BBC Press Office: The Pandorica Opens

The BBC have confirmed that episode 12 of the new series, ‘The Pandorica Opens’, will air on 19th June 2010, although the time is subject to change.

“The Doctor's friends unite to send him a terrible warning: the Pandorica – which is said to contain the most feared being in all the cosmos – is opening, as the time travelling drama continues. But what's inside, and can the Doctor stop it?

Are you excited yet?

Series 5 Theme Tune Axed?

The new opening theme tune to Series 5 was revealed at the start of 'The Eleventh Hour', meaning that no reviewers were able to comment on the variation before transmission.

The new theme has had mixed reviews, with some fans absolutely dismissing Murray Gold’s latest version, and almost 100 viewers complaining to the BBC.

The latest trailer for ‘The Time of Angels’ includes the theme tune from 2007 at the end of the advert, suggesting that the BBC have decided to revert to the old theme. This has not been confirmed yet, but is very plausible considering that so many fans complained about the new variation, and that the previous trailers for this series had included the new tune.

To compare the theme tunes in trailers, follow the link to ‘Victory of the Daleks’ with the new version, and ‘The Time of Angels’ with the old version.

BBC Press Office: Vampires in Venice

The BBC have confirmed that episode 6 of the new series, 'Vampires in Venice', will air on 8th May 2010, although the time is subject to change. They also released a brief synopsis of the story:

"Dessicated corpses, terror in the canal and a visit to the sinister House of Calvierri – the Doctor takes Amy and Rory for a romantic mini-break, as the TARDIS touches down once again.

But 17th-century Venice is not as it should be. The city has been sealed to protect it from the Plague, although Rosanna Calvierri may have other plans..."

Are you excited yet?

Series 5 Photos

Another new page has been added to this blog, with brand new photos from upcoming episodes of Series 5, taken from the extended trailer.


These include images of Cybermen, Silurians and Roman Soldiers.

Please comment and rate below.

Fools and Angels

Yesterday was April Fool's Day, and many fake stories about Doctor Who were featured in blogs across the internet.

'Blink' featured a news report about Matt Smith's first series as the Doctor, saying that the broadcast would be delayed for a week, due to the final edited films being stolen.

Now that the day is over, you are allowed to post comments and write in the c-box about the fool. To view the fake report, visit this BBC Wales News site, specially created by Blink.

Were you fooled?

The Story Never Ends: The Pandorica Opens, The Big Bang

PREDICTED BROADCAST: 26/06/2010, 03/07/2010

The twelfth and thirteenth episodes of the upcoming series were written by Steven Moffat, who also wrote four other episodes of this series, and directed by Toby Haynes. These episodes form the third and final two-part story of Series 5, and are rumoured to be called ‘The Pandorica Opens’ and ‘The Big Bang’, although this has not been confirmed by any official reports.

Details of the plot are not widely known at the moment, but some photos of location filming at Swansea Guildhall and Stonehenge, as well as some short clues from press reports, have given rough ideas of the storyline. Firstly, it appears that this story will take place at multiple locations, including the famous pre-Christ built Stonehenge in Wiltshire, and a museum filled with ancient artefacts. Photos showed that amongst the many objects, the museum will include a polar bear, a penguin and Egyptian statues.

The filming for the museum scenes also showed pictures of Alex Kingston, who plays the recurring character of River Song, and Nicholas Briggs, famous for being the voice of the Daleks. This led many fans to believe that the Daleks would be returning in the finale as well as ‘Victory of the Daleks’, although it has since been proven that a Cyberman appears in the museum, which he also provides the voice for.

It is not currently known if the Cyberman featured is one of many, or if it is a single museum artefact, like the head of a Cyberman in 2005’s ‘Dalek’. Other key themes surrounding these stories include the ‘Pandorica Box’, which is said to contain the greatest evils of all time inside, a message on the oldest cliff-face in the universe, and a love that lasts thousands of years. It promises to be a breathtaking finale to a superb new series.

Things to look out for:

• The Doctor and his two companions holding flaming torches.
• A battered Cyberman menacing Amy Pond in the shadows.
• The Doctor riding a horse rapidly across a vast field.
• The sonic screwdriver with a green setting, as the Doctor examines the ancient stones of Stonehenge.
• The line, “A nameless, terrible thing, soaked in the blood of a billion galaxies”.

Please comment and rate below.

Radio Times: The New TARDIS

The latest issue of 'The Radio Times' includes episode previews of the entire series, as well as exclusive pictures of the brand new TARDIS interior and Matt Smith.

