Monday, 21 November 2011

Series Six Boxed Set Promotional Broadcasts

Today saw a number of promotional broadcasts undertaken by the Doctor Who team for the release of the Doctor Who Complete Series Six Boxed Set.

The centrepiece of the day took place at the Westfield Centre in Stratford City, where Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill signed copies of the set at HMV, and was followed later in the afternoon with a live Q&A session with Jo Whiley:

Video Coming Soon ...



Earlier in the day Matt Smith appeared on BBC Breakfast to chat about his appearance on Children in Need and the forthcoming next series of Doctor Who. This is available to watch in the United Kingdom via the BBC News channel (14:54, to 28th Nov).
 

Later both he and Karen Gillan popped into Fearne Cotton's studio on BBC Radio One to continue promotion, which was also broadcast via the station webcam:
Watch the Fearne Cotton Interview (two parts)

Fearne Cotton Interview (part one), BBC, via BBC iPlayer


Fearne Cotton Interview (part two), BBC, via BBC iPlayer


The duo also pre-recorded an interview with Steve Wright before heading off to Westfield; this was broadcast on his afternoon show just after 3:40pm.
Listen to the Steve Wright Interview

Steve Wright Interview, BBC, via BBC iPlayer

Monday, 7 November 2011

Sarah Jane Adventures Series Five arrives in HD

This week sees the premiere of the last series of The Sarah Jane Adventures in high definition, with the show to be broadcast over the next three weeks on BBC1/BBC1HD from 4:30pm Thursdays and Fridays.

The full schedule of repeats can be found via This Week in Doctor Who.


There are a number of associated programme clips still available to watch online:


Breakfast, BBC1, Friday 4th November, ~8:48am
Elisabeth Sladen's autobiography is released this week (7th November), and her daughter Sadie Miller appeared as a guest on the show to share her memories of her mother.
This programme is available to watch in the UK via BBC News (05:08) until 11th November.

Sam and Mark's Big Friday Wind Up, CBBC, Friday 4th November, 6:00pm
Daniel Anthony appeared a guest on the show to talk about The Sarah Jane Adventures; the show later also features a prank where three children believe they get an exclusive glimpse of the Twelfth Doctor and aliens.
This programme is available to watch in the UK via BBC iPlayer (13:00, 27:00) until 16th December.

Hacker Time, CBBC, Friday 5th October, 4:30pm
"Hacker shares his unique take on aliens from galaxies far away and tricks Danny Anthony and Anjli Mohindra from the Sarah Jane Adventures in to the studio." Includes outtakes from both the show and Doctor Who.
This programme is available to watch in the UK via BBC iPlayer until 21st December.

Monday, 3 October 2011

BBC Press Release: Doctor Who: The Gunpowder Plot

The BBC has issued a press release for the forthcoming Doctor Who Adventure Game, The Gunpowder Plot, due for release on 31 October 2011.
Doctor Who Adventure Game: The Gunpowder Plot
Starring Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Ralf Little, Phil Daniels, Emilia Fox and Chris Johnson

The BBC has announced that a new Doctor Who Adventure Game – The Gunpowder Plot – will be available to download via the Doctor Who website from 31 October, 2011.

The Doctor Who Adventure Game: The Gunpowder Plot features a star-studded cast, including Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Ralf Little as Guy Fawkes, Phil Daniels as Town Crier, Emilia Fox as the 14th Plotter and CBBC presenter Chris Johnson as Barnaby. It will offer players a unique experience of one of the most important and memorable moments in British history.

Ralf Little, who plays Guy Fawkes in the game, says: "It is a way of bringing the story alive to, probably, millions of kids who are aware of the name Guy Fawkes because of November the 5th, but not actually really understand what the historical significance is behind it."

Written by Phil Ford, voice directed by Gary Russell and produced by a team drawing on the very best talent from TV and the games industry, the Adventure Game was executive produced by Steven Moffat, Piers Wenger, Beth Willis and Anwen Aspden, alongside Charles Cecil, one of video gaming's most revered creators. The game is being developed by independent UK game development studio Sumo Digital Ltd.

Commissioned by Victoria Jaye, Head of IPTV and TV Online Content, BBC Vision – in collaboration with Controller of BBC Learning, Saul Nassé – the game provides audiences with a unique way to learn about one of the most significant periods in British history, through an interactive experience of one of the UK's best-loved programmes. The last four-game series, released in 2010, exceeded all expectations with more than 2.8m downloads requested so far.

Victoria Jaye says: "We're always looking at ways to bring Doctor Who stories to life for the audience beyond broadcast television, seizing the creative potential of digital platforms to delight fans with new ways to engage with characters and story worlds."

The game will be available for UK households on PC and Mac as a free download from the Doctor Who website from 31 October.

A preview is available here: bbc.co.uk/doctorwho




**** THE FOLLOWING SYNOPSES MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS



After a mid-space collision, the Doctor, Amy and Rory crash land on Earth, 1605 AD. Here they discover that a mothership belonging to the Sontaran's age-old enemy, the Rutan Host, is on Earth. The only problem – the ship is buried deep below the site upon which the House of Lords has now been built.

Meanwhile, a secret society of malcontents is plotting to overthrow the Government by planting gunpowder beneath the House of Lords. Two members of this society are exposed in our story – Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes. The 14th plotter, hitherto undisclosed in the history books, is a shape-shifting Rutan, who, by infiltrating the plotters and controlling their plans can have her ends met – the launch path cleared for her mothership, deep below the foundations of the House of Lords.

And so the Doctor, Amy and Rory must find a way to stop the plotters, the Sontarans and the Rutans, all of whom are intent on blowing something (if not everything!) to pieces.

This game puts the player in the shoes of one of the TARDIS crew, exploring the streets and communities of 1605 London, to become embroiled in the Gunpowder Plot as it draws to its explosive conclusion. The aim is to get beneath Parliament to stop the aliens starting a war on Earth, ensure that Guy Fawkes is arrested, everyone inside the House of Lords is safe – and above all, make sure history stays on its correct path.

