Xmas and 2009 specials

2009 SPECIALS AND SERIES 5

Schedule:

Filming has wrapped for the 2008 Christmas special. Filming for the 2009 specials will commence in January 2009, with the filming for series 5 starting later that year.

(DT is in Hamlet and Love's Labour's Lost in Stratford Upon Avon until November 2008, and the London run of Hamlet until 10th January 2009. He will then start filming in Cardiff on 11th January) - info from the-writer99, update by Stuartwho)

Note on the specials: these were NOT put in place to allow DT to play Hamlet. RTD, in "The Writer's Tale" (quoted in The Times) mentions promising to DT and the production team after Doomsday was filmed (i.e. late 2005) that they would have a big finish to series 4 followed by a break to allow a new production team to prepare for series 5. DT was only approached for the role of Hamlet after his appearance in the "Who Do You Think You Are" of 27th Sept 2006. (The Metro, 21 Jul 2008)

C=O reports (here, here and here) that work has begun (as of 2nd Aug'08) on the 2009 Christmas Special, with everything presumably in place already for the Easter Special. It is suggested that the 2009 Christmas special will be standalone, followed by a two-parter.

DWM #400 has further information - RTD (production notes) says "we've already cast two huge parts, which had us all skipping with glee". RTD also says, "even though pre-production won't officially start for a while, the writing has started, and we're already having detailed conversations with the design department, so you could say that work has begun......"

Elsewhere in DWM #400 it is said that pre-production starts in November with shooting starting mid-January

Format

It is confirmed (RTD, DWM #378; Steven Moffat interview 24 Jul) that there are, in total, five specials to appear between the end of series 4 and the start of Steven Moffat's reign.
There is a Christmas Special for 2008 (already filmed).
In 2009 one special is scheduled for Easter and another will broadcast on Christmas 2009 - the others are unscheduled to date (Julie Gardner in the Telegraph)

The latest news from The Co=Ordinator is that the three remaining specials are to be scheduled over Christmas, with two close together (so either 25th, 26th, 1st Jan OR 25th, 31st, 1st Jan). The Easter special is likely to be 60 minutes long, the Christmas ones 50 minutes. Ian Levine has also heard this. (Rich Flair says it's a two-parter over Christmas).
Previous posts by C=O on this schedule here and here.

Locations and sets

Emperor Fabulous reported in July '08 that one of the Specials may be taking place partially or entirely in a location outside the UK.

The News of the World (Aug '08) reports that two specials will be filmed in America, supposedly to raise DW's profile stateside. The specials will apparently also feature a "big-name" American female assistant.

US poster TonieGaylin told us that some scouting has been done by her sister-in-law for locations for Harry Potter and other British production crews.
SyFy Portal Syfy Portal say they had already been following leads on DW filming in the US and suggest the main motivator is financial (the strong pound is making filming cheaper in the US - they also mention potential Harry Potter filming in the US).

Emperor Fabulous has since confirmed that his source also suggests filming abroad involving at least the Second Unit and going West rather than East (and possibly moves to show DW sooner after UK broadcast in the US).

Eddie reports that as far as he knows the console room is getting a bit of a makeover for the specials, and the console is being rebuilt. "Not changed, but just refreshed. I was also privvy to a conversation about the possibility of "green screening" sections of it to give the illusion of extra rooms and doors off it."

Casting

Confirmation that casting has been done on at least one 2009 special: Diana Chire has been cast as "Allegra" in a 2009 production of DW, directed by Graeme Harper

* Ace (Sophie Aldred)? (STENDEC)
* Brian Blessed may make his return to the show
* Agynes Deyn is reported as being in one of the specials. Also here and here. However The Raven reports that Agynes herself "knows nothing about it and doesn't know what they're talking about".
* Rumour (foaf) on IMDB that Bad Girls star Alicia Eyo has been offered a companion role for one of the specials; a role that may play into full-time companion for series 5 (IMDB link; heads up from CTFan)
* John Simm as The Master - see "Return of the Master" section
* Georgia Moffet (Jenny, aka the Doctor's Daughter) is reported to have confirmed her return in a special (revengebeast; The Sun). Note mondas_alive's post quoting a script for the 2009 specials:
Young Teen: Doctor! Where are you going? (Hears the cries of the Doctors Daughter). That said, Georgia was tight-lipped (but hesitant?) at "Bad Wolf"(sk8erboy2000; rhysm;). Further confirmed by (72lf)
Regarding Jenny returning in the specials, RTD says ""I've no plans. But who knows what Steven might do?" (DWM #400)
* Jennifer Saunders is reported to be cast in a special, playing the Tenth Doctor after a body-swap (72lf, info from specials treatment document). Rumour also heard by Urza
72lf says that his source still stands by this but the source has heard nothing new on it, and believes it might happen for Easter.
* Albert Finney is reported to be one of the two big names (mentioned by RTD, DWM #400) cast for the 2009 specials (Blogtor Who confirmed by 72lf) and Lee Mansfield
* Patrick Stewart as the Meddling Monk - see "Patrick Stewart" section
* Nick Frost has been approached to play an "unconventional companion" in a special (Eddie here and here; confirmed as being considered by Lee Mansfield -Sadly, this will not happen due to Nick Frost having other filming commitments (Eddie)


