Coming soon...

Keep your eyes peeled because we'll shortly be running a competition to win a Season 6 DVD Boxset - and it's the Limited Edition version complete with "raised Silence head" and 4 x 3d artcards. It's the region 2 dvd and you'll merely have to answer one "simple" question (winner will be randomly drawn from amongst the correct entries). Well...sort of a simple question (remember, google is your friend). We're working on the rules at the moment but the competition should go live before the weekend.

To whet your appetite...here's a look at a couple of the artcards:

US and Canada Christmas Special schedule

BBCAmerica have confirmed that "The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe" will air on Christmas Day at 9/8c.

As for Canada, Space have confirmed that they will air the Christmas Special at 9pm on Christmas Day.

Schedule details for Christmas Special

The Radio Times website has confirmed the Christmas day schedule for the BBC.

"The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe" will air at 7pm on BBC1 followed by "Strictly Come Dancing".

I'm very glad it's not at 6pm because that would just be TOO early.

UPDATE: ITV schedules "All Star Family Fortunes" against "Doctor Who" - guess they know it's a lost cause to try and beat the Doctor.

Season 6 Soundtrack Timings Released

Silva Screen have released the track timings for the upcoming Season 6 Soundtrack CD:

CD 1

1 I Am The Doctor In Utah 1.44
2 1969 2.01
3 The Impossible Astronaut 3.13
4 Trust Me 1.39
5 Help Is On Its Way 3.59
6 Another Perfect Prison 0.53
7 Greystark Hall 2.53
8 Apollo 11 0.54
9 Day Of The Moon 2.43
10 I See You Silence 1.05
11 You’re A Dead Man 1.40
12 Deadly Siren 5.30
13 Perfect Reflection 1.03
14 All For One 3.48
15 The Curse Of The Black Spot 1.14
16 I’ve Got Mail 0.45
17 My TARDIS 1.29
18 Run, Sexy 1.57
19 Locked On 1.07
20 The Chemical Castle 1.30
21 Which One Is The Flesh? 1.39
22 Scanning Me 2.30
23 Ransacked 2.01
24 Always With The Rory 1.22
25 Double Doctor 2.02
26 Tell Me The Truth 3.48
27 Loving Isn’t Knowing (The Almost People Suite) 5.29
28 River’s Waltz 1.50
29 Pop 1.36
30 Tell Me Who You Are 1.52
31 Melody Pond 2.36
CD 2
1 Growing Up Fast 1.21
2 The Blush Of Love 1.22
3 Terror Of The Reich 3.05
4 The British Are Coming 1.07
5 A Very Unusual Melody 2.52
6 When A River Forms 1.32
7 Pay Attention Grown Ups 2.10
8 The Enigma Of River Song 3.58
9 Bedtime For George 2.24
10 Tick Tock Round The Clock 2.11
11 A Malevolent Estate 3.56
12 Night Terrors 1.19
13 Apalapucia 1.29
14 36 Years 0.55
15 Lost In The Wrong Stream 3.25
16 The Hotel Prison 0.47
17 Room Of Your Dreams 1.21
18 Fear Enough 1.17
19 What’s Left To Be Scared Of? 1.00
20 Rita Praises 1.07
21 Stormageddon, Dark Lord Of All 1.33
22 Definitely Going 1.56
23 Over Your Shoulder 1.11
24 Ladieswear 0.45
25 Fragrance 2.17
26 My Time Is Running Out 4.55
27 Tick Tock (Vocal Track) 1.23
28 5:02 PM 2.43
29 The Head Of An Enemy 1.15
30 My Silence 1.12
31 Brigadier Lethbridge – Stewart 2.19
32 Forgiven 2.31
33 Time Is Moving 1.31
34 The Wedding Of River Song 5.32
35 The Majestic Tale (Of A Madman In A Box) 4.24

Really looking forward to track 31.

The CD can be pre-ordered from Amazon.co.uk for £8.99. The release date is currently 19 December 2011.

Series 6 Soundtrack Preview

Silva Screen have released a preview of the track "5.02pm" as a little tease ahead of the full soundtrack release:



The CD can be pre-ordered from Amazon.co.uk for £8.99. The release date is currently 19 December 2011.

