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This page absolutely does contain spoilers either about the behind-the-scenes or narrative elements of stories which have not yet been published or broadcast. Please see our spoiler policy for our rules governing articles about such subjects.
Before editing this page, please read T:RUMOUR and T:OOU SRC. Fan sites, videos and blogs are not valid sources for this article. Also cast and crew announcements need to be handled in a particular way.
Please also remember to directly quote people, or to exactly characterise their statements. Do not say that someone said something when they really didn't. Work from original quotes — not a paraphrasing of them. When it comes to anything Russell T Davies, Jane Tranter, Julie Gardner, another exec, or any major star of the show says, give their exact quote only. Remember, a part of the production team's job is to tell the truth, but only very narrowly. So this page should contain only what they exactly say.
Series 14 was a series of Doctor Who produced by BBC in collaboration with Sony's Bad Wolf and Disney Branded Television for streaming on Disney+, Disney Channel (UK).
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Series 14for other, similarly-named pages.
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Series 15for other, similarly-named pages.
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Series 16for other, similarly-named pages.
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Series 17for other, similarly-named pages.
Due to showrunner Russell T Davies announcing in Doctor Who Magazine #585 that the series would consist of only 8 episodes plus a special, this series would have an identical number of episodes to the previous Series 13, which also consisted of a reduced episode count.[1]
Series 15 was a series of Doctor Who produced by BBC in collaboration with Sony's Bad Wolf and Disney Branded Television for streaming on Disney+ Disney XD.
Series 16 was a series of Doctor Who produced by BBC in collaboration with Sony's Bad Wolf and Disney Branded Television for streaming on Disney+, Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Series 17 was a series of Doctor Who produced by BBC in collaboration with Sony's Bad Wolf and Disney Branded Television for streaming on Disney+, Nickelodeon.
Overview
Early announcements
On 28 September 2023, during the Doctor Who @ 60: A Musical Celebration concert to mark the 60th Anniversary of Doctor Who, Russell T Davies joked about having plans for a "series 4" that there weren't room for in "series 3".[2]
On 1 November, Davies revealed in SFX magazine that he was already planning his "season 3" now, and that there are plans for a "season 4" to come.[3]
Promotion
The very first bit of promotion for this series came on 24 September 2021 with the reveal that Russell T Davies would be leading the show from the 60th anniversary and into "series beyond".[4]
On 6 January 2022, visual effects editor Emily Lawrence spoke to Doctor Who Magazine 573 and offered a look into what may be in store for the future of the show, hinting at 360 screens and gaming software akin to shows like The Mandalorian, saying "The 360 screens in "The Mandalorian" and how they used gaming software to create those amazing landscapes is something I’d love to see in "Doctor Who", the actors walk in front of the screen and the environment moves with them.", explaining it would get rid of green screens once and for all.[5]
On 8 May, Ncuti Gatwa, Millie Gibson shared a post on Instagram containing two hearts and a blue box.[6] Shortly after, it was officially announced by the BBC that Gatwa would take on the role of the Doctor.[7] Speaking on it, Gatwa said:
There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared. This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my upmost to do the same. Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true. His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent and fizzing with danger. An actor’s metaphorical playground. The entire team have been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show. And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show.
Showrunnner Davies added:
The future is here and it’s Ncuti! Sometimes talent walks through the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars. Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds. It’s an honour to work with him, and a hoot, I can’t wait to get started. I’m sure you’re dying to know more, but we’re rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie’s epic finale yet to come. But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!
On 26 May, Russell T Davies spoke to Doctor Who Magazine, issue 578, about his plans around the reveal of Gatwa and their follow-up appearance at the BAFTA-awards show.[8]
In an interview with Variety on 30 July, former villain actor Neil Patrick Harris teased that the new Doctor would be "the first gay Doctor".[9]
On 24 September, former showrunner Steven Moffat told Radio Times that he had read Russell T Davies's scripts and said they were "fantastic".[10]
Same day auditions for the new companion were held.[11]
On 30 September, when David Tennant spoke in an interview with BBC News about his and Catherine Tate's return to the show in the 60th anniversary specials, also praised incoming Doctor Ncuti Gatwa, saying he's "brilliant" and "lovely" and "really talented".[12]
On 23 October, following the broadcast of The Power of the Doctor and the episode's surprise regeneration into David Tennant, Russell T Davies revealed that Tennant would be playing the Fourteenth Doctor and Ncuti Gatwa would be playing the Fifteenth Doctor.[13][14]
On 25 October it was announced by Gatwa on Live with Kelly and Ryan that a deal had been struck between the BBC and Disney Branded Television to have Doctor Who streaming on Disney+ from November 2023 onwards to transform the show into a global franchise. Along with these news was unveiled a new diamond-shaped logo.[15][16][17]
Speaking of these news, Davies said:
I love this show, and this is the best of both worlds – with the vision and joy of the BBC and Disney+ together we can launch the TARDIS all around the planet, reaching a new generation of fans while keeping our traditional home firmly on the BBC in the UK.