Settings, Plots, Heroes and Villains

RTD on the Specials "They're all very different. They're all very colourful. They hit the ground running. [...] There are at least two alien planets, maybe more.
[choosing words carefully] I would say...how can I put this? Two new monsters...no, three! Yes, three.
The Doctor is travelling alone. Each story will have a different companion [...] some great guest casting...and it won't always be a young girl." (DWM #400)

Characters and storylines from series 4 will not necessarily be picked up for the specials (Julie Gardner, Telegraph)

* Winston Churchill (for specials or series 5) - reputedly TV people asked for his removal from "Revenge of the Judoon" so he could be kept in reserve. (Times Online courtesy Cameron K. McEwan; and hence to the Sun)
Blogtor Who says that sources suggest Albert Finney (see CASTING section) will play Winston Churchill, a role he played on TV's The Gathering Storm. Confirmation of Winston - Lee Mansfield
* Sea Devils. "The return of The Sea Devils is definitely planned and all preliminary work has long since been concluded." The Co=Ordinator; C=O again.
Lee Mansfield confirms Sea Devils: "Top quality moving mouthed, blinky moving eyed, NETTING clad Sea Devils", backed up by "CGI Myrka". But he can't confirm if they will be in the Churchill episode "fighting on the beaches" (Lee)
* Doctor Who books to be published in 2009 include "Prisoner of the Daleks", "The Slitheen Excursion" and "Judgement of the Judoon" (thanks Doodle). So chances are none of these will feature in the specials.
* Donna (Catherine Tate) and Wilf (Bernard Cribbins) over the last three specials, together with the Master (The Co=Ordinator). Also heard (via DW Yahoo group) by SpacecatX, and (via source) by 72lf. CT says in DWM #399 that she would have done another series if she had been asked and regarding a return "anything is possible". This rumour has also made The Sun (8 Sept'08).
* bump1980 reports that a friend (recently in a show at the Edinburgh festival) was auditioned for a special. The part was of a humanoid alien who can suck people's emotions/thoughts out of their heads.
* In DWM #400, RTD says that there will be "two or three" alien worlds in the specials.
* In the series 4 boxset commentaries, DT requests that the written (but not filmed) 'Shadow Proclamation' scene in The Stolen Earth, featuring monsters from throughout the series, appear in one of the specials (Den Of Geek)


Return of McGann
Original rumour from WhoKnew (scroll on in thread for more) that PM was to return in the second 2009 special, in an episode directed by Graham Harper. This rumour has also been heard by 72lf, but (sheringham's) sources said it wasn't happening.

The Doctor's Trainers then posted that the PM episode was being cast. Later The Doctor's Trainers posted that sources say McGann is due some filming in eight weeks time (so early November '08), apparently the Eighth Doctor will have shorn hair, looked battered and his last scene involves a stand-up regeneration. TDT added that it looks like Euros Lynn will be directing.

The story above got picked up by The Sun (11 Sept'08).

TDT reports that the scenes in which PM will appear are set "right at the end of the Time War". TDT adds that he has a second source confirming this information.
72lf (also here) said his source confirmed this, EXCEPT for PM returning - unless it's a secret of the highest order, we will see "glimpses of the Time war, but if an eight Doctor is seen , it will be from behind standing up."

TDT also says that there MAY (click here for big pinch of salt) be attempts to bring back Eccleston

TDT confirms explicitly that PM is in a historical episode (of DW NOT TW) where the hordes of Ghengis Khan try to get through the doors of McGann's TARDIS, and an elephant tries to sit on it. The McGann console has been rebuilt, with the rest to be filmed greenscreen. (See original hints here and here). Also a hint (noticed by jedimasterguff and replied to by TDT) of "robot Ghengis Khan soldiers"

Lee Mansfield is 100% convinced that PM will not return, 72lf's source agrees. Eddie was told by "BBC Press Office, Taylor Herring (who handle the publicity for Dr Who), Paul McGann's agents, a very high ranking writer on the series, someone very close to Paul and some of the interior writing staff at Upperboat" that there was no truth in the story. Eddie has also spoken to Paul McGann who said he has not been approached, nor booked, nor read a script ((see Eddie's other posts on this here, here and here) plus overview of conversations here). Last from Taylor Herring: '"there is no truth in this story" adding "or Torchwood" but only because I asked' (Eddie)
A spokeswoman for the show told Digital Spy, "There is no truth to the story at all".

72lf's source now (13 Sept'08) saying "I really cant comment on it at this point......its not worth getting fired over...."

