SYNOPSIS, TIMESLOT AND CAST LIST REVEALED FOR THE ROBOT REVOLUTION

SYNOPSIS, TIMESLOT AND CAST LIST REVEALED FOR THE ROBOT REVOLUTION

In the new series, audiences join The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) on an epic quest to get Belinda back to Earth. But a mysterious force is stopping their return and the time-travelling TARDIS team must face great dangers, ferocious enemies and wilder terrors than ever before.

The BBC have confirmed that the first episode, The Robot Revolution written by Russell T Davies, will air at 6:50pm on BBC One, with the episode available on iPlayer the same day from 8am in the UK and Disney+ internationally. The run time is 46 minutes.

The synopsis for the episode reads:
 
“Under a starlit sky, two teenage sweethearts share a moment: he presents her with a star – her star – named in her honour. Miss Belinda Chandra. It’s cute, it’s quirky, it’s… just a certificate. But then Robots rock up at Belinda’s. They’re from Missbelindachandra One – and they want their queen back. Can The Doctor rescue Her Majesty Queen Belinda, and quash the robot revolution?”

Cast list


The Doctor

Ncuti Gatwa

Belinda Chandra

Varada Sethu

Alan Budd

Jonny Green

Manny

Max Parker

Mrs Flood

Anita Dobson

Kirby Blake

Thalia Dudek

Stefan Haines

Jeffin Kunjumon

Receptionist

Belinda Owusu

Tombo

Tom Storey

Robot 1

Stephen Love

Robot 2

Robert Strange

Voice of the Robots

Nicholas Briggs

Sasha 55

Evelyn Miller

Robot 3

Charles Sandford

Robot 4

Lucas Edwards

Scoley

Caleb Hughes

Shago

Nadine Higgin

Prime Minister

William Ellis

Writer

Russell T Davies

 

Doctor Who continues Saturdays on BBC One, with each episode available from 8am on BBC iPlayer.

Could BBC1 Miss A UK Doctor Who Premier For The First Time Ever?

Could BBC1 Miss A UK Doctor Who Premier For The First Time Ever?

Belinda and the Doctor standing next to the TARDIS and looking open-mouthed with excitement. Belinda is holding the Doctor's arm.
Belinda and the Doctor standing next to the TARDIS and looking open-mouthed with excitement. Belinda is holding the Doctor’s arm.

Things might be about to get very timey-wimey, as it seems Doctor’s Who’s Eurovision-inspired episode is in danger of not getting a BBC One transmission – because of the real-life Eurovision Song Contest.

The sixth episode of the show’s upcoming 15th season, which comes from writer Juno Dawson, is titled The Interstellar Song Contest, and will see Rylan Clark guest starring as one of the hosts of the space-bound version of Eurovision.

Rylan Clark and Julie Dray as Sabine in Doctor Who
Rylan Clark and Julie Dray as Sabine in Doctor Who

It’s set to be released on BBC iPlayer at 8am on the same day as this year’s Eurovision grand final, but Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has revealed there is currently a question mark over whether it will get a BBC One transmission like the season’s other episodes.

Speaking during a Q&A for the new run, Davies said:
 
“The most exciting week of all is the Eurovision week, because that afternoon is the FA Cup Final live on BBC One. At 8 o’clock at night is Eurovision live across Europe.

“We’re in the middle. If the football has lots of goals and things, going into extra time and penalties, we get crushed in the middle.”

He continued:

“It’s like we cannot move – the football can’t move, Eurovision can’t move. So we genuinely don’t know if we’ll be transmitted that day. It’ll be on the iPlayer, but you’ll have to sit there that day.

“I’ll have to sit through a f**king football match to find out whether Doctor Who’s going out that night.

“They said to us, ‘Do you want to move it?’ and I said, ‘That’s the most exciting thing I’ve ever heard. Let’s find out if we’re transmitting. Let’s feel alive.’ So that Saturday is going to be fun.”

Season 15’s scheduling is slightly different than the previous run – episodes will now stream on iPlayer from 8am UK time, rather than midnight.