For more photos of the TARDIS, visit the official Radio Times site.

What is your opinion of the new interior?

What the Doctor Ordered?

A new clip featuring the opening moments of 'The Eleventh Hour' has been released. It is available on the red button and on the BBC Doctor Who Site.

What was your opinion of the new clip?

Please comment and rate below.

The Story Never Ends: The Lodger

PREDICTED BROADCAST: 19/06/2010

The eleventh episode of the upcoming series was written by Gareth Roberts, whose previous contributions to the show include ‘The Shakespeare Code’, ‘The Unicorn and the Wasp’ and ‘Planet of the Dead’, and directed by Catherine Morshead. This was the last episode of the series to be filmed, and made up the second of two stories to be filmed in the final Block 7. As a result of the filming only taking place a couple of weeks ago, with some interior scenes yet to be filmed, not much is known about the actual story.

However, thanks to some photos and footage of location shooting in Victoria Park, a few details of the plot have emerged. The story is set in the present day, where the TARDIS lands in the middle of a park. The Doctor opens the door to see where they have landed, but a strange force throws him out of the police box, slamming the door shut behind him.

It is believed that this story is based on Gareth Robert’s comic strip ‘The Lodger’, which originally featured the tenth Doctor and Rose. It appears that the TARDIS will dematerialise with Amy Pond still onboard, and the Doctor is stuck on Earth waiting for the TARDIS to return again. In the meantime, he lodges with a couple of housemates, one of which is played by James Corden, famous for his character of Smithy in ‘Gavin and Stacey’.

The enemy of this story is unknown at the moment, as it was not seen during the location filming, suggesting that if an alien race does appear, it will only be in studio-based scenes. However, some photos of filming showed the Doctor and his housemates running from their house, possibly from an alien race. The title has also not been confirmed yet, but ‘The Lodger’ is highly likely considering all that we know so far.

Things to look out for:

• The Doctor being propelled out of the TARDIS, and calling after Amy who is still trapped inside.
• The Doctor playing a football match, where he wears the number ‘11’ shirt.
• The line, “I’ve been inside your head remember.”
• The Doctor collecting a trolley full of junk, such as an old wheel.
• James Corden’s character, a female housemate and the Doctor running out of their house.

Please comment and rate below.

The Story Never Ends: Vincent and the Doctor

PREDICTED BROADCAST: 12/06/2010

The tenth episode of the upcoming series was written by Richard Curtis, famous for his romantic comedy films such as ‘Love Actually’, and directed by Johnny Campbell, who had also directed the sixth episode of this series, ‘Vampires in Venice’. This was the seventh episode of the series to be filmed, and formed the second of two stories which made up Block 4.

The filming crew travelled to Croatia for two weeks in December to film the exterior shots, as the historic landscape could double for both nineteenth century France for this episode, and Venice for episode six. This episode is rumoured to be called ‘Vincent and the Doctor’, although this has not been confirmed by any official reports.

The title was suggested after it was discovered that Tony Curran will be playing famous artist Vincent van Gogh, whose influential work contained vivid colours and emotional impact. This episode will also feature famous Hollywood star Bill Nighy, who plays an expert on Vincent van Gogh, with similar fashion tastes to the Doctor.

This episode is said to contain a very emotional story, which suggests that it may include the theme of an unappreciated man, suffering from mental illness, who would die at the young age of 37 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Guest actor Howard Lee plays a character called Dr. Gachet, Vincent van Gogh's real doctor, who nursed him during his final years.

Things to look out for:

• Vincent van Gogh stabbing a yellow monster.
• The TARDIS in the snow in the modern day.
• A poster burning off the side of the TARDIS.
• The Musee D'Orsay museum of French art in Paris.
• The Doctor sent flying through the air after being hit by an invisible monster.

Please comment and rate below.

The Beast Below Synopsis

The BBC have confirmed that episode 2 of the new series, 'The Beast Below', will air on 10th April 2010. They also released a brief synopsis of the story:

"The Doctor takes Amy to the distant future, where she finds Britain in space. Starship UK houses the future of the British people, as they search the stars for a new home. But as Amy explores, she encounters the terrifying Smilers and learns a deadly truth inside the Voting Booth."

Are you excited yet?