Tuesday, 27 September 2011

BBC Press Pack: The Sarah Jane Adventures Series 5

The BBC Press Office has issued a press pack for the forthcoming series of The Sarah Jane Adventures, due to start broadcast from Monday, 3 October 2011.
The Sarah Jane Adventures Series 5
Starring Elisabeth Sladen, Tommy Knight, Daniel Anthony, Anjli Mohindra and Sinead Michael

Investigative journalist Sarah Jane Smith and her gang of young sidekicks are back, as the final ever episodes of the award-winning The Sarah Jane Adventures are broadcast on CBBC from Monday 3 October.

The six episodes making up the fifth series of The Sarah Jane Adventures were all filmed before the sad death of much-loved actress Elisabeth Sladen earlier this year.

Lis first appeared as Sarah Jane in Doctor Who in 1973 and remained on the iconic programme for three-and-a-half series alongside the Third Doctor, Jon Pertwee, and the Fourth Doctor, Tom Baker. She returned to the role in 2007 in her own spin-off series on CBBC.

The Sarah Jane Adventures brought Lis to a whole new generation of fans who grew to love her alien-busting adventures.

Created by Russell T Davies, this new series of the hugely successful Doctor Who spin-off features new aliens, surprising arrivals, and the usual mix of thrills, scares and fun. Sarah Jane and her gang are thrown into the middle of a war between two deadly aliens, Fleshkind and Metalkind, Clyde finds himself out on the streets when an alien curse turns his friends against him, and Sarah Jane confronts the mysterious Mr Serf and discovers the secret of his success – he has alien slaves in his basement!

Elisabeth Sladen plays Sarah Jane Smith alongside young stars Tommy Knight as Luke, Daniel Anthony as Clyde and Anjli Mohindra as Rani. This series introduces a brand new member of the gang, Sky, played by Sinead Michael. The series also features Ace Bhatti and Mina Anwar as Rani's parents, Jocelyn Jee Esien as Clyde's mum, and guest appearances from Floella Benjamin as Professor Rivers, James Dreyfuss as Harrison, Peter Bowles as Lionel Carson, Christine Stephen-Daly as Miss Myers and Lily Loveless as Ellie.

The Sarah Jane Adventures is executive produced by Russell T Davies and Nikki Wilson and is produced by Brian Minchin. Writers include Phil Ford and Gareth Roberts.

The Sarah Jane Adventures will air on Monday and Tuesdays on CBBC. For more information please visit The Sarah Jane Adventures website.

The Sarah Jane Adventures is a BBC Cymru Wales/CBBC production.

Phil Ford, lead writer and co-producer of The Sarah Jane Adventures talks about the new and final series.

What can viewers expect from the last series of The Sarah Jane Adventures?

They are without doubt three of the best stories we’ve done. With Luke off to university – but far from forgotten – there’s a new character joining the gang, Sky, and she’s going to have quite a fun, sparky relationship with Clyde, Rani and Sarah Jane. But Sky doesn’t come into the Sarah Jane world on her own – she brings some pretty scary people with her. So that’s going to be a lot of fun, to kick the series off. And we also start with a pretty impressive bang!

Our second story is an unusual one for The Sarah Jane Adventures – we go into a hidden world that’s actually here on Earth. It’s a real world, and it’s scarier than any alien. It’s a hugely emotional story for all our characters, but especially Clyde. It is of course, a sci-fi story in the best traditions of the show – but it’s also about the very real and disturbing world of homeless people. I’m hoping it will do more than entertain, that it will give our audience – young and older – something to think about. Certainly, I’m personally very proud of it. It’s probably the best script I’ve written for the show.

And then we wrap with another great story from Gareth Roberts, with an intriguing villain that’s a great romp with lots of action and laughs. It’s a wonderful story to bring the series to a great conclusion.

What was it like writing for such a big show?

Writing for The Sarah Jane Adventures has been just about the best job ever. It’s been an amazing series and we have told 27 fabulous, exciting, funny, scary and heart-warming stories. And working on all of them has been a joy. Not just because I love those kinds of stories, but because everyone associated with the show has been, without a single exception, truly amazing to work with.

What are your memories of Elisabeth Sladen?

Lis was the Doctor’s companion when I was growing up. I remember her with Jon Pertwee and with Tom Baker, and Sarah Jane Smith had always been special to me. I always felt privileged and hugely fortunate to work with Lis – to have her act what I put down on paper, and to do it so brilliantly. Sarah Jane Smith was special to me, but Lis Sladen was even more special. And I will always be grateful for the time I spent with such a warm, funny and professional human being.

Why do you think The Sarah Jane Adventures have been so successful?

There are all sorts of reasons for the success of the show, but at the heart of it there will always be Lis. One of the themes of the show was family, and Lis made it a family. She was very definitely its mother. But she was also its beating heart.

That’s not to ignore the contributions of Anjli, Danny, Tommy, and Yasmin in the pilot and first series, nor the wonderful Sinead in this final run. We had an amazing, loveable cast who made their parts come alive.

The lovely thing about the show, as well, is that its audience has grown up with our characters, Rani, Clyde and Luke, and I think those characters were always so easily recognisable to our young audience that they always wanted to spend time with them whenever they were on screen.

How do you come up with the ideas for the programme?

I could tell you I go to a funny little curiosity shop run by a strange gentleman in a smoking jacket and fez who talks to his parrot a lot. The truth is ideas come from nowhere and everywhere.

Can you give us any inside gossip on the new series?

I don’t think there is any inside gossip. If there is, it might be about me and everybody’s saying it behind my back. So I can’t really help.

Do you have a favourite regular character?

They’re all my favourite characters. I loved writing for all of them. I really did. Though, I have to say, apart from the actual gang I do have a very soft spot for Gita. I created Rani’s mum and just adored what Mina Anwar did with her. She could be pure comedy gold.

What about a favourite guest-star?

We attracted so many brilliant guest stars, it’s unbelievable. This series we have Christine Stephen-Daly, Jocelyn Jee-Esien, Lily Loveless, Floella Benjamin, Mark Aitken and James Drayfus. But other than them, I was so thrilled when Samantha Bond returned to play Mrs Wormwood in Enemy Of The Bane. She was such a delicious villain.