Ncuti Gatwa joins Brian May and his wife Anita Dobson at the star-studded Series 15 premiere

Ncuti Gatwa joins Brian May and his wife Anita Dobson at the star-studded Series 15 premiere

Ncuti Gatwa, 32, who plays Time Lord, led the stars arriving on the red carpet to celebrate the Doctor Who season two
Ncuti Gatwa, 32, who plays the Time Lord, led the stars arriving on the red carpet.

The stars were out in force for the premiere of the 15th series of Doctor Who in London on Monday.

Ncuti Gatwa, 32, who plays Time Lord, led the stars arriving on the red carpet to celebrate the show’s new series. 

Other celebs who showed up to lend their support to the sci-fi show included Queen guitarist Brian May, his wife Anita Dobson.

Queen guitarist Brian May and Eastenders actress Anita Dobson looked delighted to be watching the new season of Doctor Who ahead of the general public
Queen guitarist Brian May and Eastenders actress Anita Dobson looked delighted to be watching the new season of Doctor Who ahead of the general public.

Doctor Who follows the character’s continued adventures around time and space.

The 15th series is said to feature more dangers to planet Earth, with the trailer suggesting that the whole of reality is also at risk.

Ncuti, who wore one of the doctor’s characteristic blue jackets, was joined at Leicester Square by a host of famous faces.

These included Varada Sethu, also 32, who plays the doctor’s latest companion in the long-running show. 

Doctor Who Season Two premieres in London
Varada Sethu and Ncuti Gatwa at the Doctor Who series 15 premier in London.

The star-studded premiere comes amid rumours that the show, which has been an on-and-off staple of British TV since 1963, could soon be shelved. 

Rumours circulated claiming that Ncuti, who rose to fame in Netflix’s Sex Education, was planning a move stateside to focus on other acting projects.  

A source told The Sun:

‘Ncuti doesn’t want to be tied to the series beyond this and plans to relocate to Los Angeles with several Hollywood projects standing by for him.

‘His team also see a lot of fan backlash from the series, and don’t want the perception of him still being The Doctor to get in the way of any future work.’

They continued:

‘The show has been poorly managed in recent years.

‘There’s a lot of people who’ve been working on this show for years and now being cast aside due to poor leadership.

‘People warned some episodes were getting too caught up on an agenda rather than telling a story and those people got shouted down, ignored.’ 

This prompted the BBC to issue a statement denying the possibility that Doctor Who could once again be shelved, as it was between 1989 and 2005.

A spokeswoman for Doctor Who said:

‘Doctor Who has not been shelved. 

‘As we have previously stated, the decision on series 16 will be made after series 15 airs.

‘The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes – and exactly half of those still have to transmit.’

Latest News From Candy Jar Books

Latest News From Candy Jar Books

WHEN I SAY RUN, RUN!

THE PATRICK TROUGHTON YEARS

Candy Jar Books is thrilled to announce When I Say Run, Run!: The Patrick Troughton Years, an exciting new non-fiction book that explores Patrick Troughton’s ground-breaking time on Doctor Who.

As the sixtieth anniversary of Troughton’s debut approaches, this fascinating book explores how this iconic era of Doctor Who came to be, with a particular focus on the evolution of British television in the 1960s.

 Author, Tom Dexter, explains:

“For years Patrick Troughton’s era on Doctor Who remained shrouded in mystery. Behind the scenes, the BBC – especially at BBC Television Centre – functioned like a well-oiled machine, with numerous departments working together tirelessly to bring these expansive sci-fi stories to life. Doctor Who wasn’t just a show; it was a creative force that influenced the careers of technicians, writers, and actors, leaving a lasting mark on television history. This book provides context for all of this and explores the broader impact Doctor Who had on 1960s television.”

 Troughton’s quirky yet energetic portrayal of the Time Lord revitalised a series that was struggling to maintain its core audience. As Doctor Who evolved, so did the challenges the production faced – from monster designs to limited budgets to a growing sense of frustration among the cast and crew. This compelling book not only delves into the making of Doctor Who during Troughton’s era, but also paints a vivid picture of the cultural landscape of the 1960s, an era of profound change both in television and society.

