Peter Capaldi’s final series at the helm of the TARDIS (sorry for the reminder!) continues this weekend and it’s third time unlucky for the Doctor and Bill as they find themselves treading on Thin Ice. After you’ve left your mark at the edge of the galaxy lightyears in the future, there’s only one place to go next. Home… the long way round. Get in!

Picking up directly where last week’s episode left off (we see a pattern emerging here…), we rejoin our heroes slap bang in the middle of Regency London where, as expected, not all is as it seems amidst the carnivalesque chaos of a seemingly ordinary frost fair. Or at least, as ordinary as a frost fair can be. As an example, there’s an actual sword swallower among the weird and wonderful festivities, so this episode should definitely come with its own ‘Don’t try this at home’ disclaimer.

It’s the Great Last Frost Fair, to be precise, and the year is 1814. Also as expected, Bill has lots of questions. And no, it isn’t a parallel world…

The bustling backdrop is beautifully established by first time Who director Bill Anderson, and once again Bill’s wide-eyed wonderment is a joy to behold. As she takes in her snow-covered surroundings, Pearl Mackie gets the chance to show off her effortless talent when, in the flip of a coin (and that analogy will become clear when you see the episode), she struggles to comprehend the moral high ground that has been embedded within her 2,000 year old tutor. Basically, he moves on.

Bill’s character is already so well rounded that it’s easy to forget that this is only her third episode, and as such she is still getting to know her mysterious new friend. You don’t even realise – or care – that we’re revisiting aspects of the Doctor’s temperament that have been explored before, such as his apparent emotionless reaction to death, as the story allows it to be portrayed in a fresh and interesting way. Combine that with Bill’s unique perspective and it’s further evidence – not that any was needed – that our new TARDIS duo are a match made in televisual heaven.

Bill doesn’t sugarcoat her feelings, and that’s one of the things we love about her the most. Despite the fact she’s centuries away from the world that she knows, this plucky present day gal fits right in, which is partly thanks to the TARDIS’ ever expansive wardrobe. As they step into the story, the escalating drama evolves around them and it doesn’t take long for their fun at the fair to transpire into inevitable anarchy when a young boy’s tragic encounter with a Thames-dwelling serpent sends them on a mission to discover what really lies beneath. There’s definitely something fishy going on and whatever you do, don’t follow the lights…

Children play a big part in this episode, as the Doctor and Bill enlist the help of a band of pickpocketing street urchins who wouldn’t look out of place alongside the Artful Dodger himself. In fact, we expected him to pop up at any moment, and stranger things certainly happen in this madcap 44 minutes. Although the situation is looking increasingly dire, the impressive young ensemble bring some much needed comic relief to the proceedings, particularly when the Doctor, as he puts it, “gets down with the kids”, much to Bill’s hilarious horror. Even her hair is left cringing.

Back to the matter at hand, though, and their investigation soon leads them to the sinister Sutcliffe (right), as played by this week’s leading guest star Nicholas Burns, who is such an indescribably disgusting human being that, when the Doctor does something completely out of character, you can’t help but cheer along. Kudos to Nicholas Burns, who is largely known for his comedic performances, for bringing to life such a skin-crawling adversary. Needless to say, His Lordship’s motivations are truly terrifying.

Of course, it all comes down to Sarah Dollard’s script. The last time she contributed to the show, she broke our Whovian hearts into pieces by killing off Clara Oswald (we’re still not over it), and this time she takes us back to a London that’s just as unfamiliar as Face the Raven’s trap streets, yet instantly as rich and magical. Even if the Doctor never does find out the secret behind that card trick…

One of the most exciting things to take away from Thin Ice is that there’s still so much of the Doctor and Bill to come. As a standalone story, it ticks all the boxes of a classic Doctor Who adventure. It’s set in the past, there’s an alien creature hidden just out of sight, there’s an awesome underwater sequence and, perhaps most importantly, its poignant resolution will leave you shaking your head in disgust and contempt at the human race. It’s like The Beast Below all over again, but the Doctor does get to wear a top hat so you know, swings and roundabouts.