Doctor Who Costumes at Bonhams Auctions

Bonhams will be auctioning a selection of "Doctor Who" costumes on December 15th 2011. The items of special interest to this blog are lots 185 - 191:

185 Four Smilers costumes from The Beast Below (400-500)
186 Four Winders part costumes from The Beast Below (250-350)
187 Guido's costume from The Vampires of Venice (600-700)
188 Vincent Van Gogh's costume from Vincent and the Doctor (350-450)
189 Dorium Maldovar's costume from The Pandorica Opens (250-350)
190 Rory's Wedding outfit from The Big Bang (400-600)
191 The Doctor's Wedding Guest outfit from The Big Bang (1200-1800)

Lot 191 - pictured above - is the most intriguing for me. Following the recent success of the Children in Need auction (£50,000) - surely the bidding will go higher than the estimated £1200 - £1800? The description for Lot 191 is:

Doctor Who - The Big Bang, 2010
Matt Smith as The Eleventh Doctor: A complete Wedding guest outfit, comprising:
a black satin 'Opera' type collapsible top hat, in original box, with black ribbon trim; a black tail coat, of wool with satin effect collar; a white waffle type waistcoat; a white shirt with waffle type front together with matching collar and bow-tie; a cream coloured silk scarf with tasselled edge; a pair of black tuxedo trousers, with matching braces and a pair of black size 10 men's shoes, together with the original costume returns bag

Well, we now know Matt Smith has size 10 shoes. You DO need to register with Bonhams in order to bid and the link is below. It's going to be interesting to track these lots and see what the winning bids are.

Bonhams Entertainment Auction

Radio Times Cover and Preview

Next week's Radio Times features Matt Smith on the cover (a textless version of the picture is below) and the UK Press Association have released the following short article:

Doctor Who star Matt Smith said he wants to see "more action" in the next series of the Timelord's adventures.

The actor, who is reported to have recently split up with girlfriend Daisy Lowe, said the sci-fi show's Christmas special had a "Narnia-esque shape and feel" to it.

He told the Radio Times: "Whereas last year felt more like a Christmas romp, there's a slow-burning, ethereal magic to this.

"We've covered a whole forest in snow. The scale is vast and there's just something wonderfully magical about it because it's never that snowy in this country, except maybe in Scotland ... and on the telly. It does it for you: all the snow and the lovely smell of the pine trees. I'm really, really looking forward to Christmas now."

Matt also revealed he'd been doing his stunts for the show - one of which involved him dodging a giant fireball.

He said: "Believe me, the fireball does so much of the acting for you. It was only afterwards that I realised I could have been seriously charred.

"I've been really enjoying it. Hopefully we'll see more action/adventure-y Doctor next season."

The Christmas special also includes appearances from familiar faces including comic Alexander Armstrong, Arabella Weir and Bill Bailey.

Bill, who is a devoted fan of the long-running BBC show, said appearing on it was "the equivalent of a knighthood".

Copyright © 2011 The Press Association. All rights reserved.

BBC Christmas Trailer Screencaptures

Here are a few HQ screencaptures from the BBC Christmas Trailer - click for larger versions:

BBC Christmas trailer featuring Matt and Karen

The BBC pull out all the stops at Christmas - and this year is no exception. Just look at this fantastic trailer:



What's the betting that's one of Matt's own jumpers?

"Bert and Dickie" - New Matt Smith Drama

The BBC Press Office have released the synopsis for Matt Smith's new drama, "Bert and Dickie", together with a rather lovely promo pic:

Written by William Ivory and starring Matt Smith, Bert And Dickie is the uplifting story of how two young men defied all the odds and achieved gold in the double sculls.

Thrown together just five weeks before the final of the 1948 London Olympics, Bert Bushnell and Dickie Burnell not only pushed physical and emotional limits, but also rose above distinctions of birth and class to become Olympic gold medallists.

Bert and Dickie’s personal battle reflects a much greater struggle as London prepares to host the Olympic Games. In 1948, just three years after the end of the Second World War, London is half-destroyed. But, determined not to “let the Games die”, the British Olympic Committee convinces Prime Minister Attlee that the Olympics could help bring the country back together – and the Austerity Olympics are born.

