Watching Doctor Who

Generally on Wednesdays I like to post a couple of (more or less) topic appropriate videos. Today is no different.

I’m sure that you are all shocked by this fact. (Hey! I heard that snicker!)

In any case, the first video that I am sharing with you on this particular Wednesday is from the UK’s Dancing on Ice television program. John Barrowman was a contestant on the show. Not too surprising when you consider that he can skate and dance. Oh, and also the fact that he seems to be everywhere these days. This video features his first routine and some of the training that went into it. Apparently he used to ice skate as a kid. He can even skate backwards! I have been ice skating all of once, myself, so I’m quite impressed by all of this. So there you are. Enjoy John and his skating prowess!

John Barrowman in Dancing on Ice:

Dancing on Ice, John Barrowman

Well, while I’m waiting impatiently for the final episode and trying to avoid spoilers. Here are a few newsbites to keep you entertained in the meantime. (Yes. You read that correctly. I am trying to avoid spoilers. I mean…spoilers are so sketchy and if you watch an episode like this one after having read an incorrect spoiler… Well, it could ruin the experience. It does for me, anyway. Enough of my rambling. Read on!)

Could David Morrissey be the next Doctor? Yes, it’s another “next Doctor” rumour. Mr. Morrissey is supposed to be in the next Christmas Special and pictures of him in period garb have already been taken. The question folks are asking is: Who is he playing? Or rather, is he playing Who? He is refusing to say one way or another.

Afterelton.com has a deleted scene from the Torchwood episode “Meat” up on its site. Apparently the scene was termed “too racy to air.” Think about that for a minute. Too racy to air on Torchwood? Watch it for yourself and decide. Personally, I thought it was hilarious.

According to the official Doctor Who site, the Doctor Who folks have arranged for a screening of Journey’s End (7pm, Trafalgar Square) as part of Pride London ‘08. It seems to me that this didn’t quite work out last year. Here’s hoping that they manage it this year.

And especially for Erik, I bring you links to two YouTube video extras from Secret Diary of a Call Girl featuring none other than Billie Piper.
1) Why I Became a Call Girl and 2) Would You Visit a Call Girl (A big Hat Tip to Jen, Joe, and Duncan for sending me the links.)

David Morrissey, Torchwood

This is the first half of an interview video that is up on the BBC website. The second half of this talk with Billie Piper will be up on the BBC Website after the episode this Saturday. Of course, like all the videos currently on the official site, only folks in the UK can watch them. …And that’s where Youtube comes in. This half of the interview isn’t particularly spoilery, but if you are trying to remain spoiler free for the eleventh episode (Turn Left) you may want to give it a miss. For the rest of you…watch it before they take it down! (Sorry about the video quality, but this was the only version that I could find on our faithful video sharing site. The second half will be up as soon as I can find it.)

The First Half of the Turn Left Billie Piper Interview:

Billie Piper, Turn Left

Billie and her husband Laurence

Paul over at ToyBender has found some Daleks made out of legos online. Definitely worth stopping by to see.

Today I was reading an article from the Canadian Press about the Secret Diary of a Call Girl coming to the US soon, and a couple of important things were mentioned during the last paragraph of the interview with Billie Piper. “Undaunted by the media criticism, Piper has begun filming a second series as Belle, and a third series has been ordered. But she may soon need a body double, she says, because she’s pregnant.” So, from this it looks like 1) there will be second and third series of Secret Diary and 2) it seems that Billie really is pregnant. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Fox!

It turns out that Steven Moffat was offered the job as the new Head Writer for Doctor Who via e-mail! He got this e-mail sometime last Summer, which means that he knew about this when he was at Gallifrey One this last February. That would explain his reaction when he was asked if he might take over some day. Interesting.

Remember that Freema Agyeman is going to be in a production of Little Dorrit? Well, it looks like Torchwood’s Eve Myles will be in the production as well. Oh yeah. And Andy Serkis. I’m thinking that I really need to see this one.