Disney+ President Alice Bowen also weighed in:
We’re excited by the opportunity to bring new seasons of this beloved franchise exclusively to Disney+ and introduce the show to the next generation of audiences in more than 150 markets around the world. The series is a perfect addition to our ever-growing catalogue of global content that continues to make Disney+ the home for exceptional storytelling.
Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis also offered a few words:
Doctor Who has captivated the imaginations of families around the world for the past six decades. We are so excited about this collaboration with the BBC, and the opportunity to bring this iconic franchise – and Russell T Davies' brilliant vision – to life for a huge new global audience. Grab your sonic screwdrivers and prepare to travel through time and space!
On 10 November new revelations were made in Doctor Who Magazine issue 584 about the new era to come; the new production crew was revealed and it was also revealed that the Fifteenth Doctor's Twelfth Doctor's companion had been cast and at the time of the magazine, Davies was already on "Episode Seven". Furthermore, Davies teased that "huge revelations to come and brand-new stories about a Time Lord’s life" were yet to come.[11]
On 18 November, Davies and the official Doctor Who accounts shared a post early in the morning containing two hearts and a ruby.[18] Later, in the evening, the new companion was revealed at the Children in Need charity event to be Millie Gibson in the role of Ruby Sunday. Speaking of her new role, Gibson said: "Whilst still being in total disbelief, I am beyond honoured to be cast as the Doctor’s companion. It is a gift of a role, and a dream come true, and I will do everything to try and fill the boots the fellow companions have travelled in before me. And what better way to do that than being by the fabulous Ncuti Gatwa’s side, I just can’t wait to get started."[19]
On 20 November, the Scottish BAFTA's were held, attended by Peter Capaldi and Ncuti Gatwa, where Capaldi praised Gatwa and reminisced about his own time as the Twelfth Doctor, saying "[Steven Moffat was] looking for a new Doctor Who, he took me on the most magical journey, a journey that Ncuti is about to embark on. And I suspect Ncuti knows this already because I can see it in his heart and see it in him. But he’s about to discover how beautiful and wonderful and cosmic the human race can really be". Gatwa also revealed that his Doctor's costume was not yet finished, saying "it's still fluid, we’re still building.".[20]
On 8 December, Davies revealed to Doctor Who Magazine issue 585 that the new series would consist of 8 episodes plus a special[21], saying that he's aware that it's not a lot, but urged fans to "give [them] time".[1]
On 13 December, during an interview with Total TV Guide, Davies revealed that viewers would "…be staggered with the surprises we’ve got in store!" in the upcoming special, recalling the very first Christmas Special commission in 2005, saying: "It really felt like Doctor Who coming home.", and calling it a "tradition".[22]
On 17 December, official promotional images of the new costumes for the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday were revealed by the BBC.[23] At the same time the actors themselves posted a video of themselves revealing the outfits that had been filmed at Cardiff Harbour Authority car park.[24]
On 22 December, in an interview with Radio Times, while promoting Count Magnus, former writer and occassional cast member Mark Gatiss spoke about the new series, stating "There's just such a kind of... it's got a spring in its step which just makes you very excited to watch it and Ncuti just seems so absolutely adorable and just brimming with that kind of effervescent love of the show." and spoke about his excitement for the the show's regularity[25] to return.[26]
On 5 January 2023, some revelations were made in Doctor Who Magazine issue 586 about the casting and production processes along with an interview with Gibson, revealing what it was like to act opposite Gatwa.[27][28][29]
