moffat and welcomed Chibnall into the Doctor Who fold.

“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 Moffat, Chibnall is also a lifelong Doctor Who fan and a multi-award winning writer and executive producer. He has most recently achieved success with the triple BAFTA winning hit ITV series Broadchurch. His other credits include BAFTA nominated The Great Train Robbery, United, Law & Order: UK, Life on Mars and Torchwood. 

He said: "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.”

Jenna Coleman to return for ALL of Series 9

The Radio Times have confirmed that Jenna Coleman is staying with the show for the whole of Series 9.

During the Press Launch of "Last Christmas", Steven Moffat said:

"Jenna is in all of the next series, which we’re delighted to reveal.  There was a certain amount of to-ing and fro-ing, wasn’t there Jenna?"

"I always think I’m quite good at winding up people on this but Jenna completely outplayed me when she said in an interview 'I’m not telling you if I’m staying or going because it’s just more exciting'. And it occurred to us all that we don’t start shooting until January so we could actually keep it a secret."

Jenna Coleman confirmed that Peter Capaldi had played a big part in her decision to stay:

"It’s wonderful – a whole other series of stories with the Doctor. I couldn’t walk away with the story being unresolved, there’s so much more to do and I think [Clara and the Doctor] have finally just reached a point where they really understand each other." 

"The arrival of the 12th Doctor has just dropped this bombshell and allowed the dynamic to totally, totally change so I think, just when Clara was feeling more comfortable in the relationship, it’s suddenly thrown something totally new up and I think the comeuppance of that and the story that we got to tell over the season has been thrilling."

Peter Capaldi was happy with Jenna's decision too:

"I think Jenna’s been just fantastic and it’s been such a pleasure to work with her – and especially for me as the new person onto the show, she’s just been fantastic – and so I was so excited and delighted when she finally [agreed to stay]."

I rather think most of us are happy with this - the character of Clara certainly seems to fit with 12 more than she did with 11.

Doctor Who Experience to close for 6 weeks for "regeneration"...

The Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff will close on 1 September 2014 for 6 weeks as the existing "immersive adventure" storyline featuring the 11th Doctor and the Pandorica is to be refreshed.  Upon it's return at the end of October, the Experience will also feature props from the forthcoming Series 8:

"Times change, and so must I" said the Doctor, on the verge of his unprecedented thirteenth regeneration - and the same is true for Cardiff's Doctor Who Experience. 

Fans will only have until Sunday 31 August to fly the TARDIS and rescue the Eleventh Doctor - played by Matt Smith - from the Pandorica, as the existing storyline in the Experience's immersive adventure is to be refreshed. More details will be announced about the updated storyline later this year. 

Fans wishing to take part in the current adventure can still book tickets up until the end of August at doctorwhoexperience.com ». 

The entire Experience, including its vast exhibition of Doctor Who sets, props and costumes, will close on 1 September for around six weeks. 

When the attraction re-opens in time for the school holidays at the end of October, it will also welcome props from Series 8, the highly anticipated debut series of the Twelfth Doctor played by Peter Capaldi. 

The Doctor Who Experience are also announcing the return of their popular Walking Tours - guided trips around 30+ filming locations in Cardiff, from New New York to Apalapucia. The Tours will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 14 June until 20 July, with more dates to be added throughout the summer holidays. Check the website for availability. 

In 2014, the Doctor Who Experience was awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence. The certificate was granted based on the quality of reviews and opinions that we have earned on Trip Advisor over the past 12 months.

Source: doctorwho.tv

12th Doctor to be Revealed Live on Sunday

Well, here's the confirmation we've been waiting for together with a little trailer:

In a special one-off live television event on BBC One this Sunday 4th August at 7pm, the next Doctor will be exclusively revealed to the nation.

Widely regarded as one of the most hotly contested roles in British television, the show's host Zoe Ball will unveil The Twelfth Doctor in the first ever interview in front of a live studio audience set against the backdrop of a swirling vortex, amongst Daleks and the TARDIS.

The half hour show will include live special guests, Doctors old and new, as well as companions and celebrity fans. Excitement will reach fever pitch as they speculate and recall their favourites, plus feature clips and moments from across the show's fifty year history.

Current Doctor Matt Smith and lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat will both give interviews about one of the biggest roles in TV and set out just what it takes to be the Doctor. Steven Moffat says: “The decision is made and the time has come to reveal who’s taking over the TARDIS. For the last of the Time Lords, the clock is striking twelve.”

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning says: “We can't wait to unveil the next Doctor with everyone live on BBC1 on Sunday night.  Amongst all the speculation and betting, there has been lots of fun and intrigue at work as we've been using the codename Houdini as a decoy! It’s the biggest secret in showbiz, even those working with the new Doctor on other projects at the moment have no idea they are in the presence of the twelfth incarnation.”

The reveal show will also be simulcast live on BBC America.  The BBC have also released a little trailer:

Twelfth Doctor to be Announced on Sunday?

You would think the BBC would learn by now.  Announcing that there will be an announcement at midnight tonight UK time with the details embargoed...you just KNOW that someone will jump the gun and announce early.

That's what appears to have happened today.  Metro UK published an article stating that tonight's announcement would confirm that the Twelfth Doctor would be revealed on Sunday at 7pm on BBC1 in  a programme entitled "Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor".  The 30 minute programme is said to feature interviews with past Doctors and Companions.

The show will also be simulcast on BBC America.

Typically, only the BBC could announce an announcement about an announcement.

We will bring you the full press release when it becomes available at midnight.  Or sooner....

BBC Release Press Statement Regarding San Diego Comic-Con Trailer

Airing an "exclusive" trailer for the 50th Anniversary Special at San Diego Comic-Con proved extremely controversial - it generated a lot of anger amongst those 99% not attending the event.  The BBC received a "large number of complaints" as the lady on the BBC Information Line told me today - complaints that were growing in number after the Boxset debacle happened earlier.

Well, the BBC have released what must be the shortest statement in the history of forever:

This was an exclusive Comic Con trailer made especially for the Doctor Who 50th panel, it has not been released in the US. This world famous international event is an established platform used by all of the major producers. UK fans can look forward to exclusive content over the next few months.

Unless you do as the BBC did at Comic-Con and basically lock people in a room and threaten them then no content is "exclusive".  Besides, we Brits are essentially nice - we simply don't agree with certain sections of fandom getting trailers etc that the rest don't see, so you can basically guarantee that if the BBC DO put something online that is "geographically restricted", then we'll rip it out and upload it to youtube for the world to see.

Yet more PR issues for the BBC - we've had Boxsets going out in the US early, a leaked BBC Worldwide email stating a "New Doctor" next year which meant the BBC had to rush out Matt's leaving announcement, controversy amongst UK fans as other countries get regular repeats of Classic Who and we get nothing, a prequel being available to watch free via Amazon in the US but UK fans having to buy the season on itunes to see it....and now this - and I haven't really started on the Complete Series 7 Boxset announcement yet.

The BBC may yet surprise us - they may show us a trailer fairly shortly but I'm not going to hold my breath.  It'll be a few more pictures probably...you know... in case we've forgotten what Daleks and Zygons look like.

Oh...whoopee-do.