I’ve just received notification that the FAQ at the Official Doctor Who Site has been updated. I went over to have a look, and I discovered this possible good news for non-UK residents - “For Series Four, we have moved to using Flash Video. We are currently not allowed to stream Flash Video overseas without the involvement of BBC Worldwide, however. We are working on a solution to resolve this.” Let’s hope that the solution comes soon.

I have been looking for David Tennant’s interview with Andrew Marr for a couple of days now, and here it is. David talks about playing the Doctor, playing Hamlet, and even playing in one of his earlier projects. Enjoy!

Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Billie Piper, Steven Moffat, Doctor Who, Freema Agyeman, Eve Myles, David Tennant

Elisabeth Sladen, better known to Doctor Who fans as Sarah Jane Smith, appeared on Blue Peter right before the Doctor Who series two episode School Reunion. It seems to have also happened before the Sarah Jane Smith Adventures had been announced. Also appearing in the interview was K-9…and various of the Blue Peter animals. I was surfing around YouTube again (I know. Big surprise.) and I ran across the interview this morning. The video and the audio don’t quite match up, but I think you will enjoy it anyway.

Elisabeth Sladen, Sarah Jane Smith, Blue Peter, Doctor Who, School Reunion, K-9

(Image Source: David-Tennant.com Photo Archive which you should totally spend some time clicking through if you have a chance.
Thanks to Mkejenkins for the heads up)

That’s right, folks. David Tennant’s time with the Royal Shakespeare Company has nearly arrived. He will be appearing in Love’s Labour’s Lost from 2 October to 15 November 2008 and in Hamlet from 24 July to 15 November 2008. Never have I wished more that I could win the lottery and/or that they would film these productions to show on the BBC. Sigh.

Heads up! Torchwood is up for a NewNowNext Award. Vote at will!

Interested in having your own wee TARDIS console and happen to have £325.00 lying around? Well, if so, you may wish to pre-order now. (And if you have an extra £325.00…buy one for me.)

I know that this isn’t directly Doctor Who related, but…Primeval will begin playing on BBC America on 2 August 2008 according to Variety. This show was originally created to compete with the SciFi coolness happening over on the BBC…and now it’s appearing on the same channel. Just thought that you lot would like to know. I quite enjoyed series one…

Freema Agyeman mentioned in a recent interview that she will be appearing in a BBC production of Little Dorrit, and that the filming should begin soon. I hope that she has all kinds of fun doing period drama, and that the production turns out to be a rousing success.

And speaking of Ms. Agyeman, according to the BBC Press Office during the BBC Proms 2008 music festival she will be hosting a very special “Prom.” The Press Office says - “A Doctor Who Prom, presented by Freema Agyeman (aka Martha Jones). A family concert featuring a specially filmed scene written by Russell T Davies and starring David Tennant, plus a selection of classical favourites with a strong flavour of time and space (27 July).” So, pencil in the date on your calendar. (Don’t worry. It looks like it will be available online.)

Oh, and speaking of the Proms…here is a fellow by the name of Nigel Kennedy from the Proms photocall, performing the Doctor Who theme on an electrical violin. Enjoy!

David Tennant, Freema Agyeman, Little Dorrit, Nigel Kennedy, Doctor Who

Freema Agyeman, better known to Doctor Who fans as Martha Jones, was recently interviewed by someone other than Paul O’Grady on The Paul O’Grady Show. This video is very spoilery for folks in the US, as the episodes referred to have yet to air there. Folks in the UK are just fine. I’m going to assume that this is still spoilery for Australia until I hear differently. (Any news on that front Australia?)

In any case, enjoy!

