Blogtor Who

Coming Soon!!! The Blogtor Who Regeneration.

noreply@blogger.com (Noting) — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 09:26:00 +0000

Welcome to 2016!!

Blogtor Who has a new owner and new management. However, what we don't have today is a new look website. It has been a terrible week for our website host and European internet stability for that matter. Yesterday even the BBC's websites went down. There was a huge and persistence DoS (Denial of Service) attack on our host servers and basically we just couldn't finish the necessary work for a launch. Providing there is no massive problems this weekend, we will be up on Monday with the new look website with all of Blogtor Who's posts.

So no regeneration today. The original look just doesn't want to go.

Now to introduce myself.

My name is Susan Hewitt, and together with Diane Malkin and some brilliant writers, we have been running two other websites - the Peter Capaldi News and the David Tennant News - for several years now. So we do understand social media, blogging, how fast to get the news out and Doctor Who.

Both Di and I are long time fans and have loved the show since childhood. (No we aren't going to say how long that is or who our first Doctor was. You will just have to guess.) We love writing about the show, the actors, the writers, the directors and the creative team. We've also made a lot of friends in the Doctor Who Fandom including Cameron K. McEwan. It has just been fun.

However, running three websites is huge undertaking and requires a lot of help. So earlier this month we sent out some requests for writers and the response was overwhelming. We have met a number of brilliant individuals who are currently working several new articles and regular features. These will all be launched over the upcoming week.

We do have as many new writers as we can support at present, but if you want to write for any of the three sites feel free to email us at BlogtorWho@DT-Forum.com. We will get back to you but we will be working with the first group in January.

We hope you will enjoy the new features, the reviews and of course the news. I must say we are thrilled to be taking this journey through time and space!!

AUDIO REVIEW: The Diary of River Song Series 1

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 14:09:00 +0000

The Diary of River Song Series 1

Written by Jenny T Colgan, Justin Richards, James Goss & Matt Fitton

Starring Alex Kingston & Paul McGann

Out Now - Buy HERE

Review by Emrys Matthews

Fresh off the back of a cracking Doctor Who Christmas special, we get the first incarnation of Professor River Song’s own spin-off series, The Diary of River Song. The idea for this new series actually comes from showrunner Steven Moffat, who suggested and authorised the team at Big Finish to use the character and have her interact with earlier Doctors. And what an exciting prospect is that?

The series is broken in to four parts:

The Boundless Sea by Jenny T Colgan

River has immersed herself in early 20th century archaeological academia, but when a mysterious tomb is found in a dry, distant land, excitement comes looking for River. Can Professor Song stop any more members of the expedition from dying?

This feels like the perfect place to start, with an archaeological dig. As our protagonist is an archaeologist after all. Kudos to Jenny T Colgan who is the first writer to get her hands on River Song after Steven Moffat who up until now has penned every story featuring the Doctor’s long time beau. Colgan totally gets the character and does a great job establishing the River in her own world.

I Went to a Marvellous Party by Justin Richards

Our curly-haired archaeologist always enjoys a good party, even when she’s not entirely sure where or when the party is taking place. But the party she ends up at is one where not everything – or indeed everyone – is what it seems.

Wonderfully different to its predecessor this story’s setting is the perfect environ for the character of River Sing to flourish.

Signs by James Goss

River Song is on the trail of the mysterious, planet-killing SporeShips. Nobody knows anything about them aside from wherever these ships appear, whole civilisations are reduced to mulch. But River has the help of a handsome time-travelling stranger.

The clear jewel in the Diary of River Song’s crown. This largely two-hander is fantastic. Samuel West (who older readers may remember made a star turn in the classic multi-Doctor outing, Dimensions In Time) turns in a top rate performance as Mr. Song and the chemistry between these two characters is palpable. This story is worth listening to over the rest. From the bonus material included with the release, West confesses to having a deep desire to play the Doctor; something that this reviewer would now really love to see.

The Rulers of the Universe by Matt Fitton

Out in deep space, a clandestine society faces off with an ancient and powerful alien force. But for River there’s an added complication. The Eighth Doctor has been caught in the middle, and she must make sure her future husband can arrive at his own destiny with all his memories, not to mention his lives intact.

Writer of this part of the story, Matt Fitton, also script-edited the whole piece and his expert hand can be seen all over this excellent adventure. The relationship between River and the Eighth Doctor is beautifully handled. It’s great to listen with the knowledge that the Doctor mustn’t know or see River. The chemistry is there and, as a listener, one can really appreciate that Song knows who this man is and what their future will hold, but the Doctor is totally in the dark. This story perfectly rounds off this fantastic new production.

The chosen diary style format feels like the best possible direction to take this wonderfully fresh new outing from the ever growing Doctor Who audio giant Big Finish. The structure crops up concurrently throughout the release, but never overwhelmingly or to the piece’s detriment.

All in all, The Diary of River Song feels legitimate, and in turn, acts to further legitimise the short-lived televisual Eighth Doctor’s character too. It is evident from Alex Kingston’s performance that she is clearly hugely connected to and invested in her character.

Once again Big Finish’s relationship with the current embodiment of Doctor Who on the television grows and grows. The quality at Big Finish has always been present, but seems to be on a real role currently and is beginning to reach out in wonderful and exciting new directions.