On 9 January, the BBC revealed on Doctor Who social media that Jemma Redgrave would return as Kate Stewart alongside UNIT and that Aneurin Barnard would appear as new character Roger ap Gwilliam.[30]
On 20 January, the BBC announced the casting of actors Anita Dobson and Michelle Greenidge in undisclosed roles.[31]
Same day, on an interview on The Graham Norton Show, Russell T Davies spoke briefly about Doctor Who, saying: "I am loving it, loving it so much. We’ve three specials and then a brand-new Doctor, who is amazing.".[32]
On 27 January, Davies spoke to "GQ Magazine" about the new series, saying "I’m really proud of it. Oh my god, there are some strong episodes coming up.", also speaking about "next stage" being spin-offs, and speaking about Gatwa's first readthrough and much more.[33]
In Doctor Who Magazine issue 587, released on 2 February, Julie Anne Robinson was announced as the third director[34] and Jack Forsyth-Noble was revealed to be playing a character named Will.[35]
Also in the Magazine, executive producer Joel Collins praised the incoming Ncuti Gatwa, calling him "magnetic", and said that companion Millie Gibson was funny and "wise beyond her years".[36]
On 8 February, in an interview on Lorraine, Davies talked briefly about the new series, saying: "Lovely Ncuti Gatwa is the new Doctor with Millie Gibson at his side. They’re just shooting stuff together now.", telling that he was "very excited" and that "it’s thrilling"[37]
On 12 February, Davies was interviewed on The Michael Ball Show on BBC Radio 2 in which he mentioned Episode 4, saying: "I sat here and I watched Episode Four last night and I think it’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever made in my life so I’m very, very happy with it. It’s looking so good Michael, I love it!"[38]
On 1 March Davies was interviewed on Season 15, Episode 2 of the podcast Table Manners where he revealed he was going to stay on Doctor Who "for years".[39]
On 2 March, Doctor Who Magazine issue 588 was released offering new details on the new series; it was revealed that the BBC had taken to using drones on the TARDIS set, with VFX co-ordinator Siân Reynish saying: "We’re using top of the range technology, the kind that Marvel films use, to make Doctor Who in Wales, which I think is pretty spectacular.". Reynish further praised Gatwa for his energetic Doctor, saying "I think he’ll bring such a new dynamic. He’s young and fun." and "He’s really individual".
Further in the magazine was revealed directors Julie Anne Robinson and Ben Chessell, with Davies revealing that Block 3 would consist of "two wildly different episodes by wildly different writers.", with rock formations being discussed in the Production Notes.[40]
On 16 March Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition issue 63 was released in which executive producer Julie Gardner was interviewed about expectations and worries behind the scenes, to which she replied: "There’s only one worry on Doctor Who: that production delivers on the extraordinary quality of Russell’s writing. He’s writing amongst his best-ever work. The scripts are big and extremely ambitious. The only worry I ever have is that we get it right for him. We run to keep up."[41]
On 30 March Doctor Who Magazine issue 589 was released, in which the 2023 specials directors praised the new TARDIS interior set, being said to be "church-like in scale" and them recalling initial worries of "It will never be ready in time…" and being able to "…point the camera anywhere at it and it looks amazing".[42] Five new cast members were also revealed for the series.[43] and Davies
On 31 March the BBC promised in their "Annual Plan" for 2023/2024 a "highly ambitious reinvention of Doctor Who", with the show included in their list of "distinctive, high-quality drama working with the very best new and established on-and-off-screen talent", saying: "We will bolster our on-screen spend with third-party investment to deliver greater value to audiences, including the first new content from our highly ambitious reinvention of Doctor Who, co-produced in partnership with Disney."[44]