And a favourite monster?

This year the Metalkind has to be my favourite monster. He arrives in style! The Skullions in the final story are also very creepy. From previous series I liked Odd Bob the clown, who was played by Bradley Walsh with this wonderfully creepy American accent that wasn’t in the script. I was on set with him for a scene he played with Lis and even with the camera there and all the crew around me, he scared me like no other monster ever has.

You’ve also written for Doctor Who – what makes The Sarah Jane Adventures different?

One of the greatest compliments I’ve heard is that the show reminds people of Doctor Who from the days of the Third and Fourth Doctors – and not just because those were Sarah Jane days. Those were the days that went some way to inspiring me to write, so I really hope that Sarah Jane will have inspired other kids out there to write, too.

These are obviously the last episodes of the programme. What do you think the characters would be doing in the future if there were more episodes?

The characters have all grown up with the show, but they would never have grown out of the show. As Sarah Jane once said, when the universe has shown you its real face, you can never turn your back on it – so I think Rani, Clyde, Luke, and Sky will always be out there having adventures with Sarah Jane. And maybe they get caught in some strange inter-dimensional time-bubble where they never grow old, never get tired, never lose the wonder of the universe and keep on having adventures, and having fun forever. Oh, wait, they’ve already been caught like that – we call them box sets!

Can you sum up the experience of working on The Sarah Jane Adventures in ten words or less?

I would swear and say: AMAZING FUN.
Sinead Michael plays Sky in the brand new series of the Sarah Jane Adventures. Here she talks about what it was like being the newest girl on Bannerman Road.

What can viewers expect from the last series of The Sarah Jane Adventures?

Expect some surprises, emotional times and lots and lots of fun in the last series.

What was it like being involved with such a hugely popular show?

It was amazing. I loved filming every minute of it. It’s a great show. I am aware that it has been around for four series and am hoping that everyone likes my character even though I’m the new girl!

How did you get the part?

My agency sent me along for the audition with the casting director and I got a recall to do a second audition a few weeks later. I was so surprised to get the part.

Have you done any acting before?

Yes, I have done acting before. I have been in a few dramas on stage, in an opera and a few other bits, but nothing as big as Sarah Jane.

Did you ever watch the show before you got the part?

Yes! I have seen every episode – more than once. I love the show.

What do you think of Sky’s special powers?

I think they are so cool! Dangerous but cool!

Which cast member did you get on with most and why?

I would never choose one as the best since they are all amazing, welcoming and so much fun.

What are you memories of Elisabeth Sladen?

Lis was such a lovely woman who cared about everyone on set. She was like a mum to me when I was filming. I miss her so much. I remember when I first went on set, I was so nervous and she said to me: "Don’t worry, just relax and have fun". I will never forget her.

How did you get on with the rest of the cast?

We were like a massive family. The crew was great and I still keep in touch with some of them. You would forget you were at work and just have lots and lots of fun. They were such happy times for everyone.

What do your friends think about you being on such an iconic programme?

They think it’s really cool! They have all seen the trailers now and say: "wow" every time they see me!

What was the best bit about being involved in the show?

The best bit was meeting the cast and crew and becoming friends with them. Also the series preview we had recently at the BFI IMAX was so great. I have never done anything like that. And it gave me a chance to meet Chris Johnson!

Can you sum up the experience of working on The Sarah Jane Adventures in 10 words or less?

A once-in-a-lifetime experience, with amazing, fantastic people.




**** THE FOLLOWING SYNOPSES MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS



Sarah Jane finds a baby girl on her doorstep and tries to find out who abandoned her. At a nuclear power station, a beautiful woman appears out of thin air and uses alien powers to take control. She’s looking for something – and realises that Sarah Jane may just have it.
Sky has undergone an amazing transformation, but in doing so has triggered a countdown that no one can stop. As Sarah Jane and Sky find themselves trapped between the alien war fought by Metalkind and Fleshkind, Clyde and Rani face a race against time to stop the biggest bang in history...
It’s raining fish from the skies, and Sarah Jane’s investigations lead the gang to the Museum of Culture, where the ancient god Hetocumtek may offer answers. But when Clyde acts the fool once too often, family and friends savagely turn against him, and he is thrown out of their lives!It’s raining fish from the skies, and Sarah Jane’s investigations lead the gang to the Museum of Culture, where the ancient god Hetocumtek may offer answers. But when Clyde acts the fool once too often, family and friends savagely turn against him, and he is thrown out of their lives!
Clyde is alone and abandoned on the streets of London, living rough, cold and hungry. One person reaches out to him, but as they become friends, he’s warned about the legendary Night Dragon. In Bannerman Road, Sky knows something’s wrong – why do Sarah Jane and Rani suddenly hate Clyde?
Joseph Serf has launched his new SerfBoard, the must-have computer that no one can resist owning. Intrigued, Sarah Jane takes Luke and Sky to investigate what’s so compelling about Serf and his business. Clyde and Rani meanwhile take a SerfBoard to pieces, suspecting alien technology may be the answer...
The truth behind Joseph Serf’s company is out – alien Light Sculptors, slaves kept beneath his office building. As Luke and Sky try to find a way to free them and get them home safely, Sarah Jane needs Clyde and Rani to come and help her – and get married along the way...

Wednesday, 21 September 2011

BBC Press Release: Doctor Who Christmas Special

The BBC Press Office has issued a press release for the forthcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special, due to broadcast this coming Christmas 2011.

Doctor Who Christmas Special
Starring Matt Smith, Claire Skinner, Bill Bailey, Arabella Weir and Alexander Armstrong
1 x 60' drama produced by BBC Wales for BBC One

Cardiff, 21 September 2011: Production has started on the 2011 Doctor Who Christmas Special in which the Doctor (Matt Smith) finds himself in war-torn England embarking on a magical and mysterious adventure with a young widow and her two children.

A stellar guest cast including Claire Skinner (Outnumbered), Bill Bailey (Black Books), Arabella Weir (The Fast Show) and Alexander Armstrong (Armstrong & Miller), join Matt Smith in the emotional festive special, packed full of Christmas thrills and chills.