BLOGTOR WHO RATING 9/10

Thanks to Big Finish

Review by Emrys Matthews

Doctor Who Christmas Special: behind-the-scenes on The Husbands of River Song

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Dec 2015 18:36:00 +0000

The BBC have released some behind-the-scenes footage from Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Husbands of River Song - watch them in the players below. Featured are Greg Davies (King Hydroflax) and Alex Kingston (River Song).

In the players below can check out some festive fun from the Doctor Who cast and crew including: Peter Capaldi (The Doctor), Jenna Coleman (Clara), Alex Kingston (River Song), Michelle Gomez (Missy), Ingrid Oliver (Osgood), Maisie Williams (Ashildr), Paul Kaye (Prentis) and Matt Lucas (Nardole).

VISIT THE 2015 DOCTOR WHO XMAS EP GUIDE HERE

Doctor Who Christmas Special: The Husbands of River Song clip 2

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 18:05:00 +0000

The BBC have released another new clip from this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Husbands of River Song - watch it in the player below. It features Peter Capaldi (The Doctor), Matt Lucas (Nardole) and Alex Kingston (River Song). Check out another clip HERE.

VISIT THE 2015 DOCTOR WHO XMAS EP GUIDE HERE

The Husbands of River Song is written by Doctor Who Executive Producer Steven Moffat, directed by Douglas Mackinnon (Listen) and also stars Greg Davies as King Hyrdoflax. The episode airs 5.15pm, Dec 25 on BBC One.

Doctor Who Christmas Special: The Husbands of River Song clip 1

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 12:56:00 +0000

The BBC have released a clip from this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Husbands of River Song - watch it in the player below. It features Matt Lucas as Nardole and Peter Capaldi as The Twelfth Doctor.

The Husbands of River Song is written by Doctor Who Executive Producer Steven Moffat, directed by Douglas Mackinnon (Listen) and also stars Alex Kingston as River Song and Greg Davies as King Hyrdoflax. The episode airs 5.15pm, Dec 25 on BBC One.

VISIT THE GUIDE TO THE 2015 DOCTOR WHO XMAS EP HERE

Doctor Who - The Complete Ninth Series boxset on DVD/bluray

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 11:34:00 +0000

Pre-order on Bluray HERE

BBC Worldwide have announced details of the Doctor Who Complete Ninth Series boxset, which will be available on DVD and bluray from March 7, 2016. Pre-order on DVD HERE and on Bluray HERE.

Included on the set are all 12 episodes of Series 9, along with the two Christmas specials, Last Christmas and The Husbands of River Song, and four hours of extras Check out the special features below.

DVD Commentaries

Under the Lake and Before the Flood - Sophie Stone (Cass), writer Toby Whithouse, producer Derek Ritchie

The Woman Who Lived - Maisie Williams (Ashildr), producer Derek Ritchie

Sleep No More - Reece Shearsmith (Rasmussen), writer Mark Gatiss

Doctor Who Extra

The Magician’s Apprentice / The Witch’s Familiar

Peter Capaldi reveals all, and shows off his guitar riffs, as we get the inside story on this stunning two-parter. Featuring additional interviews with Michelle Gomez and Steven Moffat.

Under the Lake / Before the Flood

Go backstage and meet some very ghastly monsters! Discover the secret of a special celebrity appearance as Paul Kaye welcomes us on location, and we reveal how to make a big splash on set. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman, writer Toby Whithouse and production designer Michael Pickwoad.

The Girl Who Died / The Woman Who Lived

Maisie Williams talks about crossing fandoms, celebrates her birthday with an impromptu quiz, and generally everyone has a lot of fun, as Rufus Hound gives us a unique view of what it’s like to make Doctor Who. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi and Maisie Williams.

The Zygon Invasion / The Zygon Inversion

The Zygons are back! We discover how a Zygon keeps fit, and Ingrid Oliver tells of her delight at once more playing the Doctor’s biggest fan, Osgood! Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman and Ingrid Oliver.

Sleep No More

Mark Gatiss reveals the story behind the horror, Reece Shearsmith reviews the importance of space glasses, and we look at the challenges of making this unique episode. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman and Steven Moffat.

Face the Raven

Joivan Wade (Rigsy) is shocked to be back, but he’s not the only character to return for this unforgettable adventure, as we discover the perils of thinking you are invincible. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman and Steven Moffat.

Heaven Sent / Hell Bent

Steven Moffat and director Rachel Talalay reveal the challenges of creating the puzzle-box that is Heaven Sent, we get wind-blown in Fuerteventura, and we witness the departure of a companion as we go on set for Jenna Coleman’s last day of filming. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman, Steven Moffat and Rachel Talalay.

The Husbands of River Song

Matt Lucas is our guide as we join River Song, the Doctor and a star-liner full of supervillains for this festive Christmas special. We get the heads-up on the Hydroflax from Greg Davies, reveal Alex Kingston’s favourite Sonic, and we find out what Peter Capaldi is getting for Christmas. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Alex Kingston, and Steven Moffat.

Pre-order DVD HERE

Doctor Who Documentaries

Writing Who

The definitive guide for a would-be Doctor Who scriptwriter. We follow Sarah Dollard on her intricate journey to create her episode, Face The Raven. From the highs of pitching her original idea to Steven Moffat, to the challenges of writing her first draft – faced with a blank page and typing Int. TARDIS Day - to seeing her episode becoming reality.