Oh, and you’ll also no doubt be pleased to hear that Nardole makes another all too brief but memorable appearance, as the elusive Vault mystery deepens. And when we say that Thin Ice ends with a “knock knock”, we’re not just talking about Episode 4…

With Steven Moffat’s final full series as showrunner now just under a month away, we’re going back to where it all began (for him, at least) as we embark on a mission to discover his best series opener to date.

It only feels like yesterday that the Eleventh Doctor was crash landing in Amelia Pond’s garden, but The Eleventh Hour – Steven’s first episode at the show’s helm – will mark its 7th anniversary next month. The episode kick started a whole new era, and it’s safe to say that the Moff’s series premieres have been getting bigger and better ever since.

Where do you even start when it comes to Steven’s series openers? Over the years they’ve taken us to the shores of Lake Silencio in Utah (thus beginning one of the most mind-bending story arcs in Who history), Victorian London and even inside the Asylum of the Daleks itself. Say what you like about Moffat, but he definitely knows how to kick off a new series with a bang, and he is about to do it one more time when the Doctor returns to our screens on 15th April in The Pilot, with his next companion, Bill Potts, in tow. Get in!

Before that, though, let’s get nostalgic as we take a fond look back at his past premieres. Which has been your favourite? Let us know by voting in the poll below (and for the sake of continuity, we’ve included the mid-series premieres too!) and explain your choice in the comments. The results will be revealed ahead of the premiere of Series 10, so get voting…

Sorry, but this poll is now closed.

The Doctor is BACK on 15th April – check out the BRAND NEW, full-length trailer…

Admit it. You didn’t know what to think when it was announced that we’ll only be getting one Doctor Who episode this year, did you?

It’s not a bad dream, unfortunately, but in the wise words of the Face of Boe, “you are not alone”. The ensuing tidal wave of rumours and reports has meant that our dear old fandom doesn’t know whether it’s coming or going anymore, and with so much speculation flying all over the place, we thought it appropriate to do a recap of what we definitely do know about Series 10. Which, admittedly, isn’t that much.

What DO we know for sure?

1. Filming Starts in May

Better late than never, right? Although it’s never too late, as a wise person once said. Kylie, I think. Anyway, earlier this month it was confirmed that the TARDIS will officially reopen for business in May when the cameras start rolling on Series 10 in Cardiff, with Peter Capaldi recently revealing that he’s currently preparing – both mentally and psychically – to embark on his third string of adventures. “We make it for nine months,” he said, “so the most important thing is that I’m fit and on top of everything. I’m looking forward to starting.” You’re not the only one, Peter. Where’s a TARDIS when you need one?!

2. But it won’t hit our screens until NEXT Spring

Yeah, so that’s the bad news. Although filming will commence in the next couple of months, it won’t actually hit our screens until next spring, and you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out that this means there will consequently be no full series of Doctor Who in 2016. Rumours that the series would be going on another “gap year” first hit the waves before Series 9 had even finished, with reports that fans would be getting a year of “feature-length specials” to tide them over until its full time return in 2017. As it turns out, we won’t even be getting that, with only the now traditional Christmas Special hitting our screens this December. Fa la la la la, la la la la, and all that. It’s gonna be a long year.

3. It will feature 12 Episodes

See, there’s actually nothing to worry about after all. After this year’s Christmas Special, we’ll have 12 brand new spanking episodes to look forward to in Series 10 next year, following the format that’s been in place since Series 8. And then, we can assume, there will be next year’s Christmas Special, too, bringing the grand total of Doctor Who episodes in 2017 up to 13. An unlucky number for some, but definitely not unlucky for Whovians. So rest assured that we’ll be getting just as much as Doctor Who as we’re used to, we’ll just have to wait an extra year for it is all. Swings and roundabouts.

4. It will be Steven’s final series as Showrunner

Whether you’ve loved or loathed Steven Moffat as Doctor Who’s showrunner in chief, it was a genuine shock to the system to us all when it was announced that he’ll be stepping down from his head writing duties after Series 10. He previously confirmed that he had signed up to helm at least one more series during a BAFTA event in May 2015, but it wasn’t until last month that the Beeb officially revealed that the Moff is… well, off. He took over the reigns from Russell T Davies back in 2009 and has described the job as “the best in the universe”.

