DOCTOR WHO devastated fans when it was revealed the show wouldn’t be returning to screens until 2020 after Jodie Whittaker’s first series as the Time Lord. However, there are claims floating about suggesting a special Christmas episode could be airing this year.
Doctor Who caused controversy when they announced there would be no Christmas Special and instead a New Year’s on-off episode was show.
Following that, BBC fans were further disappointed when show runners explained season 12 wouldn’t be returning to screens until 2020.
However, to tide viewers over until the new series, there is reportedly going to be a Christmas Special airing later this year.
It comes after the Daily Star claimed the broadcaster was considering creating a mid-season instalment after being ‘disappointed’ only 5.5million fans tuned in for the January one-off.
A spokesperson added to the publication:
“This is just speculation. It is far too early to say what the schedules will be at that time of year.”
The upcoming series will be the second with Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor, the thirteenth in the show’s run.
Nevertheless, it has been confirmed that Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill will be reprising their roles and joining the Time Lord on more adventures.
And one other thing they can expect to see is the Daleks.
The New Year’s special showed a revamped look of the iconic alien, which divided some fans, but Jodie defended the change.
“I really can’t wait to step back in and get to work again. It’s such an incredible role. It’s been an extraordinary journey so far and I’m not quite ready to hand it over yet,” she told the press.
It has been previously suggested the actress has signed a similar deal to her predecessors, Matt Smith and David Tennant.
Should this be the case, season 13 could be Jodie’s last as the Doctor.
Doctor Who returns to BBC One next year.
Ingrid Oliver still wants Osgood return after show closed down UNIT
Doctor Who has plenty of poetic licence in its remit, thanks to all that timey-wimey, wibbly-wobbly stuff, so there’s every chance Ingrid Oliver’s dreams of a series comeback can still come true. Right?
After her last appearance in series nine four (!) years ago, Ingrid has revealed that she would “love” to reprise her role as UNIT scientist Petronella Osgood – despite Osgood now being out of a job.
Chatting to Entertainment Weekly about Osgood’s potential, Ingrid said: “Osgood never got to go in the TARDIS, and I think that’s such a shame, and I’d love her to be with a female Doctor as well.”
Keen for Osgood to work alongside Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteen, the actress added: “I think Osgood and a woman Doctor would be brilliant. I still work for UNIT, as far as I’m concerned!”
Unfortunately, not everyone has kept Osgood on UNIT’s books – if the Unified Intelligence Taskforce’s books even exist anymore, that is.
That’s because, as revealed in this year’s New Year special, UNIT no longer exists. In ‘Resolution’, the Doctor demands to speak to Kate Stewart at UNIT, only to be redirected to a special armed forces helpline.
“UNIT operations have been suspended pending a review of funding,” a disappointed Thirteen is told.
There’s no need to give up on Osgood entirely, though. There’s every chance the Unified Intelligence Taskforce can make a comeback – just ask the Daleks.
Candy Jar Books is proud to announce the final novel in its anniversary series of Lethbridge-Stewart books, The Laughing Gnome: On His Majesty’s National Service.
The book picks up where book five left off, and sees our heroes going back in time to the 1950s and the Korean War. As a young man Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart never wanted to follow in his illustrious family military history, he just wanted to be a math’s teacher. But then the Korean War broke out and he was called up for National Service. He soon met Spencer Pemberton – and his life was changed forever!
On His Majesty’s National Service is written by popular novelist David A McIntee, and Lynette Nusbacher. As well titles in such franchises as Doctor Who and Star Trek, McIntee previously wrote the second Lethbridge-Stewart novel, way back in 2015.
The cover is by artist Steve Beckett, the man behind the design and artwork of The Lucy Wilson Mysteries covers.
Range Editor Andy Frankham-Allen explains:
“We knew we wanted a Commando-style cover, and it took us a while to remember we had an artist who has done some work featuring military characters over the years. Although Steve is primarily known for his Beano work (as evidenced by the style of the Lucy Wilson covers), he can turn his hand to many different styles. As usual, I consulted the author, asked him what he wanted, and we then sent these suggestions to Steve.”
Steve Beckett says:
“I was thrilled to be invited to illustrate the cover for the Lethbridge-Stewart novel On His Majesty’s National Service. This allowed me to depart from my usual cartoony art style seen on the Lucy Wilson books and work in a style influenced by some of my childhood favourite comics, Battle picture weekly and Commando. I really enjoyed working on the piece which involved a little research into the Korean War and particularly the Hungarian army. I hope regular readers enjoy the explosive cover art and my rendition of a young moustache less Lethbridge-Stewart.”
