The Mazes of Time is released for Apple devices. And more coverage on Bill Pullman's casting in Torchwood and the rapidly approaching Christmas Special.


A Christmas Carol
Guardian(16th) - What makes a great Doctor Who Christmas special?
Digital Spy(16th) - Jenkins 'almost turned down Doctor Who'
News Wales(16th) - Made-in-Wales blockbusters head Christmas viewing
Unreality Shout(16th) - Three sneak peek clips from ‘Doctor Who A Christmas Carol’
Bleeding Cool(15th) - Four Clips From Doctor Who’s Christmas Carol
MTV(15th) - More 'Doctor Who' Christmas Special Clips And Cast Interviews!

Series Coverage
The List(16th) - Matt Smith's dinosaur dream
Digital Spy(16th) - Karen Gillan: 'Matt Smith inspires me'
Unreality Shout(16th) - Doctor Who: Karen Gillan enjoys working with ‘focused’ Matt Smith

Torchwood
Comic Book Movie(16th) - Bill Pullman Joins Season 4 of Torchwood
ATV Network(16th) - Bill Pullman joins Torchwood
Mania(16th) - TORCHWOOD Gains Pullman
Blastr(16th) - Look who'll play Torchwood's controversial murdering pedophile
Digital Spy(16th) - Bill Pullman joins 'Torchwood' cast
On The Box(16th) - Bill Pullman Joins Torchwood
Moviehole(16th) - Bill Pullman bringing the Schwartz to Torchwood
io9(16th) - Bill Pullman joins Torchwood!
Den of Geek(16th) - Bill Pullman signs up for Torchwood: The New World
IGN(15th) - Torchwood: Jack Harkness vs. Lone Starr!
After Elton(15th) - Guess Who Just Signed on as a Regular for "Torchwood" Season 4?
TV Squad(15th) - Bill Pullman Joins 'Torchwood'
Spinoff Online(15th) - Torchwood Recruits Bill Pullman
Theatermania(15th) - Bill Pullman to Join John Barrowman in BBC/Starz Series Torchwood
Broadway World(15th) - Bill Pullman Joins BBC's TORCHWOOD
TV.com(15th) - Bill Pullman Joins Torchwood
Escapist(15th) - Bill Pullman Will Boil With Lust and Rage on Torchwood
Zap2It(15th) - 'Torchwood' nets a worthy adversary for Captain Jack: Bill Pullman
Inside Pulse(16th) - Mekhi Phifer And Bill Pullman Join Cast of Torchwood
Digital Spy(14th) - Mekhi Phifer joins new 'Torchwood'

People
The List(16th) - Doctor Who's woman woes (Matt Smith)
Digital Spy(16th) - Gillan 'wants to work with Coen brothers'
Scottish Sun(16th) - Is panto worth the dosh? Oh yes it is (John Barrowman)
Telegraph(15th) - Aladdin, Clyde Auditorium, SECC, Glasgow, review

Merchandise
Herts Advertiser(16th) - Audio Review: Doctor Who: Demon Quest: A Shard of Ice
Slippery Brick(16th) - Doctor Who Dalek iPhone 4 Case
CNET UK(16th) - Doctor Who: The Mazes of Time materialises on your iPad and iPhone
Digital Spy(16th) - 'Doctor Who: Mazes Of Time' out now
TV Shows on DVD(15th) - Doctor Who - One of the 5th Doctor's Companions, Tegan, is Possessed by Mara in 'Kinda' and 'Snakedance'

Miscellaneous
Comic Vine(16th) - Our Favorite Things: Doctor Who Waters of Mars DVD
USA Today(16th) - Pop Candy's 100 People of 2010: Nos. 1-24! (Matt Smith #16)

Passing Mention
Daily Mail(16th) - My three-year-old daughter loves my husband more than me... and I'm BITTERLY jealous
Macworld(16th) - Andy Ihnatko - In search of feature comforts
Independent(16th) - Diary: Will Shane bowl Hugh over?
TV Squad(15th) - The Stay Tuned Awards: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of 2010 TV (Doctor playing football)

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BBC Worldwide have issued a press release for their new game, The Mazes of Time, just released on the Apple platform.

BBC Worldwide brings Doctor Who to the App Store

BBC Worldwide announced today that its Doctor Who: The Mazes of Time App is available now on the App Store for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, and will be available on Google Android in 2011. The action puzzle adventure game features the Doctor and his companion Amy Pond travelling through time and space to defeat infamous enemies, solve devious puzzles and restore peace. Featuring Weeping Angels, Daleks, Cybermen and Silurians, the game allows users to play as both the Doctor and Amy Pond, utilizing their unique skills and abilities to solve challenges.

"Coming to the App Store is a landmark moment for the Doctor Who franchise," said Robert Nashak, Executive Vice President, Digital Entertainment, BBC Worldwide. "We look forward to bringing users, and fans of the show, an exciting and interactive experience that they will enjoy."