Freema Agyeman, Doctor Who, Martha Jones

I was reading this article yesterday, and I discovered that there is a band from Manchester called I Am Kloot. Why should you care about this band with a huge cult following? Well, it turns out that they made a video for their song “Proof” that was never released. It consisted solely of a close up of Christopher Eccleston’s head. (Well, you see his shoulders some, but mostly it’s his head.) I’m curious to know what you all think of it. I liked it, but I did also get that thing where you feel a bit uncomfortable maintaining eye contact with someone for too long. It’s quite interesting how much emotion Eccleston can convey with just the tiniest movements. Enjoy!

I Am Kloot - Proof:

John Barrowman is currently touring the UK. Perhaps “singing his way across the UK” would be a bit more accurate. Among the songs he includes in his concerts is one called “The Doctor and I.” apparently he sings it from Jack’s point of view (which shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who sees Jack’s coat behind him.) Here is a video that gives you a wee taste of the song.

John Barrowman - “The Doctor and I”

I Am Kloot, Christopher Eccleston, John Barrowman

This is the Reaction Post for Doctor Who series 4, episode 1 - Partners in Crime. Yay! The show has begun! If you would like to join in on my happy dance, click past the spoiler barrier for my usual disjointed thoughts about the episode. I thought it was a good start.

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Reaction Post, Doctor Who, Partners in Crime

Thank you so much for sticking with me while I’ve been ill, and a big welcome to all of the new folks stopping by. There’s lots to talk about, so let’s get started.

The BBC Doctor Who Site is planning a huge redesign, starting with the stuff for the new series and then working backwards. The new site is planned to launch on Wednesday, 2 April 2008, so keep your eyes peeled for that. Personally, I curious about the “new features” that they are adding.

Paul Whitelaw, who is obviously a fan of Doctor Who, from The Scotsman recently interviewed Russell T. Davies. They discussed Davies’ career, his firm commitment to entertaining the kids who watch Doctor Who, and how to stop smoking. Whitelaw did try to weasel some information about the upcoming series out of Davies, but to no avail. Thanks for trying, Paul.

Digital Spy is reporting that BBC Radio 4 is planning to air a Torchwood one-off story to coincide with the opening of the world’s biggest particle accelerator, located in Switzerland. This is scheduled to occur sometime this summer, and I’m quite curious to see what they’ll come up with. I’ll let you know when I hear more.

Louise Jameson, known to Doctor Who fans as the Fourth Doctor’s companion Leela, has picked up a new job on the BBC’s Scottish soap opera, River City. She will be playing a hairdresser by the name of Viv. Here’s hoping that it’s a long-term engagement, as apparently she’s quite enjoying Glasgow. She’s already enjoying herself more than during her stint on EastEnders.

Gareth David-Lloyd, Torchwood’s Ianto Jones, has his own website! So, if you’re curious about his band, or what he’s been up to, you might pop by and have a look.

Don’t forget! Doctor Who series 4 premieres in the UK at 6:20pm on Saturday, 5 April.

Image Source: The BBC Doctor Who Site

Doctor Who, The Scotsman, Louise Jameson, Gareth David-Lloyd

This week I pose you a question of costuming. Yes, costuming. Imagine, if you will, that you could obtain the costume of any of the Classic companions. I know that this could be a variety of things, as the companions got to change their clothing often, but bear with me. If you could have the costume of any of the Classic Doctor Who companions, whose costume would you choose? Would you dress like Tegan, in her air stewardess outfit? Do you prefer Turlough’s schoolboy look? Or would you rather skip all of this and dress up as K-9? What do you think? As usual I have included a few names to jog your memory. Feel free to wander off in blatant disregard of rule one.

We are travelers in time…

• Leela (It’s the warrior woman look.)
• Jamie McCrimmon (Have Kilt, Will Travel.)
• Sarah Jane Smith (The journalist who can hold her own.)
• Ace (I dig the jacket. Is that a Blue Peter badge?)
• Susan Foreman (Typical alien teen?)
• Perpugilliam Brown (Shorts and a top, mostly.)
• Ian Chesterton (Science teacher chic.)
• Adric (Don’t forget the Badge for Mathematical excellence.)
• Romana I (Long flowing white dress…)
• Liz Shaw (The well-dressed scientist.)