Shaun Russell, Head of Publishing at Candy Jar Books, comments:

“When I Say Run, Run! isn’t just a dry historical account. It’s a narrative that pulls you through each story, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of the production team. I couldn’t be more excited to bring it to readers. Plus, it’s a pleasure to welcome back Jeff Cummins, who has captured Troughton’s likeness beautifully for the cover.”

Jeff, who will soon be featured in an upcoming exhibition at Peterborough Museum, states:

“I’m happy to have the chance to capture Patrick Troughton’s Doctor in a solo piece. I’ve painted him before for The Three Doctors novelisation cover, but this is my first time diving into a portrait of the Second Doctor on his own. It’s an honour!”

Get ready to take a journey through time – and far beyond the screen – to discover how the magic of the Second Doctor era came together. When I Say Run, Run! is a must-read for every Doctor Who fan and anyone fascinated by the golden age of television production.


Blurb:

It all seems like so long ago now, but when Patrick Troughton’s era of Doctor Who began on fireworks night 1966, nothing about the programme would ever seem quite the same again. The second Doctor’s arrival was a shock to the system, both as energised as he was whimsical, it didn’t take long for audiences to embrace him as one of the most beloved incarnations of the Time Lord.

 As the sixtieth anniversary of Troughton’s début approaches, When I Say Run, Run! tells the story of what happened behind the scenes during his era of Doctor Who and tries to reflect not only the series itself, but also how the nature of television production was evolving around it. This was an era when Doctor Who’s production treadmill was a powerhouse of creativity, with a conveyor belt of monster designs battling against their greatest enemy – dwindling budgets and a growing sense of frustration amongst both the cast and crew.

 When I Say Run, Run! takes you on a journey back through the past, when the scares were real and Saturday tea time was always time to hide behind the sofa!

The book is available to pre-order candyjarbooks.com


MOON BLINK AND BLOOD OF ATLANTIS

Candy Jar is thrilled to announce the reprints of the Lethbridge-Stewart books Moon Blink and Blood of Atlantis. Moon Blink will feature an updated cover by Adrian Salmon and Blood of Atlantis will have a brand-new cover by Richard Young (this will be revealed in a few weeks).

Moon Blink is set against the backdrop of 20th July 1969, just as Neil Armstrong is preparing to take one small step for man, this gripping tale unearths a world of secrets, lies, and betrayals. Anne Travers is visited by an old friend bearing a mysterious bundle, while a dangerous new drug, “Moon Blink,” hits the streets, rumoured to be made from moon dust. As Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart and Anne dig deeper, they find themselves caught in a web of deception, with loyalties about to be tested like never before.

Written by Sadie Miller, an accomplished actress and author renowned for her portrayal of Natalie Redfern in The Sarah Jane Smith audio dramas, as well as reprising the iconic role of Sarah Jane in Big Finish releases, Moon Blink is a captivating and suspense-filled addition to the Lethbridge-Stewart legacy.

Blood of Atlantis follows Lethbridge-Stewart’s nephew, Owain Vine, and a group of eco-protestors as they try to thwart Rolph Vorster, a South African mining magnate with a private army intent on harvesting Atlantean riches. Meanwhile, Lethbridge-Stewart, with Anne Travers by his side, is called in to investigate a missing Russian submarine linked to the lost city, enlisting the help of eccentric archaeologist Sonia Montilla. As tensions rise, Captain Bugayev and an undercover Spetsnaz team uncover secrets that could escalate the Cold War to dangerous new heights.

Written by Simon A. Forward, this gripping story combines high-stakes action with intrigue and adventure. Simon is the author of several Doctor Who books, novellas, short stories, and audio dramas, along with his novelisations for the BBC’s Merlin series.

These books are available to pre-order from candyjarbooks.com

Charlie Condou joins Doctor Who Series 15

Charlie Condou joins Doctor Who Series 15

Star of stage and screen Charlie Condou is set to join the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) for an adventure in time and space in the upcoming second season of Doctor Who, launching on 12th April.