On 3 April it was announced by the BBC in a press release that actress, singer and RuPaul's Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon would be joining the series in an undiclosed major role. On joining, Monsoon said: "I’m honoured, thrilled, and utterly excited to join Doctor Who! Russell T Davies is a visionary and a brilliant writer— I can’t wait to get into the weeds with him and the crew! I hope there’s room in the TARDIS for my luggage.".[45]
On 19 April the BBC revealed a teaser video with Monsoon along with some promotional images, revealing the costume for her villainous role.[46]
On 20 April the BBC revealed promotional images of Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson with Elisabeth Sladen in new costumes which fit into an episode set in "the swinging 60s".[47]
On 24 April the BBC officially announced on their social media and the Doctor Who website that former composer Murray Gold would be returning to perform the soundtracks for the three Specials and series beyond, with Gold commenting: "I’m so happy to be invited back for another joyful ride in the TARDIS. I didn’t think twice. Working with Russell and his team is just a pleasure."[48][49]
On 27 April, Doctor Who Magazine issue 590 was released in which the first interview with Gold following his return announcement in which he noted about the series that "There's an awful lot of music in this series" following several directors having approached him. Davies revealed that an episode title had been inspired by another sci-fi series, Star Trek: Picard. More cast members were also revealed in the magazine. As well as a new director being announced.[50][51]
On 5 May, the BBC announced that actor Jonathan Groff would be joining the cast in an undisclosed "key role".[52]
On 10 May, the BBC released some publicity photos of Groff alongside Gatwa and Gibson in 1800s style costumes.[53]
On 12 May, the BBC released some more publicity photos of Gibson in her Regency era costume.[54]
On 24 May, Indira Varma was announced as returning to the franchise as a new character called the Duchess.[55]
On 25 May, Doctor Who Magazine issue 591 was released, in which was revealed a few more Production Diary notes about the series. Assistant location manager Alex Moore also talked about what it’s like working on the series.[56]
On 7 June it was announced in a Press Release by the BBC that Bonnie Langford would reprise her role as Melanie Bush.[57]
On 15 June it was announced in a Press Release by the BBC that Lenny Rush would join the show as a character named Morris.[58]
On 22 June, Davies hinted in Doctor Who Magazine issue 592 at the new series with the words "kingdom", "gold" and "Tigella".[59]
On 13 July, Gatwa was interviewed by Rolling Stone UK in which he spoke about taking up the role of the Doctor and how he related to the Doctor, saying: "This person survived a genocide. This person fits in everywhere and nowhere. I am the Doctor. The Doctor is me. I decided that I had to get this role.", also talking about the idea to have the Doctor have a different outfit almost every episode.[60]
On 18 July the BBC released promotional posters of Ruby Sunday and the Fifteenth Doctor.[61][62]
On 20 July Doctor Who Magazine issue 593 was released, which contained more Production Diary notes from the series.[63]
On 17 August Doctor Who Magazine issue 594 was released, which contained the last Production Notes for the series. Art director Michael van Kesteren also revealed he had been asked to desgin a new sonic screwdriver for Gatwa, saying: "There were certain things requested for Ncuti’s sonic — which had a few things that needed to happen.". Four new cast members were also revealed along with a note from Russell T Davies saying: "Yasmin Finney wrapped a few days ago…".[64]
Broadcast
File:The -DoctorWho cast and crew walk the blue carpet for the premiere of 'The Church on Ruby Road'! 🎄 A special blue carpet premiere for the new era was held near the London Eye on 12 December 2023 with a special screening of the Christmas Special, The Church on Ruby Road [+]Loading...["The Church on Ruby Road (TV story)"], held at the BFI Southbank cinema.
At the blue carpet was put up a pult with a button on it, which the actors Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson with Jenna Coleman pressed, displaying a light show of blue, gold and purple on the ferris wheel itself.
