Starz  – the US network who will be co-producing Torchwood: The New World with the BBC – have released a synopsis and character biographies for the series!

John Barrowman, Eve Myles and Kai Owen will be reprising their respective roles of Jack Harkness, Gwen Cooper and Rhys Williams for the 10-part story, which begins filming in January for a Summer 2011 transmission on BBC One (UK) and Starz (US). Read on for the official series overview, but watch out for spoilers.

When C.I.A. agent Rex Matheson investigates a global conspiracy, he finds himself unearthing a threat which challenges the entire human race. The answers seem to lie within an old, secret British institute, known only as Torchwood. But Torchwood was destroyed, years ago, and the keys to the institute are held by its only two survivors – former Police Officer Gwen Cooper, who has long since disappeared along with her husband and child, and the mysterious Captain Jack Harkness, a man whose history seems to stretch back centuries.

With Rex under attack from all sides in both the US and the UK, he soon discovers there are forces at work within every level of society, determined to stop Torchwood’s return. As a chain of events across the world links together the most disparate and unlikely individuals – including a surgeon, a killer, senators and CEOs – a new Torchwood team takes shape. But this time, the threat is much closer to home, as they realize that their greatest enemy is mankind itself…

In addition, character biographies have been issued for Jack Harkness, Gwen Cooper (confirming her baby is called Anwen!) and new team member Rex Matheson…

JACK HARKNESS (played by John Barrowman)

Jack looks like a hero. But he’s so much more than that…

He’s American, handsome, with a killer smile and a classic coat. But you don’t expect heroes to be this much fun. He’s witty, fast, subversive and there’s a reason for that glint in his eye – he’ll sleep with women, he’ll sleep with men; if aliens invade, he’ll sleep with them too. Got a problem with that? Tough!

His dashing style hides a secret. There are mysteries about Jack – a man going under his name seems to have a history stretching back to World War 2, or even earlier, to the Nineteenth century, the Eighteenth…

Truth is, Jack Harkness is immortal. A fixed point in time and space. The only one of his kind. For thousands of years, he has never been able to die. When killed, he comes back to life – seconds later. Though his tragedy is, he feels every death. It hurts – and so does the passage of time. He can never love anyone for too long, because he will always lose them. As a result, he’s lived many lives. He’s been a conman, a thief, an adventurer – though more a rogue than a villain, because his perspective on human life makes him appreciate this world all the more.

Jack once ran the Torchwood Institute, a British organization dedicated to fighting the strange and bizarre. He was king of his own little world for a while, the happiest he’d ever been. But Torchwood fell. His friends were killed. The Institute closed down, and Jack disappeared, to start yet another of his many new lives. And yet…

The only thing that could call Jack Harkness back is his unstated love for Gwen Cooper. And when a new, epic danger affects the whole planet, Jack finds himself back at the center of events, fighting not just for his own life, but for everyone on Earth. But this time, are the stakes too high?

GWEN COOPER (played by Eve Myles)

All Gwen wants is a quiet life. Honest.

She’s Welsh, lives in seclusion, far away from the city, on a cliff top in the wilds of South Wales with her devoted husband, and baby Anwen – it’s a rural idyll.

And it’s a lie. Gwen is in hiding, because she once lived the most extraordinary life. She was the heart and soul of an organization called Torchwood, a freelance band of fighters who fought the strange and unexplained. She was a defender of the human race.

But no more. Torchwood was destroyed. Her colleagues died, or fled. And Gwen hid herself away, for the rest of her life, to protect her loved ones. But knowing, just knowing, that one day trouble would come calling again.

She lives the ultimate double life: the funny, salty, earthy woman who loves home and family, combined with the tough, ruthless warrior, who loves the thrill of the fight. She’s both selfish and selfless. And never doubt it – when Gwen’s in a crisis, she is magnificent. Gun in both hands, baby strapped to her chest, she’ll run and fight and never give up.

It’s passion, in the end: Gwen’s all about passion. She loves her man, she loves her child, she loves this mad old world, and maybe she loves Captain Jack Harkness just a little too much. But when the events of this story push Gwen to the limit, she’ll need to call on resources she never knew she had, to take action and make the most terrible decisions, on behalf of all mankind.