Dalek Devotion

Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat reveal the inspiration for the return of the Daleks in the incredible Series 9 opener, how their earliest memories have shaped their devotion to the ultimate killing machine, and the journey to the Dalek homeland of Skaro.

The Adventures of River Song

Join Alex Kingston and Steven Moffat as we look forward to River’s return in The Husbands of River Song. Find out how River’s character came to be created, why Alex just had to play the role, what happened when the cast discovered who River really is. Narrated by Nina Toussaint-White (Mels in Let's Kill Hitler).

Sublime Online

A video selection box of the funniest, most insightful and engaging online treats from behind the scenes of Series 9. With interviews and magical moments from Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman and Steven Moffat, and featuring a host of guest stars, including Maisie Williams, Michelle Gomez, Rufus Hound, Ingrid Oliver and Slipknot.

Clara’s Journey

In 2012, Jenna Coleman joined Doctor Who and took her place in television history as the Doctor’s newest companion, Clara Oswald. Having become the longest serving companion since the revival of the show, Clara’s time on the TARDIS has now come to an end, so we can now look back at just what made the Impossible Girl, well, possible. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman. Narrated by Colin McFarlane (Moran in Under The Lake).

The Fan Show’s Finest

Christel Dee gives a whistle-stop guide to Doctor Who: The Fan Show the online series that celebrates Doctor Who and the amazing creativity of the show's fans. We get a peek inside Steven Moffat’s writing lair, take a look into the Old Monster’s Retirement Home and step into the amazing world of Minecraft to find out how fans are celebrating their love for the show online. We even get face to face with the Doctor and Missy to ask them all the questions the fans want to know.

PRE-ORDER DVD HERE | PRE-ORDER BLURAY HERE

Other extras include:

The Doctor’s Meditation - Series 9 prequel
Series 9 Prologue

Deleted Scenes

Series 8 recap

All Series 9 trailers

2015 San Diego Comic Con Panel

Interview with Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman hosted by Wil Wheaton.

DOCTOR WHO: THE COMPLETE NINTH SERIES

is released on DVD & Bluray on March 7, 2016

PRE-ORDER ON DVD HERE AND BLURAY HERE

PREVIEW: The Husbands of River Song [SPOILER-FREE]

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 17:15:00 +0000

Alex Kingston in The Husbands of River Song (C) BBC

You can check out Blogtor's spoiler-free review of this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special HERE. For more pics, news and info, visit the Guide to The Husbands of River Song HERE.

This is the last post on Blogtor Who for 2015, the site will be back in 2016 with a new look and new owners.

AUDIO REVIEW: The War Doctor Vol.1 - Only The Monstrous

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 17:00:00 +0000

The War Doctor - Only The Monstrous

Written by Nicholas Briggs

Starring John Hurt

Out Now - Buy HERE

Review by Emrys Matthews

The Doctor is dead. As the Daleks mass their time fleet for a final assault on Gallifrey, something ancient is waiting for them at Omega One. Meanwhile, on the planet Keska, a parochial war has returned to plague a peaceful civilisation after decades of tranquillity. But how can such a war have any connection with the great Time War, and who is this stranger taking up the Time Lord’s cause?

With the whole Big Finish team behind it, and the blessing of the BBC, The War Doctor, AKA John Hurt, brings his “not the Doctor” Doctor to audio, and boy does this story pack a wallop. It’s a dramatic and epic movie for the ears that sees the as yet untouched “years” of John Hurt’s War Doctor brought to life on audio for the very first time.

Firstly I want to praise this piece’s writer and Director Nicholas Briggs, who’s work for Big Finish has gone from strength to strength over the last few years. This, however is undoubtedly his best work to date. Taking his passion for war movies as an impetus has given this story a great grounding, but adding the War Doctor into that structure breaks the mould from the get-go. The three part movie-like story feels more like the three acts of a film than three individual stories, this works to the story's strength.

Starting at the very beginning, there is a really tremendous new version of the infamous theme music, that feels aptly epic to parallel the feel of the story. The adventure walks that perfect line between plot focused and character developing; it suitably supports the development of these first ever adventures of a new “Doctor.” There are some wonderful touches in the script harking back to previous Dalek adventures and possibly allusions to the War Doctor’s later regeneration.

John Hurt is INcredible. He totally gets that his War Doctor can be everything the other, regular incarnations of the Doctor cannot. He brings a real tempered sadness and resigned quality and clearly has a huge amount of respect for the role. Lucy-Briggs Owen and Carolyn Seymour also turn in first-rate, relatable and emotionally connected performances as the Doctor’s one-off companion for this story, Rejoice. Finally, Jacqueline Pearce as the Time Lord leader Cardinal Ollistra has wonderful chemistry with co-star and friend John Hurt.

One is truly hard-pressed to find any critique of this wonderful adventure, perhaps taking the War Doctor’s moral boundaries, or lack thereof, further in future stories would be the only suggestion.

