BBC Books has released cover artwork for its Doctor Who Target range with three new 60th anniversary titles available January 2024
The collection are novelisations of the three 2023 Doctor Who specials, which will feature David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor and Catherine Tate as Donna Noble. Each episode’s novelisation will also be available as an eBook.
Each book, The Star Beast by Gary Russell, Wild Blue Yonder by Mark Morris, and The Giggle by James Goss has specially commissioned cover artwork by Anthony Dry.
“We deal with the odd… the unexplained. Anything on Earth… or beyond.”
Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce details of its second and third books celebrating 60 Years of Doctor Who.
UNIT: A Legacy in Doctor Who explores the rich history of the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce – and later Unified Intelligence Taskforce – from its inception under producer and writer Derrick Sherwin, through the UNIT family days of Jon Pertwee’s Doctor, all the way to the Kate and Osgood era of recent years. With UNIT featuring in numerous other media like Reeltime Productions, Big Finish audio, and the Lethbridge-Stewart range from Candy Jar Books, the legacy of UNIT – and its importance to Doctor Who extends beyond its television appearances.
UNIT is as much a part of the tapestry of Doctor Who as the Doctor, the TARDIS, or the Daleks. The organisation has been part of the show since the Cybermen first marched down the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral in 1968’s The Invasion, and continue to be one of the Doctor’s closest allies in the battle to save humanity from the galaxy’s greatest threats.
Author, Baz Greenland, believes that the UNIT stories really get to heart of what makes good Doctor Who. He says:
“I’ve had the honour to write stories in the Lethbridge-Stewart and Lucy Wilson ranges, but this was something quite special. I’m a huge fan of the Jon Pertwee era and UNIT is a key ingredient in that. Jon Pertwee, Roger Delgado, Nicholas Courtney, Caroline John, Katy Manning, Elisabeth Sladen, Richard Franklin and John Levene all bring such warmth and energy to the show and feature in some absolutely terrific episodes – not just Pertwee’s; The Invasion, Terror of the Zygons and Battlefield are all classics in my eye and UNIT are at the heart of that.”
Featuring a retro cover by 100 Objects of Dr Who artist Martin Baines, the book features exclusive interviews with writers and actors John Levene and Sophie Aldred, and explores the development of UNIT, its importance in the Doctor Who mythos and the actors that brought these iconic characters to life – from Nicholas Courtney’s stalwart Brigadier Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart to Jemma Redgrave’s courageous Kate Stewart.
Baz continues:
“It was quite a daunting task to delve into the mythos and creation of UNIT, but it’s been such a treat too. As a big Doctor Who fan, I feel I’ve learned more about the stories, the characters, and the actors that played them and I hope readers of the book will find something new too, that will only strengthen an appreciate for the Brig and UNIT – from 1968, all the way to the modern era as we head into the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who!”
Down in the London Underground
Candy Jar’s other release propels the reader right back to the Brig’s first appearance in Doctor Who. Written by popular Lethbridge-Stewart, Lucy Wilson and children’s author George Ivanofff, Down in the London Underground takes a sidestep look at the Brig’s first story, The Web of Fear.
George explains:
“The idea struck me when I was browsing a copy of Darth Vader and Son, a Star Wars picture book. And I suddenly thought… Candy Jar could do something like this with the Doctor Who characters and creatures they have the rights to use. So, I wrote a pitch. And Shaun jumped at the chance. The book does not feature the Brig, but instead focuses on the Army as it battles the Yeti in the London Underground.”
Although aimed at young people, this picture book tries not to dodge the realities shown in The Web of Fear. Head of Candy Jar, Shaun Russell, says: “I am a big fan of the Doctor Who/Mr Men books by Adam Hargreaves and felt that this would be a great way to celebrate Doctor Who’s 60th birthday. This book, however, has a slightly darker side. Death is always present in Doctor Who, and just like Grimms’ Fairy Tales, this story attempts to be a true reflection of the world in which it is set. The Yeti are here to invade, and they take no prisoners.”
Down in the London Underground has been also been illustrated by Martin Baines. Martin says: “I’ve always loved illustrating the Yeti, but this assignment was slightly different. I thought it was very important for my cartoon-like artwork to offset the dark nature of the book. I added a few touches of my own and I hope children and adults will enjoy this chilling adventure.”