The Doctor Who: The Mazes of Time App available for £2.39 (iPhone and iPod touch) or £2.99 (iPad) from the App Store on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, or at www.itunes.co.uk/appstore.

The launch of the app coincides with this year's Christmas special, Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol, airing on BBC One on December 25 at 6pm. Doctor Who, the BAFTA award-winning series is one of BBC Worldwide’s top global brands, airing in over 50 territories worldwide.

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More coverage on the Christmas Special, and on Torchwood casting, first with Mekhi Phifer and now Bill Pullman! Plus, Karen Gillan makes her 'mark' in a couple of publications ...


A Christmas Carol
Zap2It(15th) - 'Doctor Who' Christmas special countdown continues with promos aplenty
BSc Review(15th) - Karen Gillan in Doctor Who A Christmas Carol Teaser
Digital Spy(15th) - Moffat: 'Who Xmas ep an emotional journey'
News Wales(15th) - Sneak preview of Welsh made Dr Who
The List(15th) - Doctor Who's 'bonkers' Christmas episode
Heatworld(15th) - Katherine Jenkins in Dr. Who Christmas special
Comic Book Movies(15th) - Doctor Who: "A Christmas Carol" Video Interviews!
Anglotopia(15th) - Doctor Who: 3 New Clips from Christmas Special Released – SPOILERS
Blastr(15th) - Amy! Rory! The Doctor! Watch 4 clips from Dr. Who's Xmas episode
Unreality TV(15th) - Matt Smith hopes Doctor Who Christmas Special does well!
Western Mail(15th) - Katherine Jenkins returns to her old school
Digital Spy(15th) - Jenkins fretted over 'Doctor Who' kiss
Mirror(15th) - Doctor Who boss says this year's Christmas Special will have viewers "tripping"
Monsters & Critics(15th) - Katherine Jenkins said Doctor Who appearance was scarier than meeting the Pope
The Sun(15th) - Kissing scene was more stressful than singing to the Pope, says Katherine Jenkins
Comic Book Movie(14th) - Doctor Who: "A Christmas Carol" Trailer and Pics!
Bang Showbiz(14th) - A Christmas cringe for Katherine Jenkins
Digital Spy(14th) - Ten teasers: 'Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol'
Digital Spy(14th) - Jenkins: 'Who Xmas special is moving'
BBC News(14th) - Jenkins' old school's Who preview (video)
BBC News(14th) - Matt Smith's take on Doctor Who Christmas special (video)
CBBC(14th) - Matt Smith on Doctor Who Christmas Special (video)

Series Coverage
Digital Spy(15th) - Edgar Wright 'keen to work on Doctor Who' (plus video)
Huffington Post(14th) - Doctor Who

Torchwood
Anglophenia(15th) - Movie Star Bill Pullman Is Latest ‘Torchwood’ Cast Addition
Unreality Shout(15th) - Bill Pullman joins the cast of Torchwood: The New World
Deadline(15th) - Bill Pullman Joins 'Torchwood' as Regular
BSc Review(15th) - Mekhi Phifer to Torchwood
Comic Book Movie(15th) - Mekhi Phifer Cast As Lead Character In New Season Of Torchwood!
IGN(15th) - Former ER Star Joins Torchwood
Gather(15th) - Torchwood Casts Mekhi Phifer as New Series Regular for Season 4
Geeks of Doom(14th) - Mekhi Phifer Set As Lead On ‘Torchwood: The New World’
Hollywood(14th) - Mekhi Phifer Joins 'Torchwood'
Fused Film(14th) - Mekhi Phiffer Joins Cast of “Torchwood: The New World” for Starz

The Adventure Games
Digital Spy(14th) - Want to see the Vashta Nerada in 'DW: TAG'?

People
Shortlist(15th) - Karen Gillan Interview/Photoshoot
The List(15th) - Aladdin
Herald Scotland(15th) - Aladdin, Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow (John Barrowman)
Mirror(14th) - Doctor Who star Karen Gillan has huge eyelashes in mag shoot
Grazia(14th) - This Week in Grazia – Jen and Angelina latest plus Fashion Awards AND Karen Gillan one year on!

Miscellaneous
Worksop Today(15th) - Time lord brings Tardis to library day
Shadowlocked(15th) - Doctor Who Complete Reviews: Logopolis
Blastr(15th) - 12 fabulous fictional sci-fi and fantasy gifts (Vincent and the Doctor)
Corsham People(15th) - Daleks & Jigs are Corsham’s Highlights of 2010
Den of Geek(15th) - Doctor Who: which Doctor gets the most consistently entertaining stories?
Irish Times(15th) - Could you be Doctor Who?
Blastr(15th) - Doctor Who meets Star Wars in this rather inventive mashup
SFX(14th) - Doctor Who App
Bleeding Cool(14th) - Okay This Took Some Work. Doctor Who Mashed Up Star Wars Style…

Related News
TV By The Numbers(15th) - BBC America Strengthens Its Commitment to Sci-Fi in 2011
South Wales Echo(15th) - Cardiff Bay Drama Village ‘new home for Upstairs Downstairs’
Western Mail(15th) - BBC Wales drama village site for sale at £40m-plus

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Plenty of coverage of last night's BFI showing, and also on the casting of Mekhi Phifer in Torchwood. Meanwhile, children's favourite and Totally Doctor Who host Barney Harwood becomes the new Blue Peter presenter!