This is a great jumping on point for new listeners; more than ever and doesn’t rely on having much prior knowledge. It is truly encouraging to see the burgeoning relationship between the BBC and Big Finish, with releases like The War Doctor, UNIT, Jago & Litefoot & Strax and the upcoming David Tennant/Catherine Tate audios, these two worlds of Doctor Who are growing closer and closer together.

The War Doctor Vol. 1 - Only The Monstrous hits the ground running and beautiful lays the ground work to take this totally untouched yet entirely official incarnation of the Doctor to truly fascinating places. The last line gives chills, and if the next part of this new series is handled as carefully and clearly as this, listeners will be on tenterhooks in anticipation.

BLOGTOR RATING 10/10

Thanks to Big Finish

Review by Emrys Matthews

AUDIO REVIEW: Torchwood, One Rule

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 16:00:00 +0000

Torchwood : One Rule
by Joseph Lidster

Starring Tracy-Ann Oberman, Dan Starkey and Catrin Stewart

Out Now - Buy Here

Review by Andrea McGuire

After the last, slightly disappointing episode of the Big Finish Torchwood series, One Rule returns to the high standard we saw in the first two instalments. This one is a proper treat and the tale is a real hoot, except when it isn’t.

Set pre-Torchwood the TV series, One Rule sees the head of Torchwood 1, Yvonne Hartman, taking a trip to Cardiff to find an invaluable alien device, while mostly keeping clear of the local branch of Torchwood, who she clearly has no time for.

Writer Joe Lidster puts Yvonne through what is possibly her worst nightmare – a night out in Cardiff. Following the death of the Mayor three weeks earlier at the hands of shop dummies, Yvonne becomes embroiled in events as all of the candidates for the role of Mayor are, one by one, brutally relieved of their heads by a rampaging alien monster. With only two candidates left alive, who can Yvonne trust? And is it possible to get good Scotch in Cardiff?

Yvonne’s night goes from bad - everything she owns being destroyed in a fire - to worse – downing a pint of Diamond White in the White Lion while wearing a cheap dress. She’s even mistaken for a drag queen at one point as she attempts to stay alive while her companions, Mayoral candidates Barry Jackson (Gareth Armstrong) and Helen Evans (Rebecca Lacey), seem less concerned about their own fates as they bicker with each other and pretty much everyone else.

The alien monster is less of a menace and more a means of moving the story along, but there are a couple of decent, screaming deaths to behold at its hands. But the main reason for the monster rampaging through Cardiff is the sinister machinations of The Committee, which Yvonne (if not Torchwood) knows all about.

If I had one small gripe, it’s that One Rule is so packed with references to the Torchwood TV series and to Doctor Who that it can almost be a distraction at times. I like a good nod to the mother shows, but in this case it was slightly dizzying.

There are blink-and-you’ll-miss-them cameos from two of Cardiff’s finest, PCs Cooper and Davidson, and a very brief but particularly amusing appearance by Dan Starkey as Mayoral candidate (there’s a fair few of them) Ross.

While the plot is highly entertaining, with plenty of LOL-inducing one liners, the best thing among the many good things is the magnificent Tracy-Ann Oberman’s revival of the role she last played on TV back in 2006 (I know!). At the very best, Yvonne could be said to be an ambiguous character. Is she good? Bad? What is certain is that she is certainly driven by her desire to see Britain Great again. Such is her superior demeanour that you’d wonder who curtseys to who during her regular meetings with The Queen.

Here we see Yvonne’s Londoner-in-the-provinces not particularly caring which Mayoral candidate lives or dies, as long as the survivor is useful to her. Maintaining the ambiguity of the character, Yvonne shows that she is equally capable of showing genuine humanity as well as brutal ruthlessness, especially at the tale’s conclusion where the plot takes a darker turn.

While Yvonne has no concern for local politics apart from when it can further her own driven course, it appears that what she really wants is for someone she can (sort of) trust to keep an eye out for one particular alien. Who (geddit?) or what can this alien be?

This episode is the first in this series to feel less stand-alone and more part of a larger story involving The Committee. Will more be revealed when Jack returns in the next episode? We can’t wait to find out.

BLOGTOR RATING 9/10
Thanks to Big Finish

Doctor Who Christmas Special London premiere [SPOILERS!]

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 11:23:00 +0000

Peter Capaldi, Alex Kingston & Greg Davies (C) BBC

The BBC have released images of the cast of the Doctor Who Christmas Special from last night's screening of The Husbands of River Song at London's BFI - click on the images here for bigger versions. Included in the images alongside Peter Capaldi are Alex Kingston and Greg Davies.

Below the cast images, you can find pictures from the premiere including lots of props which were on display - PLEASE NOTE: some of these are quite spoilery! So if you are avoiding spoilers, you should stop after the cast pics.

ALL IMAGES ABOVE COPYRIGHT (C) BBC AND REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION

SPOILERY PICS COMING UP!

SPOILERY PICS COMING UP, SERIOULSY!

Props images courtesy of Cameron K McEwan - follow on Twitter HERE

Doctor Who Christmas Special - new images from The Husbands of River Song

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 21:00:00 +0000

Matt Lucas and Alex Kingston in The Husbands of River Song (C) BBC

The BBC has released two new images from this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Husbands of River Song - click on the images included here for bigger versions. The episode airs 5.15pm, Dec 25 on BBC One.