Rex Matheson (played by TBC)

He’s 28, the golden boy. Has been, all his life. Harvard education, fast-tracker in the C.I.A., destined for success. Though he’s never taken it easy – Rex hustles, seduces and campaigns to get where he is today. He can talk his way into anything, then charm his way out, fast. He’s made a lot of enemies, but his friends and lovers would defend him to death.

His choice of career is significant. Someone like Rex could make a fortune in Wall Street, or Hollywood. But choosing the C.I.A. says a lot about him: that for all his swagger, he does believe in justice. And will fight for it.

Slowly but surely, we see him make friends. He’s thrown together with a bunch of people known as Torchwood, the only people who might have the answer to a global mystery. To Rex, at first, they’re a bunch of freaks. Welsh women and World War 2 Captains, what’s that about?! But as they race from one crisis to another, dodging assassins, blackmail, corruption and conspiracy, from Washington to Wales and the slums of Shanghai, Rex forges friendships in the heat of fire. He learns to trust his new colleagues. And they realize that this dangerous, dazzling, reckless man is the best friend they could ever have, in a world going to hell.

They frighten us, men like Rex. We wish we were him; we never will be.

What do you think of the new details? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

John Barrowman has expressed his excitement about the new series of Torchwood in a recent interview with AfterElton.

The actor told the website that he can’t wait to start filming the new 10-part story in the New Year – but remained tight-lipped about just what we can expect to see, insisting that he’s still waiting to be told himself. He said: “I can’t tell you anything about the script because I don’t know. I for one am excited by Captain Jack’s future.”

Meanwhile, he didn’t beat around the bush when pressed on the shock exit of Gareth David-Lloyd in Children of Earth, urging Ianto fans to ”get over it”. “I know that’s harsh, but comes a point where you have to move on with the story,” he admitted. ”We didn’t discuss it because everyone was happy with it and that was just it.”

He cryptically finished: “Who knows what will happen in the future.”

Are you happy Torchwood will live to fight another day? Discuss the new series here!

TV listings have confirmed that John Barrowman will be appearing as guest on The 5 O’Clock Show next week.

The Captain Jack actor will be interviewed on the show on Monday 12th July from, as its title suggests, 5 o’clock. The previously announced fourth series of Torchwood will no doubt be a hot topic on the agenda, as well as his recent stint in the US drama series Desperate Housewives, and the forthcoming return of his Saturday night show, Tonight’s the Night. Not much to discuss, then!

The Bookseller has revealed that Doctor Who and Torchwood star John Barrowman will be co-writing a new children’s sci-fi/fantasy book with his sister, Carole E. Barrowman.

The novel will be aimed at 9-12 year olds and will be published by Buster Books in August 2011. It will follow the story of a 13 year old twin brother and sister. John and Carole have previously written a Torchwood comic together, as well as both of John’s autobiographies.

The website also reports that John will be writing a forthcoming Torchwood novel.

The shortlist for the TV Choice Awards 2010 has been revealed, with Doctor Who facing competition from Merlin, Wild at Heart and Waterloo Road for the Best Family Drama gong.

In addition, Karen Gillan’s portrayal of companion Amy Pond in the latest series has secured her a place in the Best Actress category, alongside Waterloo Road’s Denise Welch, Keeley Hawes from Ashes to Ashes, and Kaya Scodelario for her role in Skins.

Matt Smith is up against Jack O’Connell from Skins, Philip Glenister from Ashes to Ashes and John Barrowman (we don’t need to tell you who he is…) for Best Actor, while last year’s mini-series of Torchwood, Children Earth, goes head to head with Shameless, Ashes to Ashes and Skins for the Best Drama Series prize.

Voting is open until July 9th, and the winners will be announced at the ceremony on September 6th, which will be hosted by Alexander ‘Mr Smith’ Armstrong.

We’d just like to wish Doctor Who, Torchwood and all its cast and crew the best of luck!

To tie in with the long-awaited transmission of The Pandorica Opens on Saturday, Radio Times have unveiled another great Doctor Who themed cover to add to our collections!