Daveydee points out that Paul McGann is tied up from now ("Filming has just begun...") until Christmas filming a new ITV drama, "Collision" (information from ITV)

Mudpusher reports that his area has done no work whatsoever to date on the 2009 specials - as far as he knows, no-one in production will see a script until December'08

The Revolutionist reports (29 Sept), "the rumours I've heard are that Paul McGann will not be returning to reprise the role of the Eighth Doctor."

Latest - one of Eddie's sources is backtracking slightly, saying he doesn't want Eddie to think he was lying IF something does come of this. As of yet Eddie knows of no script including the Eighth Doctor and Paul McGann has not been approached. In associated news The_Iceman2288 points out that the current DWA (#84) is telling the kids who the Eighth Doctor is...
Other than the source above Eddie is still getting nothing on this; neither is Lee Mansfield.
A newly returned TDT reports "McGann has already filmed for Doctor Who a couple of weeks back" - Paul has only a few scenes.


Return of the Master

The Master to return: (The Co=Ordinator). Instead of a cameo in series 4, plans were changed to bring the Master in a much bigger way in the specials (see C=O posts here and here).

TDT reports that the Master will return with an unexpected ally.

* Harriet Jones is not dead (TDT)
* Harriet Jones is in league with the Master (and was at the time of "The Stolen Earth") (TDT)
* Someone else was in the room when Harriet spoke to the Children of Time and it was Harriet that picked up the Master's ring (TDT)
* The above two facts play into the specials along with the Osterhagen key
* Something in the specials fulfils what the Ninth Doctor said about HJ's terms as prime minister heralding a golden age (TDT)

72lf says his source confirms TDT's spoiler.

The Daily Star (30 Sept'08; reported by chrisakadonkey) says that the Master returns in the last 2009 special and battles the Doctor until one dies, resulting in a new Doctor.

Lee Mansfield confirms - the Master for the specials. The story line for the special apparently involves the Master trying to be "the saviour" of the Time Lords. (Lee Mansfield)
Eddie suggests that the Master will appear in the Christmas '09 Special.
Eddie says that Simm will appear as the Master, with the Monk, in the last Special.

In the commentaries for the series 4 box-set, "RTD reveals that Harriet Jones died in The Stolen Earth despite Phil Collinson's protestations that she lived" (Den Of Geek)



Patrick Stewart The Meddling Monk?
Patrick Stewart has reportedly been approached to appear in either the specials or Series 5. (Eddie, Lee Mansfield)
Reportedly there will be no facial prosthetics or heavy make up;there's a "killer" costume; Patrick is keen to play someone who is "not the good guy for a change" (although the character is "not all bad"); it's a significant enough character to be either moved, removed or revived later, depending on his availability; and he's keen to work again with David Tennant and "have the relationship evolve" (Eddie); PS has been officially approached to play a "significant role" in either one of the specials or Series 5. The part is that of a Time Lord (Eddie) Lee Mansfield has heard that the role could be that of the Meddling Monk. Eddie wouldn't contradict that.
Lee Mansfield has since heard on good authority that Patrick Stewart has been asked to play the Monk.
Eddie reports that Patrick Stewart is still very interested; nothing is certain yet and his schedule does not fit in with the filming right now, but he is willing to accommodate if possible (Eddie). If he can't manage it, the character is likely to be dropped from the special and appear in series 5 instead (Eddie) If PS does appear it will be one of the last specials, possibly the last (Eddie)

Story picked up by The Daily Star and the Sun (who combined PS with the potential Dalek two-part opener to series 5). Clarification by Eddie: PS has been approached to play the Meddling Monk in the last of the specials, which will also involve John Simm.

Eddie (with due warnings) also presents a snippet, which depicts the Doctor arriving in a mysterious, ominous, fan-wanky (!) environment, where he encounters a Patrick Stewart-like figure who announces "THIS IS THE GAME OF RASSILON...Welcome home, Doctor..." Lee Mansfield adds that the piece ends with the Doctor asking "What are you playing at, Mortimus!?" eddie himself doesn't know exactly what this is about...

But to curb some speculation the-writer88 reports that she has been lead to believe that right now there are NO plans for the return of Gallifrey or the Time Lords.


Children In Need

Appeal night: 14th November 2008.

Despite rumours to the contrary, there will NOT be a Doctor Who segment for CiN in 2008. RTD: "much to our regret... the schedule was absolutely packed... I thought it best to confirm this now, so people don't start building up expectations." There may be some form of Who involvement though (DWM #399)

Torchwood Magazine (Sept 08) report that, 'Plans are afoot in the Doctor Who and Torchwood production offices for a fantastic one-off event to coincide with this years Children In Need. We're not allowed to tell you what just yet, but we'll have the full details very, very soon'. See also DenOfGeek.com.

DWM #400 report that there will be a "one off event" (so more likely a concert than a mini episode) hosted by Doctor Who to raise money for CiN. More news due next issue.