Peter Capaldi and Alex Kingston in The Husbands of River Song (C) BBC

VISIT THE 2015 DOCTOR WHO XMAS EP GUIDE HERE

Doctor Who Christmas Special - The Husbands of River Song hints

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 23:43:00 +0000

As a very special seasonal treat, here are 12 extra teasers for the Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Husbands of River Song. These are not quotes this time, but hints and teasers as to what happens. Read Blogtor's spoiler-free review HERE. The Husbands of River Song airs 5.15pm, Dec 25 on BBC One.

As predicted in 2008, The Doctor has a "new haircut and a suit"

River Song paraphrases Oscar Wilde.

A Doctor Who charity single from 1985 may be revived after this ep.

Jim the Fish is quite well known apparently.

The Husbands of River Song has something in common with A Christmas Carol and NO other Christmas Special.

Toby Whithouse.

Booze turns up in an place on board the TARDIS

Murray Gold breaks out some hits from the past.

The Doctor must have been reading Douglas Adams again.

River doesn't have a conscience any more.

The events of The Time of Angels/Flesh & Stone were made into a movie apparently.

A moment that occurred in The Next Doctor happens again. With two extra.

VISIT THE 2015 XMAS DOCTOR WHO EP GUIDE HERE

Doctor Who Christmas Gift Guide - Books

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 23:41:00 +0000

Check out more art at Andrew Skilleter.com

Looking for a book for the Who fan in your life for Christmas? Or want to ask your loved one or Santa for one for yourself? Well, it's not too late! Check out Blogtor's guide to the best Doctor Who books!

The stunning piece of art above comes from Blogtor's very own book, Doctor Who - The Big Book Of Lists. It's my second book and you can find it on Amazon HERE. It included LOADS of fun lists and facts about your favourite show featuring even more amazing art from Andrew Skilleter AND an exclusive list from Doctor Who composer Murray Gold! Check out the reviews and more artwork HERE.

Blogtor's first book, The Who's Who of Doctor Who, is still available - you can find that on Amazon HERE. Check out the reviews HERE.

Available from BBC Shop and Amazon

This gorgeous coffee-table style book will make any Who fan light up on Christmas Day. Looking at the production art of the show's history, this is utterly fascinating throughout. Each page boasts essential info and beautiful imagery from very talented artists. AND you also get some art cards included too. A perfect gift.

Available from BBC Shop and Amazon | Available from BBC Shop and Amazon

One for younger fans here! (Or something like that!) The colouring book, now a popular pastime with "adults" apparently, contains some fab pics to spend a few hours colouring away whilst the Model-Building book gives you a TARDIS, Dalek and a Cyberman to make. The end results are terrific but a steady hand, and maybe little fingers too, are needed for the optimum results. Both these books are at a great price too.

Available from BBC Shop and Amazon | Available from BBC Shop and Amazon

Available from Amazon | Available from Amazon

Doctor Who Christmas Special: The Husbands of River Song teasers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 21:30:00 +0000

Alex Kingston and Peter Capaldi in The Husbands of River Song (C) BBC

Included below you can find 12 festive quotes (well, they're not really "festive") from this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Husbands of River Song. Spoiler-free review coming up at the weekend!

Doctor Who, The Husbands of River Song airs 5.15pm, Dec 25 on BBC One, read Blogtor's spoiler-free review HERE.

Now you've met me, you'll do your very best to forget me.

Don't use my name, ever.

You are being watched by four billion people.

If you die this day, the galaxy will drown in tears.

I'm actually murdering someone.

I wondered why we didn't share a bathroom.

Doesn't it get dull after a while? As an activity it's not hugely varied.

Recommendation - close your eyes.

I've already picked out your swimwear.

My grasp of the universal constants of physical reality has been changed forever!

I have an irritable bowel.

The sky shall crack, the ground shall heave, and even the rocks and stones shall weep their rage!

VISIT THE 2015 DOCTOR WHO XMAS GUIDE HERE

Doctor Who Christmas Special: The Husbands of River Song cast list

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 19:58:00 +0000

Included below you can find the cast list for the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Husbands of River Song. The episode is written by showrunner Steven Moffat and directed by Douglas Mackinnon (Listen, Flatline).

Doctor Who, The Husbands of River Song airs 5.15pm, Dec 25 on BBC One, read Blogtor's spoiler-free review HERE.

The Doctor - Peter Capaldi
River Song - Alex Kingston
Nardole - Matt Lucas
King Hydroflax - Greg Davies
Ramone - Phillip Rhys
Flemming - Rowan Polonski
Scratch - Robert Curtis
Concierge - Anthony Cozens
Alphonse - Chris Lew Kum Hoi
Receptionist - Nicole Smartt
King Hyrdoflax's body - Liam Cook
Voice of Hydroflax - Nonso Anozie

VISIT THE 2015 DOCTOR WHO XMAS SPECIAL GUIDE HERE

Doctor Who Christmas Gift Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 15:42:00 +0000

In case you hadn't noticed, Christmas is coming! (On Dec 25 this year.) Included below are some of the finest Doctor Who gifts to give a loved-one or ask Santa for. (It's not too late you know!)

Available from: LEGO Store, Toys R Us and Amazon

Starting with possibly the BEST thing that you find waiting for you on Christmas Day (well, apart from the TARDIS itself), is this delicious LEGO Doctor Who set. Check out Blogtor's review HERE but be aware - this set is selling VERY fast!