A Christmas Carol - warning - BFI Preview spoilers may be present!
On The Box(14th) - Doctor Who Christmas Special: A Spoiler Free First Glimpse..
Chicago Now(14th) - Behind-the-scenes look at 'Doctor Who' Christmas special
CBBC(14th) - Matt Smith on Doctor Who Christmas Special (video)
Radio Times(14th) - Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol preview screening
BBC News(14th) - Katherine Jenkins 'nervous' over Doctor Who
Life of Wylie(14th) - Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol
Daily Mail(14th) - Battling a giant flying shark in outer space? It can only be the Doctor Who Christmas special
Guardian(14th) - Doctor Who to face flying shark in Dickensian Christmas Day special
AOL TV(14th) - Doctor Who Christmas Special to feature giant flying shark
SFX(14th) - Doctor Who “A Christmas Carol” – 20 Teasers
Den of Geek(13th) - Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol spoiler-free review
Press Association(13th) - Doctor Who to take on flying shark
Belfast Telegraph(13th) - Doctor Who to take on flying shark
SFX(11th) - Doctor Who “A Christmas Carol” Video Interviews

Series Coverage
Den of Geek(14th) - What’s in the trailer for Doctor Who series 6?
Digital Spy(14th) - Matt Smith teases next series of 'Who'

Torchwood
Anglophenia(14th) - Mekhi Phifer Joins ‘Torchwood’ Cast
ATV Network(14th) - Mekhi Phifer joins Torchwood: The New World
io9(14th) - Torchwood's new CIA agent leading man has been cast!
TV Squad(14th) - Mekhi Phifer to Star in 'Doctor Who' Spinoff, 'Torchwood: The New World'
Zap2It(13th) - 'Torchwood': Mekhi Phifer joins the team
Torchwood(14th) - Torchwood Casting News
Deadline(13th) - Mekhi Phifer Set As Lead On 'Torchwood'
Den of Geek(13th) - Torchwood: The New World casting latest
After Elton(12th) - "Torchwood" Casting One Night Stand for Captain Jack

The Adventure Games
Electronic Theatre(14th) - Doctor Who: Shadows of the Vashta Nerada Images to be Revealed This Morning
Shadowlocked(14th) - BBC unveils images from 'Shadows of the Vashta Nerada'

Doctor Who Experience
Geeks of Doom(14th) - ‘Doctor Who Experience’ Combines Exhibition With Interactive Adventure

Broadcasting
3D TV Watcher(14th) - UK audiences want Doctor Who in 3D
ATV Network(13th) - Doctor Who tops 3D Poll
HDTV Test(11th) - Brits Want To Watch BBC’s Dr Who & Top Gear In 3D: Panasonic Poll

People
Metro(14th) - Doctor Who's Karen Gillan: Everyone likes my style - apart from my mum
Herald Scotland(13th) - John Barrowman’s Christmas schedule is enough to drive a lad insane
Evening Times(13th) - Let’s go to the panto!
BBC Press Office(13th) - Barney Harwood joins Blue Peter
BBC News(13th) - Blue Peter: Barney Harwood named as new presenter
BBC News(12th) - Catherine Tate surprised by Daleks and loving the stage (video) (full interview)
American Consumer News(11th) - “How to Train Your Dragon” Audiobook Download Now Available (David Tennant narrates)

Obituaries
Telegraph(12th) - Graham Crowden

Merchandise
TV Shows on DVD(13th) - Doctor Who - The BBC's Official Press Release for 'A Christmas Carol' on DVD and Blu-ray Disc
TFTS(12th) - Doctor Who: Mazes Of Time App Store Version Info Tumbles Out [Doctor Who: Mazes Of Time Visuals And Gameplay Detailed]

Miscellaneous
Norwich Evening News(14th) - Dr Who role for Norwich choir (Big Finish)
Topless Robot(14th) - Star Wars: A Who Hope (or, Return of the Time Lord)
The Escapist(14th) - A Long Time Ago, In A TARDIS Far, Far Away...
New Zealand Herald(14th) - Christmas: too cool to waste on kids
Houston Business Journal(13th) - ‘Star Trek’ medical devices may beam up soon
Shadowlocked(13th) - Doctor Who Complete Reviews: The Keeper of Traken
Anglotopia(13th) - Doctor Who: Dalek Christmas Tree
Kotaku(12th) - 12 Days Of Christmas: The Sonic Screwdriver
My San Antonio(12th) - Doctor Who Appreciation Night shimmers Wednesday, Dec. 15
Gather(12th) - U.K. Scientists Want to Recreate Doctor Who's Sonic Screwdriver
Walyou(12th) - Party With Doctor Who’s Geeky TARDIS Ice Bucket
Geeks of Doom(12th) - Geek Gear: Doctor Who T-Shirt ‘Count the Shadows’