While London again prepares to host the 2012 Olympics in a difficult economic climate, this film will remind viewers what the Games are really about – heroic personal endeavour, courage, determination… and a little bit of luck!

Matt Smith is Bert Bushnell, Sam Hoare is Dickie Burnell, James Frain is Jack Beresford, Douglas Hodge is John Bushnell and Geoffrey Palmer is Charles Burnell.

BBC Drama Productions

Click on the photo below for the large version:

Season 6 Soundtrack Listing Released

Silva Screen have released the soundtrack listing for the Season 6 double CD:

DISC ONE

The Impossible Astronaut / Day of the Moon

1. I Am The Doctor In Utah
2. 1969
3. The Impossible Astronaut
4. Trust Me
5. Help Is On Its Way
6. Another Perfect Prison
7. Greystark Hall
8. Apollo 11
9. Day Of The Moon

The Curse of the Black Spot

10. I See You Silence
11. You’re A Dead Man
12. Deadly Siren
13. Perfect Reflection
14. All For One
15. The Curse Of The Black Spot

The Doctor’s Wife

16. I’ve Got Mail
17. My TARDIS
18. Run, Sexy
19. Locked On

The Rebel Flesh / The Almost People

20. The Chemical Castle
21. Which One Is The Flesh?
22. Scanning Me
23. Ransacked
24. Always With The Rory
25. Double Doctor
26. Tell Me The Truth
27. Loving Isn’t Knowing (The Almost People Suite)

A Good Man Goes to War

28. River’s Waltz
29. Pop
30. Tell Me Who You Are
31. Melody Pond

DISC TWO

Let’s Kill Hitler

1. Growing Up Fast
2. The Blush Of Love
3. Terror Of The Reich
4. The British Are Coming
5. A Very Unusual Melody
6. When A River Forms
7. Pay Attention Grown Ups
8. The Enigma Of River Song

Night Terrors

9. Bedtime For George
10. Tick Tock Round The Clock
11. A Malevolent Estate
12. Night Terrors

The Girl Who Waited

13. Apalapucia
14. 36 Years
15. Lost In The Wrong Stream

The God Complex

16. The Hotel Prison
17. Room Of Your Dreams
18. Fear Enough
19. What’s Left To Be Scared Of?
20. Rita Praises

Closing Time

21. Stormageddon, Dark Lord Of All
22. Definitely Going
23. Over Your Shoulder
24. Ladieswear
25. Fragrance
26. My Time Is Running Out

The Wedding of River Song

27. Tick Tock (Vocal Track)
28. 5:02 PM
29. The Head Of An Enemy
30. My Silence
31. Brigadier Lethbridge – Stewart
32. Forgiven
33. Time Is Moving
34. The Wedding Of River Song

Day of the Moon

35. The Majestic Tale (Of A Madman In A Box)

The CD can be pre-ordered from Amazon.co.uk for £8.99. The release date is currently 19 December 2011.

"The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe" - New Promo Pics

The BBC have released another batch of promo pics to whet the appetite ahead of the Christmas Special:

Happy 48th Anniversary, Doctor Who

“Doctor Who” has been one of the most important parts of my life ever since I was old enough to focus on the television set. Growing up, it was MY time…MY 25 minutes a week – much to the consternation of parents and teachers. I always remember my English teacher wearily telling me that my stories would be so much better “if a Police Box didn’t keep turning up in the middle of them…” – but hey, what did he know?

As a child, “Doctor Who” was a stepping stone. “Pyramids of Mars” for example, had me reading up about Egyptian Mythology; I started reading “Sherlock Holmes” after watching “The Talons of Weng-Chiang”. I’m sure it’s very similar for children today. “Doctor Who” opens the mind to concepts and ideas you don’t get in any other show – cracks in time, paradoxes on an epic scale – the show takes it all in its stride. It’s the only show where you can have an historical adventure one week and a futuristic one the next. Or how about a political story? Or a dark fairytale? You name it – “Doctor Who” can most definitely pull it off.

However, the most important part of “Doctor Who” is the character of the Doctor himself. He’s the reassuring and trustworthy presence at the centre of the maelstrom. No matter how scary or terrifying it gets…the Doctor will fix it. For children, it’s like a safe way of being scared. For those of us who have watched the show for decades, the Doctor is an old, greatly loved and cherished, friend – one who has stood by you through thick and thin: when things are going to hell in a handcart, you just put on a few episodes and invariably end up with a smile on your face.