The Story Never Ends: Cold Blood

PREDICTED BROADCAST: 22/05/2010, 05/06/2010

The eighth and ninth episodes of the upcoming series were written by Chris Chibnall, whose previous work includes ‘42’ and eight episodes of ‘Torchwood’, and directed by Ashley Way. These episodes form the second two-part story of Series 5, and are rumoured to be called ‘The Ground Beneath Their Feet’ and ‘Cold Blood’, although this has not been confirmed by any official reports.

In early February, Scottish actress Neve McIntosh revealed in an interview with the ‘Perthshire Advertiser’ that she will be playing Silurian twins. She reportedly said that they’re big lizard warrior women, who get disturbed after being under the Earth for centuries. The Silurians first appeared alongside Jon Pertwee’s Doctor, and are amongst the many foes returning to Doctor Who in this series.

The original trailer for Series 5 would suggest that another species, most likely the Sea Devils, are appearing in this episode as well. Other rumours concerning these stories include a futuristic United Kingdom where the nation lives in the clouds, and an appearance of Elizabeth the Tenth. This rumour started after Sophie Okonedo’s character was supposedly called ‘Liz Ten’, but it has now been confirmed that she will appear in ‘The Beast Below’ as the Masked Lady.

Things to look out for:

• A guest appearance from Meera Syal, who appeared in Moffat’s ‘Jekyll’.
• A Silurian stalking a graveyard at night.
• A young boy in a yellow and brown striped top.
• A bug-eyed monster in black armour, rumoured to be a Sea Devil.
• The Silurians wearing a silver mask, as seen at the end of the latest trailer.

Please comment and rate below.

Doctor Who Series 5 Press Launch

A video of an interview with Matt Smith at the Press Launch for Series 5 is now available on this site.

It also contains an exclusive sneak preview of 'The Eleventh Hour', where a young Amy Pond questions the Doctor about his burning time machine.

It has been confirmed that a christmas special and sixth series of Doctor Who will go ahead.

Are you excited yet?

Back with a Bang!

The BBC have today confirmed the air date and time for Matt Smith's first episode, 'The Eleventh Hour'. It will be shown on BBC One at 6:25 on Saturday 3rd April 2010.

"The Doctor has regenerated into a brand new man, but danger strikes before he can even recover. With the TARDIS wrecked, and the sonic screwdriver destroyed, the new Doctor has just 20 minutes to save the whole world - and only Amy Pond to help him."

Are you excited yet?

The Story Never Ends: Amy's Choice

PREDICTED BROADCAST: 15/05/2010

The seventh episode of the upcoming series was written by Simon Nye, best known for creating the hit sitcom ‘Men Behaving Badly’, and directed by Catherine Morshead. This was the penultimate episode of the series to be filmed, and made up the first of two stories to be filmed in the final Block 7. As a result of the filming only taking place a couple of weeks ago, hardly anything is known about the actual story.

However, thanks to some photos of location shooting in Skenfrith, a few details of the plot have emerged. Like the previous episode, ‘Vampires in Venice’, it will feature the boyfriend of Amy Pond, Rory Williams, who is played by Arthur Darvill. The story is set in an ominous village, possibly in the past, which appears to be cut off from the rest of the world. There will be sequences of nightmares, in which Amy Pond is expecting a baby, but what is causing these images?

The enemy of this story is unknown at the moment, as it was not seen during the location filming, suggesting that if an alien race does appear, it will only be in studio-based scenes. The title was confirmed as 'Amy's Choice' in The Radio Times, and not 'The Nightmare of Amy Pond' as had been suggested.

Things to look out for:

• A bleak village set in the countryside, with hills surrounding it.
• The TARDIS arriving in the garden of a small cottage.
• A group of elderly people walking down a muddy track.
• The Doctor, Amy and Rory standing by a bright red swing.
• Amy Pond expecting a baby in a nightmare scene.

Please comment and rate below.

The Story Never Ends: Vampires in Venice

PREDICTED BROADCAST: 08/05/2010

The sixth episode of the upcoming series was written by Toby Whithouse, famous for his work on ‘Being Human’, and directed by Johnny Campbell. This was the sixth episode of the series to be filmed, and formed the first of two stories which made up Block 4. The second of these episodes is rumoured to be called ‘Vincent and the Doctor’, and will be shown as the tenth episode of Series 5.

Although the story is set in Venice, the filming crew travelled to Croatia for two weeks in December to film the exterior shots, as the historic landscape could double for both seventeenth century Venice for this episode, and nineteenth century France for Episode 10.