Attendees included, but was not limited to: Gatwa and Gibson themselves, Michelle Greenidge, Angela Wynter, Anita Dobson, Radio One presenter Yinka Bokinni, showrunner Russell T Davies, producers Phil Collinson and Joel Collins.[65][66]
Cast
- The Doctor Who - Christopher Eccleston
- The Doctor / Caecilius - Peter Capaldi
- The Doctor - Ncuti Gatwa[67]
- The Doctor - Paul McGann
- The Doctor - David Bradley
- The Doctor - Peter Davison
- The Doctor / Jenny - Georgia Moffett
- The Doctor / Donna Noble - Catherine Tate
- The Doctor / Ruby Sunday - Millie Gibson[68]
- Grace Holloway - Daphne Ashbrook
- Martha - Freema Agyeman
- O'Donnell - Morven Christie
- Osgood - Ingrid Oliver
- Jo Jones - Katy Manning
- Rose Tyler - Billie Piper
- Lynda - Jo Joyner
- Adam - Bruno Langley
- The Doctor / Sarah Jane Smith - Elisabeth Sladen
- Captain Jack - John Barrowman
- Jackie - Camille Coduri
- Mickey — Noel Clarke
- Craig Owens - James Corden
- Harriet Jones — Penelope Wilton
- Chrstina - Michelle Ryan
- The Captain - Mark Gatiss
- Mrs Peace – Jennifer Hill
- Gwyneth – Eve Myles
- Charles Dickens – Simon Callow
- Stage Manager – Wayne Cater
- Mr Cleaver - William Thomas
- Margaret - Annette Badland
- Cathy - Mali Harries
- Idris Hopper - Aled Pedrick
- Ianto Jones - Gareth David-Lloyd
- Francine Jones - Adjoa Andoh
- Tish Jones - Gugu Mbatha-Raw
- Clive Jones - Trevor Laird
- Leo Jones - Reggie Yates
- Santa Claus - Nick Frost
- Slitheen - Alan Ruscoe
- Kazran/Elliot Sardick - Michael Gambon
- Abigail - Katherine Jenkins
- Young Kazran - Laurence Belcher
- Adult Kazran - Danny Horn
- Pilot - Leo Bill
- Captain - Pooky Quesnel
- Co-pilot - Micah Balfour
- Old Benjamin - Steve North
- Boy & Benjamin - Bailey Pepper
- Servant - Tim Plester
- Eric - Nick Malinowski
- Isabella - Laura Rogers
- Old Isabella - Meg Wynn-Owen
- Henry Avery - Hugh Bonneville
- Toby Avery - Oscar Lloyd
- The Boatswain - Lee Ross
- Mulligan - Michael Begley
- De Florres - Tony Lucken
- Dancer - Chris Jarman
- McGrath - Carl McCrystal
- The Siren - Lily Cole
- Sophie - Daisy Haggard
- Shona - Seroca Davis
- Kelly - Holli Dempsey
- George - Chris Obi
- Val - Lynda Baron
- Madge Arwell - Claire Skinner
- Cyril Arwell - Maurice Cole
- Lily Arwell - Holly Earl
- Reg Arwell - Alexander Armstrong
- Co-pilot - Sam Stockman
- Droxil - Bill Bailey
- Ven-Garr - Paul Bazely
- Billis - Arabella Weir
- Wooden King - Spencer Wilding
- Wooden Queen - Paul Kasey
- Captain Latimer - Tom Ward
- Dr Simeon - Richard E Grant
- Digby - Joseph Darcey-Alden
- Francesca - Ellie Darcey-Alden
- Alice - Liz White
- Uncle Josh - Jim Conway
- Shona - Faye Marsay
- Ashley - Natalie Gumede
- Bellows - Maureen Beattie
- Professor Albert - Michael Troughton
- Walter - Cameron Strefford
- Walter's Mother - Annabelle Dowler
- Bob Chilcott - Ben Addis
- Clara's Friend - Sophie Miller-Sheen
- Lead Workman - Daniel Hyde
- Female General - T'Nia Miller
- Gastron - Malachi Kirby
- Ohila - Clare Higgins
- The Woman - Linda Broughton
- Man - Martin T. Sherman
- Wraiths - Jami Reid-Quarrell, Nick Ash, Ross Mullen
- King Hydroflax - Greg Davies
- Ramone - Phillip Rhys
- Flemming - Rowan Polonski
- Scratch - Robert Curtis
- Concierge - Anthony Cozens
- Alphonse - Chris Lew Kum Hoi
- Receptionist - Nicolle Smartt
- Polly - Lily Travers
- Ben - Jared Garfield
- Voice of the Great Intelligence - Ian McKellen
- Voice of the Ice Governess - Juliet Cadzow
- King Hydroflax's Body - Liam Cook
- Voice of Hydroflax - Nonso Anozie
- And Dan Starkey As Strax
- With David Tennant As The Doctor
Recurring
- Kate Lethbridge-Stewart - Jemma Redgrave[30]
- Shirley Anne Bingham - Ruth Madeley[69]