UNIT: A Legacy in Doctor Who is available to pre-order from HERE
Down in the London Underground is available to pre-order from HERE
The Daleks to land once again on Doctor Who 60th Anniversary
Classic Doctor Who story to be released in spectacular colourisation
It’s been my absolute pleasure to spend this past 12 months working with such a talented team to breathe new life into this classic adventure – a story that is literally the foundation stone of all that Doctor Who has become. The original is a masterpiece of 1960’s television drama and this new version stands on the shoulders of the pioneering spirit of 1960’s Doctor Who.
The BBC is to mark the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who with a Bargain Hunt special.
In this popular daytime show, two teams of novice collectors go head-to-head to snag the top deals, and in a series of three special episodes there are some unique ‘hunters’.
In the Doctor Who-themed episode, Eric Knowles dons his scarf and wields a sonic screwdriver to host an exceptional instalment celebrating the 60th anniversary of the UK’s most cherished action-adventure series.
Eric Knowles and Doctor Who memorabilia collector, Chris Balcombe, with a Dalek.
After a close encounter with a Dalek and a quick getaway into a TARDIS, he finds himself at a Carmarthen antiques fair, meeting two teams of fervent fans, each with ambitions to outdo the other. Assisting them for the day are experts Richard Madley and Kate Bliss, both adorned in attire reminiscent of iconic Doctors.
Which team will triumph in the galactic quest for the most substantial auction profit?
Eric also converses with an avid fan who possesses an impressive and valuable assortment of original Doctor Who memorabilia, some harking back to the show’s inception – this includes extraterrestrial costumes, Cybermen helmets, and, unmistakably, a formidable Dalek.
The Bargain Hunt Doctor Who special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Thursday, 23 November at 12:15PM.
Eric said:
“Having watched the first episode as a 10-year-old in 1963, it’s great to be celebrating Doctor Who’s anniversary on Bargain Hunt and sharing the love of this beloved programme with two teams of super fans. Over its long life, treasures of all kinds based on the series can be found, making it the perfect theme for a special episode”.
A special-one-off Doctor Who scene starring the fourteenth Doctor, David Tennant. Fans can also catch a glimpse behind the scenes of making the scene in an exclusive episode of Doctor Who: Unleashed, which will be available on BBC iPlayer.
BBC Children in Need will air at 7:00pm on BBC One, Friday 17th November 2023 and will be available to catch up on BBC iPlayer.
David Tennant shows off updated Doctor Who costume in new picture
David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor, wearing a tailored coat and a brown, blue, and white checked suit.
Fans have been given a new look at David Tennant’s slightly updated Doctor Who costume ahead of his return for the 60th anniversary next month in a new image, which is an online exclusive originally published in Radio Times magazine.
As Whovians will know, Tennant is playing a slightly different incarnation of the Doctor than the one he made popular in his first stint leading the cast of the sci-fi series, and his costume has been subtly altered accordingly.
For example, the bespoke Shetland tweed coat he is sporting is slightly narrower and more tailored than the Alcantara coat he previously wore, while his suit – which is made from a brown, blue, and white checked material – includes a waistcoat and not a full jacket.
Meanwhile, this time around he is wearing a stylish knitted grey tie and his trademark converse trainers are slightly more muted in colour – grey as opposed to cream and red.
As well as this slightly different costume, Tennant will also be equipped with a new sonic screwdriver and a new TARDIS – so although he might be a familiar face, it’s certainly not the same Doctor.
Tennant’s costume for the 60th anniversary had already made headlines when he briefly appeared following Jodie Whittaker’s regeneration at the end of last year’s special The Power of the Doctor.
Whereas normally a new Doctor is seen wearing the previous incarnation’s outfit immediately after regenerating, Tennant emerged already wearing his own costume, which raised a few eyebrows at the time.
At the time, returning showrunner Russell T Davies revealed that he was “absolutely certain that the clothes would regenerate” with Tennant’s return.
Speaking to Doctor Who Magazine, he said:
“I was very certain that I didn’t want David to appear in Jodie’s costume. I think the notion of men dressing in ‘women’s clothes’, the notion of drag, is very delicate. I’m a huge fan of that culture and the dignity of that, it’s truly a valuable thing.