About the cover, author David A McIntee says:
“I wanted both Lethbridge-Stewart and Hooper on the cover, as well as two Korean characters, with Lethbridge-Stewart and Hooper in Hungarian uniforms, just to further tease the audience and make them wonder why… And, I’m glad to say, the final result is pretty much exactly what I’d imagined. I’ve been lucky to have some great covers over the years, and this is easily right up there with them.”
NB: IF YOU HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION THE LAUGHING GNOME SERIES IS COVERED BY THIS. THIS BOOK IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE LAUGHING GNOME SIX-BOOK BUNDLE.
The Laughing Gnome: On His Majesty’s National Service is available for pre-order now for £8.99 (+ p&p). The book is due for release soon.
Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce that the latest The Lucy Wilson Mysteries novel, The Bandril Invasion, is now up for pre-order, exclusively from the Candy Jar and Lethbridge-Stewart websites.
The latest instalment is penned by Wink Taylor, one of the writers behind Sooty, the beloved children’s TV character, as well as the acerbic kid’s favourite Basil Brush.Wink is also behind the successful Theo the Mouse Show which tours the country and is a real family favourite.
This background informs The Bandril Invasion, in which a maverick children’s TV character becomes an overnight sensation. Unlike Sooty and Basil, however, Billy Bandril’s antics are not all in good fun.
Wink Taylor explains:
“I spent a lot of happy years writing for children’s television and theatre, the bond that kids form with the characters is one of the most rewarding aspects. I was always determined to honour that bond, and make certain that the magic was never broken. It was a privilege to write for such household names and it always fascinated me that the puppeteers at all times remained firmly hidden. This got me thinking: what if the motivations behind this were not benign and were in fact … thoroughly evil!!”
Sooty and Basil Brush are not the only children’s entertainment icons that influence The Bandril Invasion. Popular Beano artist Steve Beckett continues at the helm of the series’ artwork, providing a front cover both classic and fresh in style.
In Steve’s words:
“This bold, bright cover was a blast to do. Developing a Doctor Who monster, a Bandril, into children’s TV’s hottest new star was great fun. It still has a slight air of menace about it though – poor Hobo!”
Then, of course, there is the series’ relation to Doctor Who. Lucy Wilson is the granddaughter of the beloved Doctor Who character Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, who features in Candy Jar Books’ fully licensed Lethbridge-Stewart series. Now in its fifth year, this series explores the further adventures of multiple characters from the classic era of Doctor Who, including the iconic baddie The Great Intelligence.
Fans of the classic series of Doctor Who may remember that the Bandrils made a brief appearance in the Colin Baker story Timelash. Range Editor of The Lucy Wilson Mysteries, Shaun Russell, says:
“Timelash is probably one of the most Marmite Doctor Who stories ever made, either you love or hate it! In my opinion it does have some of best and worst monsters ever featured in the series. The Borad, for example, is wonderful. Others are not so good. The Bandrils, however, are quite puppet-like, and this was my inspiration for this Lucy Wilson story. And that’s when we thought of Wink Taylor. His television and theatre background really helped in creating this slightly oddball Bandril story, which draws upon Doctor Who’s past in many exciting ways.”
A chip off the old block, Lucy picks up the Lethbridge-Stewart mantle in the modern day. Lucy and her family have already featured in three recent Lethbridge-Stewart short stories – Lucy Wilson by Sue Hampton (The HAVOC Files 3), The Two Brigadiers by Jonathan Macho (The HAVOC Files 4), and The Arcade of Doom by Chris Lynch (Lineage) – and in classic Doctor Who fashion, soon the timelines will overlap with the crossover title Lethbridge-Stewart: Lucy Wilson and the Bledoe Cadets.
At the crossroads of old Who and new, with the heart of Jacqueline Wilson, the comedy of David Walliams and drawing on the creativity behind some of children’s entertainment’s most enduring hits, there’s something for readers of all ages in The Lucy Wilson Mysteries: The Bandril Invasion.
Blurb for The Bandril Invasion:
Billy Bandril is the TV sensation sweeping the nation! The hilarious antics of this anarchic puppet have kids and their parents waiting all week for another episode of mayhem.
Fresh from her latest adventure, Lucy Wilson could use some time relaxing in front of the box. But Hobo isn’t too sure… There’s something sinister about Billy and his influence over the viewing public.