5. And he’s set to “go out with a bang”

Is there any other way to go, daddio? According to BBC One controller Charlotte Moore, the channel hopes to “bring the nation together for what will be a huge event” when Steven bows out next spring. After rebooting the entire universe, introducing a secret incarnation of the Doctor and reinstating Gallifrey to its former glory (to name but a few), what on Earth will Steven have up his sleeve for Series 10? We dread to think.

6. Peter Capaldi isn’t going anywhere

Hurrah! After surviving billions of years trapped inside a confession dial at the end of the last series, the Twelfth Doctor will be back to fight another day in Series 10… and with a brand new sonic screwdriver in hand. Let’s face it, though, Peter Capaldi is only just getting started, although the man himself has suggested that 2017 might be his “final year” aboard the TARDIS. But let’s cross that bridge when we get to it, eh?

7. And he’s getting a brand new companion

Here we go again! Clara Oswald’s departure at the end of Series 9 means that there’s now a vacancy aboard the TARDIS for another unsuspecting Earthling to step aboard for the trip of a lifetime. Well, they’ll probably be an Earthling, anyway, and a female one at that (that’s always been the pattern, right?), but we do know that it will be “somebody new” who the Doctor has never met before. Better luck next time, Osgood. The identity of the Doctor’s incoming BFF is probably the biggest secret in TV Land at the moment, but you can hazard a guess and leave your hopes and predictions in our dedicated discussion, here.

8. Missy (might) be back!

And it would be about time, too! It’s safe to say that fans haven’t been able to get enough of Michelle Gomez in all her malevolent glory since she was introduced as the first female incarnation of the Master back in Series 8. She was back with an almighty vengeance (to put it lightly!) in last year’s thrilling two-part premiere, and it looks like her reign of terror is still only just beginning, if Steven Moffat’s recent cryptic hint is anything to go by. We “should definitely expect more from her in the future”, apparently, which certainly sounds intriguing. We’re gonna need eight snipers…

9. It’s already signed up two “amazing” writers

Oh Steven, why must you relentlessly tease us so? The outgoing showrunner revealed at the end of last year that he’s already secured the services of two “amazing” writers to lend their creativity to his final series. They’re so brilliant, in fact, that our “brains would explode” if he told us who they are, so it’s probably best if we just take his word for it for the time being. That won’t stop us speculating in the meantime, however, so feel free to place your bets in the comments section below. The possibilities are endless…

10. And let’s not forget those Peter Jackson rumours

Will he be directing? Won’t he be directing? Your guess is as good as ours at the moment, but the Academy Award winning mastermind behind such trilogies as ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ dropped his biggest clue yet last November when he posted a cryptic Facebook video message featuring none other than Peter Capaldi himself. The fandom went into an unprecedented frenzy, of course, but three months later and we’re still no closer to actually finding out if he’ll be lending his vision to one of the Time Lord’s televisual adventures or not. And with related rumours dating back to 2012, it would definitely be a long time coming. Would somebody just give the man a damn Dalek already?!

New adventures. New companion. Same Doctor! Read the latest Series 10 news…

Summer was just around the corner, the days were getting longer, and the Doctor was, unfortunately, still nowhere to be seen.

Anticipation surrounding Series 9 was reaching fever pitch as we entered the second half of 2015, with our beloved Time Lord finally returning to our screens – the long way round – in September. Peter Capaldi’s second string of adventures were just the tip of the timey-wimey iceberg, though, as July-December brought us plenty of other surprises, including the announcement of a brand new Doctor Who spin off.

Reflect on the best moments that 2015 had to offer in the second half of our Year in Review. It’s been an absolute blast and we can’t wait to see what 2016 will have to offer.

July (WhovianNet news posts: 17)

Honestly, you wait months and months for one scrap of Series 9 news, and then all of this comes along at once! Entertainment Weekly teased that “cataclysmic repercussions” awaited the Doctor when the first picture from the Series 9 two-part premiere surfaced online, and fans finally found out exactly when they’d be able to enjoy it when it was confirmed at the end of the first full-length trailer (and oh, what a trailer it was!) that the TARDIS would be back in business on Saturday 19th September. Let the countdown commence!

Meanwhile, the Doctor Who cast and crew descended on San Diego Comic Con, the Time Lord took on a new dimension in the first LEGO trailer and Torchwood fans were deservedly thrilled to discover that Ianto Jones would be making his long awaited return in Big Finish’s new audio range. It only took him 6 years!