As the title strongly implies, the main enemies in this story will be humanoid vampires. Photos from filming show that these vampires are dressed in elegant white dresses, and not the typical dark and dreary robes. It is also widely believed that Arthur Darvill will return as Amy Pond’s boyfriend Rory Williams, as a leaked script extract showed dialogue between him and the Doctor in the TARDIS.

Things to look out for:

• Rory William’s first trip in the TARDIS.
• A vampire jumping through the air whilst holding a sword.
• The Doctor walking away suspiciously from a castle.
• A group of vampires with white umbrellas menacing a townsperson.
• A woman dressed in dark robes drinking from a golden goblet.

Please comment and rate below.

Daleks in the Fire

The trailer created by Blink is now available at the bottom of this page.

It features an audio clip of Matt Smith from 'Victory of the Daleks', as well as lots of explosions!

What was your opinion of the trailer?

The Story Never Ends: The Time of Angels, Flesh and Stone

PREDICTED BROADCAST: 24/04/2010, 01/05/2010

The fourth and fifth episodes of the upcoming series were written by Steven Moffat, and directed by Adam Smith. Smith would return in Block 3 of filming to complete the Eleventh Doctor’s first episode, ‘The Eleventh Hour’. These episodes form the first two-part story of Series 5, and have been officialy confirmed today as ‘The Time of Angels’ and ‘Flesh and Stone’.

As the titles suggest, the Weeping Angels are returning in these episodes. However, Steven Moffat has reported that the previous time they appeared they were just scavengers, and this time they’re at their full power. Even keeping your eyes open can’t save you this time!

As well as the Angels returning, there is also the popular character of River Song making an appearance in these episodes, as portrayed by British actress Alex Kingston, best known for her role of Dr. Elizabeth Corday in ‘E.R.’ Kingston last appeared alongside David Tennant’s Doctor in Series 4, and was said to have some sort of special connection with him. As well as the Weeping Angels stories, she will appear again in the finale for Series 5.

Things to look out for:

• A holographic Weeping Angel with its eyes wide open.
• River Song falling on top of the Doctor in the TARDIS.
• The crash of the Byzantium, as mentioned in Silence in the Library.
• A group of soldiers emerging from the wreck, dressed in camouflage.
• River Song holding electronic apparatus above her head in a threatening manner.

Please comment and rate below.

The Story Never Ends: Victory of the Daleks

PREDICTED BROADCAST: 17/04/2010

The third, and possibly most anticipated, story of Series 5 was written by Mark Gatiss and directed by Andrew Gunn, who had also worked on The Beast Below. As the title suggests, it is the first episode of the new series which will feature the return of the popular Daleks.

One type of Dalek that will appear in this episode is of a similar style to those of Russell T Davies’ era of Doctor Who, albeit with a new camouflaged colour scheme, as apposed to the standard bronze. Another type of Dalek is of a newer design, with a different eyestalk and white colour scheme being shown on the original trailer for this series.

This episode is set during World War II, and features prime minister of the time Winston Churchill. It is rumoured that Churchill is working alongside the Daleks in a plot to fight off the Nazis, but can the most evil enemy in the whole of creation be helping humans?

Things to look out for:

• Matt Smith enthusiastically shouting out the Daleks’ name.
• Bill Patterson making an appearance as a scientist.
• The first single Dalek episode since ‘Dalek’ in 2005.
• The Doctor punch a scientist, and smash a Dalek.
• A store room with parts of Daleks displayed.

Please comment and rate below.

The Story Never Ends: The Beast Below

PREDICTED BROADCAST: 10/04/2010

The second story of the new series was written by Steven Moffat and directed by Andrew Gunn. This was Gunn’s first work on Doctor Who, and he would go on to direct the following story Victory of the Daleks by Mark Gatiss.

The Beast Below was the third story to be filmed of Series 5, and would make up the first of two stories to be shot in Block 2. Not much is known about this story either at present, as the majority of the scenes were filmed inside studios at Upper Boat in Cardiff.

Sophie Okonedo, best known for her role of Tatiana in Hotel Rwanda, is confirmed to be featuring in this episode as the mysterious Masked Lady. The enemy in this story is said to be called a Smiler, and appears to be a sinister-looking robotic person, with gleaming red eyes and a panel in the back of its head.

Things to look out for:

• Amy Pond’s first trip with the Doctor in his newly designed TARDIS.
• Hooded monks with keys around their necks.
• Another sign showing ‘Magpie Electricals’.
• The Doctor and Amy screaming in a dark room, with red lights and smoke.
• A woman in a maroon cloak holding two guns.

Please comment and rate below.