A rare instance of "UK-based celebrity whom I actually recognize appearing on DW."

Originally posted to X, saved you a visit to IRL Finetime 👍

These episode descriptions all look like they're written by RTD or based off an interview with him, so ignore all "awesomest ever", "most thrillingly amazeballs" hype.

It looks like the embargo on early reviews has lifted, so if you see any you'd like to share, put them in the comments!

Riffing off the high concept nature of the show, Davies mentions (with my emphasis):

> > > a cartoon’s come to life, or we’re visiting the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest, or Boom Beasts have taken over London > >

Wait, what? The first two are previously announced episode briefs, but... "Boom Beasts"?

Did he just come up with that last bit on the spot or did I miss it in any of the advance promo copy?

Edited to add: Apparently they're Bone Beasts! (Spoiler warning)

RTD also praises the new writers this season:

> > > Inua Ellams just to pick an example, set his episode in Lagos. He’s created a whole history of friendships for the Doctor around a whole new mythology. There’s that lack of fear. There’s not a second of worrying, of him thinking, ’Have they done this before? Did they do this in 1985?’ Although he’s always watched the show, he was completely free of its shackles. What you get is a completely new take on things you thought you understood in Doctor Who. The episode has the TARDIS doing things it’s never done before. > >

As I recall, getting the Doctor mixed in with African mythology was an explicit wish from Ncuti Gatwa coming in, and this looks like it could be a start.

Besides, frankly — what haven't we seen the TARDIS do yet? 🤯

So, what are you guys watching tonight?

• The Robot Revolution: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Peter Hoar

• Lux: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Amanda Brotchie

• The Well: Written by Russell T Davies & Sharma Angel Walfall, directed by Amanda Brotchie

• Lucky Day: Written by Pete McTighe, directed by Peter Hoar

• The Story & the Engine: Written by Inua Ellams, directed by Makalla McPherson

• The Interstellar Song Contest: Written by Juno Dawson, directed by Ben A. Williams

• Wish World: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Alex Sanjiv Pillai

• The Reality War: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Alex Sanjiv Pillai

>Access to the library costs £149 at full price, although there as introductory offer of £119 that will run until 17th March – you can access it now.

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/24377249

> > The BBC has assured Doctor Who fans that the sci-fi drama has not been cancelled, following an "incorrect" tabloid report. > > > > The Sun stirred up concern that the long-running series was to go dormant again for between five and ten years, as it previously did after Sylvester McCoy's final season – and once again after Paul McGann's 1996 standalone film. > > > >The speculation comes after perceived disappointment over Doctor Who season 14's viewing figures, although the BBC and showrunner Russell T Davies have previously drawn attention to the show's strong engagement from younger viewers. > > > > The Sun's anonymous source claimed that star Ncuti Gatwa was eyeing a move to Los Angeles to pursue Hollywood work – and that he had filmed a regeneration sequence for the end of the current run. > > > >However, a spokesperson for Doctor Who commented: "This story is incorrect, Doctor Who has not been shelved. As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs. > > > >"The deal with Disney Plus was for 26 episodes – and exactly half of those still have to transmit. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines."

Today would have been Elisabeth Sladen’s 79th birthday. She always has, and always will be my favorite companion.

No celebrity death has ever come close to hitting me as hard as hers. Almost 14 years later and I still tear up.

>Propstore proudly presents an exclusive charity Doctor Who auction to benefit BBC Children in Need with over 150 lots from the beloved British TV show.

I'm not kidding, it doesn't feel like we had a years-long pandemic in between...

Fingers crossed Jo Martin will be back on screen before another five years pass!