BBC - Doctor Who

The Real Cold War

Cold War is set during a period in Earth’s history where, as the Doctor put it, “East and West (were) standing on the brink of nuclear oblivion… lots of itchy fingers on the button…” Incredible as it might seem to us now, the background for the adventure is entirely true and if you want to learn more about the tense and at times terrifying years of the real Cold War, read on…

The Cold War was not a conventional battle fought by two sides confronting each other with an open show of strength, so it’s impossible to date the conflict precisely. Many historians, however, assert it ran from c1947 to 1991. These years saw a sustained period of political and military tension between powers in the Western Bloc – notably the United States, but also her allies - and forces in the Eastern Bloc, dominated by the Soviet Union. It was typified by paranoia and a desire by both sides that their opposite numbers did not gain the upper hand, tactically, territorially or indeed ideologically.

The confrontation was called a ‘Cold War’ as neither of the major powers involved—both possessing nuclear weapons and thereby threatened with mutual assured destruction—ever met in direct, overt military combat. Periods of relative calm would be punctuated by incidents creating acute, global tension, which many believe could have resulted in World War III. The most notable of these include the Berlin Blockade, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Suez Crisis. So-called ‘conventional’ wars fought within the scope of the Cold War, and having a bearing on it, include the Korean War and the war in Vietnam.

When did the Cold War wind down? Some say the process began in 1985 when Mikhail Gorbachev became leader of the USSR and proved more interested in dealing with domestic economic issues than allowing the arms race and military stand-off to continue. In fact in November of that year he met with US President Ronald Reagan and both men agreed in principle to a policy of reducing their nuclear arsenals by fifty per cent. The Cold War had at last begun to thaw…

You can find a wealth of information about the Cold War within the BBC’s news, history and learning sites. Find out about its origins, the crucial element of espionage that in some ways defined the conflict, the development of biological weaponry or the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. Finally, the BBC Archive has some fascinating videos that reveal fascinating insights into Cuba and the Cold War… Why not travel back in time and take a look!

Categories: Doctor Who

The Real Cold War

Cold War is set during a period in Earth’s history where, as the Doctor put it, “East and West (were) standing on the brink of nuclear oblivion… lots of itchy fingers on the button…” Incredible as it might seem to us now, the background for the adventure is entirely true and if you want to learn more about the tense and at times terrifying years of the real Cold War, read on…

The Cold War was not a conventional battle fought by two sides confronting each other with an open show of strength, so it’s impossible to date the conflict precisely. Many historians, however, assert it ran from c1947 to 1991. These years saw a sustained period of political and military tension between powers in the Western Bloc – notably the United States, but also her allies - and forces in the Eastern Bloc, dominated by the Soviet Union. It was typified by paranoia and a desire by both sides that their opposite numbers did not gain the upper hand, tactically, territorially or indeed ideologically.

The confrontation was called a ‘Cold War’ as neither of the major powers involved—both possessing nuclear weapons and thereby threatened with mutual assured destruction—ever met in direct, overt military combat. Periods of relative calm would be punctuated by incidents creating acute, global tension, which many believe could have resulted in World War III. The most notable of these include the Berlin Blockade, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Suez Crisis. So-called ‘conventional’ wars fought within the scope of the Cold War, and having a bearing on it, include the Korean War and the war in Vietnam.

When did the Cold War wind down? Some say the process began in 1985 when Mikhail Gorbachev became leader of the USSR and proved more interested in dealing with domestic economic issues than allowing the arms race and military stand-off to continue. In fact in November of that year he met with US President Ronald Reagan and both men agreed in principle to a policy of reducing their nuclear arsenals by fifty per cent. The Cold War had at last begun to thaw…

You can find a wealth of information about the Cold War within the BBC’s news, history and learning sites. Find out about its origins, the crucial element of espionage that in some ways defined the conflict, the development of biological weaponry or the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. Finally, the BBC Archive has some fascinating videos that reveal fascinating insights into Cuba and the Cold War… Why not travel back in time and take a look!

Categories: Doctor Who

The Return of the Ice Warriors!