This event will be "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go behind the scenes at the studios where the shows are filmed" for fans of Doctor Who, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures; "on Saturday and Sunday, 8 and 9 November, the BBC will be opening the studio doors just outside Cardiff to 100 lucky competition winners and their friends and families". Read the BBC Press Release (23 Sept '08) for more details.

4:14 The Next Doctor (2008 Christmas special)

Written by Russell T. Davies Directed by Andy Goddard

Producer: Suzie Liggat

Cast: Dervla Kirwan (Miss Hartigan), David Morrissey, Velile Tshabalala (Rosita)

Title confirmed in BBC Press Release, 23 Sept '08.
Kudos to "The Daily Star" who correctly reported the title (reported by Mr Chimpey)
For other suggested "spoiler" titles see old summary.
RTD (DWM #398) says that the title is 'a bit of a giveaway'.

72lf (here and here) says a rough cut is complete of this episode (Sept '08), it is loosely based on "The One Doctor" and has a working title of "The Other Doctor" (but this title may be changed before the episode is locked down).


Emails included in RTD's new book A Writers Tale have been printed in "The Times". Spoilery information includes:
RTD's ideas for titles: The Two Doctors, The New Doctor, The Next Doctor.
"The real heart of it is the beginning: the Doctor arrives, hears a damsel in distress, the Doctor steps forward to save her... when this other man [to be played by David Morrissey] swings in, dashing, brilliant, amazing, clever, witty, saves the day. The Doctor says, “Who are you?” The man says, “I'm the Doctor!” [...] The Doctor becomes his companion." "Cybermen, Victoriana, a swordfight on the roof with Cybershades (Cyberman heads in flowing black robes, like wraiths, sort of creepy half-Cybermen), workhouse kids as slaves... That's all the normal plot stuff." "I had a fair bit of Cybermen-in-Victoriana worked out, but this two Doctors story [...] is so strong that it's sort of knocking out everything else [...] a lot of that Cybermen stuff was dark - graveyards and things - whereas this new stuff is fun and lively, it's even going to get knockabout"

Above picked up by MANY papers - but they don't add anything except speculation (which we have plenty of here).

72lf reports that (based on rough cut) - RTD "has gone for a simple adventure approach and nothing that a future production team would have to explain in 10 years time", it's "very funny, well paced", Pirates of the Caribbean to VOTD's Poseidon Adventure. "Morrissey is NOT a future Doctor."

Latest from 72lf, (based on a nearly finished cut of the Christmas special), David Morrissey is NOT a future Doctor. He is a conman. The Doctor believes briefly that DM could be a future version of him, "but as the story unfolds, the truth emerges through a few funny scenes"

From RTD's A Writer's Tale, it seems that the original script carried on directly from Journeys End and featured the cybermen invading the TARDIS (and rearing up behind DT), and DT reacting "What, what, what!". This was shot (and there are pictures in the book of this), but it was then dropped by RTD.

In DWM #400, DT says that the Christmas special "doesn't carry on immediately from the end of Series Four. It was going to in the first draft of the script, but then it was decided the the ending of Episode 13 is so kind of momentous and bleak that actually the Doctor may just need a bit of time out. An undisclosed amount of time has passed..." The episode starts with the Doctor arriving in London, on Christmas Eve, 1851; having quite a nice time...and then things start to go wrong...

A source has seen basic footage of David Morrisey as the "next" doctor, and the Cybermen in all their glory from the Christmas Episode. But they said that the scene they saw involves someone (either our Doctor or the other doctor, I'm not sure which, but one of them) holding up some kind of lightning bolt which destroys the Cybermen in one fell swoop.(Xenutia) - based on set reports it is DM who destroys the Cybermen.

DWM #399 confirms the cast (DK, DM, VT) and that Dervla Kirwan is playing Miss Hartigan.

The Christmas special is a Victorian one, "So expect plum pudding, death and disaster" (Telegraph) And zombies!? (cythralski)

The read through for the Christmas special has taken place and David Tennant was present

The cyberwraiths are in fact called cybershades (clashtafari)

The Sun (30 Jul) report an "insider" as saying "The Cybershade is a mutant with some of the looks of the Cybermen — but it is a much darker creation." (Story was picked up by The Telegraph and Teletext)

There is talk of there being a new kind of King/Emperor Cyberman that's a twist on the new design (oldtype40). Also (vaguely) of a report in a tabloid of "cyber dogs" (perhaps relating to the dog-like behaviour of the cybershades, mentioned in the set reports?) (Sontaran Of Brunei)

According to RTD (reported in the Scottish Sunday Express 28 Sept'08), "It’s called The Next Doctor, and there is a major plot twist at the end. We’re even thinking of not having a press screening, because we don’t think anyone will be able to keep it secret. For the first time we have two men together as leads. It’s a small focused idea, a little different.”