Steven Moffat, Lead Writer and Executive Producer, commented: "The Doctor at Christmas - nothing is more fun to write. Maybe because it's so his kind of day - everything's bright and shiny, everybody's having a laugh, and nobody minds if you wear a really stupid hat. Of all the Doctors, Matt Smith's is the one that was born for this time of year - so it's the best news possible that he's heading back down the chimney."

The special, set during World War II, sees Madge Arwell and her two children, Lily and Cyril, evacuated to a draughty old house in Dorset, where the caretaker is a mysterious young man in bow tie, and a big blue parcel is waiting for them under the tree. They are about to enter a magical new world and learn that a Time Lord never forgets his debts...

Claire Skinner said: "I am thrilled to be in Doctor Who playing Madge who is a bit of super-mum. It's a magical part."

This marks Matt Smith's second outing as the Doctor at Christmas time and will follow hot on the heels of the successful 2011 series, currently airing on BBC One until October.

The Christmas special was commissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama and Danny Cohen, Controller BBC One. Steven Moffat is Lead Writer and Executive Producer with Piers Wenger and Caroline Skinner, also executive producing.

Filming on the Christmas special will continue until mid October 2011.

Sunday, 11 September 2011

UK Broadcasting: Publicity/Promotion update 11th September 2011

A summary of UK television and radio spots known to be broadcast over the next week, and links to recent items that are still available to watch/listen to.

Coming Up


The Zone, Monday 12th September, 1:00am
John Barrowman will be on to promote his new range of grooming products, HIM.
This programme is can only be viewed live at time of broadcast.

QVC, Monday 12th September, 9:00am
John Barrowman will be on to promote his new range of grooming products, HIM.
This programme can only be viewed live at time of broadcast.

QVC, Monday 12th September, 6:00pm NEW!
John Barrowman will be on to promote his new range of grooming products, HIM.
This programme can only be viewed live at time of broadcast.

Loose Women, ITV1, Wednesday 14th September, 12:30-1:30pm
John Barrowman makes another appearance on the show this year!
This programme is usually available on the ITV Player after broadcast.

The Wright Stuff, Channel 5, Thursday 15th September, 9:15am-11:00am
John Barrowman features as special guest on the show.
This programme is usually available on Demand 5 after broadcast.

Torchwood: Miracle Day - The Blood Line, BBC1, Thursday 15th September, 9:00pm
The last of the series. The Torchwood team travels across the world on a final, desperate mission - but the Three Families are unstoppable, unless a terrible sacrifice is made...
This programme will be available to watch in the UK after broadcast via the BBC iPlayer (SD/HD) until 23rd September.
It is also repeated on BBC2/BBCHD at 12:50am on Tuesday 20th September.


Doctor Who - The God Complex, BBC1, Saturday 3rd September, 7:10pm
The TARDIS lands in what looks like an ordinary hotel, as the time-travelling drama continues. But the walls move, corridors twist and rooms vanish. There is a room for every visitor that contains their deepest, darkest fears. Fears that will kill them. What lies in the Doctor's room? And when his turn comes, will he welcome death like all the rest?
This programme will be available to watch in the UK after broadcast via the BBC iPlayer until 24th September (8:00pm)

Doctor Who Confidential - Heartbreak Hotel, BBC3, Saturday 17th September, 8:00pm
Confidential is backstage at a hotel with a difference. Find out what made writer Toby Whithouse set his latest Doctor adventure in a place where you definitely wouldn't want to take your summer holidays and discover how the crew really made heads turn in a room full of ventriloquist dummies. Featuring interviews with Steven Moffat and Toby Whithouse.
This programme will be available to watch in the UK after broadcast via the BBC iPlayer (SD/HD) until 8th October (8:30pm).
It is also repeated on Sunday 18th September on BBCHD at 1:35am, BBC3 at 3:40am, and in a Cut-Down version at 7:50pm.


Catch-Up


Alan Titchmarsh Show, ITV1, Wednesday 7th September, from 3:00pm
Today Alan is joined by Question of Sport host Sue Barker and John Barrowman, who talks about his latest album.
This programme is available to watch in the United Kingdom via the ITV Player until 7th October.

Torchwood: Miracle Day - The Gathering, BBC1, Thursday 8th September, 9:00pm
The penultimate of the series. As the Three Families plunge the world into recession, the Torchwood team - defeated, powerless, and hunted - must strike a bargain with the devil himself.
This programme is available to watch in the UK via the BBC iPlayer (SD/HD) until 23rd September (11:00pm).
It is also repeated on BBC2/BBCHD at 12:20am on Tuesday 13th September.


Doctor Who - The Girl Who Waited, BBC1, Saturday 10th September, 7:15pm
Amy is trapped in a quarantine facility for victims of an alien plague – a plague that will kill the Doctor in a day – as the time-travelling drama continues. The Doctor can use the TARDIS to smash through time and break in, but then Rory is on his own. He must find Amy and bring her back to the TARDIS before the alien doctors can administer their medicine. Rory is about to encounter a very different side to his wife. Can he rescue Amy before she is killed by kindness?
This programme is available to watch in the UK via the BBC iPlayer (SD/HD) until 24th September (8:00pm)
It is also repeated on BBC3 on Friday 16th September at 7:00pm.


Doctor Who Confidential - What Dreams May Come, BBC3, Saturday 17th September, 8:00pm
Confidential is out and about with Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) and Arthur Darvill (Rory Williams). Can Karen get up to 100mph around one of the UK's fastest racetracks and can Arthur rise to the challenge of swimming in a tank of sharks? The team are also on set at Wales Millennium Centre to fend off some brutal new enemies and viewers get to experience a 'Day in the Life' of the camera department. Also featured is another Script to Screen, as our storyboard artist brings the story to life. Featuring interviews with Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill and Steven Moffat.
This programme will be available to watch in the UK after broadcast via the BBC iPlayer (SD/HD) until 8th October (8:30pm).
It is also repeated in a Cut-Down version on Friday 16th September on BBC3 at 7:45pm.