One of the most memorable and menacing aliens ever to send us scurrying behind the sofa returns to Doctor Who tomorrow after almost 40 years away. We look forward to the return of the mighty Ice Warriors!

The Doctor’s next adventure is called Cold War and it explodes onto BBC One tomorrow (Saturday) at 6pm. The TARDIS lands on a damaged Russian Submarine in 1983 as it spirals out of control, plunging into the ocean depths. An alien creature is loose on board, having escaped from a block of Arctic ice. With tempers flaring and a cargo of nuclear weapons on board, it’s not just the crew but the whole of humanity at stake!  The episode is written by Mark Gatiss (The Unquiet Dead, Night Terrors) so we’re assured of scares, great moments of humour and some unexpected twists… All that, plus the return of the Ice Warriors makes this an umissable episode!

The fearsome Martians made their debut in the Second Doctor adventure The Ice Warriors and were an instant hit, returning about a year later in The Seeds of Death. These two stories established the Ice Warriors as a proud but cruel race, ruthless and relentless when pursuing their goal, which in both instances had been the planet Earth.

But interestingly, when they next crossed the Time Lord’s path in the Third Doctor adventure The Curse of Peladon, they had reformed, renouncing their militaristic ways and eschewing violence except in cases of self-defence. The Ice Warriors’ code of honour came to the fore and they even joined forces with their former foe. Their final appearance to date came in 1974’s The Monster of Peladon in which a rogue faction of Ice Warriors threatened the Doctor.

It’s no secret that Mark Gatiss was keen to bring the Martians back, but what makes these aliens so alluring? The sight of an Ice Warrior is impressive enough and Mark has called their appearance a ‘design classic’. Their ssssibilant, hisssssssing voices are equally evocative and then there’s the mystery of the Ice Warriors, sometimes enemies and sometimes allies of the Doctor. With a strict code of honour and unshakeable sense of purpose there’s a lot to admire about them… Unless they’re attempting to wipe out humanity, of course!

We can’t wait to find out more about the Ice Warriors tomorrow. And if you want to learn more about these awesome aliens we’ve got clips and galleries from every one of their previous adventures – The Ice Warriors, The Seeds of Death, The Curse of Peladon and The Monster of Peladon. You can also find out more about the Ice Warriors in our Monster section and we’ve plenty on their next appearance in Cold War.

The Ice Warriors return in Cold War: BBC One, Saturday at the slightly earlier time of 6pm.

Categories: Doctor Who

Doctor Who in Trafalgar Square

Londoners were treated to the sight of a flying TARDIS swooping over Trafalgar Square this morning as Matt Smith and the team were in town shooting more scenes for the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special.

It was an early start for Matt Smith (the Doctor), Jenna-Louise Coleman (Clara), director Nick Hurran and the rest of the cast and crew but judging by the smiles it was worth it. At one point the famous blue box was suspended over Trafalgar Square with Jenna-Louise Coleman inside, peering out across the capital whilst the next moment saw another figure – looking like the Doctor – dangling from the TARDIS as it was suspended way above ground level!

Categories: Doctor Who

Doctor Who at the Tower of London

Filming for the 50th anniversary special continued yesterday with Doctor Who stars Jenna-Louise Coleman, Jemma Redgrave and Ingrid Oliver shooting scenes in the world famous Tower of London.

Conditions were cold but there was glorious sunshine as director Nick Hurran marshalled the cast and crew around the iconic castle that is famous for housing the Crown Jewels. Doctor Who fans may recall that this historic building has previously been used as one of UNIT’s HQs and as it was originally built in 1078, the Tower is almost as old as the Doctor!

We were there to capture the filming and you can go behind the scenes of the shoot in a new, exclusive video featuring Jenna-Louise Coleman, Jemma Redgrave and Ingrid Oliver.

We’ll have more 50th anniversary news very soon…

Categories: Doctor Who

Reunited: Jemma Redgrave Returns for the Anniversary Special

We’re delighted to reveal that Jemma Redgrave will be returning to Doctor Who for the show’s fiftieth anniversary special. She previously appeared in 2012’s The Power of Three playing Kate Stewart, daughter of the legendary Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart.