When Lucy finds herself live on air with Billy, it’s up to Hobo to interrupt the broadcast, before the curtains close… forever.
The Bandril Invasion by Wink Taylor is available from:
The Doctor and Donna are back – and more titles for May!
Mags returns to her homeworld with the Seventh Doctor
The Doctor has returned Mags, formerly of the Psychic Circus, to her native world: Vulpana. Back to a planet dominated by werewolves. And the moons of Vulpana are always full…
The Doctor and Donna are back – this time with family!
Three new adventures await the Tenth Doctor and Donna in Volume 3 of the Tenth Doctor adventures. We’ll go to an underwater city guarded by Judoon, back to the great smog of 1950s London, and an adventure with Donna’s mum Sylvia and Wilfred Mott, her grandfather!
3.1 No Place by James Goss
It’s Haunted Makeovers! The home improvement show with a spooky twist. The Noble family are hoping to cast out a few spirits along with the old bathroom suite, as presenter Justin joins Donna, Wilf, Sylvia and the Doctor for the latest edition of his reality TV series. Of course, Justin knows that any supernatural phenomena can be faked. Ghosts can’t possibly be real. Can they..?
3.2 One Mile Down by Jenny T Colgan
Donna and the Doctor take a holiday – in the beautiful underwater city of Vallarasee. Things have changed since the Doctor last swam through it: Vallarasee is now enclosed inside an airdome. Judoon patrol historic sites, and instead of tourists wearing helmets to breathe, the native Fins are forced to adapt. But leaks have begun to trickle into the dome, and the Doctor and Donna must convince the Judoon that disaster is imminent. Or else thousands will be trapped, as the waters rise…
3.3 The Creeping Death by Roy Gill
London, 1952, and a deadly smog envelops the capital. But something even more dangerous – and alien – is hiding within the mists. When the Doctor and Donna get lost in the fog, they find a motley group of Londoners trying to make their way home. Soon the stakes are raised, as death creeps along fume-choked streets and not everyone will make it out alive….
Out for release in May 2019, we’ll pop back into history where menacing threats lurk in 1950s London’s smog in an entrancing tale by Roy Gill, we’ll explore dangerous underwater worlds with the Judoon in a thriller by Jenny T Colgan, and James Goss takes the Doctor, Donna and family on their most treacherous journey yet… into the horrifying world of reality television!
Jacqueline King who plays Donna’s mother, the incomparable Sylvia Noble, told Big Finish about returning to the role:
“Doctor Who has been the gift that keeps on giving. I started, believing I was to appear in one Christmas episode, then was thrilled to appear in more. I recently returned to the role with Big Finish and it was like putting a cherished old sweater back on. That old sweater will have to be washed and conditioned ready for this episode with the A team back in full. Can’t believe my luck. I’m guessing it might actually feel a bit emotional.”
Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor Adventures Volume 3 is available for pre-order now from the Big Finish webstite. A five-disc collector’s edition – limited to 5,000 copies – is available on CD in deluxe bookset packaging.
The Third Doctor and Jo reunite with Liz Shaw and the Brigadier!
This is a special volume for classic Doctor Who fans! The Third Doctor reunites with his first companion (played by Caroline John’s daughter, Daisy Ashford). The Brigadier is voiced impeccably by legendary impressionist John Culshaw. Plus, the Primords from classic Doctor Who story return!
“Welcome to ODIN Megastore, where everything is for sale. Even your planet.” Peri and the Sixth Doctor find themselves trapped in a complex yet comfortable super mega store.
Suzie Costello, the black sheep of the Torchwood team, meets the most duplicitous of the Slitheen – Margaret, mayor of Cardiff. Together, they’ll be tied at the hip. Literally. And Cardiff is set to blow!
Following the sell-out success of Big Finish Productions’ limited edition Doctor Who stories on vinyl records last year, the audio company has announced another exclusive collaboration with UK supermarket, ASDA.
ASDA will launch Doctor Who: The Creeping Death starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate on Friday 24th May 2019. It will be released as a limited edition of 1,000 copies on neon ‘slime’ green vinyl – only available in the UK.
London, 1952, and a deadly smog envelops the capital. But something even more dangerous – and alien – is hiding within the mists. When the Doctor and Donna get lost in the fog, they find a motley group of Londoners trying to make their way home. Soon the stakes are raised as death creeps along fume-choked streets, and not everyone will make it out alive…
David Tennant portrayed the Tenth Doctor on screen from 2005 until January 2010, returning to star alongside Matt Smith and John Hurt in the 50th Anniversary Special, The Day of the Doctor, in 2013.