- Melanie Bush - Bonnie Langford[57]
- Rose Noble - Yasmin Finney[64]
- Amy Pond - Karen Gillan
- Madame Vastra - Neve McIntosh
- Jenny Flint - Catrin Stewart
- Colonel Ibrahim - Alexander Devrient[70]
Guest
- Baby Ruby Sunday - TBA
- Ruby Sunday's mother - TBA
- Davina McCall - Herself
- Denzel - Bobby Bradley
- Trudy - Mary Malone
- Woman with Pram - Belinda Owusu
- Policeman - Barney Wilkinson
- Mrs Flood - Anita Dobson
- Abdul - Hemi Yeroham
- Carla Sunday - Michelle Greenidge
- Cherry Sunday - Angela Wynter
- Lulubelle - TBA
- Ruth Lyons - Gemma Arrowsmith
- Goblin 1 - Rachelle Beinart
- Goblin 2 - Jess Judge
- Goblin 3 - Dilu Miah
- Goblin 4 - Giuseppe Lentini
- Goblin 5 - Andrew Francis
- Goblin 6 - Lukas DiSparrow
- Voice of Janis Goblin - Christina Rotondo
- Roger ap Gwilliam - Aneurin Barnard[71][30]
- "Finetime Head" - Lois Drage[72]
- Will - Jack Forsyth-Noble[35]
- TBA - Hemi Yeroham[73]
- TBA - Lukas DiSparrow[74]
- Valerie - Millie Kent[75]
- Marti Bridges - Sophie Ablett[76]
- TBA - Bhav Joshi[77]
- TBA - Eilidh Loan[77]
- TBA - Pete MacHale[77]
- TBA - Miles Yekinni[77]
- TBA - Jinkx Monsoon[45]
- TBA - Jonathan Groff[52]
- The Duchess - Indira Varma[78]
- Lady Emerson - Jennifer Castillo[79]
- Carson - Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy[80][64]
- Morris - Lenny Rush[58]
- Splice - Caoilinn Springall[81]
- TBA - Gemma Arrowsmith[64]
- TBA - Mary Malone[64][82]
- "Policeman"[82] - Billy Brayshaw[64]
- TBA - Ellie Grace Cashin[83]
- Nurse - Vee Vimolmal[84]
- Opera Singer - Aubrey Parsons[85]
- Dancer - Jack William Parry[86]
- TBA - Joel Fry[87]
- TBA - Nicola Coughlan[88][89][90]
- TBA - Jonah Hauer-King[68][91]
- TBA - Blake Patrick Anderson[91]
(PLEASE DO NOT CREATE ANY NON-OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED PAGES YET)
Uncredited cast
- Baby Ruby Sunday - TBA
- Ruby Sunday's mother - TBA
- Lulubelle - TBA
- Voice of Janis Goblin - Christina Rotondo[92]
The New Crew
| Executive Producers Russell T Davies, Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter with Joel Collins and Phil Collinson |
| Co-executive producer Nikki Wilson |
| Series Producer Vicki Delow |
|
|
| General production staff Art department |
Camera and lighting department |
Costume Hair and make-up Sound |
| Not every person who worked on this adventure was credited. The absence of a credit for a position doesn't necessarily mean the job wasn't required. The information above is based solely on observations of the actual end credits of the episodes as broadcast, and does not relay information from IMDB or other sources. |
|
Though not credited in any way, Mat Irvine did help considerably with the operation of K9 for this episode. In the DVD commentary, Phil Collinson acknowledges Irvine as the "operator of the original K9 prop", as seen in the very last scene of the episode, and admitting that the original prop had been stored in Irvine's garage and was found especially for this scene.
This episode marked a big change in the make-up department, with Barbara Southcott becoming the more-or-less permanent make-up designer on the show. Also, Millennium Effects became "Millennium FX" with this episode, and have been credited thus since.
Guido Cerasuolo's actual credit is "Line Producer Italy".
Ernie Vincze's surname is misspelled as "Vince" in the credits as originally transmitted.
This was the first episode of the BBC Wales series to have two credited script editors. Oddly, Emma Freud was credited at the end of the roll, suggesting she was considered more "senior" than Brian Minchin.
As on The Vampires of Venice, Patrick Schweitzer was double-credited as both producer and line producer.