Spoilers from the series 4 boxset commentaries:
The Christmas special contains the phrase "cache of info-stamps" (Poison Sky Commentary; Ron Mace, also Den Of Geek)
There is a character called Aubrey Fairchild (The Stolen Earth commentary; Ron Mace). The character meets a "terrible death" (Den Of Geek).
The Hub set, from spin-off series Torchwood, has been 'trashed' and used for filming in the special (Den Of Geek). Interestingly, filming for the five-parter of Torchwood features a thrashed "Plass" (Planet Gallifrey), so multiple uses for a destroyed Hub seems in order.

Velile Tshabalala interview in West Sussex Today: she is very careful about what she says, but confirms her character is Rosita, that Rosita is "an East Londoner, very Cockney", and that, "The Doctor is faced with another Doctor. Rosita is the assistant to the other Doctor but as the episode goes on she starts helping the Doctor we know." Velile also speaks of how hard it is acting scared when there is nothing there - it sounds like there was a substantial amount of green screen at some point.

Extended Trailer
This was shown at Comic Con. It shows scenes of Mrs Hartigan in the graveyard; she mentions the Cybermen. We also see an urchin who says it's 1851; lots of explosions and a brief glimpse of a cybershade.
ROSITA: This creature came out of the shadows, A man made of metal.

SET REPORTS
DETAILED SUMMARY IS NOW IN THE SET REPORTS THREAD - click here for details of reports, plus lots of photo links. Many of the photos have evaporated - see this page on Planet Gallifrey for pictures of filming including a cybershade.

On-set Trailers:
“Vicar”, “Miss Hartigan”, “Hot Scottie Totty” , "Rosita", "The Other Doctor"

Filming in a Snow-covered grave-yard, featuring a vicar, a woman in red and policemen running from a pyre. Also filmed with cybermen and "cyber-wraith" creatures (feathery cloaks and copper colour cyber masks). The director is Andy Goddard.

Filming in Gloucester took place over four nights and featured DT (brown suit, blue shirt), David Morrissey (Victorian dress), Velile Tshabalala.
Settings: snow-covered Victorian Market,
DT arrived in the Tardis alone. Many scenes with DM and VT, including one with a horse-drawn hearse and a cyber-wraith.

Dialogue: DM to VT "The Doctor's companion will do what the Doctor says! Now go!" (DT watches this)
Dialogue: DM to DT outside the Tardis: "One last adventure" and possibly about a little boy.
Dialogue: DM says (to DT) ..."Good gracious", then something else..then "all bright and shiney". He says something else and possibly there's a request. DM then says..."the one and only".
Dialogue: DM speaks of his "memory not fully intact yet" as he, DT and VT hide in a archway.
They talk about papers and "15 Latimer Street" is mentioned.

In another scene funeral directors with cyber ear pods lead a line of kids away. DT and VT run ahead of the kids and join the line, DT then looks back. After the scene with kids walking in a line, they were rehearsing a scene where a lot of the Victorian people were all running away in the alley (from a considerable explosion) with DM and VT and DM appeared to grab a child as if saving him from something.

Filming outside Monmouth town hall, a snow-covered water-side scene. Various scenes: Twenty or so child actors being marched into big double doors by an undertaker wearing cyber earpieces; being forced past cybermen ("Enter the court of the Cyber-King! That is an order - march!") as the cyber shades herd them like dogs; emerging in panic from the large double doors as VT shouts at them to "keep running"

Big Showdown with David Tennant, David Morrissey, and Dervla Kirwin, in which it comes clear that DK's character, Mrs Hartigan is behind the cybermen's plot. The Doctor is threatened with death, DM throws something at the cybermen, then DM shoots them.
Doctor: "Whoa! That's cheating, sneaking up like that! Have you got your legs on "silent"?
Doctor: "and it all has to happen tomorrow, on Christmas day? That was your idea was it?"
Cybermen: when the Doctor says who he is, say his appearance "does not match the cybermens visual record".

Doctor: "Ah well, wait a minute, let me die happy - tell me what you want the children for" Mrs H: "What does anyone want children for?"

"The Dr then throws something at the cyberman, who catches it at informs the Dr that it is ineffective against the cyber race, at which point David Morrissey steps out from behind the Cybermen and Mrs H and (this was only a rehearsal) mimed shooting them and went "boom, boom" as the Cybermen shook and shivered." (Kelmo)

Speculation:

Many have speculated this is based on the audio "The One Doctor" - 72lf (here and here) says that, based on "very good, close sources", this episode is indeed based on that audio, that it is a light comedy after the tearjerker of the finale. DM is the fake Doctor, and the Cybershades are fakes made by Morrissey's character, only for the real Cybermen (and the real Doctor) to show up...
Links to "The One Doctor" also confirmed by The Doctor's Trainers


4:15 TITLE TBA (First 2009 Special - Easter)

Written by Russell T. Davies and Gareth Roberts Directed by TBA

Producer: Tracie Simpson

Features "a new monster" (DWM #399)

Treatment contains the words 'jewel', 'fly', and 'chamber' (DWM #400)

Episode will be broadcast "Easter 2009" (DWM #400)

In "The Writers Tale", RTD suggests that to have an episode (with filming starting in Jan) shot, CGI and score done and mastering completed for April is nigh on impossible - post-production would normally take 6 weeks (suggesting a low-FX episode or more work done in preproduction - see comment by paperbackwriter) #

animated cadavar says that this special is set on a desert world to which present-day humans are transported by aliens (i.e. based on an element of Gareth Roberts' The Highest Science - The Browncoat Cat). The desert world will apparently be shot in Tunisia in the same location as Star Wars was filmed.