Not only do I have the name of the companion that I’ve chosen, but I also bring you a picture of the outfit. I want Romana 2’s pink version of The Doctor’s costume. So, if anyone out there knows where I might find that pink coat, please let me know. This is one of those times that makes me really wish that I could sew. (I even took a class. Sigh.)

Well, that’s my choice. Who did you choose?

costuming, Doctor Who, Leela, Jamie McCrimmon, Sarah Jane Smith, Ace, Susan Foreman, Perpugilliam Brown, Ian Chesterton, Adric, Romana, Liz Shaw

Hello folks. Today I have a couple of videos to keep you entertained and informed. First up is an interview that Freema Agyeman did a couple of weeks ago. She did an interview on this program a year ago, so it’ fun to see how far she’s come. If my memory isn’t playing tricks on me, she seems a bit more relaxed this time. Anyway, she’s on the BBC Breakfast to talk about her time on Torchwood and her upcoming time on series four of Doctor Who.

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Freema Agyeman, Torchwood, Doctor Who

The official BBC Doctor Who Site is ramping up for the upcoming beginning of series four. The date is still listed as Spring 2008, but the current internet rumour is listing the UK premiere as 22 March. Of course, this means that they’ve posted some new pictures for us. Yay for new wallpaper! (Yes, that is the source of the picture above.)

The 6 March 2008 Doctor Who Magazine apparently features the Doctor Who Writing Team choosing their favorite Doctor Who deaths. Steven Moffat chose Pete Tyler’s death from Father’s Day, if you’re curious.

Video Game Alert! It looks like Eidos will be announcing a release date for a Doctor Who game in the near future, according to SciFi Wire. All that is known currently is that it will be available for the PC, PS2, and Nintendo DS. I wonder if it will be easily available in the U.S. I hope so.

The Official Doctor Who Site has announced that Doctor Who has been nominated for an International Interactive Emmy Award for their interactive online content. The winner will be announced on 8 April 2008 in Cannes. So…if they win, do you think that folks outside of the UK will finally get to play with the Comic Maker?

A Dad in Manchester recently surprised his boys with their own TARDIS! Apparently it makes all of the right noises and everything. His next planned project? Sonic Screwdrivers, of course. Good on him. I want my own TARDIS.

Billie Piper has been nominated for a Golden Rose award (Rose d’Or) for her portrayal of Belle in The Secret Diary of a Call Girl according to The Sun. The Rose d’Or Festival will take place May 2-6 in Lucerne, Switzerland. Here’s hoping.

I would like to remind you all about a little thing I like to call “My First Doctor.” If anyone out there would like to tell me about their first Doctor or their first encounter with the show, please either comment here or use the contact link. I always like to hear how others first encountered the show. I’ll post any entries here for everyone to enjoy. You can find all previous entries here.

Doctor Who Magazine, Doctor Who, Steven Moffat, Father’s Day, Billie Piper

Jamie McCrimmon, his life (and death?) as envisioned by VanielDonovan to the music from Terminator 2. I love well done fan music videos, and I am especially happy to share one with you that features the Classic Doctor Who. Enjoy!

Jamie McCrimmon, Doctor Who

As promised, here is the video of Billie Piper’s appearance on Top Gear. If you have already seen David Tennant’s appearance on this show, then you sort of know what to expect. Billie was wearing a sort of see-through shirt, not that you could really tell, but I’m not sure that there was any actual eyelash batting. This episode was filmed not long after she left Doctor Who, apparently. Also note that Billie did not break a car, unlike some others that we could mention (*cough* David Tennant *cough*), although she did in fact not follow the course as accurately as she could have.

Also, for you men out there, Billie apparently likes men that are ginger and don’t have six-pack bellies. Too bad she’s married. Enjoy!

Billie Piper, Top Gear, Doctor Who