Injury Forces Matt Smith to Withdraw from SoccerAid

Matt Smith has released a statement via SoccerAid expressing his disappointment at having to withdraw from this year's tournament due to injury:

"It is with great disappointment that I will have to withdraw from this year's Soccer Aid as a result of injury. I have always wanted to play at Old Trafford, a personal dream, and was hugely excited to have the opportunity to support UNICEF. I do hope I will be invited to join Soccer Aid and UNICEF in the future and play football for such a good cause.

I really am so sorry to disappoint anyone whom may have bought tickets to see me play, I can't express my apologies enough, however I am certain this year's incredible line up will still entertain and most importantly continue to raise money for children all over the world." 

Looks like we'll have to wait until the next tournament to see him in action on the football pitch.

Frank Skinner to Guest Star in "Doctor Who" Series 8

The BBC have announced that comedian Frank Skinner will guest star in series 8 of "Doctor Who":

Room 101 host Frank Skinner is the latest name confirmed to guest star in an episode of the new series of Doctor Who this Autumn. 

Skinner says: "I love this show. I subscribe to Dr Who magazine, I've got a Tardis ringtone, a five-foot cardboard Dalek in my bedroom and when I got the call saying they wanted me to read for the part, I was in the back of my tour bus watching episode three of The Sensorites. I am beyond excited." 

He is currently touring the UK with his stand-up show Frank Skinner: Man In A Suit, alongside presenting the Saturday Morning Breakfast Show on Absolute Radio. Skinner previously appeared in the one-off Doctor Who 50th anniversary comedy homage The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot. 

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, says: “It's no secret that Frank's been pitching vigorously to get into Doctor Who for a while. He's been volunteering to be 'third monster on the left' as long as I've been in this job. But now, in Jamie Mathieson's sparkling script, we finally have a part that can showcase all of Frank's famous wit and charm. Hopefully he'll get out of my garden now.” 

The episode is written by Jamie Mathieson (Being Human, Dirk Gently), directed by Paul Wilmshurst (Strike Back, Combat Kids), and also stars David Bamber, Daisy Beaumont, Janet Henfrey and Christopher Villiers. 

Other guest stars confirmed to join Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman in the new series, which will air on BBC One this Autumn, include Ben Miller, Tom Riley, Keeley Hawes and Hermione Norris.

Christopher Villiers, of course, played Hugh Fitzwilliam in "The King's Demons" in 1983 and Janet Henfrey played Miss Hardaker in "The Curse of Fenric".

The Who Shop on Tour - Dallas Comic-Con

The Who Shop - based in London but they do ship worldwide - are off on tour and their first stop is this weekend at Dallas Comic Con.

You'll find all manner of delights on their stand - from tshirts to action figures - and not just "Doctor Who" related - they're taking quite the selection of "Sherlock" merchandise as well.  That tshirt you want but can't find?  The one action figure you need to complete your collection?  Have a word with the lovely Alex and if she hasn't got it there on the stand then she should be able to find it for you.  Did I mention that they ship worldwide?  Yeah - you're in good hands.

If you're one of the lucky people attending Dallas Comic Con, then you'll be in line for a free gift:

Come and find us at our stand, shout “Who Shop On Tour!” and get a free gift with your purchase!

Have fun at the Convention (please blow a kiss to the adorable Manu Bennett for me) and don't forget to track down Alex and the team on the Who Shop stand.

New Radio Times Features Peter Capaldi Cover and Steven Moffat Interview

The new Radio Times - on sale from today - not only features a Peter Capaldi cover but also and interview with the Moff who recalls writing "The Day of the Doctor" and casting Peter Capaldi:

“When you choose a Doctor, you want somebody who is utterly compelling, attractive in a very odd way,” writes Moffat. “None of the Doctors are conventionally attractive, but they’re all arresting. Handsome men don’t quite suit. Matt Smith’s a young, good-looking bloke from one angle but is actually the strangest looking man from another. You need that oddity; you need somebody who is carved out of solid star, really."

The new Radio Times also features:

Your own 16-page guide to the Bafta TV Awards 2014 featuring David Attenborough, Dominic West, Rory Kinnear, Helen George, Laura Carmichael, Natalie Dormer and much, MUCH more... 

Hollywood's latest star Oscar Isaac on his role in the new Star Wars movie – and staying under the celebrity radar 

Alan Titchmarsh on why he's happy to say no to the BBC 

We pay a visit to the set of Mr Sloane with Nick Frost and Olivia Colman 

EastEnders' Danny Dyer on why he loves Countryfile – but can't watch Corrie!  