Jonathan Ross Show, ITV1, Saturday 10th September, 9:45-10:45pm
Benedict Cumberbatch was a guest on the show, and briefly talked about rumours of him becoming the Doctor.
This programme is available to watch in the United Kingdom via the ITV Player until 8th October.
The show is also repeated on ITV1 on Thursday 15th September at 10:35pm and ITV2 on Friday 16th September at 11:20pm


John Barrowman on the Radio


All-round entertainer John Barrowman has featured on a variety of radio programmes recently, with further appearances expected, promoting his new album, tour, and current shows Torchwood and Tonight's The Night.

Recorded Interviews (unknown broadcast date):
  • Mark Dennison, BBC Radio Nottingham, Monday-Fridays 9:00am-Midday (recorded 5th September)
  • Robert Elms, BBC Radio London, Monday-Fridays, from Midday (recorded 5th September)
  • Drivetime with Carlos, Smooth Radio, Monday-Fridays 4:00-7:00pm (recorded 1st September)
  • Nicki Whiteman, BBC Radio Berkshire, Saturdays from 6:00am (recorded 5th September)
  • Pete Price, Radio City, Sunday-Thursday 10:00pm-2:00am (recorded 1st September)
  • John Hannam Meets, Isle of Wight Radio, Sundays from 2:00pm (rpt 10:00pm) (recorded 1st September)
Recent radio interviews still available to listen to:

Looking ahead, it was confirmed on Signal 2 that the actor would be presenting a one hour show during the Christmas period.

Other appearance information for the actor can be found in our earlier article.

Episodes


Series episodes that have been shown to date that are still available via the BBC iPlayer:

Repeats of Series One of both Doctor Who and Torchwood continue on Watch, and the animated Doctor Who adventures The Infinite Quest and Dreamland will be on the CBBC channel at 5:00pm on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

A full list of episodes of Doctor Who and Torchwood being broadcast throughout the world is available from This Week in Doctor Who.

Thursday, 1 September 2011

UK Broadcasting: John Barrowman promotions (updated 10th September)

All-round entertainer John Barrowman is featuring on a variety of radio and television programmes over the coming week, promoting his new album, tour, and current shows Torchwood and Tonight's The Night. What follows is a list of the known items, with direct links to them where available.

Coming Up (confirmed dates from 8th September)


Rick Astley Request Show, Magic, Sunday 11th September, from 2:00pm
The John Barrowman segment will be recorded on 5th September, and this is the first programme broadcast after that date.
This programme can only be listened to live in the United Kingdom

Sunday Extra with Bob Harrison, Manx FM, Sunday 11th September, between 4:00-5:00pm
John Barrowman is expected to feature on the programme (recorded 1st September)
This programme can only be listened to live in the United Kingdom

Paul Fairclough, Signal 2, Sunday 11th September, between 2:00-6:00pm NEW!
The John Barrowman segment was recorded on 1st September.
This programme can only be listened to live in the United Kingdom


QVC, Monday 12th September, time tbc NEW!
John Barrowman will be on to promote his new range of grooming products, HIM.
This programme can only be viewed live at time of broadcast.

Loose Women, ITV1, Wednesday 14th September, 12:30-1:30pm
John Barrowman makes another appearance on the show this year!
This programme is usually available on the ITV Player after broadcast.

The Wright Stuff, Channel 5, Thursday 15th September, 9:15am-11:00am
John Barrowman features as special guest on the show.
This programme is usually available on Demand 5 after broadcast.

Coming Up (unconfirmed dates)


The following are shows that John Barrowman is scheduled to appear on, but the actual date/time is currently unknown or has yet to be confirmed by the broadcaster (note: some might even have been broadcast already and unavailable for listen again):

Mark Dennison, BBC Radio Nottingham, Monday-Friday 9:00am-Midday
Philip Chapman sits in; the John Barrowman segment will be recorded on 5th September.
This programme can be listened to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer for seven days once broadcast

Robert Elms, BBC Radio London, Monday-Friday, from Midday
The John Barrowman segment was recorded on 5th September.
This programme will be available to listen to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer after broadcast

Drivetime with Carlos, Smooth Radio, Monday-Friday 4:00-7:00pm
The John Barrowman segment was recorded on 1st September.
This programme can only be listened to live in the United Kingdom

Nicki Whiteman, BBC Radio Berkshire, Saturdays from 6:00am
This programme can be listened to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer for seven days once broadcast

Pete Price, Radio City, Sunday-Thursday 10:00pm-2:00am
The John Barrowman segment was recorded on 1st September.
This programme can only be listened to live in the United Kingdom

John Hannam Meets, Isle of Wight Radio, Sundays, from 2:00pm
The John Barrowman segment was recorded on 1st September.
The programme is also repeated from 10:00pm.
This programme can only be listened to live in the United Kingdom

Catch-up


Judi Spiers Show, BBC Radio Devon, Sunday 28th August, ~4:10pm
Judi presents a vintage interview with John Barrowman from 2004.
This programme is available to listen to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer (1:09:00) until 4th September (5:00pm)

Jamie Owen, BBC Radio Wales, Thursday 1st September, ~11:20am
This programme is available to listen to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer (2:21:05) until 8th September (midday)

Bernie Keith, BBC Radio Northampton, Thursday 1st September, ~11:40am
This programme is available to listen to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer (2:41:25) until 8th September (midday)

Liz Rhodes, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Thursday 1st September, ~12:20pm
This programme can be listened to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer (19:50) until 3:00pm

Pat Marsh, BBC Radio Kent, Thursday 1st September, ~2:45pm
This programme is available to listen to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer (0:47:50) until 8th September (4:00pm)

Becky Want, BBC Radio Manchester, Thursday 1st September, ~3:15pm
This programme is available to listen to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer (1:11:55) until 8th September (5:00pm)

Alan Edwards, Clyde FM, Saturday 3rd September, ~8:20pm
John Barrowman talks to Alan about his career (and being Scottish!)
This programme can be listened to worldwide via the Clyde2 website.