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A Christmas Carol
Daemons TV(9th) - DOCTOR WHO 2010 Christmas Special “A Christmas Carol” New Photos
Western Mail(8th) - Katherine Jenkins dazzles Doctor Who
MSNBC [US](7th) - Get into the spirit of the season with these holiday TV specials
BBC News(6th) - Katherine Jenkins on Christmas Doctor Who (video)

Series Coverage
Bang Showbiz(8th) - Doctor Who [spoiler subject]
Unreality Shout(8th) - Doctor Who [spoiler subject] Christmas Special

Broadcasting
ATV Network(8th) - Eggheads Doctor Who Special announced

People
Digital Spy(9th) - Karen Gillan gets attacked in 'Outcast'!
Hollywood(9th) - Stars turn stockbroker for charity (with David Tennant)
Daily Star(9th) - Prince of Sales: Prince Willam's Charity Fundraiser (with David Tennant)
Daily Mail(9th) - It seems William is inheriting more than the throne from dad... but the wheeler-dealer still manages to seal record £14bn trade for charity (with David Tennant)
Telegraph(9th) - Prince William makes record €17bn foreign currency trade
Small Screen Scoop(8th) - Carey Mulligan of Doctor Who goes back to Sci Fi in Never Let Me Go
TV Guide(8th) - Fox, CW Pick Up New Dramas
Hollywood Reporter(8th) - CW, Fox Pick Up Dramas (Stephen Gallagher)
Express and Star(7th) - Television stars film new Man Utd drama in Carlisle (David Tennant, United)
SFX(8th) - The Hobbit Casting News – Blanchett Returns, Sylvester McCoy Officially Confirmed
New York Times(7th) - For ‘The Hobbit,’ Peter Jackson Signs Up an Old Friend and a Former ‘Doctor Who’
Muveez(7th) - Former Dr Who Sylvester McCoy Joins 'The Hobbit'
ABC News(7th) - Former Dr Who cast in Hobbit films
BBC News(6th) - Carey Mulligan preparing for Gatsby role
SFX(6th) - Being Human creator Toby Whithouse – your chance to meet him

Merchandise
TV.com(9th) - Doctor Who The Complete Fifth Series Review
Metro(8th) - Games review - Doctor Who: Return To Earth should be exterminated
Inside Pulse(8th) - Doctor Who (The Complete Fifth Series) – DVD Review
Digital Spy(7th) - Two new 'Doctor Who' iPhone screens surface (The Mazes of Time)
Birmingham Mail(7th) - Convicted sex offender used internet chat about Dr Who as cover to talk to 15-year-old
Dvice(6th) - 10 great Doctor Who gifts for Daleks and Gallifreyans alike
Digital Spy(6th) - Digital Spy's Christmas Gift Guide: Games (Return to Earth)

Miscellaneous
Daily Post(9th) - Tardis has landed at Portmeirion
io9(8th) - Doctor Who Characters Who Deserve Awesome New Action Figures
Lynn News(8th) - Tardis due to land in Lynn!
Anglophenia(9th) - ‘Doctor Who’: How Sonic Screwdrivers Could Become a Reality
Geeky Gadgets(9th) - Professor Claims Dr. Who Sonic Screwdrivers Are Doable
MSNBC(8th) - Real-life twist for sonic screwdriver
Top News United States(8th) - Scientists have developed a device similar to Doctor Who’s sonic screwdriver
Examiner(7th) - Put Dr. Who’s Sonic Screwdriver under Your Christmas Tree
Gizmag(7th) - Sonic screwdriver may become fact rather than fiction
Dvice(7th) - Doctor Who's fix-all sonic screwdriver could get real
AOL News(7th) - Dr. Who Sonic Screwdriver Close to Reality
SFX(7th) - For Your Consideration #6 (Poll, Best Plot Twist)
SFX(8th) - Things We Love About Doctor Who #8
SFX(7th) - Things We Love About Doctor Who #7
SFX(6th) - Things We Love About Doctor Who #6

Related News/Passing Mention
Guardian(9th) - QVC: sale of the century (John Barrowman)
BBC News(8th) - Why Coronation Street is an enduring TV hit
Hey You Guys(7th) - Outcast Review
The Stage(7th) - Who are our greatest musical theatre actors, and where’s the next generation coming from?…
Geeks of Doom(6th) - BBC Releasing Subscription-Based Service For iPlayer On The iPad

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Engineers in the University of Bristol have been working on the prototype to what could become a real sonic screwdriver. And Sylvester McCoy has confirmed his Hobbit role.