"The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe" - Official Synopsis

The BBC Press Office have released the official synopsis for the Christmas episode, "The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe":

It’s Christmas Eve, 1938, when Madge Arwell comes to the aid of an injured Spaceman Angel as she cycles home, in this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, starring Matt Smith as the Doctor.

He promises to repay her kindness – all she has to do is make a wish.

Three years later, a devastated Madge escapes war-torn London with her two children for a dilapidated house in Dorset. She is crippled with grief at the news her husband has been lost over the channel, but determined to give Lily and Cyril the best Christmas ever.

The Arwells are surprised to be greeted by a madcap caretaker whose mysterious Christmas gift leads them into a magical wintry world. Here, Madge will learn how to be braver than she ever thought possible. And that wishes can come true...

Madge Arwell is played by Claire Skinner, Lily Arwell by Holly Earl and Cyril Arwell by Maurice Cole.

Images from the Season 6 Boxset Launch

The Official Doctor Who Facebook Page have issued a gallery of images from yesterday's signing and q&a at Westfield, Stratford City:

New Christmas Episode Promo Images

The BBC have released three more images from the upcoming Christmas episode, "The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe". As usual, right click and open in new tab/window for the large versions:





Thanks to the Official BBC Doctor Who Site for the images.

Doctor Who Diary and Calendars - on offer

Amazon currently have the 2012 Doctor Who diary and calendars on offer. The 2012 full size calendar is the same style as last year - 2 pages to a month with the large picture on the top page and day/date boxes on the bottom page. Here's the back of the calendar which details the promo pics used (and may I say that January looks fantastic?)



The calendar is currently on offer at amazon for £4.79 and you can buy it direct: Doctor Who 2012 Calendar

Next is the "Desk Tent Calendar" - and I'm definitely buying this for work. I love these desk calendars - and whilst, once again, they use promo shots, this is a little bit different - it's not just the main cast.




This one is currently available for £3.59: Doctor Who 2012 Desk Tent Calendar

Finally, 2012 wouldn't be complete without a diary. This is a "slimline" diary so will fit easily into bags etc without too much bother. Pretty basic - a page per week - but most of us will buy it purely for the fact it's a Doctor Who diary as opposed to actually detailing appointments anyway!




The cheapest of the lot - this is currently available for a mere £2.99: Doctor Who 2012 Slimline Diary

Videos - Matt Smith - BBC Breakfast and Radio 1

Here you go - here are the two interviews from today.

First up, is the BBC Breakfast interview - courtesy of doctorwhotv.co.uk. Amongst other things, they discuss Children in Need, the number of episodes he'll be doing (14 including Christmas Special and "leading into" the 50th Anniversary), how fans like the "extra stuff" and, of course, River Song:



And here's the radio 1 interview - split into two parts and uploaded by the BBC themselves:





Enjoy!

Matt Smith on BBC Breakfast - Monday 21 November 2011

According to the twitter feed of Sian Williams, Matt Smith will be on BBC Breakfast tomorrow after 8.30am.

Presumably, he'll be talking about the launch of the Season 6 dvd - and possibly the Christmas special too - so set your dvd recorders.

Children in Need Sketch and Christmas Trailer

Here is the short sketch from tonight's "Children in Need" featuring half-naked Matt Smith - very nice of Steven Moffat to give us a present on HIS birthday. The sketch contains the trailer for the Christmas Special - now titled "The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe".

Can't wait for Christmas!

Children in Need Doctor Who Costume Auction

The auction for Children in Need of Matt Smith's costume from "The Doctor's Wife" and "Night Terrors" began today. As expected, the bidding rapidly increased and it's currently (at time of writing) standing at an incredible £7,600. Bidding is open until Tuesday 22 November 2011 at 9.35pm so you still have plenty of time.

The link to the ebay page is: Doctor Who Children in Need Costume Auction

Children in Need - New Promo

Yeah ... well ... he's wearing braces anyway. Definitely looking forward to Children in Need tonight:


Right click and open in new tab/window for big version.