August (WhovianNet news posts: 13)

With Series 9 just around the corner, anticipation was already reaching fever pitch as the BBC unveiled an explosive poster as well as a second heart-stopping trailer featuring previously unseen clips from the Twelfth Doctor’s second string of adventures. Missy and Maisie and dragons, oh my!

Naturally, the man himself was revealed as this month’s Doctor Who Magazine cover star to prove that he and Missy will always be the very best of enemies (n’awww!), and he also appeared on SFX’s regeneration issue which boasted an exclusive preview of his forthcoming escapades. Was it September yet?!

Also in August, Series 9 added another glamorous guest star in the form of Reece Shearsmith as rumours mounted that the show would be taking another hiatus in 2016 (producing only a handful of sporadic “specials”) to accommodate a behind the scenes overhaul. Interestingly, the BBC declined to comment. Which is so unlike them.

September (WhovianNet news posts: 19)

The moment had finally arrived! Having last appeared on our screens on Christmas Day 2014, the Twelfth Doctor and Clara finally returned in The Magician’s Apprentice and The Witch’s Familiar, which were watched by official audiences of 6.54 million and 5.71 million, respectively. The premiere of Series 9 was preceded by the release of an official prequel and prologue as the Daleks invaded the London Underground and Peter and Jenna took a leaf out of the Beatles’ book by recreating their iconic Abbey Road photo to promote their imminent televisual comeback. The moment had definitely been prepared for!

It wasn’t all good news, however. On the eve of the new series, the BBC announced that Jenna Coleman would be stepping down from her role as Clara Oswald after four spectacular years, leaving fans to speculate just when and how her final departure would play out. One thing was for sure, though, it was going to be “emotional”! Meanwhile, Christmas came early in Cardiff as filming on this this Christmas Special officially commenced, accompanied by the announcement that Alex Kingston would be reprising her ever popular role as River Song.

October (WhovianNet news posts: 31)

The month of Hallowe’en kicked off with the extremely exciting announcement that 2016 will be bringing us a brand new Doctor Who spin off, Class, written and created by award-winning YA author Patrick Ness. Based in Coal Hill School, the 8-part BBC Three drama will follow a group of students whose lives are thrown upside down when incredible dangers break through the walls of time and space. It’s basically growing up… but with monsters. We’ve all been there, right?

Meanwhile, the first pictures of the official LEGO set materialised (and it was basically the best thing ever!) as the Doctor’s televisual adventures saw our heroes journey Under the Lake and Before the Flood before Maisie Williams made her anticipated debut in The Girl Who Died and The Woman Who Lived. Next up, there were shape-shifting shenanigans around every corner and nobody could be trusted as one of the Doctor’s most iconic adversaries returned in The Zygon Inversion, but all the national press could talk about was Last Christmas guest star Faye Marsey who had emerged as the bookies’ favourite to be unveiled as the new Doctor Who companion.

And then Big Finish went and ripped the stratosphere of the fandom apart by announcing that David Tennant and Catherine Tate would be reprising their roles as the Tenth Doctor and Donna Noble for a brand new audio series. Someone had been picking at our Christmas lists…

November (WhovianNet news posts: 47)

November went off with a bang for the Doctor and Clara in The Zygon Inversion before they faced a nightmare scenario in Sleep No More. As Clara prepared to Face the Raven, the Doctor Who Festival kicked off in London and there was yet more excitement for LEGO fans when it was claimed that the Doctor will be appearing in the LEGO Movie sequel in 2018. Everything is awesome!

Meanwhile, the Doctor faced his greatest challenge alone in Series 9’s penultimate episode, Heaven Sent, as Oscar winning Peter Jackson sent the fandom into a frenzy when he posted a cryptic video message suggesting that he’ll finally be directing Doctor Who. Christmas came a month early when the BBC unveiled the first picture from this year’s festive adventure and, looking even further into the future, Steven Moffat responded to ongoing speculation by affirming that Series 10 will be 13 episodes – including a Christmas Special – after all. Oh, and Peter Capaldi “is going nowhere”, too. Well, for another year, at least!