Jemma is part of a brilliant cast that is already known to include Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman who are joined by the returning David Tennant and Billie Piper plus screen legend John Hurt and Joanna Page. Filming is underway on the special which will be a 3D spectacular shown later this year.

You can find out more about Kate Stewart or read about the return of an old enemy for the 50th special… More new about the adventure very soon!

UPDATE! We’re happy to confirm that Ingrid Oliver will also be joining the cast of the fiftieth anniversary special. Best known as one half of the comedy duo Watson & Oliver, Ingrid has appeared in Material Girl, Peep Show, and the award-winning Twenty-Twelve.

Categories: Doctor Who

The Zygons Return for the 50th Anniversary Special

We’re delighted to confirm that the Zygons are returning to Doctor Who for the show’s 50th anniversary special.

Aside from flashbacks these malevolent shape-shifters have only appeared once before, threatening Earth in the Fourth Doctor adventure, Terror of the Zygons. Despite the fact that their solitary outing was over thirty years ago they remain a popular old enemy and in the 2010 episode, The Pandorica Opens, they were amongst the massed aliens said to be gathering above Stonehenge. Later, in The Power of Three, we learnt that Zygons had one of their ships under the Savoy Hotel in 1890 and apparently replaced half the staff with imposters! But this time they really are back…

We’ve already confirmed that in the anniversary special Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman will be joined by the returning David Tennant and Billie Piper. Screen legend John Hurt is also in the cast and earlier today we revealed that Joanna Page (Gavin & Stacey, The Syndicate) would also be appearing in this eagerly anticipated adventure.

We’ll be bringing you more news soon!

Categories: Doctor Who

Steven Moffat Receives Three Hugo Nominations

The final contenders for this year’s Hugo Awards have just been announced and Doctor Who’s head writer and executive producer Steven Moffat has received three nominations in the Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form category.

His trio of nominated episodes are Asylum of the Daleks (directed by Nick Hurran), The Angels Take Manhattan (also directed by Nick Hurran) and the 2012 Christmas special, The Snowmen (directed by Saul Metzstein).  Steven Moffat has had success at the Hugos before, scooping awards for The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances, The Girl in the Fireplace, Blink and The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang.

The Hugo Awards, presented annually since 1955, are named after Hugo Gernsback, founder of the influential science fiction magazine, Amazing Stories. The 2013 Hugo winners will be announced on 1 September, 2013, during a ceremony in San Antonio, Texas. Best of luck to Steven!

Categories: Doctor Who

Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special: The Read Through

The read through for the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special took place earlier this evening, Monday, 1 April.

Current Doctor Matt Smith was joined by David Tennant and many more familiar faces including Jenna-Louise Coleman (Clara) and Doctor Who’s head writer and executive producer, Steven Moffat.

Over the weekend we confirmed that David Tennant and Billie Piper would both be returning to the show for the eagerly anticipated 50th anniversary special. We also revealed that screen legend John Hurt would also feature in the adventure.

The episode’s production continues all this week and we’ll be bringing you more news very soon…

Categories: Doctor Who

DOCTOR WHO ANNOUNCES ALL-STAR CAST FOR 50th ANNIVERSARY

David Tennant and Billie Piper to return for blockbuster celebrations with John Hurt also confirmed.

The BBC has today revealed some of the all-star cast that will mark the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who.  David Tennant and Billie Piper will join current Doctor and companion, Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman, while John Hurt (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Alien, Harry Potter) will also co-star.

Last seen as the Doctor on January 1st 2010, this will be the first time Tennant has reprised his role as the Tenth Doctor.  During his reign as the Time Lord, Tennant appeared in three series as well as several specials.  He was first revealed as the Doctor in the 2005 series finale, ‘The Parting of the Ways’.

Meanwhile Billie Piper, who played companion Rose Tyler for two series following the reboot in 2005, will appear in the show for the first time since featuring in Tennant’s last episode, ‘The End of Time’ in 2010.