Children In Need to Auction Matt Smith's Costume...

BBC Children in Need will be auctioning Matt Smith's costume from "The Doctor's Wife" together with a copy of the script for the specially filmed scene to air tomorrow signed by Matt Smith. The press release is below:

Fans of Doctor Who will get the chance to own a little piece of the Eleventh Doctor today, as BBC Children in Need auctions off an entire costume from the hit BBC One show - from bow tie and braces to the infamous tweed jacket.

Matt Smith was at BBC Television Centre today filming a special sketch for BBC Children in Need written by Steven Moffat, to be shown during the appeal show on Friday evening. Viewers will get to see just what happens when the Doctor gives bidders the chance to take the clothes off his back...

Matt Smith said: "I hope people donate generously for BBC Children in Need because it's a wonderful cause- and we've got to beat last year's total. I saw Terry Wogan on TV the other night, and thought come on! Let's make more money! So hopefully we can raise a good amount.

"I'd say the tweed jacket or the bow-tie are the most iconic - although the boots are my personal favourite."

Throughout the years, the costumes worn by the many incarnations of the Doctor have been as distinctive as the characters themselves. The highest bidder will be the proud owner of the distinguished time traveller's outfit from the episode 'The Doctor's Wife', including:
Tweed jacket
Shirt
Black jeans
Black boots
Braces
Bow-tie
Watch

The auction for the Doctor's clothes, and a copy of the script written by Steven Moffat and signed by Matt Smith from the specially filmed sketch, are part of BBC Children in Need's Once in a Lifetime online auction being held at www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey. The auction closes on Monday 21st November.

On the Appeal Night, the title of this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special will be revealed and viewers will be treated to an exclusive sneak peek of the festive adventures in store for The Doctor.

Tune in to BBC One, 7pm, on Friday 18th November for all the action.

Video - Alex Kingston on the Craig Ferguson Show

Thanks to ViveAmneris for uploading the Alex Kingston interview from last night's "Craig Ferguson Show". Amongst other things, they discuss steampunk, what Matt Smith smells like and Alex expresses a bit of an opinion regarding the proposed "movie":



Is there anyone who doesn't love Alex Kingston after that? No...thought not.

DWM - Issue 441

The new issue of "Doctor Who Magazine" hits the shops today and, once again, there is a veritable cornucopia of delights within it's pages, such as a few teasers about the Christmas Special from Steven Moffat:

"This episode contains the words 'looms', 'panthers' and 'wish' and the line 'watch and learn, kid' followed by a loud crash. And frankly, if you can't figure out who says that line and does the crashing, you're watching the wrong show."

Steven Moffat's Production Notes are always a highlight and he does reveal a little bit about what we can expect as regards "Doctor Who" in the future. A break now - and it's for a good reason: partly due to wanting the show back in Autumn/Winter (quite right too) and partly because of the Anniversary, as the Moff puts it:

"Be assured the planning has already started. Very soon now, "Doctor Who" is going to enter production for the longest sustained period we've ever attempted, and the biggest and best and maddest time ever to be a fan of this wonderful old show is rumbling towards us."

Also in this issue is an excellent interview with Marcus Wilson - I love his comments about how they take criticism from children very seriously - plus a terrific interview with Steve Hughes, director of "Closing Time".

There's a close look at "Earthshock" and an interview with David Troughton who is taking on his father's role of the Second Doctor for the upcoming Serpent Crest audios. The usual features are there plus a great inside look at the mini episode written by the children of Oakley Junior School - this feature also pays tribute to "Doctor Who Confidential" which supposedly breathed it's last following "The Wedding of River Song".

Honestly, you really should get this issue - you should really buy every issue quite frankly - and it's available in all good newsagents now priced £4.50.

Christmas Special 2011 - First Promo Pic

The BBC have released one promo pic from the upcoming Christmas Special - more will be released in the coming weeks and the title of the Special will be revealed during Friday's Children In Need programme.



Thanks to dwimage2005 for the pic.

Children in Need - Promo Pics

The BBC have released a small batch of promos ahead of Friday's Children in Need. What could be cuter than Matt Smith with Pudsey? As usual, best to right click then open in new tab/window for the full sizes.





Thanks to dwimage2005 for the pics.