December (WhovianNet news posts: 27)

Christmas was coming, the goose was getting fat… and the Doctor was returning to Gallifrey once and for all. This year’s series reached its dramatic and “devastating” conclusion at the start of December as the Time Lord was Hell Bent on saving Clara Oswald from her untimely demise. Averaging 6.03 million viewers, Series 9 might’ve been over (don’t worry, you’ll be able to get the boxset on 7th March 2016!) but thankfully the TARDIS doors weren’t closed for long. Christmas Day saw Alex Kingston make her triumphant return in The Husbands of River Song which rounded off the year in spectacular style.

But what will 2016 have in store for the Doctor? Well, all we know for sure is that he definitely will be back (which is certainly better than knowing that he isn’t!) and Steven Moffat has already dropped some cryptic hints to suggest that Missy will also be returning in Series 10, which will also welcome two “prominent” new writers.  Oh, and the new companion, of course, which is pretty exciting. Peter Capaldi fans better make the most of it, too, as the man himself has hinted that it may be his “final year” at the helm of the TARDIS. As always, though, only time will tell. It always does.

Happy New Year to our visitors, and we wish you all the very best for 2016. What Doctor Who memories will you be taking with you from 2015? Let us know in the comments and read Part 1 of our Year in Review here.

Series 9 of Doctor Who averaged 6.03 million viewers in the UK, the consolidated ratings have revealed.

With its climactic conclusion, Hell Bent, being watched by an official audience of 6.17 million, the figures make the specially extended episode the least most watched series finale since 2005, just behind Series 5’s The Big Bang which attracted 6.7 million back in 2010. Meanwhile, Series 9 as a whole is also slightly down on last year’s which averaged 7.4 million. This year’s highest rated episode was, understandably, its highly publicised premiere with 6.54 million viewers.

After 10 years, Doctor Who still continues to be one of the most successful shows on TV with showrunner Steven Moffat affirming that the series has never been more popular. However, he has recently suggested that it “is not built to go out at 8.25pm”, with incumbent Time Lord Peter Capaldi agreeing that it “doesn’t belong” in a later time slot.

Click here to Rate and Discuss this year’s epic series finale… the long way round!

BBC Books has revealed the cover artworks for the upcoming Twelfth Doctor novels.

The authors and plot details for each of the original titles were released earlier this month and they’re set to be published on 10th September 2015, priced at £6.99 each, to coincide with Series 9.

The stories make up The Glamour Chronicles and include Big Bang Generation by Gary Russell, Deep Time by Trevor Baxendale and Royal Blood by Una McCormack.

Check out their covers below. Will you be adding these new novels to your book collection?

Browse the latest Doctor Who products on sale now in our merchandise section…

Three new Doctor Who novels featuring the Twelfth Doctor and Clara Oswald will be released in the autumn.

To coincide with the premiere of Series 9, fans will be able to get their hands on a trilogy of original adventures including Big Bang Generation by Gary Russell, Deep Time by Trevor Baxendale and Royal Blood by Una McCormack.

They’re expected to be published on 10th September 2015, priced at £6.99 each, and their respective covers are to be finalised. Read their official synopses below.

The new novels will also be available as audiobooks with their readers still to be confirmed.

Big Bang Generation by Gary Russell

“I’m an archaeologist, but probably not the one you were expecting.”

Christmas 2015, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Imagine everyone’s surprise when a time portal opens up in Sydney Cove. Imagine their shock as a massive pyramid now sits beside the Harbour Bridge, inconveniently blocking Port Jackson and glowing with energy. Imagine their fear as Cyrrus “the mobster” Globb, Professor Horace Jaanson and an alien assassin called Kik arrive to claim the glowing pyramid. Finally imagine everyone’s dismay when they are followed by a bunch of con artists out to spring their greatest grift yet.

This gang consists of Legs (the sexy comedian), Dog Boy (providing protection and firepower), Shortie (handling logistics), Da Trowel (in charge of excavation and history) and their leader, Doc (busy making sure the universe isn’t destroyed in an explosion that makes the Big Bang look like a damp squib).

And when someone accidentally reawakens The Ancients of Time – which, Doc reckons, wasn’t the wisest or best-judged of actions – things get a whole lot more complicated…

Deep Time by Trevor Baxendale

“I do hope you’re all ready to be terrified!”