Charlie has starred in multiple prominent dramas including Holby City, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Unforgotten, Midsomer Murders, and Coronation Street, and has lit up stages across the country in the UK tours of The Rocky Horror Show and Arthur Miller’s The Crucible.

Charlie is no stranger to the Whoniverse, having voiced characters in multiple Doctor Who Big Finish audio dramas. This time Charlie will come face to face with Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor in an exciting new escapade.

Charlie Condou, says:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Whoniverse, having been a fan for so long, and finally getting a chance to work with the legend that is Russell T Davies! It’s an honour to be part of such an iconic show and I can’t wait for everyone to see what I think is one of the most exciting and unforgettable episodes so far! “

Russell T Davies, Showrunner says:

“Welcome on board, Charlie. Some episodes of Doctor Who are so big and bold, they need all the talent we can throw at them, and that’s when you call for Charlie Condou! It’s a delight to work with him at last, and I can’t wait for people to see the wildness of this story.”

Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television and will air on 12 April exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Disney+ outside of the UK (where available).

Doctor Who Magazine 615

Doctor Who Magazine 615

Panini: Magazine_Doctor Who Magazine 615_1

Included with this issue:

  • 2 EXCLUSIVE ART CARDS
  • A 32-PAGE SUPPLEMENT COLLECTING RUSSELL T DAVIES’ PRODUCTION NOTES ON THE 2005 SERIES
  • PREVIEWS OF THE FIRST THREE EPISODES OF THE NEW SEASON! Including contributions from writers RUSSELL T DAVIES and SHARMA ANGEL-WALFALL, director PETER HOAR and executive producer PHIL COLLINSON – plus the adventures of MR RING-A-DING!
  • ROSE AYLING-ELLIS on her role in the new series.
  • Slow Horses star CHRISTOPHER CHUNG on playing Cassio Palin-Paleen.
  • The second part of our special feature looking back at the return of Doctor Who in 2005… Russell T Davies, Julie Garner, Jane Tranter talk Daleks, BAFTAs and babies… Plus – STEVEN MOFFAT and MARK GATISS on their debut stories…
  • Behind the scenes on the new animated release of First Doctor story The Savages.
  • With Varada Sethu stepping aboard the TARDIS, we take a look at the essential qualities needed to be a Doctor Who companion.
  • Elisabeth Sladen’s daughter SADIE MILLER joins us for a very special tribute to the companion they have both played – the much-loved Sarah Jane Smith. 
  • We consider the alternative path taken in Doctor Who In An Exciting Adventures With the Daleks.
  • Gary Gillatt takes us on a very special trip to the pictures…
  • Back to 2000… We take a look at Tom Baker’s role in the resurrected Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased).
  • We examine the decisions that lie behind AMY’S CHOICE.
  • Join the Fifteenth Doctor on his further travels in the comic strip!

Release date: 27 Mar 2025

20 Years of the Ninth Doctor!

20 Years of the Ninth Doctor!

Panini: Magazine_Doctor Who Magazine Special 69_1


Doctor Who Magazine Special 69

20 Years of the Ninth Doctor


Doctor Who Magazine celebrates 20 years of the Ninth Doctor with a Special Edition packed full of all-new content.

Highlights include:

  • In his first interview for DWM, executive producer Mal Young describes how Doctor Who was finally brought back to the screen.
  • In another first for the magazine, Joe Ahearne – who directed more Ninth Doctor episodes than anyone else – takes readers behind the scenes on the 2005 series.
  • Christopher Eccleston explains what drew him to the role of the Doctor – and why he’s still coming back to it, 20 years on.
  • Interviews with Lloyd Elis (first assistant director), Lee Sheward (stunt co-ordinator) and Lowri Thomas (location manager).
  • The cast and crew of the 2005 series choose their favourite moments.
  • The making of the renowned Trip of a Lifetime trailer.
  • Concept artist Dan Walker reveals his original designs for the Ninth Doctor’s sonic screwdriver.
  • Fans share their eye witness accounts – and photographs – of the 2004 location filming.
  • Action figures, radio-controlled Daleks and other merchandise that was available in Toys R Us, Woolworths and elsewhere.
  • A guide to the Ninth Doctor’s adventures in the expanded universe.
  • PLUS a new and exclusive short story by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies!