Sunday Brunch with Michael Ball, BBC Radio 2, Sunday 4th September, ~12:10pm
Mr Entertainment himself, John Barrowman, joins Michael Ball for Sunday Brunch.
This programme will be available to listen to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer until 11th September (1:00pm)

Daybreak, ITV1, Monday 5th September, 6:00-8:30am
John Barrowman appeared as a guest on the show, along with Sooty and Sweep!
This programme is not usually available on the ITV Player.

Judi Spiers, BBC Radio Devon, Monday 5th September, ~10:15am
This programme can be listened to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer (1:16:32) until 12th September (midday)

MacAuley and Co, BBC Radio Scotland, Monday 5th September, ~10:45am
This programme can be listened to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer (0:19:25) until 12th September (midday)

Paulette Edwards, BBC Radio Sheffield, Monday 5th September, after 3:00pm
This programme can be listened to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer (2:07:45) until 12th September (4:00pm)

Billy Butler, BBC Radio Merseyside, Monday 5th September, 2:00-5:00pm
The John Barrowman segment was recorded on 1st September.
This programme can be listened to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer (1:27:33) until 12th September (5:00pm)

Simon Guettier, British Forces Radio 2, Monday 5th September, ~3:20pm NEW!
This programme can be listened to worldwide via the Listen Again (pt3) service (22:30) until 12th September.

Alan Titchmarsh Show, ITV1, Wednesday 7th September, from 3:00pm
Today Alan is joined by Question of Sport host Sue Barker and John Barrowman, who talks about his latest album.
This programme is available to watch in the United Kingdom via the ITV Player until 7th October. NEW!

Richard Bacon, BBC Radio 5 Live, Thursday 8th September, from 2:00pm NEW!
Fresh from getting US and UK viewers hot under the collar with the biggest series yet of Torchwood, its star John Barrowman drops in to talk about his new CD, Tonight's The Night: The Very Best of John Barrowman.
This programme can be listened to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer (0:27:25) until 15th September (4:00pm); also as a podcast until 7th October.

Phil and Amy, BBC Radio Tees, Saturday 10th September, from 6:-00am
The John Barrowman segment will be recorded on 5th September, and this is the first programme broadcast after that date.
This programme can be listened to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer (1:34:32, 2:50:19) until 17th September (9:00am)


John Barrowman also appeared on a number of stations which unfortunately do not provide a "Listen Again" facility: Downtown Radio (Caroline Fleck, Thu 1st, 12:15pm), U105FM (Johnny Hero, Thu 1st, 4:15pm), Magic1152 (Dave Campbell Show, Fri 2nd, 4:05pm), Swansea Sound (Kev Johns, Mon 5th, 8:20am), Bridge FM (Mark Franklin, Mon 5th, 8:30am), Big City Radio (Steve Davis, Tue 6th, 9:05am), Metro Radio (Nightowls, Thu 8th, 1:40am), and Town102 (Dave James, Fri 9th, 11:10am); his CD was also 'album of the week' on Sunday Extra with Bob Harrison (Manx FM, Sun 4th, 2:00pm).


He also appeared on QVC on Monday 5th September (7:00-8:00pm) to promote the album.


Additional updates to the schedule might appear at the official John Barrowman website.

Wednesday, 31 August 2011

UK Broadcasting: Publicity/Promotion update 31st August 2011

Coming Up


Jamie Owen and Louise Elliott, BBC Radio Wales, Thursday 1st September, from 9:00am
John Barrowman will be featuring as a guest on the show.
This programme will be available to listen to worldwide after broadcast via the BBC iPlayer until 8th September (midday).

Torchwood: Miracle Day - End of the Road, BBC1, Thursday 1st September, 9:00pm
The eighth in the series. Captain Jack faces a showdown with a man he thought long since dead. But while Rex takes extreme action, is it too late to prevent the collapse of society?
This programme will be available to watch in the UK after broadcast via the BBC iPlayer until 23rd September.

Doctor Who - Night Terrors, BBC1, Saturday 3rd September, 7:00pm
'You see these eyes? They're old eyes. And one thing I can tell you... monsters are real!' The TARDIS takes the Doctor, Amy and Rory to the scariest place in the universe where the Time Lord must help a little boy called George and his desperate father.
This programme will be available to watch in the UK after broadcast via the BBC iPlayer (SD/HD) until 10th September (7:45pm)

Doctor Who Confidential - About a Boy, BBC3, Saturday 3rd September, 7:45pm
Confidential is on location with the Doctor Who crew, presenting behind-the-scenes action from a beautiful 17th century estate in the Gloucestershire countryside and a high-rise housing estate in Bristol. Matt, Karen and Arthur give us a bit of a sing-song, we spend a long night with the one of the assistant directors and the special effects team show us that, sometimes, good old-fashioned green gloop is the only way. Mark Gatiss talks to us about writing for three consecutive TV Doctors and, in Script to Screen, find out who plays an all-important historical figure.
This programme will be available to watch in the UK after broadcast via the BBC iPlayer (SD/HD) until 8th October (8:30pm).


Catch-up


Breakfast, BBC1, Friday 26th August, 9:00am
Karen Gillan appeared on the show, chatting about the return of Doctor Who this weekend, and defending some criticism on how the show was getting too complicated to follow.
This programme is available to watch in the UK via BBC News (28:50) until 2nd September.