Available from: BBC Shop and Amazon

More LEGO! And MORE awesomeness. We haven't had the chance to review this beauty yet - and we will - but this is about as much fun as it is possible to have with Doctor Who. This level pack works with the already pretty stunning LEGO Dimensions starter pack (which includes a Doctor Who level). Riding around on K-9 blasting Daleks is far more pleasing than you could possibly hope for AND, once you reach a certain level, you can play as past Doctors (each with their own TARDIS interior and soundtracks to match). Sublime!

Available from: BBC Shop and Amazon

Let's go old-skool for some classic Doctor Who fun here with the umbrella made famous by the Seventh Doctor - as played by that rambunctious spoon-playing Scotsman, Sylvester McCoy. Made by Lovarzi, this item is a beauty for all fans of Seven - and do check out their range of scarves, ties, jumpers and even handkerchieves too!

Available on bluray: BBC Shop and Amazon | Available on DVD: BBC Shop and Amazon

This beautiful boxset is just MADE for Christmas. From its beautiful packaging to the EXCLUSIVE Doctor Who Christmas Cards inside, this would be a terrific gift for any Whovian waking up on Christmas morning. Oh, AND it's got TEN Doctor Who Christmas Specials on it too! With an exclusive, and hilarious, extra hosted by Rufus Hound (The Woman Who Lived).

Single Duvet: BBC Shop and Amazon | Double Duvet: BBC Shop and Amazon

Feeling comfy? But not comfy, or timey-wimey enough? Then perhaps these lovely TARDIS duvet sheets and pillow will help you dream of traveling in space and time. It's an absolutely terrific design, very eye-catching and suitable for young and, *coughs*, old. Available on both single and double duvet sizes (in case you have a friend over for a sleepover).

Available from: BBC Shop and Amazon

Missy, formerly The Master, escaped from Gallifrey when the Doctors freed the planet from the Time War in The Day of The Doctor. Now, only she knows its whereabouts. But as she watched the Doctor and Clara on their adventures through Series 8, she left a vital clue to its whereabouts somewhere in space and time and one of the doctor's enemies has found it. Can you figure out what the clue is, where she left it and who holds the key to locating Gallifrey and sending The Doctor home?

Available from: Character Options and Amazon

Speaking of Missy! These two gorgeous figures were released a couple of months ago by Character Options and they are sublime AND limited (only 4,000 produced). The Missy figure is available in two variants; a black jacket version from Series 8 Episode 12; Death and Heaven and a purple outfit version. Standing 5.5 inches tall, the Missy figure includes 18 points of articulation, is highly detailed and realistic. As an added feature, each head can be removed and swapped so that both expressions can be incorporated into each outfit and they both include a teleport accessory and iconic umbrella.

The bespoke Collector Series packaging is easy to display and re-sealable so that the Missy can be enjoyed without losing the collector’s authenticity.

Bluray available from BBC Shop and Amazon | DVD available from BBC Shop and Amazon

What self-respecting Who-fan would be without actual episodes on DVD/bluray? The first part of the sensational Series 9 with Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman is already available to own and includes the first six episodes along with 3 exclusive extras.

Bumper-sized festive issue for the latest Doctor Who Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 13:12:00 +0000

Doctor Who Magazine takes a look forward to this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special – The Husbands of River Song – and also features an exclusive interview with the Doctor himself, Peter Capaldi... We asked Peter how is the Doctor going to cope with meeting River Song again?

“There’s a very different dynamic. As you’ll see, she doesn’t know it’s him at first. She can’t be convinced that it is, so she’s sort of not interested in him! He gets a taste of his own medicine, from her. She treats him very coldly, and flirts with a lot of other people in front of him. He doesn’t get any flirting, which I think upsets him. Eventually – finally! – she recognises him. But then another element comes into play and… well, you’ll have to wait and see. But it’s fun…”

ALSO INSIDE ISSUE 494!

THE HUSBANDS OF RIVER SONG DWM previews the exciting Christmas Special The Husbands of River Song and talks exclusively with writer Steven Moffat.

GOOD KING HYDROFLAX? We chat to Inbetweeners star Greg Davis about his upcoming role as King Hydroflax – husband to River Song – in this year’s Doctor Who Christmas Special.

ASK STEVEN Showrunner Steven Moffat answers readers’ questions about Trap Streets, Zygons and why Osgood is Osgood.

DRAGONS’ DEN There’s a brand-new comic strip this issue: The Dragon Lord, written by Steve Lyons and illustrated by Adrian Salmon.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING In her column Relative Dimensions, Jacqueline Rayner wonders if question-mark underpants will be available in time for Christmas.

HEAVEN & HELL DWM goes behind the scenes of this year’s final two episodes, Heaven Sent and Hell Bent, and chats to director Rachel Talalay about how she went about bringing back Gallifrey.

RASSILON RETURNS Actor Donald Sumpter, who previously appeared in 1968’s The Wheel in Space and 1972’s The Sea Devils, chats about meeting his third Doctor, and about his appearance as Rassilon in the recent Hell Bent.