A tribute to the doyen of sports commentators David Coleman 

Actor Bernard Hill on his new drama throwing light on the IRA's bombing of Manchester city centre in 1996 

Griff Rhys Jones marvels at the hard-living, egotistical, reckless poet Dylan Thomas 

BBC Young Musician 2014: world-renowned trumpeter Alison Balsom wants to bring the joy of music into every classroom 

In the grip of polio – a personal view, by Peter Preston

Hermione Norris Cast In Doctor Who

Being a "Spooks" fan, this is something I'm VERY happy about.  Hermione Norris has been cast in Season 8 of Doctor Who.  The press release reads:

Hermione Norris to guest star in Doctor Who opposite Peter Capaldi when Doctor Who returns this Autumn.

Speaking about her casting, Hermione Norris said, ‘It’s exciting to be part of such an iconic show, and one that my kids can watch!!!’

Norris has recently been starring in The Crimson Field on BBC One, and is no stranger to solving mysteries having played Ros Myers in the BAFTA award-winning drama Spooks. Prior to that she starred in comedy-drama Cold Feet.

Steven Moffat, lead writer and Executive Producer, said, ‘It's a testament to the quality of Peter Harness's intense and emotional script, that we've been able to attract an actress of the brilliance of Hermione Norris. And for the first time since 1984, the Doctor Who production team is heading to Lanzarote. The Doctor is returning to the scene of an old adventure - but there have been sinister changes since his last visit.’

The episode is written by Peter Harness (Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, Wallander), produced by Peter Bennett and directed by Paul Wilmshurst (Strike Back, Combat Kids). The episode also stars Ellis George, Tony Osoba and Phil Nice.

Other guest stars confirmed to join Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman in the new series, which will TX on BBC One later this year, include Ben Miller, Tom Riley and Keeley Hawes.

And it looks like we'll be making another visit to Sarn - for those who haven't seen Classic Who then I suggest you track down "Planet of Fire" starring Peter Davison....

Screencaps - Peter Capaldi - Unlock Art

Screencaps from the Tate's "Unlock Art" video featuring Peter Capaldi (you can watch the video here) have been uploaded to the Coppermine Gallery.  Samples below - right click and open in new tab/window for larger versions.  Please feel free to take and use.

Images - Official Stills from "Lost River" Featuring Matt Smith

Thanks to Bold Films and Ryan Gosling Addicted, below are a set of new stills from "Lost River".  Right click and open in new tab/window for larger versions.  Full size images are in the Coppermine Gallery.

More Photos - Matt Smith and Karen Gillan - Minneapolis Comic Con

Thanks to the Wizard World Flick page and their Facebook page, below are more photos of Matt and Karen at Minneapolis Comic Con.  The full size versions are in the Coppermine Gallery.

Photos - Matt Smith and Karen Gillan - Minneapolis Comic Con

Matt Smith and Karen Gillan are attending this weekend's Minneapolis Comic Con and the photos below are courtesy of the Wizard World Flickr Page.  Right click and open in new tab/window for larger versions.  Full size images are in the Coppermine Gallery.

Matt Smith Cast in New "Terminator" Trilogy

Skydance Productions announced today that Matt Smith will join the cast of the new "Terminator: Genesis" film:

No further details are know yet although both The Reel Scoop and Deadline: Hollywood have said that Matt's role is a "major" one and will grow in importance over the course of the trilogy.  Shooting on the first film, "Terminator: Genesis" gets underway shortly in Louisiana and the second and third films will be shot back to back over nine months.

UPDATE:  Paramount Pictures have said that Matt "will play a new character with a strong connection to John Connor, alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, J.K. Simmons, Dayo Okeniyi and Byung Hun Lee.” 

Promo Images - Karen Gillan - "Oculus"

Below are a batch of promo images from "Oculus" featuring Karen Gillan, which is due for release in UK cinemas on 13 June 2014.  Right click and open in new tab/window for larger versions - please note that, as blogger restricts sizes to 1600 pixels, I have uploaded the 1800 pixel versions of these photos to the Coppermine Gallery.

More Photos - Matt Smith and Karen Gillan at Calgary Expo

Below are more photos of Matt and Karen at Calgary Expo - once again, they're also in the Coppermine Gallery.  Thanks to the Calgary Expo Flickr Page for the photos - as usual, right click and open in new tab/window for larger versions:

Don't forget - all the recent convention appearance photos are in the Coppermine Gallery.