The Wright Stuff, Channel 5, Friday 26th August, from 11:00am
TV critic Kevin O'Sullivan discusses the return of Doctor Who with Matthew Wright.
This programme is available to watch in the UK via Demand5 (block 7) until 2nd September (9:15am)

Doctor Who - Let's Kill Hitler, BBC1, Saturday 27th August, 7:10pm
The series returns from its summer break. In the desperate search for Melody Pond, the TARDIS crash lands in Thirties Berlin, as the time-travelling drama returns for the second half of the series shown earlier in the year. The Doctor comes face to face with the greatest war criminal in the Universe. And Hitler. Old friendships are tested to their limits as the Doctor suffers the ultimate betrayal and learns a harsh lesson in the cruellest warfare of all. As precious time ebbs away, the Doctor must teach his adversaries that time travel has responsibilities. And he must succeed before an almighty price is paid.
This programme will be available to watch in the UK after broadcast via the BBC iPlayer (SD/HD) until 3rd September (8:00pm)

Doctor Who Confidential - River Runs Wild, BBC3, Saturday 27th August, 8:00pm
Confidential is back on set with Matt Smith and Karen Gillan in 1930s Berlin. We hang out backstage with the cast and crew and bring you all the behind-the-scenes action as the series gets back into full swing. We also bring you Script to Screen - the making of a mini Doctor episode written by schoolchildren and brought to life by Matt Smith and the Doctor Who team.
This programme will be available to watch in the UK after broadcast via the BBC iPlayer (SD/HD) until 8th October (8:45pm).

The Proms - Comedy Prom, BBC2, Saturday 27th August, ~9:35pm
Tim Minchin presents the Comedy Prom, and ends the concert with the Doctor Who theme tune!
This programme will be available to watch in the UK via the BBC iPlayer (SD/HD) (1:26:00) until 3rd September (10:40pm).

Richard Bacon, BBC Radio 5, Monday 29th August, ~3:30pm
Stand-in Colin Paterson, Boyd Hilton and Kevin O'Sullivan review the return of Doctor Who.
This programme will be available to listen to worldwide via the BBC iPlayer (1:37:40) until 5th September (4:00pm).


Episodes


The complete series of Torchwood: Miracle Day shown to date can be viewed via the BBC iPlayer until 23rd September; see the BBC Torchwood programme page for episode links.


A full list of episodes of Doctor Who and Torchwood being broadcast throughout the world is available from This Week in Doctor Who.

Friday, 26 August 2011

UK Broadcasting: Publicity/Promotion update 26th August 2011

Coming Up


Doctor Who - Let's Kill Hitler, BBC1, Saturday 27th August, 7:10pm
The series returns from its summer break. In the desperate search for Melody Pond, the TARDIS crash lands in Thirties Berlin, as the time-travelling drama returns for the second half of the series shown earlier in the year. The Doctor comes face to face with the greatest war criminal in the Universe. And Hitler. Old friendships are tested to their limits as the Doctor suffers the ultimate betrayal and learns a harsh lesson in the cruellest warfare of all. As precious time ebbs away, the Doctor must teach his adversaries that time travel has responsibilities. And he must succeed before an almighty price is paid.
This programme will be available to watch in the UK after broadcast via the BBC iPlayer until 8th October

Doctor Who Confidential - River Runs Wild, BBC3, Saturday 27th August, 8:00pm
Confidential is back on set with Matt Smith and Karen Gillan in 1930s Berlin. We hang out backstage with the cast and crew and bring you all the behind-the-scenes action as the series gets back into full swing. We also bring you Script to Screen - the making of a mini Doctor episode written by schoolchildren and brought to life by Matt Smith and the Doctor Who team.
This programme will be available to watch in the UK after broadcast via the BBC iPlayer until 3rd September.

Torchwood: Miracle Day - End of the Road, BBC1, Thursday 1st September, 9:00pm
The eighth in the series. Captain Jack faces a showdown with a man he thought long since dead. But while Rex takes extreme action, is it too late to prevent the collapse of society?
This programme will be available to watch in the UK after broadcast via the BBC iPlayer until 23rd September.

Catch-up


Daybreak, ITV1, Tuesday 23rd August, ~8:05am
Arthur Darvill appeared as a guest on the show, chatting about Doctor Who and his other projects.
This programme available to watch in the UK via the ITV Player (1:47:22) until 30th August 2011

Breakfast, BBC1, Friday 26th August, 9:00am
Karen Gillan appeared on the show, chatting about the return of Doctor Who this weekend, and defending some criticism on how the show was getting too complicated to follow.
This programme is available to watch in the UK via BBC News (28:50) until 2nd September.

The Wright Stuff, Channel 5, Friday 26th August, from 11:00am
TV critic Kevin O'Sullivan discusses the return of Doctor Who with Matthew Wright.
This programme is available to watch in the UK via Demand5 (block 7) until 2nd September (9:15am)


Episodes


The complete series of Torchwood: Miracle Day shown to date can be viewed via the BBC iPlayer until 23rd September; see the BBC Torchwood programme page for episode links.


A full list of episodes of Doctor Who and Torchwood being broadcast throughout the world is available from This Week in Doctor Who.

Tuesday, 16 August 2011

BBC Press Pack: Doctor Who returns


The BBC Press Office have now released details on the second half of the 2011 series of Doctor Who, featuing interviews with Matt Smith and Karen Gillan.


Steven Moffat talks about the new series of Doctor Who
The wait is almost over. The second part of the thrilling new series of Doctor Who begins on 27 August 2011.

The rules have changed, and the game is deadlier than ever. Out in the universe, where the earthly rules of time and space do not apply, Amy and Rory know only too well that their baby daughter needs them. For Melody Pond is destined to become River Song, mysterious archaeologist and convicted murderer – the woman who killed the best man she ever knew...

The Doctor leads Amy and Rory across centuries and galaxies in a desperate search for baby Melody, but a terrible and inescapable date looms large. At 5.02pm on 22nd April 2011, the Doctor will die. These are his last days, and the quest for Melody his final mission.

The search will result in a crash landing in Thirties Berlin and will bring them face to face with the greatest war criminal of all time. And Hitler. Old friendships will be tested to their limits as the Doctor suffers the ultimate betrayal and learns a harsh lesson in the cruellest warfare of all.

A distress call from a terrified little boy will break through all barriers of time and space and lead the Doctor to visit the scariest place in the Universe. George's bedroom. George is terrorised by every fear you can possibly imagine. Fears that live in his bedroom cupboard. His parents are desperate – George needs a doctor. But allaying George's fears won't be easy. Because the monsters in George's cupboard are real.

An unscheduled visit to a quarantine facility for victims of an alien plague – a plague that will kill the Doctor in a day – leaves Amy trapped. Alone, Rory must find Amy and bring her back to the TARDIS before the faceless doctors kill her with kindness. But Rory is about to encounter a very different side to his wife.