Release date: 3 Apr 2025

Doctor Who: Series 15 Official BBC Trailer

Doctor Who: Series 15 Official BBC Trailer

Lock in – all of time and space awaits! ✨ #DoctorWho returns April 12th on BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ where available

Series 15 episode titles revealed

Series 15 episode titles revealed

As the TARDIS gets set to land on 12th April 2025, the episode titles for season two’s epic interstellar adventures have been revealed.

The highly anticipated simultaneous global launch will kick start with The Robot Revolution at 8am exclusively on BBC iPlayer and later that day on BBC One in the UK. Those outside of the UK can watch exclusively on Disney+ (where available).

New episodes will then debut weekly with an array of dazzling guest cast including Emmy Award winner Alan Cumming as cartoon foe Mr Ring-a-Ding, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Anita Dobson, Bonnie Langford, Jemma Redgrave, Ruth Madeley, Susan Twist, Caoilfhionn Dunne, Christopher Chung, Evelyn Miller, Ariyon Bakare, Julie Dray, Michelle Greenidge, Angela Wynter, Alexander Devrient, Rylan, Freddie Fox, Jonah Hauer-King, Kadiff Kirwan and many more.


Doctor Who – Series 15 Episode Titles


The Robot Revolution: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Peter Hoar


Lux: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Amanda Brotchie


The Well: Written by Russell T Davies & Sharma Angel Walfall, directed by Amanda Brotchie


Lucky Day: Written by Pete McTighe, directed by Peter Hoar


The Story & the Engine: Written by Inua Ellams, directed by Makalla McPherson


The Interstellar Song Contest: Written by Juno Dawson, directed by Ben A. Williams


Wish World: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Alex Sanjiv Pillai


The Reality War: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Alex Sanjiv Pillai


Russell T Davies, Showrunner says:

“Excitement mounts as the new season gets closer, and there’s nothing a Doctor Who fan loves more than facts! So here’s a whole bunch of them, with titles and writers, everything you need to get ready for transmission!”

Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television and will air on 12th April exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Disney+ outside of the UK (where available).

Kadiff Kirwan joins Doctor Who Series 15

Kadiff Kirwan joins Doctor Who Series 15

Kadiff Kirwan joins Doctor Who Series 15

Since shooting to stardom playing Aaron in hit comedy Chewing Gum, Kadiff Kirwan has gone on to star in hit series after hit series including Black Mirror, Fleabag, I May Destroy You, This Is Going to Hurt, and most recently Slow Horses.

Kadiff can also be spotted on the big screen, with film roles ranging from 2018’s Mary Queen of Scots to 2022’s My Policeman, and on the stage in the Pulitzer Prize winning play The Hot Wing King.

Now, Kadiff is set to blast off into the Whoniverse as he joins the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) for an intergalactic escapade in the upcoming 15th series of Doctor Who, launching on 12 April.

Kadiff Kirwan, says:

“I feel elated to be joining the rich legacy of actors who have guest-starred in Doctor Who. Russell T Davies and Juno Dawson have truly outdone themselves with this episode in what I can only describe as an intergalactic gargantuan extravaganza. It’s packed with gravity-defying mastery beyond imagination, and being a part of it is an absolute dream. Strap in Whovians, this one is gonna rock your world!”

Russell T Davies, Showrunner says:

“We’re so lucky in Cardiff to open the doors to world-class talent, and it’s been a riot, getting to work with Kadiff. I’ve loved his work on TV, and stage for a long time, so when we realised he was available and happy to come on board, that was truly a great day in the office!”

Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television and will air on 12th April exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Disney+ outside of the UK (where available).