A Christmas Carol
Sky(6th) - Doctor Who: A Christmas Tradition
CBBC(6th) - Pics: Dr Who Christmas Special
What's on TV(5th) - Doctor Who writer 'kept cool' for festive special

People
indieWire(6th) - Former ‘Dr. Who’ Star Sylvester McCoy Confirms He’s Been Cast In ‘The Hobbit’
MSN NZ(6th) - Former Dr Who cast in Hobbit films
Contact Music(6th) - Dr. Who Set For The Hobbit
Metro(6th) - Kylie Minogue: I want to act in more movies

Merchandise
Reg Hardware(6th) - Doctor Who: Return to Earth

Miscellaneous
Digital Journal(6th) - Coronation Street meets Doctor Who for ‘tram crash’ spectacular
Newslite(6th) - Doctor Who's sonic screwdriver could become real
Discount Vouchers(6th) - Sonic Screwdriver of Dr Who may one day be in stores near you
University of Bristol(6th) - Doctor Who's trusty invention is anything but sci-fi
Daily Mail(6th) - Could scientists be on the verge of inventing a Dr Who-style sonic screwdriver?
Press Association(6th) - Dr Who screwdriver 'could be made'
The Sun(6th) - DIY future of Dr Who sonic tool
Southern Daily Echo(6th) - For sci-fi buffs this was show really was out of this world

Related News/Passing Mention
The Stage(6th) - BBC announces winners of All Mixed Up competition (Freema Agyeman judged)
VAdvert(6th) - Is It a Bird? Is It a Plane? It’s an Orchestra!
South Wales Evening Post(5th) - Swansea actress Helen Griffin hopes online poll will net film a $1 million prize

Humour
Londonist(6th) - Touch Up London #103: The Shard Of Dalek

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Today saw the fourth Doctor Who Adventure announced, Shadows of the Vashta Nerada, more details on the Christmas Special, a good period for Character Options, and some details on how the BBC's global iplayer will operate.


A Christmas Carol
CBBC(2nd) - Doctor Who star nervous about Christmas special
Press Association(2nd) - Dr Who special 'Jaws with a twist'
On The Box(2nd) - Matt Smith Talks Doctor Who Christmas Special
Digital Spy(2nd) - Another sneak peek at Xmas 'Doctor Who'!
ATV Network(2nd) - Matt Smith praises Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat
ATV Network(2nd) - Matt Smith reveals more Doctor Who Christmas Special details
Press Association(2nd) - Jenkins reveals Doctor Who nerves
The Telegraph(1st) - Christmas TV highlights
Anglotopia(1st) - Talking Telly: Preview of BBC’s Christmas lineup – 2010 British TV Christmas Special Round-up

Series Coverage
Digital Spy(2nd) - Lancaster, Smart for new 'Doctor Who'
Digital Spy(2nd) - 'Who' exec teases River Song reveal

Doctor Who Adventures
Digital Spy(2nd) - Final 'Doctor Who' game ep for Christmas
Worth Playing(2nd) - 'Doctor Who: The Adventure Games' Ep.4 Announced
Kotaku(2nd) - Shadows of the Vashta Nerada
Joystiq(2nd) - Last Doctor Who adventure game of the season coming Christmas Day

Merchandise
What DVD(2nd) - Doctor Who – The Complete Series 5 (Blu-Ray)
Anglophenia(2nd) - First Look: 'Doctor Who: The Mazes of Time' Game
Digital Spy(2nd) - 'Doctor Who: Mazes Of Time' detailed
Daily Mail(2nd) - Doctor Who toymaker Character back in the black
Reuters(1st) - UPDATE 1-Dr Who toymaker expects strong Xmas, ups dividend
Examiner(1st) - Soundtrack review: Murray Gold jerks tears on DOCTOR WHO Series 4 – The Specials

Miscellaneous
MTV(2nd) - Craig Ferguson's Amazing 'Doctor Who' Intro Arrives Online (Finally!)
Mediate(2nd) - Leaked: Craig Ferguson’s Lost “Doctor Who” Open
Cinema Blend(2nd) - Watch Craig Ferguson's Crazy, Lost Doctor Who Dance Number
Shadowlocked(2nd) - Craig Ferguson Doctor Who Tribute Released
io9(1st) - Watch Craig Ferguson's unaired musical tribute to Doctor Who (with puppets)
Entertainment Weekly(1st) - The banned Craig Ferguson 'Doctor Who' cold open: See it here
The Escapist(2nd) - Give Your Little Time Lords Their Very Own TARDIS Bed
Stuff(2nd) - Sleep has new dimension with Tardis
Comics Alliance(2nd) - Asleep in the TARDIS
Chronicle Live(2nd) - Northern Charity Daleks raising cash for kids
Scotsman(1st) - Doctor Who's latest yarn's a moneyspinner for Harris Tweed
SFX(1st) - Things We Love About Doctor Who #3
Bang Showbiz(1st) - Only Fools and Horses most memorable festive TV moment (Voyage of the Damned #10)
Anglotopia(30th) - Check Out the Ultimate Doctor Who Infographic for Fun Facts!