ZYGON ALERT! Writer of this year’s acclaimed Zygon two-parter, Peter Harness, talks exclusively to DWM and explains how a Saturday teatime children’s show can simultaneously speak to adults about serious political issues.

DWM’S REVIEW OF 2015 DWM travels back in time to January to relive the Doctor Who highlights of this year.

CLARA’S KILLER! One of the people responsible for Clara’s death – Sarah Dollard, writer of Face the Raven – explains her actions!

THE DWM REVIEW DWM reviews the final four episodes of the latest series: Sleep No More, Face the Raven, Heaven Sent and Hell Bent, as well as revisiting the Doctor’s first Christmas Day appearance in 1965’s The Feast of Steven. We also take a look at the latest books and audio and gifts which make perfect stocking fillers.

COMING SOON All the latest merchandise releases, including the much-anticipated War Doctor audio dramas from Big Finish, Only the Monstrous. PLUS! All the latest official news, competitions, The Watcher’s Fiendishly Festive Christmas Quiz, The DWM Christmas Crossword and a massive double-sided poster!

Doctor Who Magazine 494 is on sale now, price £5.99

Doctor Who Series 9: promo pics of Jenna Coleman in Hell Bent

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 14:35:00 +0000

The BBC have now released promotional pictures of Jenna Coleman in the Doctor Who Series 9 finale, Hell Bent - click on the images for bigger versions.

VISIT THE DOCTOR WHO SERIES 9 GUIDE HERE

ALL IMAGES COPYRIGHT (C) BBC AND REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION

Doctor Who - The Legends of Ashildr

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 18:24:00 +0000

BBC Books have announced details of Doctor Who spin-off book featuring the character Ashildr (played in Series 9 by Maisie Williams). It's released later this month, check out the details below. Authors include: J T Colgan (Dark Horizons), James Goss (City of Death), David Llewellyn (Night of the Humans) and Justin Richards (Apollo 23).

NEVER-BEFORE-TOLD STORIES OF THE WOMAN WHO LIVED

‘Ten thousand hours is all it takes to master any skill. Twenty thousand, and you’re the best in the world. Over a hundred thousand, and you’re the best there’s ever been.’

Ashildr, a young Viking girl, died helping the Doctor and Clara to save her village. Brought back to life by the Doctor using alien technology, she is now immortal – The Woman Who Lived. Since then, Ashildr has kept journals, detailing her extraordinary life.

The Legends of Ashildr is a glimpse of some of those stories: the terrors she has faced, the battles she has won, and the treasures she has found. These are tales of a woman who lived longer than she should ever have lived – and lost more than she can even remember.

This title features Ashildr, as played by Maisie Williams. The Legends of Ashildr is set between her first two encounters with the Doctor, as shown in the 2015 episodes The Girl Who Died and The Woman Who Lived.

Doctor Who - The Legends of Ashildr

is published on hardback, Dec 10, priced £9.99

LEGO Twelfth Doctor and Clara wish you Seasons Greetings!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 17:55:00 +0000

BBC Worldwide have released a special video celebrating their output and events over the past year, with a look forward to their Christmas content including Dickensian and the Sherlock and Doctor Who specials. Watch it in the player below.

All the content is wrapped up by some fantastic animation created by Doctor Who fan, Morgan Spence.

>>BUY THE LEGO DOCTOR WHO SET HERE<<

The Twelfth Doctor - 2015 Holiday Special comic

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 18:18:00 +0000

Titan Comics have released details about their one-off comic, Doctor Who - 2015 Holiday Special. Check out the details below and click on the images for bigger versions.

DOCTOR WHO: 2015 HOLIDAY SPECIAL

WRITER: George Mann & Cavan Scott

ARTIST: Mariano Laclaustra

RELEASE DATE: Dec 9

It's the 2015 Doctor Who Holiday Special!

When a mysterious Christmas card materializes on the TARDIS console, Clara and the Doctor are pulled into an interdimensional adventure of astoundingly festive proportions!

Packed with impossible sights and nigh-insurmountable stakes, this special issue also contains puzzles and games woven into the story!

The Doctor Who - 2015 Holiday Special is on sale from Dec 9, 2015.

Thanks to Titan

Doctor Who Christmas Special: The Husbands of River Song on DVD & Bluray

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 22:49:00 +0000

Available to pre-order now is the Doctor Who 2015 Christmas Special, The Husbands of River Song. It is available on DVD and bluray, and the Extras include: Doctor Who Extra (20 minutes) and Adventures of River Song (10 minutes). Buy the DVD HERE and the Bluray HERE from the BBC Shop - Amazon links included below.

VISIT THE 2015 DOCTOR WHO XMAS SPECIAL GUIDE HERE

AUDIO REVIEW: UNIT - Extinction

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 22:30:00 +0000

UNIT - Extinction
by Andrew Smith and Matt Fitton

Starring Jemma Redgrave and Ingrid Oliver

Out Now - Buy HERE

Review by Nick Fraser

Emphasising that these days there really is no separation between the audio and televisual iterations of Doctor Who, and a jolly good thing too, Big Finish releases another bold and punchy addition to the universe occupied by our favourite Time Lord. OK, so I’m trying to avoid the use of the word “Whoniverse”…

Anyway, making the fullest use of the medium available, this adventure spans four episodes, with Matt Fitton and Andrew Smith sharing writing duties. Setting off at a cracking pace, the plot developments come thick and fast, revealing a truly global threat. Humanity versus the Nestene Consiousness; and this time there’s no northern-speaking TARDIS lad hoving into view to wave around a handy tube of antiplastic.