Also confirmed to join the cast is John Hurt who will also co-star in the 3D anniversary special that will form part of blockbuster celebrations, set to take over the BBC.  Produced by BBC Cymru Wales for BBC One, the 50th anniversary will be written by Steven Moffat and Directed by Nick Hurran.

Filming for the 50th anniversary starts this week.  Meanwhile a brand new series starts on BBC ONE today (30 March) at 6:15pm for a run of eight epic episodes, which officially introduces the Doctor’s newest companion, Clara Oswald, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman.

Categories: Doctor Who

The Bells of Saint John: Latest Picture!

It’s the Doctor and Clara… Ready for eight epic adventures that blast off on Saturday, 6.15pm on BBC One!

The latest image shows the Time Lord and his new companion against an evocative London backdrop and you don't have to look too closely to pick up a clue or two about what happens in the opening episode, The Bells of Saint John…

You can enjoy more pictures in our galleries section, watch the new prequel and trails or find out more about what’s in store!

Categories: Doctor Who

Doctor Who Receives Two BAFTA Nominations

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) have announced nominations for their 2013 Television Craft Awards and we’re delighted to report that Doctor Who has been nominated in two categories.

The Mill have been nominated in the Visual Effects and Graphic Design category for their incredible work on recent episodes and composer Murray Gold is nominated in the Original Television Music category, specifically for his outstanding music for Asylum of the Daleks.

The British Academy Television Craft Awards celebrate the best of TV’s top behind-the-scenes talent and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Sunday, April 28. Good luck to Murray and The Mill!

Categories: Doctor Who

Prequel for The Bells of Saint John: Here on Saturday!

Doctor Who returns to BBC One on Saturday at 6.15pm with The Bells of Saint John, but you can watch a prequel to the new episode this Saturday.

The brand new prequel is written by Steven Moffat and features the Doctor, played, of course, by Matt Smith. We join the Time Lord on Earth where he’s taking a break from his quest to find Clara.

You’ll be able to watch the prequel on this site from noon on Saturday, 23 March and catch it on Red Button from 5.15pm later that day. And don’t forget you can enjoy the trail right now!

Categories: Doctor Who

We’ve Installed a Randomiser

The Fourth Doctor installed a randomiser in the TARDIS to ensure it made journeys where the destination was completely random. We’ve now installed a randomiser in this website for a similar reason – hit the randomiser button and you’ll be taken to a different location every day of the week.

You could finish up in our archive section where we cover every episode of Doctor Who that’s ever been broadcast. Or you might land in the middle of a Dalek war where you have to battle the Time Lords’ greatest foes in the Fun and Games section. Monster pages, interviews, exclusive videos, galleries, screensavers or maybe even a short story set on the moon. The randomiser button could take you anywhere in time and space!

The randomiser is ready for action… Just visit the homepage, scroll down and find it on the left beneath the links for Clips. A different destination at least once a day. Where do you think you’ll end up?

Categories: Doctor Who

The Bells of Saint John: Confirmation of Start Time

We can confirm that Doctor Who returns to BBC One on Saturday, 30 March at 6.15pm.

A run of 8 epic adventures begins with The Bells of Saint John in which the Doctor’s search for Clara Oswald brings him to modern day London where wifi is everywhere. But something dangerous is lurking in the signals, picking off minds and imprisoning them. As Clara becomes the target of this insidious menace, the Doctor races to save her and the world from an ancient enemy…

And if you can’t wait for that, you can enjoy the latest trail right now!

Categories: Doctor Who

The Doctor on Comic Relief

We may have to wait until Easter Saturday for The Bells of Saint John but the Doctor was back on BBC One when he made a cameo appearance on this years’ Comic Relief.

Matt Smith’s presence continued a long tradition of Doctor Who being involved in Red Nose Day.  In previous years we’ve seen the Doctor popping up on Comic Relief in mini-adventures and even - back in 1999 – in a spoof written by Steven Moffat.

Red Nose Day helps raise cash and transform lives across the UK and Africa. To find out more about Red Nose Day, including ways to donate, visit their homepage! And BBC iPlayer users can watch this year’s Comic Relief, including the Doctor’s cameo, now!