In an impossible hotel, the Doctor, Amy and Rory find themselves checked-in but unable to check out. Walls move, corridors twist, rooms vanish and death lies in wait for every visitor. But the Doctor's time has yet to come. He has one last stop to make on his final journey. His old friend, Craig Owens, desperately needs his help – a new and unfamiliar presence is wreaking havoc in Colchester. And then come the Cybermen. But time catches up with us all and the Doctor can delay no more.

By the shores of Lake Silencio, in Utah, all of time and space hang in the balance. And a NASA astronaut is waiting..."

Matt Smith as the Doctor
With viewers still reeling from the shocking news that River Song is actually Amy and Rory's baby, Bafta-nominated actor, Matt Smith, provides a sneak-peek at what is coming up in the new episodes of Doctor Who.

"I thought it was brilliant because it's such a great science fiction pay-off," explains Matt as he reveals how he felt when he learnt the truth about River Song. "Steven Moffat set it up so well and it now leaves the story open to go in so many different directions. She's Amy and Rory's daughter which is mad, but yet brilliant, and it's going to be really interesting to see how the dynamic between all of the characters shifts."

Despite Melody Pond being kidnapped at the end of A Good Man Goes To War, Matt says viewers can rest assured that Alex Kingston, who plays River Song, will be back and there are more shocks in store. "We get to learn a lot more about River in Let's Kill Hitler" he explains, "and she's on her best flirty form; the River I love! It's certainly Alex's episode and we had great fun filming the scenes, so hopefully we have some good on-screen chemistry."

New monsters are also set to make an appearance, sending children and adults alike scuttling behind the sofa in true Doctor Who style. "I think it's fantastic the way the show can tap into people's primal fears as children" says Matt, specifically referring to Mark Gatiss's episode Night Terrors. "Mark has come up with a really clever idea by featuring a dolls house with terrifying and creepy dolls – it's a brilliant adventure-packed episode and Danny Mays, who guest stars, is superb in it."

The Tin Tin actor isn't the only high-calibre guest artist to secure a role in Doctor Who. Upcoming episodes also feature funny men David Walliams and James Corden. "James reprises his role as Craig, who appeared in The Lodger last year," explains Matt. "He's back in an episode which also features the Doctor's arch enemies, the Cybermen. We had such fun on set; it was hard to keep a straight face when we were filming.

"David Walliams was also hilarious" continues Matt. "He plays a character called Gibbis and he had to wear a lot of prosthetics for the part. Once he was all made up he looked a lot like a giant Mole, so it was hard to take him seriously!"

However, Matt's tone does become more serious when talking about the fate awaiting the Doctor...

"The Doctor died at the start of the series" explains Matt. "He was shot in the future by someone in a space suit and, despite the adventures he goes on in these next few episodes, inevitably he's moving closer towards his own death. Amy, Rory and River are aware of his fate but they have no way of stopping it. I can't tell you what happens but Steven has set up an explosive finale."

But can he reveal if his Stetson makes an appearance? "Yes, I can tell you the Stetson is back; I do love a good hat!" chuckles Matt. "The Doctor also has a new coat; a long green moleskin one. We always wanted the Doctor's outfit to evolve and the coat certainly kept me warm when filming during the winter.

"I still haven't lost my clumsy streak though," sighs Matt. "We were filming the final scenes last month in a cornfield and, needless to say, I was the one who tripped over and twisted my ankle!" If only there had been a doctor around...

Karen Gillan plays Amy Pond
Recently married and now a new mum, a lot has happened in Amy Pond's world since she joined the Doctor in the TARDIS. However, there is no respite in sight for the feisty redhead as she undertakes a desperate search for Melody Pond and the Doctor's death edges ever closer. Actress Karen Gillan reveals what viewers have to look forward to.

"I don't think she's willing to accept that's he's going to die," reveals Karen as she describes how Amy feels about the Doctor's impending death. "Amy has such a connection with the Doctor that goes right back to her childhood, so she's definitely not going to stand by and let him be killed without a fight.

"She's also trying to come to terms with the fact that River Song is her daughter," continues Karen. "It's an interesting idea because Amy's maternal instincts are kicking in to play with a woman who is actually older than her! However, it's been brilliant exploring this new relationship dynamic with Alex Kingston who plays River Song. I also think the situation has pulled Amy and Rory closer together; they seem to have a stronger connection now."

But along with this emotional drama, the new episodes also see Amy, Rory and the Doctor meet a number of weird, wonderful and scary monsters that will send shivers up the spines of even the most hardened Whovians. "The dolls in Night Terrors are extremely freaky!" squeals Karen. "They are really disturbing, especially when they were walking around on set! We've also got a monster called the Teselecta in Let's Kill Hitler which goes back in time to try and right the wrongs of the past."

Karen also had an interesting experience filming with comedy actor David Walliams. "I've only ever met David when he's been dressed as a mole," reveals Karen, describing David's character Gibbis. "He was always on set an hour before me because he had to have prosthetics put on and to this day I've never met David looking like David! He was an absolute hoot though," continues Karen. "He was extremely witty and, to be honest, I'm a bit nervous about meeting him when he's not in his mole get up!"

But David isn't the only Doctor Who actor to receive a makeover in the upcoming episodes, Karen also found herself sat in the make-up prosthetics chair. "In The Girl Who Waited I had to spend hours in make-up because I play an older version of Amy. I can't give too much away but it was great fun – despite the early starts each day! I also got to film an amazing fight sequence for the episode," reveals Karen. "I had two weapons and had to take on six Handbots. I worked with a stunt co-ordinator who choreographed the scene and I had to do it in one fluid movement. It was actually quite difficult and I take my hat off to people who do that for a living."

But hang on; is this the same person who Matt Smith describes as wholly unco-ordinated? Karen laughs and says "I've proven I can handle complex choreography so I think it's about time Matt shows us what he can do. Perhaps Mr Moffat can write a tricky sequence for him in the next series and then we'll see how co-ordinated he is!" she says with a wink. The challenge is on...