The latest issue of the magazine, which is out in the UK now priced £1.10, sports our time travelling heroes at Stonehenge, while inside there’s an interview with Karen Gillan, who discusses how her life has changed since she made her onscreen debut as the Doctor’s companion, Amy.

In addition, the official Radio Times website has unveiled an exclusive photo gallery featuring images taken from Karen’s photoshoots as well as a selection of episode stills covering Amy Pond’s best moments from the series so far.

The finale begins this Saturday with The Pandorica Opens, 18:40 on BBC1/HD.

In a new interview with STV, John Barrowman has revealed that he would be more than happy to return to Doctor Who as Jack Harkness if the opportunity came about. 

“I haven’t seen any of the new series yet, I’ve got it on my computer, because I’m always away so I either go on BBC iPlayer or download it on iTunes, but I’m excited to see it,” he said. “And who knows? As I’ve said, if ever I’m asked to come back, for Captain Jack to cross paths with the Doctor again, I will do it at the drop of a hat.”

But the actor remained tight-lipped when pressed on the proposed plans for a new US series of spin off Torchwood, which were recently scrapped by the Fox network. ”Fox aren’t interested,” he said. “But I can’t tell you anymore.”

He was speaking at the press launch for his upcoming 3D pantomine, Aladdin, in which he will be playing the lead role. It will run at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre’s Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow from December 11th 2010-January 9th 2011.

According to several articles that have surfaced online today, Fox have decided to scrap their plans to develop their own version of Torchwood.

The news originated from The Hollywood Reporter, who were also the first to report about the proposed US series back in January. According to the latest update, the Fox network and BBC Worldwide have signed a mutual agreement, however the BBC are reportedly in talks with other interested networks.

BBC Worldwide’s official statement reads:

“BBC Worldwide Productions and the Fox Broadcasting Company have mutually agreed not to progress together with a 13-episode serialised Torchwood format.  We are currently in discussion with several interested networks.”

Jane Tranter, executive vice president of programming and production, has also reassured fans that plans to bring back the spin off in some shape or form are “very much ongoing and very much alive.” Stick with us for the latest, as we get it!

A brand new musical based on Doctor Who is currently in its early stages of development!

We can exclusively reveal that the production – which has been tentatively named ‘The Doctor Whosical’ – will be written by former showrunner Russell T Davies.

It will feature John Barrowman as its protaganist, who will be taking to the stage as Captain Jack Harkness. The character will be reliving the two years of his life that were stolen from his memories by the Time Agency.

“Both Russell and John are absolutely thrilled that the musical has been given the greenlight,” our source told us. “Everybody knows that John can sing and dance, and he’s so popular as Captain Jack, so it just felt right that he should be able to combine the two. Surprisingly, he’s got a couple of months free starting from April, and that’s plenty of time to start rehearsing. He’d be a fool not too!”

If everything goes to plan, it’s thought that it will begin its West End run in Autumn 2011, and, thanks to the success of the series on BBC America, there are also plans for it to be extended to Broadway in Spring 2012!

Musical numbers in the production will include both original songs - penned by series composer Murray Gold – as well as reworked covers of iconic hits.

One scene will include Jack and the Face of Boe peforming a heartfelt duet of “I Just Can’t Get You Out Of My Head”, while the final act will feature a mindblowing rendition of “Don’t Stop Defabricatin’”. We’ll bring you more news as and when we get it!

Update: Happy April Fools’ Day everyone! We hope you enjoyed our prank this year. Well done to all of you who saw through it!

The BBC Press Office has confirmed that John Barrowman’s Saturday night entertainment show, Tonight’s the Night, will be back on our screens for a second series.

The weekend National Lottery Lotto, Dream Number and Thunderball draws will also be included as part of the programme when it returns later this year.

The host sets out to makes the dreams of members of the public come true, and gives them the opportunity to act out their ambition in front of a live audience.

Last year, one lucky Doctor Who fan was given the once in a lifetime chance to design and appear as their very own monster creation in a specially-written sketch in the TARDIS alongside David Tennant.

“I am just thrilled that Tonight’s The Night is coming back to Saturday nights on BBC One,” the Captain Jack actor said. “Once again I can’t wait to make the nation’s performance dreams come true.”