As Doctor Who’s 50th year flies by (it’ll be November before we know it!), it’s time to go fourth with Doctor #4.
Tom Baker took over the TARDIS circa 1974, after the Third Doctor’s fatal exposure to radiation poison in Planet of the Spiders. With a name like that he was asking for trouble as the latest Time Lord took it in his stride starting as he meant to go on. Eager to explore, Tom Baker’s whimsical and often unpredictable multi-coloured scarf wearing incarnation is the longest standing to date.
Never short of a jelly baby or two the Fourth Doctor encountered the Daleks, the Master, the Zygons (they’re coming back y’know?) and countless other iconic foes over his 7 epic years at the helm of the TARDIS. With loyal friends, such as Sarah Jane, K-9 and Romana, at his side, the Fourth Doctor’s eccentric style established a strong fanbase and cultural presence as the show continued to go from strength to strength. In fact his 1979 adventure City of Death holds the title of being the most watched Doctor Who story in its 50 year history as 16 million tuned in to see its final instalment on 20th October 1979!
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
Puffin’s 50th anniversary ebook series continues this month and Philip Reeve has today been announced as the writer of the latest instalment.
The author whose previous books include the Mortal Engines and Buster Bayliss series has written The Roots of Evil which features the Fourth Doctor with companion Leela. When they visit a tree space station called the Heligan Structure, they are unaware the tree has been asleep for centuries and that it is dreaming of vengeance against a man in a blue box.
As the tree wakes the Time Lord and his companion discover they’re unwelcome guests.
“I began watching Doctor Who during the Tom Baker era so to me he’s the real Doctor,” Philip commented. “It was an honour to be asked to write about him. I tried to imagine myself at a Saturday teatime, circa 1979: a new Doctor Who story was about to begin – where and when would the TARDIS materialise, and what would be waiting when it did?”
The Roots of Evil is available to download on 23rd April priced £1.99 – read an exclusive extract here and Philip’s blog post detailing his experiences of writing the e-short here.
The shape-shifting aliens were first introduced to the series’ mythology in the Tom Baker serial Terror of the Zygons.
Their return in this year’s landmark episode was confirmed today when the BBC released a filming image of a new look Zygon out on location. Production for the episode, which will feature the return of David Tennant and Billie Piper, began today after the read-through took place last night.
The blockbuster episode will be shown in 3D on BBC One and in cinemas in November.
Guest stars in the story, which has “a lot of surprises”, are John Hurt and Joanna Page.
Members of the original Doctor Who cast and crew will come together for an episode of The Reunion this weekend.
The radio series hosted by Sue MacGregor reunites people involved in a moment of modern history. Sunday’s episode sees some founding stars of the series take the spotlight as they recount the origins of the show that will this year turn 50 years old. The director of the first episode Waris Hussein will be joined by actress Carole Ann Ford and actors William Russell, Jeremy Young and Peter Purves.
The Reunion’s Doctor Who episode airs on Sunday 7th April at 11:15am on BBC Radio 4.
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
Joanna Page will be guest starring in the 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who, it has been announced today.
The actress, best known for her roles in Gavin & Stacey and Love Actually, is pictured with David Tennant, Jenna-Louise Coleman and Matt Smith in a new snap taken at yesterday’s read through of the special episode.
Also confirmed to be starring are John Hurt and Billie Piper who will be reprising her role as Rose Tyler.
Back in 2010 tabloids claimed Joanna Page had signed up to be a “major character”.
The blockbuster episode will be shown in 3D on BBC One and in cinemas in November.
Matt recently teased the anniversary special will feature “a lot of surprises” for fans.
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
The read through of the 50th anniversary special took place this evening and to mark the occasion the BBC’s released a photo that will make you take a sharp intake of breath!
Two Doctors collided as the cast and crew gathered to hear the historic episode come to life for the first time. Spoken at a table it may have been, but to have Matt Smith with David Tennant in the same room acting out brand new Doctor Who is all we’ll need! The Eleventh Doctor will join forces with his predecessor in the special, which begins filming this week.
Also returning for the blockbuster festivities is Billie Piper reprising her role as Rose for the first time since her last appearance in 2010. She’ll star alongside current companion Jenna-Louise Coleman in the 3D episode, airing on TV, and in cinemas, this November.
The writer of the episode, showrunner Steven Moffat, was overseeing the proceedings.
Stick with us for all the latest developments! Even more news is expected “very soon”…
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
Phil Collinson has revealed that he’s “beyond excited” about Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary special.
The television producer, who worked on the series alongside Russell T Davies from its 2005 return up until 2008, told the Mirror how he refrains from asking his friend Steven Moffat about the surprises the historic adventure will hold. “I don’t want to know, as an avid fan of the series,” he explained. “I remember The Five Doctors and how excited I was then as a 10 year old boy. This time it’s ridiculous.”
He added: “The idea we might get Chris Eccleston and David Tennant and Matt Smith all together in one programme, that is so exciting. And even all the others Doctors maybe!”
On Saturday it was confirmed that David Tennant and Billie Piper will both return in the anniversary adventure which will be shown on TV and in cinemas this November in 3D.
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
Big news: David Tennant and Billie Piper will be returning to Doctor Who for the 50th anniversary episode!
The rumours have been circulating for months but the BBC’s finally announced today the Tenth Doctor and Rose will be taking part in the blockbuster festivities when they join Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman in the 3D special which is to commemorate the show’s landmark year. It will be aired on BBC One and in cinemas this November with John Hurt also confirmed to be guest starring in it.
Written by Steven Moffat, it’ll be directed by Nick Hurran when filming begins next week.
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
Matt Smith’s predicted that 2013 will be “the greatest year” in Doctor Who history owing to the 50th celebrations.
The actor’s told Entertainment Weekly that “a whole host” of festivities are being planned to commemorate the occasion. “I think there will be the most access to Doctor Who ’stuff’ this year,” he said, adding: “Both live and on your telly – we are celebrating the history and heritage. Steven’s surpassed himself with the script. It’s just incredible and in 3D! There’s loads planned at home and in the States and in Australia.”
Matt recently teased the anniversary special will feature “a lot of surprises” for fans.
The Royal Mail has today officially launched their new range of special edition Doctor Who stamps to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the series.
Fans can now get their hands on the collectible stamps, each featuring a different incarnation of the Doctor in front of his respective swirling logo. In addition, the Royal Mail are also offering their own selection of Doctor Who gifts/collectibles, such as framed stamps, mugs and money boxes, which you can browse at your convenience here.
You can order the stamps here with many sets to choose from including a Presentation Pack for £9.70 and a Doctors in the House framed set for £45. Which will you be getting?
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