Passing Mention/Related News
ITProPortal(2nd) - BBC Global iPlayer App To Launch On iPad
Tech Radar(2nd) - BBC global iPlayer iPad app will be pure paid subscription
Gather(2nd) - Entire 'Walking Dead' Writing Staff Fired - Frank Darabont Wants New Writers - Freelancers to do the Job?
Sydney Morning Herald(1st) - From free-to-air to free online: the rise of catch-up TV

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Doctor Who - A Christmas Carol
Written by Steven Moffat; Directed by Toby Haynes; Produced by Sanne Wohlenberg

Saturday 25th December 2010, 6:00pm BBC1/BBC1HD

It's the deepest part of winter, the exact midpoint, Christmas Eve – halfway out of the dark. Amy and Rory are trapped on a stricken space liner that's plummeting through banks of thick icy fog to the surface of the planet below.

Only one man has the power to save them; only one man is in possession of a machine that can clear the fog and let them land safely.

That man is Kazran Sardick, a rich but lonely old miser who rules Sardicktown with a sky-mast of iron.

The Doctor's only chance of rescuing the ship's four thousand passengers is to save Kazran's soul and show him that life is worth living. For this he needs to go back, way back, to when Kazran was a boy with a life full of promise.

But can the Doctor put a song in Kazran's heart and love in his life, in time for Christmas? Can he bring him out of the dark?

Cast:
The Doctor - Matt Smith; Amy Pond - Karen Gillan; Rory Williams - Arthur Darvill; Kazran Sardick/Elliot Sardick - Michael Gambon; Abigail - Katherine Jenkins; Captain - Pooku Quesnel

The thrilling adventures of the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) and newlyweds Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill) will continue in a Doctor Who fun-filled and heartfelt festive story, A Christmas Carol, this Christmas on BBC One.

In the grand tradition of Doctor Who Christmas specials, this year the show has once again attracted stellar guest stars, as veteran actor Michael Gambon (Harry Potter, The Singing Detective) and Opera diva Katherine Jenkins, in her first acting role, join the Time Lord for what might be his most Christmassy adventure yet!

On winning her part, Katherine Jenkins said: "I'm over the moon to be involved in the Doctor Who Christmas Special – I can't quite believe it as it's a part of the family tradition at the Jenkins household. I heard the news that I got the role on my 30th birthday and it was the best birthday present ever!"

About the series, Lead Writer and Executive Producer, Steven Moffat, commented: "Oh, we're going for broke with this one. It's all your favourite Christmas movies at once, in an hour, with monsters. And the Doctor. And a honeymoon. And... oh, you'll see.

"I've honestly never been so excited about writing anything. I was laughing madly as I typed along to Christmas songs in April. My neighbours loved it so much they all moved away and set up a website demanding my execution. But I'm fairly sure they did it ironically."

The Christmas special follows on from Matt Smith's first series as The Doctor, which attracted huge critical acclaim for Smith, his companion Gillan and lead writer Moffat, from press and legions of fans alike.

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning said: "Matt Smith and Karen Gillan captivated audiences in their debut series, and Doctor Who's clever twist on the much loved A Christmas Carol will thrill BBC One viewers this year with special guest stars Sir Michael Gambon and singing sensation Katherine Jenkins joining Amy and the Doctor for an unforgettable present!"

The series was commissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning for BBC One.

Steven Moffat is Lead Writer and Executive Producer with Piers Wenger and Beth Willis also executive producing.

After his critically acclaimed and hugely successful debut performance as the Doctor earlier this year, Matt Smith hasn't had time to rest on his laurels because in July he found himself surrounded by snow, shooting the Christmas Special.

Here, Matt explains what festive fun lies in store for Doctor Who fans.

"I've always wanted to be part of the Christmas Doctor Who experience," reveals Matt, "And I think this is certainly one of the most Christmassy and inventive Doctor Who stories so far.

"Steven just keeps getting even more imaginative and the great thing about this episode is that when Doctor Who and Christmas are put together you combine the spirit of both those things; it's a fun old yarn and the Doctor simply loves Christmas."

At the end of last series, Rory Williams officially became Mr Pond and joined his new wife Amy and the Doctor for more time-travelling adventures in the TARDIS. So where does this episode pick up?

"Well, it starts off with Amy and Rory on honeymoon, but the spaceship they are travelling on gets into trouble and needs to make an emergency landing on a nearby planet," reveals Matt.

"However, they are blocked from entering the planet's atmosphere and with the ship nearing implosion, the Doctor has to try and work out what's going on and how to save them.

"Steven's fantastical and magical mind has been working overtime and he's been extremely clever with this story," continues Matt.

"It feels very Dickensian, set in a mad futuristic world and it evolves into something even more magical than your classic monster Doctor Who episode."