“But it has to be done with immense thought and respect. With respect to Jodie and her Doctor, I think it can look like mockery when a straight man wears her clothes. To put a great big six-foot Scotsman into them looks like we’re taking the mickey.”
Dalek surprises British Airways customers at London Heathrow to celebrate 60th anniversary of Doctor Who
British Airways customers were surprised to find a special out of this world guest, a Dalek, while travelling through Heathrow’s Terminal 5 on Friday 27th October 2023.
Much to the surprise of those waiting in the arrivals hall to meet loved ones, one of Doctor Who’s fearsome foes was seen keeping a watchful eye over British Airways’ arriving customers. The Dalek also mysteriously appeared in departures where confused customers snapped photos of one of the planet’s best-known villains checking in for a flight to Skaro, an extra-terrestrial destination that isn’t normally on British Airways’ route network.
The unscheduled arrival of the Dalek in British Airways’ home at Heathrow Terminal 5 marked the new partnership between British Airways and BBC Studios to celebrate Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary, which includes the launch of a dedicated Doctor Who in-flight entertainment channel, available for all the airline’s customers travelling on long-haul flights from November 1. The new channel features 13 acclaimed episodes of the longest running science fiction television series in the world.
Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, said:
“We are really excited to be partnering with the BBC’s Doctor Who to create a dedicated channel on our inflight entertainment system, another fantastic British Original partnership that we know our customers will love. This year alone we have doubled the amount of content available on our in-flight entertainment, and we are committed to continue to bring the best, out of this world, entertainment to the skies.”
Sarah Bold, Head of Marketing, Scripted at BBC Studios, said:
“Doctor Who has been inspiring and entertaining audiences globally for an incredible 60 years and we couldn’t miss this opportunity to bring two iconic British brands together in style to celebrate. Travellers and subscribers will be able to enjoy a curated collection of content and the tie in will reach millions of people throughout the partnership.”
The new Doctor Who inflight entertainment channel on board British Airways’ flights, to celebrate the 60th Anniversary, includes 13 different episodes from series 1-13. Alongside this customers can enjoy up to *80+ box sets such as AND JUST LIKE THAT Season 2, plus 15+ classic franchises, including BACK TO THE FUTURE and THE MATRIX, and over *700 pieces of audio, including BBC Prom’s 2023 Classics and UK true-crime podcast THEY WALK AMONG US. In November, customers can enjoy New Release movies such as SCRAPPER, a British Comedy/Drama, THE HAUNTED MANSION or MEG 2: THE TRENCH.
Doctor Who returns from November 25th on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney Plus in the rest of the world with three special episodes with David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor to coincide with the 60th anniversary.
The Fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, will then take control of the TARDIS, with his first episode airing over the festive period in 2023. Ncuti Gatwa also features in British Airways’ latest safety video.
* On select flights only.
Welcome to The Whoniverse where every Doctor, every companion and hundreds of terrifying monsters live.
The word Whoniverse was invented by fans, so it’s time to give it official status. And Tales of the TARDIS is one of the greatest delights of my career – to see old Doctors and companions reunited, still fighting the good fight, is a perfect way to celebrate the Doctor’s 60th birthday!
Reprising their roles as the Doctor and companions to go on a timey-wimey spin down memory lane in these unmissable adventures are; Maureen O’Brien and Peter Purves, Frazer Hines and Wendy Padbury, Katy Manning and Daniel Anthony, Peter Davison and Janet Fielding, Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant, and Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred.
Frazer Hines and Wendy Padbury (Image: Alistair Heap/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)Katy Manning and Daniel Anthony (Image: Alistair Heap/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)
These Doctor Who legends step back into character to reflect on their adventures and in the process they discover something new, leaving viewers with a new insight into the story of each timeless pair.
Over six parts, each episode of Tales of the TARDIS features a different duo, with brand new scenes woven together with classic episodes to create a feature-length omnibus episode.
Peter Davison and Janet Fielding (Image: Alistair Heap/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant (Image: Alistair Heap/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)
With new scenes written by Showrunner Russell T Davies, and previous Doctor Who writers Phil Ford and Pete McTighe, Tales of the TARDIS allows fans to rediscover the stories they love whilst inviting new viewers to explore the vast mythology of the Doctor.