The Phaeron disappeared from the universe over a million years ago. They travelled among the stars using roads made from time and space, but left only relics behind. But what actually happened to the Phaeron? Some believe they were they eradicated by a superior force… Others claim they destroyed themselves.

Or were they in fact the victims of an even more hideous fate?

In the far future, humans discover the location of the last Phaeron road – and The Doctor and Clara join the mission to see where the road leads. Each member of the research team knows exactly what they’re looking for —but only The Doctor knows exactly what they’ll find.

Because only The Doctor knows the true secret of the Phaeron: a monstrous secret so terrible and powerful that it must be buried in the deepest grave imaginable…

Royal Blood by Una McCormack

“The Grail is a story, a myth! It didn’t exist on your world! It can’t exist here!”

The city-state of Varuz is failing. Duke Aurelian is the last of his line, his capital is crumbling, and the armies of his enemy, Duke Conrad, are poised beyond the mountains to invade. Aurelian is preparing to gamble everything on one last battle. So when a holy man, the Doctor, comes to Varuz from beyond the mountains, Aurelian asks for his blessing in the war.

But all is not what it seems in Varuz. The city-guard have lasers for swords, and the halls are lit by electric candlelight. Aurelian’s beloved wife, Guena, and his most trusted knight, Bernhardt, seem to be plotting to overthrow their Duke, and Clara finds herself drawn into their intrigue…

Will the Doctor stop Aurelian from going to war? Will Clara’s involvement in the plot against the Duke be discovered? Why is Conrad’s ambassador so nervous? And who are the ancient and weary knights who arrive in Varuz claiming to be on a quest for the Holy Grail…?

Browse the latest Doctor Who products on sale now in our merchandise section…

Doctor Who has received a coveted nomination at this year’s honourable Hugo Awards.

Series 8’s critically and fan lauded Listen, written by Steven Moffat and directed by Douglas Mackinnon, is shortlisted in the Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form category alongside respective episode’s of The Flesh, Game of Thrones, Grimm and Orphan Black.

The winners will be revealed at the annual ceremony on 22nd August 2015 at the Sasquan convention in Washington.

A Hugo Award is a particularly prestigious accolade as it’s voted for by members of the World Science Fiction Convention. Previous wins for Doctor Who include The Waters of Mars, The Pandorica Opens/ The Big Bang and The Doctor’s Wife. Fingers crossed!

The official rating for this year’s Doctor Who finale has been revealed.

Death in Heaven, which was first broadcast on BBC One on Saturday 8th November, was seen by 7.60 million people in the UK, making it the 5th most watched finale of the revived series so far.

A considerable leap from its initial ‘overnight’ of 5.45 million, the consolidated figure includes those who watched the episode within the first 7 days of its transmission.

Doctor Who Finale Ratings 2005-Present

1. Series 4 (2008): Journey’s End – 10.57 million
2. Series 3 (2007): Last of the Time Lords – 8.61million
3. Series 2 (2006): Doomsday – 8.22million
4. Series 6 (2011) – The Wedding of River Song – 7.67 million
5. Series 8 (2014) – Death in Heaven – 7.60 million
6. Series 7: The Name of the Doctor (2013) – 7.45 million
7. Series 1 (2005): The Parting of the Ways – 6.91million
8. Series 5 (2010) – The Big Bang – 6.7 million

Peter Capaldi’s debut series as the Twelfth Doctor averaged 7.4 million viewers in the UK.

“Say something nice” (or not) about the Series 8 finale in our episode discussion!

The Doctor will come face to face with the Mummy on the Orient Express this weekend and the BBC have released some previews to whet our appetites.

The episode picks up from a phone call the Doctor received at the end of The Big Bang, as showrunner Steven Moffat explains: “A long time ago, the Doctor took a phone call asking for some help on the Orient Express. Finally, he’s getting around to doing something about it!”

In a new clip, the Mummy show its face to an unlucky victim…

• Introduction to Mummy on the Orient Express - Tickets please! Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat introduce Mummy on the Orient Express.

• 66 Seconds - The clock is ticking for the passengers on board the Orient Express…

Take a small step for Whovian kind and rate Kill the Moon in our discussion, here!