Categories: Doctor Who

Doctor Who: Executive Producer Moves On

Executive producer Caroline Skinner is leaving Doctor Who to join BBC Drama Production in London. She leaves the show in good shape, with a brilliant new run of blockbuster episodes starting on Easter Saturday. 

Caroline told us, ‘It has been an honour to have been a part of Doctor Who, and a privilege to have worked with Steven Moffat and Matt Smith on this extraordinary show.  I have hugely enjoyed my time in BBC Wales and would like to thank Faith Penhale, and our wonderful production team for their unending commitment and brilliance.  I will miss them all enormously, but I'm leaving Doctor Who in fine form, with the new series starting at Easter and the fantastic plans for the 50th Anniversary already underway.  I am delighted to be now returning to BBC Drama Production in London as an executive producer, and the new opportunities and projects that will bring.’

BBC Wales’ Head of Drama, Faith Penhale, will be undertaking the role of executive producer on the 50th Anniversary episode of Doctor Who, alongside show runner, writer and executive producer Steven Moffat.

Don’t forget you can see a sneak peek of the new episodes now!

Categories: Doctor Who

Richard Bacon Behind the Scenes!

Richard Bacon broadcast his BBC Radio 5 Live show from behind the scenes at Roath Lock Studios today, with exclusive access to the Doctor Who set and an interview with the Doctor's new companion – Jenna-Louise Coleman.

Jenna talks to Richard about her role as Clara Oswald, discusses her secret code name and talks about the first time she saw the TARDIS. Richard and Mitch Benn, even take a peek at the TARDIS themselves and get a lucky escape when they encounter a Dalek on the loose at the studios! You can check out the BBC Radio 5 Live gallery of Richard Bacon on the Doctor Who set and listen to the full broadcast of the show. The podcast is also available for the next 30 days on the Daily Bacon podcasts and downloads page.

Categories: Doctor Who

Who Nose?

The Doctor will be making a brief appearance on BBC One during this year’s Red Nose Day on Friday, 15 March.

Red Nose Day helps raise cash and transform lives across the UK and Africa. To find out more how about Red Nose Day, including ways to get involved and what you can look forward to seeing on BBC One, visit their homepage now!

Categories: Doctor Who

Doctor Who to Return with 'The Bells of Saint John' - First Official Picture!

Doctor Who is to return to BBC One on 30 March in a modern day urban thriller announced today as 'The Bells of Saint John', as the first official image is revealed giving fans a sneak peak at what to expect from the epic new series.

Written by Steven Moffat, 'The Bells of Saint John' will mark the official introduction of the Doctor's newest companion, Clara Oswald, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman.  Having already made two appearances last year, the opening episode will be the first time fans get to see the Clara that will accompany the Doctor across the series' eight adventures.

Set in London against the backdrop of new and old iconic landmarks, The Shard and Westminster Bridge, 'The Bells of Saint John' will also establish a new nemesis, the Spoonheads, who will battle the Doctor as he discovers something sinister is lurking in the Wi-Fi.

Steven Moffat, executive producer and lead writer, said:

"It's the 50th year of Doctor Who and look what's going on! We're up in the sky and under the sea! We're running round the rings of an alien world and then a haunted house. There's new Cybermen, new Ice Warriors and a never before attempted journey to the centre of the TARDIS. And in the finale, the Doctor's greatest secret will at last be revealed!  If this wasn't already our most exciting year it would be anyway!"

Featuring a movie a week from a ghost story to an underwater siege to a period drama, the new series will also introduce new monsters, as well as bringing back fan favourites the Ice Warriors and Cybermen.

Meanwhile the series' stellar list of guest stars include: Celia Imrie; Richard E Grant; Warwick Davis, Jessica Raine; Dougray Scott and Tamzin Outhwaite, as well as for the first time on screen together, mother and daughter Dame Diana Rigg and Rachael Stirling.

And just in case you missed it, don’t forget to check out the thrilling preview to Doctor Who in 2013!

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Categories: Doctor Who