Series 7 Update

This week, Moffat has been attending a French Comic Con and some interesting news regarding series 7, how many episodes it will have and how it will air, has come to light.

A few weeks ago, after announcing that the show had been renewed for a further 14 episodes to star Matt Smith, Head of Drama at the BBC, Danny Cohen, decided to make some announcements about the show at a completely unrelated Religious Conference. His remarks soon leaked online and within hours fans everywhere were suddenly worried about the show's future.

It was speculated that we could be getting as little as four episodes throughout 2012 or that the series may be cut, so that the 14 episodes were made up from two series instead of the normal one. It seemed that after some very sloppy reporting from the BBC, they suddenly decided to take a vow of silence and leave the fans in the dark. Entertainment Correspondent Lizo Mzimba then added fuel to the flames by commenting that there would not be a full series in 2012, saying he had word on this from the BBC. Still though, nothing official for us fans. The plus side to all of this was that it looked as though we would instead get another split series set either side of Christmas 2012.

But now Moffat has spoken at his comic con appearance in what seems to be an effort to calm the fans and reassure us that at least he, if not the BBC, know what is happening with the show next year. When discussing the output, he had this to say:

"Contrary to what you may have heard, there will be the same number of episodes shown next year. There will be the same number of episodes. But its true that there will be a change in the scheduling. I will explain it all. Later."

Now, it is possible that 'next year' means 'next series' and that it will split either side of Christmas, so they will technically air next year, but not. The change in scheduling could however simply mean a full time move to the Autumn, or the split at Christmas as many have speculated, but either way we can look at and take something positive from this. We now know for sure that series 7 will get a full episode run, even if split like series 6.

Talking further at the event, Moffat also promised us a big pay off for all of Rory's deaths, said that the BBC have huge plans for the 50th and that with River, we ain't seen nothing yet!

For more news from series 7, check out The Doctor In The TARDIS Forum

Series 8 Confirmed?

In one of our earlier posts we told you how pre planning on series 7 has already started, with plots and characters said to be already being mapped out, but an interesting little bit of information in this months Doctor Who Magazine has indicated that Doctor Who will be around until at least the end of Series 8.



In the issue, it is mentioned that in 2012, production of the show will move from its current location in Upper Boat in Wales, where it has been made since the show returned in 2005 to the new BBC Drama village being built in Roath Basin, near Cardiff.

With this apparant confirmation of the move it would seem that Series 8 is most definately in the bag, as that will be the series in production during 2012. Obviously we want Doctor Who to carry on for as long as possible, but for the time being we can at least rest safe in the knowledge that there are at least another two series to come.

BBC Christmas Special Press Statement

The BBC have released their press release about the Christmas Special. There is nothing new in there, but we thought you may all like to read. It also has some comments from Steven Moffat.

“Production started today on the 2010 Doctor Who BBC One Christmas Special in which the thrilling adventures of the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) and newlyweds Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill) will continue in a fun-filled and heartfelt festive story.

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

“Arriving on set for her first day of filming, Katherine Jenkins said: ‘I’m over the moon to be involved in the Doctor Who Christmas Special – I can’t quite believe it as it’s a part of the family tradition at the Jenkins household. I heard the news that I got the role on my 30th birthday and it was the best birthday present ever!’

“About the series Lead Writer and Executive Producer, Steven Moffat, commented: ‘Oh, we’re going for broke with this one. It’s all your favourite Christmas movies at once, in an hour, with monsters. And the Doctor. And a honeymoon. And … oh, you’ll see. I’ve honestly never been so excited about writing anything. I was laughing madly as I typed along to Christmas songs in April. My neighbours loved it so much they all moved away and set up a website demanding my execution. But I’m fairly sure they did it ironically.’

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

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

“Filming on the Christmas special will continue until August 2010.”

Father Who - More Christmas Special Spoilers

Now for the last few days we have been sitting on little bits of information. Some we felt was probably rubbish, other bits werent massively exciting so we thought we would keep them for a slow news day.

But we can now confirm that the Christmas episode will be set on a Victorian planet as we told you previously and follows the Christmas Carol story, though with some extra twists and turns. The Yeti will be making an appearance as we told you in our first ever news story and and as far as we are aware, the story will feature a 'Doctor' of christmas past, though which one is being kept a secret for the moment.

The episode is being provsionally titled "Father Who?" and production starts today. As we confirmed this morning, Katherine Jenkins and Michael Gambon will also be appearing.

Delays In Filming?

According to some sources, filming on the Christmas Special has been pushed back by 3 weeks to August 8th. The delay has been put down to showrunner Steven Moffat being apparantly unhappy with the script and wanting to make changes, though some are arguing that the shooting has only been moved by a few days and will in fact commence on July 12th.

We will of course keep you updated.