4:16 TITLE TBA (Second 2009 Special)

Written by Russell T. Davies and Phil Ford Directed by TBA

Producer: Nikki Smith

(Writer and producer information - DWM #400 via Jangomac)

Nikki Smith reports that she will start work on this special "around December/January" - dates are still being finalised. She has read the story line for this episode and was on the edge of her seat reading it (DWM #400)

Treatment for the second special contains the words 'oxygen', 'probe' and 'tree' (DWM #400)


4:17 TITLE TBA (Third 2009 Special)

Written by Russell T. Davies Directed by TBA

Producer: Tracie Simpson

(Writer and producer information from DWM #400 via Jangomac)


4:18 TITLE TBA (Fourth 2009 Special)

Written by Russell T. Davies Directed by TBA

Producer: Tracie Simpson

(Writer and producer information from DWM #400 via Jangomac)



SERIES 5 - facts and rumours

SHOWRUNNER:

RTD leaving and Moffat taking over for series 5, news broken by the Guardian, also see BBC Press Release.

72lf is told that the series is "tied up till series 9", with SM having a 5 year contract.

WRITERS:

None besides Steven Moffat announced as yet.

Rough ideas were being put together for series 5 "as we speak" (May 2008, Time_Lord)

SM was writing the first script in July '08 (Comic Con 24 Jul, on withaterrace livejournal). Apparently he started in January! (email from RTD to Benjamin Cook, printed in The Times)

According to an interview in Death Ray (Aug '08) with Steven Moffat (summarised here), SM expects to write 5 or 6 episodes.
However, given RTD never managed to predict how many he would write, that could easily change (he refused to be drawn in a previous interview (SM interview, 24 Jul)

Feeley reports from the Moffat session at the Edinburgh TV Festival (23rd Aug '08)

* SM has completed the first episode of the season, it was "the easy part, as I'd written it in my head many times before."
* SM has a broad overarching plan for the season that he's currently refining.
* He has had emails from would-be DW writers, including some from "a few quite surprising names".
* Gaiman is still on the cards and has been asked to prepare two different ideas. Paul Cornell is likely too...Lee Mansfield And I'll confirm the Gaiman and Cornell thing.Eddie
One of the ideas Gaiman is provisionally working on is the Ice Warrior story (Eddie)

PLOTS/STORYLINES:

"THEY'RE BACK"... apparently. We don't yet know what "They" are (assuming SM wasn't just looking for a strong opening line!) (Steven Moffat, DWM 397)

SM confirms that there will not be a series of "Blink"-type stories, "[Y]ou couldn't have a whole series like that [...] You can't have that as the first episode. It's just too grim. So it's different contemplating it from this position, very, very different." The series will also continue to embrace a wide range of tones and genres, Moffat said. Rather than adapting the show to his particular writing style, he looks forward to experimenting with different voices to maintain the show's variety. SM also looks forward to "get[ting] to write episodes that I wouldn't normally write, that wouldn't be expected of me." (Moffat interview, ScifiWire)

SM has said (Death Ray, Aug '08, summarised here) he thinks the Doctor works best when solving problems rather than fighting armies, that the Doctor has always been a sexy, flirty character, albeit one who doesn't pursue love interests and that any fans hoping for a reduction in comedy, soapy stuff, gay jokes or the sonic screwdriver will be disappointed (and that he did these more than RTD anyway).

Don't despair of returning monsters in the Moff's reign; "Steven talked about the future in terms of... well, to the extent that I said 'Don't tell me any more!' I want to find out as a viewer. I was even surprised, because I was half-expecting there to be a No Old Monsters rule under The Moff. But no. So that felt good." (RTD, A Writers Tale)

"Zygons. Series 5. Apparently." (the-writer88;);

Eddie reports on his blog that Mark Gattis has been asked to adapt his novel "Nightshade" for series 5 (via Lee Mansfield).
Odds On reports having heard this, a few weeks back, but as far as he knows Gattis hasn't said yes yet.