Vanguard

Fresh from tidying up after an attack by an outer space crocodile, it’s straight back to work for Kate Stewart and her team. Kate investigates some intriguing developments at an official event hosted by the slighty-too-smooth MD of Devlin Futuretech, Simon Devlin. Osgood, Colonel Shindi and Captain Josh Carter chase after a mysterious meteorite which appears to be changing course on its way to landfall.

Devlin proudly unveils his company’s revolutionary new product, an enhanced 3D printer, with seemingly limitless potential. Meanwhile undercover reporter Jacqui McGee and her cameraman are also investigating what lies behind the Devlin façade. Jacqui decides to tail Kate Stewart, who’s called away by Osgood. Leaving her cameraman colleague behind, he becomes the first victim of Autons, secreted away in the Futuretech’s factory.

UNIT and Osgood arrive in time to discover, and destroy, an apparently rogue Nestene sphere. Unfortunately Geneva HQ is soon in contact: Nestene spheres are approaching Earth from every direction. The invasion is under way.

Earthfall

Packed off to the Gobi Desert to track down an errant Nestene “swarm leader”, Osgood meets up there with Lieutenant Sam Bishop, hoping to capture the sphere and retrieve the valuable information it contains. They arrive to discover a small, but suitably deadly team of Autons led by Devlin’s henchwoman, the equally deadly Jenna Gold.

Help is at hand for Osgood and Bishop: although the Autons are in situ, the sphere isn’t, having already been nabbed by a local Mongolian tribe.

Convinced that there’s more to Futuretech than a decent line in plastic medical components and … things, Kate Stewart decides it’s time to meet the suave Mr D at his office, providing a cooler but no less dramatic counterpoint to the desert firefight between the UNIT contingent and the Auton squad on the other side of the world.

Being a billionaire businessman has its benefits though, allowing Devlin some quality gloating about the protection afforded by his high-powered contacts list. Kate realises that she’s going to provide the braided suits at Geneva with solid proof before they can act against Futuretech.

But time is fast running out, as the SECOND wave of Nestene energy unit starts arriving all around the globe.

Bridgehead

Struggling to track the worldwide arrival of the Nestene spheres, the race is on between UNIT and Devlin’s Autons to track and secure them. Against the relentless efficiency of the inexhaustible plastic men, it’s a losing battle.

With Simon Devlin seemingly untouchable, UNIT takes a two-pronged approach: Captain Carter goes undercover while Colonel Shindi co-ordinates efforts to gather enough evidence to present to the ever-sceptical Geneva bigwigs that Futuretech intentions go further than printing up…guns and geegaws.

With Osgood struggling to crack open one of the control spheres, Kate decides to have another crack at Devlin in his lair. Devlin’s extra-terrestrial employer has grand designs for her of the plastic fantastic kind, which she narrowly escapes. Not so Josh Carter though, who discovers the extent to which the Nestenes intend to exert direct control.

And then the pressure ratchets up another notch, as the 3D printers all around the world start printing… AUTONS!

Armageddon

At this stage, it’s looking pretty grim. UNIT HQ has fallen. Captain Carter is under Nestene control and giving a direct link to UNIT’s secrets. Armies of Autons are in control all over the world. Devlin Futuretech is secure beneath an impenetrable plastic dome.

Each episode of Extinction raises the stakes, thrillingly building towards a seemingly unwinnable end against an unstoppable foe. Just when it seems things can’t get worse, the Nestenes truly grisly intentions for humanity are unveiled. Humanity’s long term survival is not part of the Plastic Plan.

Thankfully the Doctor’s resourcefulness and improvisational skills have been absorbed by his sometime employers. This is an adventure which is testament not only to all involved in its making, but also to those who introduced UNIT, when the Brigadier and his team defended – well, the Home Counties mainly - back in the nineteen *mumbles decade incoherently*.

The cast is uniformly excellent, the writing is top notch, the incidental music lends a sense of scale and drama to the unfolding events.

With the seeds apparently sown for further adventures to follow, there’s much to look forward to.

BLOGTOR RATING 10/10
Thanks to Big Finish

Doctor Who Series 9 finale: behind-the-scenes with Maisie Williams

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 15:32:00 +0000

The BBC has released behind-the-scenes videos filmed by Maisie Williams (Ashildr) on the set of the Doctor Who Series 9 finale, Hell Bent - watch them in the players below. Featured in the films are Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman.

VISIT THE DOCTOR WHO SERIES 9 EP GUIDE HERE

VISIT THE 2015 DOCTOR WHO XMAS SPECIAL GUIDE HERE

Doctor Who Series 9 finale - a look at the new Sonic Screwdriver

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 12:18:00 +0000

The BBC has released a video of Peter Capaldi having a look at the new Sonic Screwdriver as introduced in last night's series finale, Hell Bent - watch it in the player below. The Sonic is set to make its proper debut in the next episode, the Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Husbands of River Song.

VISIT THE GUIDE TO THE 2015 DOCTOR WHO XMAS EP HERE