However, Matt's quick to point out the episode does still feature a creature that is bound to get both children and adults alike cowering behind the sofa.

"The episode features a wonderful shark which I was very excited about," reveals Matt. "I've always wanted to explore the aquatic; viewers can expect Jaws with a twist!"

Joining the cast regulars in the episode is acclaimed actor of stage and screen Michael Gambon, and superstar opera singer Katherine Jenkins, making her acting debut.

"It was a real privilege to work with Michael," explains Matt. "I had a great time with him and he was really naughty! He's so crafty and when I asked him about working with iconic actors such as Olivier and Bates he said the one thing they all had in common was they were naughty – and he's exactly the same. He was very mischievous, constantly telling jokes and getting into the spirit of play.

"With Katherine I was astounded by her professionalism. Considering it was her first acting experience I thought she handled it with real craft and diligence." continues Matt. "It's exactly the type of casting we want; someone fresh, exciting and new."

But can Matt reveal anything about who they play and how they fit into the overall story?

"Well," chuckles Matt, "I can reveal that Michael plays a scrooge-like miser but there's a time-travelling twist to it all. To play an old grump there is no one better than Gambon. However, Michael also really makes you feel for this man and he can somehow turn himself into a little boy at times; he's a very impressive actor.

"Katherine looks like a princess," continues Matt, "and boy can she sing; the way she controls her voice and the grace with which she sings is quite incredible."

But while the Doctor is off on a Christmassy adventure, what will Christmas day hold for Matt Smith?

"I'll be watching Doctor Who with my family of course!" laughs Matt. "I imagine we'll have a big lunch first and then we'll sit down to watch the episode; the Doctor even gets to come down the chimney!"

Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins has achieved worldwide fame with her stunning singing voice and has performed in countries across the globe. However, it was her acting debut that made her most nervous.

Here, Katherine reveals what it was like to star in the Doctor Who Christmas Special.

"To be honest, I didn't think I really wanted to act," confesses Katherine. "I'd been asked to do things in the past and hadn't done them, but when I got the call to do Doctor Who it really excited me.

"It's such an iconic show and one we all watch as family. I wasn't sure I could do it but after reading for the part, I got a call on my 30th birthday to say I'd got it. It was the best birthday present I could have asked for!"

Stepping on to set for the first time can be a daunting experience for most actors, so how did Katherine feel when she joined the rest of the Doctor Who cast on her first day of filming?

"I had the most amazing time," reveals Katherine. "I must admit I was very nervous and I felt out of my comfort zone because I hadn't done any acting before. However, when I arrived on set the whole team was so welcoming and supportive. They made me feel like I could do it."

Set on a futuristic planet that looks very Dickensian, this Doctor Who Christmas Special is set to be the most Christmassy yet.

Katherine explains: "It certainly felt very Christmassy when we were filming it in July! The story is very emotional which I hope is going to touch people. I play the part of Abigail, a young woman who has been frozen in an ice chamber.

"Needless to say I do get out of the chamber but viewers will have to wait and see what happens to my character.

"I do get to sing though which was nice and I had a really good laugh with Matt between takes. He kept mucking around and singing to me but you know people should hear his voice; I think he's got a great bass voice!"

Speaking about her costume Katherine reveals: "My character comes from a family with really no money so my dress is very simple; it's a long cotton and lace dress with woollen sleeves and I also wear boots. It's almost looks like many layers of Victorian underwear!"

Doctor Who is predominately filmed in Cardiff so Katherine also had the added pleasure of catching up with her family during gaps in filming.

"It couldn't have worked out better," explains Katherine. "My family are based in Wales so some of them came to the set and I got to catch up with everybody, which was nice."

Since filming wrapped on the Doctor Who Christmas Special Katherine has been extremely busy concentrating on her music career.

"I'm on tour, visiting Denmark, Germany, Australia and America," reveals Katherine. "Then I'll be performing at the Royal Albert Hall before heading to Afghanistan over Christmas. To kick off 2011 I'll be working on my eighth album."

But has Doctor Who given her the acting bug?

"It's not something I'd ever done before," explains Katherine. "But I really enjoyed it so maybe in the future I'd consider other opportunities; although I think it would help if the role had a musical element to it!"

Links
BBC Press Office: Doctor Who – A Christmas Carol
Radio Times Christmas 2010 Cover Shoot

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The BBC Press Office have released details on the fourth game in the Doctor Who Adventures, Shadows of the Vashta Nerada.

Guess Who's coming for Christmas?

This Christmas Day, Doctor Who fans are in for an extra special treat as the BBC releases the fourth and final episode in this series of the ground-breaking Doctor Who – The Adventure Games immediately following the BBC One and BBC One HD broadcast of the Christmas special.

The game will be available for UK households on PC and Mac as a free download from the Doctor Who website (www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho).

Entitled Shadows Of The Vashta Nerada, this fourth episode sees the first appearance of Steven Moffat's brilliantly original monsters since their debut in Silence In The Library and Forest Of The Dead.