Information (from the series 5 bible):

* Zygons Lee Mansfield and Eddie). According to Lee Mansfield Tennant demands Zygons...he gets Zygons. Lee Mansfield suggests that there may be "Zygon infiltration horror for the Doctor". Plus, apparently "the guys who did Walking With Dinosaurs have been asked to help design and create a CGI Skarasen for Season 5" (Lee Mansfield)
* Ice Warriors.Lee Mansfield All checks out with Eddie. He couldn't possibly deny any of that. Ice Warrior provisional title: The Faces In The Dust (Eddie)
The writer for this episode is provisionally Gaiman (Eddie)
* Daleks (Lee Mansfield). Two-parter Dalek episode to open Series 5 Lee Mansfield
The plan at the moment is that the series is coming back with a two part Dalek story. As far as I know they won't appear in the series again that year. Eddie
Eddie clarifies the situation - IF the Daleks make an appearance in series 5, they will do so in an opening two-parter, probably set in Edwardian Britain. However SM doesn't really want to use the Daleks, and may persuade the BBC to replace them with something new for that adventure.
* The enemy who will reveal themselves in the series denouement will have been in every episode of series 5.Eddie


Story picked up by The Sun (with some confusion over the specials and series 5) mentioning Daleks, Zygons and Ice Warriors.

Note : And in light of all this information, Moffat has delivered his Series 5 plans to people for considerations, feedback, planning etc.... Lee Mansfield (Sept '08) The Moff has presented his preliminary "bible", series 5 stuff is "subject to change but it is the initial outline for the next full series, with a two part opener and a very insidious and, in my opinion, excellent, arc culminating in the finale" (Eddie)

Note: 72lf has been doing some digging and has discovered that Moffat has apparently seen the relevant posts. 72lf's source states that rtd has really done all you can with the daleks and has no plans to bring them back for a while.
As for zygons, he got a hmmmm and a nod.
As for moffs submitted bible, as it were, only a few have seen it.
Basically, what was reported sounds great but it didn't ring any bells with the powers that be.
Also 72lf has heard rumblings previously about the Ice Warriors.
Latest from 72lf is that SM take on these rumours was "B*ll*x "to most of it.

FILMING DATES:
The Co=Ordinator has heard (from an impeccable source) that filming will follow its usual pattern (so probably July 2009).
Filming will commence in "Autumn 2009" (so August? ;according to The Sun [18 Jul 08])

Format and scheduling

Moffat says he has fourteen episodes of Who to do. Since the special at Christmas 2009 will be an RTD special and Julie mentions a series return with thirteen episodes (Julie Gardner, Telegraph), the fourteenth episode is perhaps for Christmas 2010?

"The fifth series [...] is scheduled to be broadcast on BBC One early the following year [i.e. 2010]" (BBC Entertainment News 6 Jul 08)

"the fifth series of the show - due to be shown on BBC1 in spring 2010" (BBC Entertainment 23 Aug 08)

The current plan is for transmission to follow the pattern of series 1-4, according to Piers Wenger (The Co=Ordinator)

In the series 4 boxset commentaries, SM says that he prefers two-parters but that this will not affect how he approaches the series. (Den Of Geek). SM has also said that the current pattern of three two-parters was a good balance and it was hard to imagine straying too much from that (The Revolutionist, BAFTA Writers: Time Travel in TV Drama and Comedy Cardiff 6th Oct 2008)


CASTING:

The Doctor

NOTE: NOTHING official has yet been said to confirm or deny DT in series 5. All the below should be required as hints (from SM, RTD etc) or speculation.

There is word that the Hamlet production featuring David Tennant may move to New York (Gregory Doran, The Times)

The word from Steven Moffat ( Sunday Herald)

* "Moffat said he was preparing himself for the day Tennant decided to leave the show. He said: "When that dreadful day comes the audience will be ready for it."
* Moffat refused to say whether Tennant would leave the show in the 2010 series: "The reason the finale of the last series worked so well is that it was top secret." ..."


SM rules out an older Doctor if and when DT steps down "It might kill someone over 60 [...] I think I think he'll always probably tend to be around 40." (quotes from BBC Entertainment 23 Jul 2008)

Reports of DT's departure (note: this are completely unconfirmed): The News of the World (Aug '08 :specials are DT's last DW), The Scottish Sun (Aug '08: DT has "confirmed" he's quitting), The Mirror (Aug '08 : DT steps down after specials), jonahcohn: a foaf says DT is "definitely done" after the specials; animated cadavarDT will leave at the end of the specials; The Daily Star (30 Sept'08; reported by chrisakadonkey) says that the Master battles the Doctor in last 2009 special resulting in a new Doctor.

Reports of DT staying: "The Sun" (10 Sept 08 DT has agreed to stay if a film role is part of the deal") - confirmed by 72lf (detail in "Other Rumours"). Also confirmed by The Doctors trainers (entire fifth series and option on the movie, new Doctor for series 6), Eddie and
Lee Mansfield (who hints at DT staying post-series 5?). FULL HOUSE : The Co=Ordinator (DT for series 5). 72lf reports that DT is definitely on for S5, but there will be a new Doctor for series 6, (also here). Lee Mansfield reports DT as being keen to continue with no talk of him leaving at any time (see also here). Eddie agrees, he reports DT as feeling there is "no time limit". RTD (reported in theScottish Sunday Express 28 Sept'08) says, "David may never leave, he could go on for ever. I haven’t talked to him about leaving. Maybe it will never happen. Maybe he’ll be 70 and have to be taken off the set.” In the series 4 boxset commentaries, DT refers to Steven Moffat as his "new boss", with their discussions suggesting that they are working together ("Silence in the Library" commentary; Ron Mace and Den Of Geek)

IF DT is in the film he will be in series 6 (Eddie and Lee Mansfield).