Russell T Davies, Doctor Who Showrunner says:
“The word Whoniverse was invented by fans, so it’s time to give it official status. And Tales of the TARDIS is one of the greatest delights of my career – to see old Doctors and companions reunited, still fighting the good fight, is a perfect way to celebrate the Doctor’s 60th birthday!”
Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred (Image: Alistair Heap/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)
Dan McGolpin, Director of iPlayer and Channels adds:
“I’m delighted to welcome Tales of the TARDIS exclusively to BBC iPlayer, the home of Doctor Who, which is consistently one of our most popular programmes every single week of the year. Tales of the TARDIS will sit within The Whoniverse and features brand new and incredibly moving scenes with well-loved characters; it will be a fantastic starting point for a new generation to discover some of the most classic episodes and a joyous way for longstanding fans to catch up with old friends.”
Viewers can discover Tales Of The TARDIS when The Whoniverse launches on 1st November, with the extensive back catalogue of Doctor Who.
Tales of the TARDIS is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios Productions for BBC iPlayer. Executive Produced by Russell T Davies, Jane Tranter, Julie Gardner, Phil Collinson and Joel Collins. It is produced by Scott Handcock and directed by Joshua M. G. Thomas. The episodes are written by Russell T Davies, Phil Ford, and Pete McTighe.
Imagine…Russell T Davies: The Doctor and Me follows one of Britain’s most celebrated TV writers as he prepares to once again return as showrunner of Doctor Who. Back in 2005 Davies was responsible for relaunching the action-adventure series after many years away from TV screens, few could have imagined the phenomenon it became. And now, in the programme’s 60th anniversary year, he’s back – with two Doctors and bigger ambitions.
imagine… goes behind the scenes at Cardiff’s Bad Wolf Studios to see the adventures of the time-travelling hero being filmed, touring the enormous sound stages and meeting Ncuti Gatwa, the Fifteenth Doctor, ahead of his eagerly anticipated tenure as the Time Lord, after the unexpected regeneration of David Tennant.
Doctor Who is just one of Russell T Davies’ many TV successes, and imagine… traces the evolution of his writing, from his beginnings at Granada, writing soaps such as Coronation Street, to finding his voice as a queer writer on Channel 4’s landmark gay series Queer As Folk and to more recent successes, including 2021’s critically acclaimed AIDS drama, It’s A Sin. The film will also feature interviews with David Tennant, Helena Bonham Carter, Olly Alexander, Sally Wainwright and Caitlin Moran.
The documentary airs Monday 18th December on BBC One.
Doctor Who 60th Anniversary specials available to pre-order on Steelbook, DVD and Blu-ray
Following the Fourteenth Doctor’s TV specials to celebrate Doctor Who’s 60th Anniversary, all three episodes will be available for Doctor Who fans to add to their home entertainment collection in December 2023.
The three-disc release, which includes exclusive additional content, will be available for fans to own on Steelbook, Blu-ray and DVD from 11th December with pre-orders available today.
As well as David Tennant starring as the Fourteenth Doctor and companion Catherine Tate returning as fan-favourite Donna Noble, other guest stars include Neil Patrick Harris, Yasmin Finney, Miriam Margoyles, Jemma Redgrave and many more.
The release will feature all three anniversary special episodes: THE STAR BEAST, WILD BLUE YONDER and THE GIGGLE.
Fans can pre-order the 60th anniversary DVD, Steelbook and Blu-ray through most online retailers.
Additional content Exclusive to the 60th Anniversary specials release:
Rachel Talalay’s Scene Breakdown
Chanya Button’s Scene Breakdown
Tom Kingsley’s Scene Breakdown
Special Features:
THE STAR BEAST Behind The Scenes
The Fourteenth Doctor Reveal
WILD BLUE YONDER Behind The Scenes
THE GIGGLE Behind The Scenes
THE GIGGLE In-vision Commentary
THE STAR BEAST In-vision Commentary
David and Catherine’s Flashbacks
Yasmin Finney Introduces Rose Noble
Designing the Fourteenth Doctor
Set Tour with Yasmin Finney
THE STAR BEAST – Behind The Scenes Trailer
WILD BLUE YONDER – Behind The Scenes Trailer
THE GIGGLE – Behind The Scenes Trailer
The Cast Introduce the Villains in WILD BLUE YONDER