Executive produced by Steven Moffat and written by Doctor Who writer Phil Ford (Shadows Of Mars, Torchwood), the game sees the return of Matt Smith and Karen Gillan in digital form as the Doctor and Amy face their biggest adventure yet.

Kicking off immediately following the cliff-hanger ending of episode three, Shadows Of The Vashta Nerada sees The Doctor and Amy have materialised just south of London (and about a 1,000 miles to the left) inside an aquatic sea-bed colony called Poseidon. The game features a breath-taking plot which surrounds a real-world conspiracy – and, of course, takes place at Christmas.

"We've gone all-out for the season finale," says Steven Moffat. "Shadows Of The Vashta Nerada takes place entirely underwater – something which would be impossible for the TV series, as water is so expensive. It's thrilling, terrifying, educational and fun. Just steer clear of those shadows..."

Doctor Who – The Adventure Games have been produced by a team drawing on the very best talent from TV and gaming. The interactive episodes are executive produced by Steven Moffat, Piers Wenger, Beth Willis and with Anwen Aspden (BBC Wales Interactive), alongside Charles Cecil, one of video gaming's most revered creators. The games are being developed by Sumo Digital, one of the UK's best game designers. Stories and scripts are from Phil Ford (co-writer Doctor Who Waters Of Mars) and James Moran (Doctor Who, Torchwood Children Of Earth). The project has been commissioned for BBC Online by the Vision Multiplatform team and is being driven by BBC Wales Interactive.

Shadows Of The Vashta Nerada will be available simultaneously on PC and Mac from the Doctor Who website (www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho) on Christmas Day. The game will be available for no extra cost to UK households. Users outside the UK will be able to purchase and download it on the same date – details will be put on the Doctor Who website.

Doctor Who – The Adventure Games will return in 2011.

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A Christmas Carol is finally officially scheduled for 6:00pm Christmas Day. Meanwhile, the currently filming series continues apace, with Piers Wenger talking about what to - and what not to - expect! Plus, what are these mysterious police boxes doing ...


A Christmas Carol
Metro(1st) - Christmas TV guide 2010: Top 10 must-see programmes
Den of Geek(1st) - Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol timeslot confirmed
Digital Spy(1st) - BBC confirms 'Doctor Who' Xmas slot
TV Overmind(30th) - Doctor Who Christmas Special Gets Surprising U.S. Airdate
TV Overmind(30th) - Promo - Doctor Who Christmas Special "A Christmas Carol"
ATV Network(30th) - BBC Confirm Doctor Who Christmas Special Timeslot
Digital Spy(30th) - Katherine Jenkins 'nervous about Who role'

Series Coverage
ATV Network(1st) - No Old Monsters for next series Doctor Who
Digital Spy(1st) - 'Who' exec: 'No old monsters in series six'
Digital Journal(1st) - Doctor Who could get 2011 Easter special
Digital Journal(1st) - BBC executive Piers Wenger teases future of Doctor Who
Airlock Alpha(1st) - Two Strips Of Latinum: A Peek At 'Doctor Who' Future
Crave(30th) - Piers Wenger on 'Doctor Who'
Salt Lake Tribune(30th) - Paparazzo finds "Doctor Who" in Monument Valley

Torchwood
Digital Spy(1st) - 'Buffy' producer joins new 'Torchwood'
Hollywood Reporter(30th) - 'Torchwood' Adds 'Buffy' Producer, Eyes Debut Date

The Sarah Jane Adventures
ATV Network(1st) - The Sarah Jane Adventures: Ratings Review

People
Anglophenia(1st) - Most Surprising British Music Moments of 2010 (Matt Smith at Glastonbury)

Merchandise
Pocket Gamer(1st) - Doctor Who: The Mazes of Time out in December for iPhone and iPad

Miscellaneous
io9(1st) - Spend every night with the Doctor in this awesome TARDIS bed
Bristol Evening Post(1st) - Harbour Festival, Skins and Dr Who bring millions into Bristol economy
Scottish Sun(1st) - Dr Who's Matt-erial
Den of Geek(1st) - Sylvester McCoy up for Doctor Who reunion
Digital Spy(30th) - McCoy 'keen on Doctor Who return'
Anglotopia(30th) - The Ultimate Doctor Who Infographic

Passing Mention
This Is West Country(1st) - Captain Hook is ready for Peter Pan at the Octagon
Bleeding Cool(1st) - Frank Darabont Has Fired The Walking Dead’s Writing Staff, Will Go “Doctor Who” For Season Two, Kirkman Riding Shotgun?
New York Magazine(1st) - The Walking Dead Fires Its Writers (Torchwood writing reference)
Screen Rant(30th) - ‘The Walking Dead’ Fires Writing Staff; Will Not Replace Them For Season 2
The Arts Desk(30th) - Debate: Should Theatre Be On Television?

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