RTD refuses to say whether Tennant will return for series 5; RTD says DT has made his decision and the BBC knows what it is (Guardian, July 2008). Julie Gardner says she doesn't know (Telegraph, July 2008)

DT is returning for series 5 (July 2008) - Mr Banana and The Doctor Trainers, via three separate sources

BBC are "more hopeful" that DT will stay for series 5. Apparently they want a deal by Autumn 2008. (The Sun [18 Jul 08])

In an interview with Mark Lawson RTD said that he "knows when David is leaving". However he then went on to say that he blatantly lies about the future of Doctor Who... (BBC4)

Conflicting rumours - some that DT has signed for series 5 (peteloaf; the-writer88); another that nothing has been officially signed (72lf)

There is also a rumour that the last special is being filmed with two endings to allow DT maximum time to consider his return (rocknrollbazza). (Note that filming of that special would be about four months before filming of the series).

A report suggests that Auntie Beeb is ready to flash the cash to persuade DT to stay The Scotsman

According to William Hill, Robert Carlyle is the most popular bet for next Doctor at 2/1. Also reported here.

The Companion

Female companion(Lee Mansfield) A Celtic companion. Non contemporary.Lee Mansfield Eddie agrees and adds that there will be no romantic interest with the Doctor (Eddie - see also here)

Oh and Celtic means Scottish, Irish or Welsh (Eddie)

Eddie reports that the companion will not have a one-series arc; they are keen for her to remain for series 6. This hinges on the Doctor-lite apparently.

72lf confirms that the companion is not for one series (he suggests she will be there to ease the transition to a new Doctor - but see section above).

The character name is Lucy (provisional name and subject to change) (Eddie)
It looks like she will be an Edwardian maid (Eddie), from Scotland (Eddie).

On his blog, Eddie suggests Annabel Reid is in the running for this part (reported by bomaya0).


Supporting Cast

* Kylie to return? Old rumours from early 2008 : (Schnibob2 1,2, Yahoo Australia Lifestyle News, Xtatoo)
* Negotiations in train to get back Alex Kingston (River Song) and Georgina Moffett (Jenny) for series 5? (72lf). See rumours upthread re specials.
* Tom Baker (unknown role) - originally reported in Comic Book Resources, and then in the Daily Star (serbusfish)
This has since made the Sky TV website - Den of Geek point out that it references a Sun story which appears to have been pulled from their website.
(Many suggestions that Tom would be perfect for Professor Nightshade/Edmund Trevithick - see section above) - Eddie reports that Tom himself is unaware of any casting in the offing, but he is very keen and thinks it would be a great idea.


Other rumours
Major rumours about a DW film came out of Edinburgh (23 Aug 08) based it seems simply on this: Steven Moffat is quoted as saying this about a film, "As long as it was great and fantastic than yes, I'm not against the idea. But a film is on for 90 minutes and that is not as important as the series. But as long as it doesn't get in the way of the show we could do it." (quote from The Telegraph, variants in MSN Entertainment, The Press Association, BBC Entertainment)[/quote]

The Co=Ordinator says that IF there is a film it will star David Tennant and Billie Piper as set up during the finale in Journey's End (i.e. alt universe).

More "movie news" - The Sun (10 Sept'08) report a source as saying "It looks like the film is going to happen in the next few years." (See also Telegraph, Digital Spy, Teletext, My Park).

RTD was asked about a film (The Sun 9 Sept '08)- he allegedly said he'd love to see Catherine Zeta Jones as a Companion, but also that he had no time to "spit" let alone make a film (see also Western Mail, SiFy, OneIndia).

72lf said "todays snippets about Tennent apparently signing a deal to do s5 AND Who movie is true at this point. This will be part of a handshake deal and No official details will be revealed regarding movie details untill a script, budget and casting is finalised." Also confirmed by The Doctors trainers (entire fifth series and option on the movie). And The Co=Ordinator (2011 for the movie)

The Independent (13 Sept'08) report that speculation is growing that Hollywood is beckoning for DT. They also report, "BBC Film flatly denied it was seeking funding for a movie or that it had struck a deal with Tennant to star in the next series as long as the corporation committed to a big-screen version."

Digital Spy report that RTD might return to do a film, quoting RTD as saying, "I'd be very interested in going back for it. I think it could be lovely and could work as an idea. They did one in the 1960s and that worked and it didn't affect the TV series at all"

Thanks to canterbury from DWF for this