Doctor Who Xmas Special Running Time

I was flicking through one of yesterdays newspapers at work last night (I work nights, sadly) and it had printed a Christmas schedule for the main channels.  And if the information is correct, it rather looks like this years Doctor Who Christmas Special (The Next Doctor) starts at 7pm and ends at 8.30pm on Christmas Day, which means we have a whopping 90 minutes running time.  I am sure RTD had made some comment that none of the specials run to more than an hour, but he could mean the four next year.

Anyhow, so we haven’t got a Christmas Special this year, we effectively have a Christmas movie (as long as the information is correct).  So let’s hope it’s any good!  (I am sure it will be).

Meanwhile, John Barrowman, when questioned on BBC Breakfast this morning about who the next Doctor will be has given us a massive scoop: it will be John Sergeant, apparently!

Andrew

Flower Power?

From today’s MediaGuardian:

A new generation is set to be terrified by giant plants following the BBC’s decision to remake The Day of the Triffids.

Adapted from the 1951 novel by John Wyndham, the modern day version for BBC1 will be penned by ER and Law & Order writer Patrick Harbinson.

Whereas the BBC’s 1981 version was set in the late 20th century, the new Day of the Triffids will take place in 2011. A film version, starring Howard Keel, was released in 1962.

Updating the sci-fi tale for modern audiences, the two-part drama revolves around a hunt for alternative sources of energy after the world’s fossil fuel supply runs out. Triffids are found to be a good replacement fuel, but a reign of terror begins when the lethal plants escape following a solar storm that blinds most of the world’s population.

The Day of the Triffids has been commissioned by outgoing BBC Fiction chief Jane Tranter although casting has yet to be confirmed.

BBC Vision director Jana Bennett announced the commission at the Media Festival in Manchester today. “The new series will be a combination of the familiar and the new,” Bennett said.

Bringing a further terrifying dimension to the drama, the Triffids will also be recreated in high definition for viewers with HD televisions. The Day of the Triffids is being produced by independent producer and distributor Power and will air next year, executive produced by Power’s Justin Bodle and the BBC Wales head of drama, Julie Gardner.

Gardner said: “The Day of the Triffids is a classic title. I’m excited that its powerful story is being remade for television. We’re hoping to attract a legion of fans as well as give nightmares to a new generation of viewers.”

There have been a number of adaptations of The Day of the Triffids before. The BBC made versions for radio in 1953, 1957 and 1968. BBC television productions followed in 1971, 1973 and 1981 starring John Duttine as Doctor Bill Masen, one of the few survivors of the solar storm who has not been left blind.

Sorry You’re Leaving…

A little tribute by someone on YouTube to possibly the best companions ever…  2.06-2.20 is beautiful. Their reaction to finally getting home. I’m welling up just thinking about it.

Show 35: Doctor Who – The Chase

Yes, the moment we have been dreading for months has arrived: another bloody Dalek story.

Oh and Ian and Barbara leave. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! It’s just not fair. Still, Steven arrives in the last episode, giving us a new heroic male character (and a panda).

If you want to see a short trailer for The Chase, click here.

We’re rapidly approaching the end of William Hartnell’s second series (one more to go). 2009 will see us start and finish the third series, say goodbye to Steven and Vicki, hello and goodbye to Katarina, Sara and Dodo, meet Ben and Polly, get into the fourth series and welcome Patrick Troughton into the lead role. Blimey, it’s all go round here…

As usual, you can download the episode via iTunes or the podcast feed, or directly by clicking here.

We are back in a fortnight with the first two episodes of 70s classic, Blake’s 7.

Sarah-Jane Adventures – Series 3

11.30am

According to the BBC Press Office, the BBC has confirmed that The Sarah Jane Adventures will return for a third series in 2009.

Interestingly, Russell T. Davies will remain on-board as executive producer, with returning cast including Sladen, Tom Knight (Luke), Daniel Anthony (Clyde) and Anjli Mohindra (Rani).