Catherine Tate made her debut as Donna Noble in December 2006, and after a series and two Christmas specials, she made her last appearance alongside David on the 1st January 2010. Their on-screen partnership is generally regarded as one of the great high-points of the enduring Doctor Who phenomenon.
The Creeping Death, written by Roy Gill, is one of three stories in the latest volume of the Tenth Doctor’s audio adventures which is also being released in May.
Doctor Who: The Creeping Death will be available from ASDA in the UK from Friday 24th May 2019.
Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor Adventures Volume 3 is available for pre-order now from Big Finish as a five-disc CD collector’s edition (limited to 5,000 copies) in deluxe bookset packaging for £35, with the download version for £25 (available on release).
UK 1973 Dir David Maloney With Jon Pertwee, Katy Manning, Prentis Hancock 6 x 25 min Courtesy of BBC Studios
Planet of the Daleks screening at BFI Southbank on Saturday 15th June with some updated visual effects and a 5.1 stereo surround mix followed by a conversation with the one and only Katy Manning.
Tickets on sale next week to BFI members then the following week to all.
With the Doctor seriously wounded and the TARDIS under the control of Jo and the Time Lords, our heroes arrive in a jungle environment on the planet Spiridon. Before long, they meet a group of Thals from the planet Skaro and and find themselves at the mercy of the Doctor’s arch enemies – the Daleks. This version of the series contains some updated visual effects and a new 5.1 stereo surround mix.
Tickets £15, concs £12 (Members pay £2 less).
Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 10 is released on Blu-ray on Mon 24 June.
AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NEW COMPOSER SEGUN AKINOLA – ONLY IN DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE 538!
This issue also includes:
A candid interview with Eric Saward, Doctor Who’s longest-serving script editor.
Former showrunner Steven Moffat discusses Eric’s legacy.
Robert Allsopp describes his unusual contributions to Doctor Who’s prop and costume departments – from the Sylvester McCoy episodes to the present day.
Alex Mercer describes what it’s like to be one of the current producers of Doctor Who.
Storyboard artist James Iles talks us through some of his stunning illustrations.
Jacqueline King – aka Sylvia Noble – answers questions from the TARDIS tin.
A tribute to Shane Rimmer, who guest starred in The Gunfighters in 1966.
Part Four of Herald of Madness, a new comic strip adventure featuring the Thirteenth Doctor and her friends.
How one cosplayer became the War Doctor’s companion.
The Fact of Fiction explores the 1979 story Nightmare of Eden.
The Blogs of Doom, audio reviews, previews, news, prize-winning competitions and much, much more!
DWM 538 is on sale from 2 May, priced £5.99.
Captain Jack BECOMES the Doctor for new Doctor Who story
John Barrowman has long been a fan-favourite star of the Doctor Who universe – but could he actually play the Doctor himself?
That’s the question raised in a new Big Finish audio adventure starring Barrowman, which will see his dashing Time Agent Captain Jack Harkness forced to take on the Time Lord’s mantle – specifically, the many coloured coat of Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor – when his old friend is incapacitated.
Called Piece of Mind and written by James Goss, the new audio story will form one of three parts of The Lives of Captain Jack Volume Two, which also sees Barrowman’s Jack Harkness head to the trenches of the First World War and tackle, er, fake news.
“As we had such a great time doing the first volume it seemed a lovely idea to do another,” Goss said of the new collection of stories, which he also produced.
“Amazingly, John managed to find time for us AND capture a nation’s heart in the jungle. Hearing him face off against Colin Baker’s Doctor is the joy we’ve all been waiting for.”
See below for a full list of synopses for the new Captain Jack adventures:
Piece of Mind by James Goss
When the Sixth Doctor falls dying into his arms, Jack must carry on in his place. Is the universe ready for a whole new kind of Doctor?
What Have I Done? by Guy Adams
On the battlefields of World War I, something is hunting in the trenches. Jack must try and save the life of a wounded soldier.
Driving Miss Wells by James Goss
Alien invasions, stolen planets and burning skies – Newsreader Trinity Wells used to tell everyone the world was ending. One day she stopped believing it. Will her new chauffeur change her mind?
The Lives of Captain Jack Volume Two will be released in June 2019