This episode marked the Doctor Who debut of production designer Michael Pickwoad, the BBC Wales debut of costume designer Barbara Kidd, and the first time that something like twenty team members had been credited for their work on Doctor Who. It was the biggest sea change of behind-the-scenes personnel in BBC Wales history, much bigger, in fact, than the changes that had occurred with The Eleventh Hour.
|
Uncredited crew
|
Milk VFX[93] |
|
Production
To be added
Crew
Producers
Russell T Davies made his "explosive return" to Doctor Who in the 60th anniversary and "series beyond".[4]
Phil Collinson, Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter also returned from the 60th specials as executive producers and were joined by Joel Collins.[11]
Returning from the 60th specials were also Vicki Delow, Chris May and Ellen Marsh.[11]
Phil Sims continued as the production designer and Scott Handcock as the script editor.[11]
Director
Dylan Holmes Williams directed the first filming block[11] along with director of photography Sam Care,[29] which consisted of episodes 4 and 5.[94]
Mark Tonderai directed the second filming block[95][29] along with DOP Miroslaw Baszak,[34] which consisted of the festive special.[94] Gareth Tandy was first assistant director.[34]
Julie Anne Robinson directed the third filming block[34] along with DOP Tobias Datum,[40] consisting of episodes 3[96] and 1.[97]
Ben Chessell directed the fourth filming block[40] along with DOP Jamie Cairney,[97] which consisted of episodes 2[50] and 6.[97]
Jamie Donoughue directed the fifth filming block along with DOP Chas Bain, which consisted of episodes 7[98] and 8.[50]
Writers
Russell T Davies wrote the episodes 4 and 7.[99][100]
Pre-production
On 12 August, The Hollywood Reporter stated that the series would begin filming in November.[101]
On 10 November it was revealed in Doctor Who Magazine #584 that pre-production on the series began on 26 September.[11]
Filming
Filming officially began on the series on 5 December 2022 in Wolf Studios in Cardiff, Wales[102] and continued on 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and ending on 12 December.[103]
Public filming then began and continued on 13, 14, 15 and 16 December at the White Cross Inn in Groeswen, Wales.[104][105]
Filming then went on to Cardiff Bay Barrage in Penarth, Wales, which went on until 17 December.[106]
On 3 January 2023, filming took place on Cardiff Queen Street and inside Capitol Shopping Centre in Cardiff, Wales.[71]
Filming moved on to Swansea University Bay Campus in Swansea, Wales on 4 January[107] where it continued on 5, 6 and 7 January.[108]
On 9 and 10 January filming took place at Newport Market, High Street and Victoria Place in Newport, Wales.[109]
Filming took to Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on 16 January.[94]
Filming went to Castle Arcade and its High Street in Cardiff, Wales on 17 January.[110]
On 18 January filming took place on moving train which left from Cardiff Central Railway Station in Central Square, Cardiff and travelled to Swansea Railway Station and back.[110]
Filming happened at Loudoun Square in Cardiff, Wales, both inside and outside the flats on 19 January.[111]
On 20 January filming travelled to Park Place, Bruton Place, Meridian Place and Frederick Place in Clifton, Bristol, England.[112][113][114][115][116][117]
On 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 January filming took place on the Coast Path at Giltar Point in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales.[118][119][120][121][122][123]
On 1 February filming took place at Wolf Studios, Cardiff, Wales.[124]
On 7 February filming went back to Frederick Place in Bristol[125] and continued on 8 February and subsequently went to Kings Weston House, Bristol.[37]
On 9 February filming took place in the morning at the Golden Cross pub and later on moved to the Pryzm Nightclub, in Cardiff, Wales.[126]
Filming took place on 14, 15 and 16 February at the graveyard of the Church of St. Mary in Nash, Newport, Wales.[127]
On 21 February,[128] filming went back to Wolf Studios in Cardiff, Wales where it continued on 28 February,[129] 1,[130] 6,[131][132] 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 March.[133][134][135][136]
On 20 and 21 April filming took place in Mellon Street in Newport, Wales.[137]
On 25 April filming went to Market Street in Newport, Wales.[138]
On 26 April filming took place at Frederick Place and Clifton College in Clifton, Bristol.[139]
On 8 May filming took place at The Parade in Cardiff, Wales.[140]
On 10, 11 and 12 May filming went to Tredegar House in Newport, Wales.[53][54]
On 15 May filming took place in Margam Park, Wales where it continued on 16, 17, 18, 19[141] and early morning 20 May.[142]
On 23, 24 and 25 May filming took place at Leigh Court in Bristol.[143][144][145][146]
On 30 and 31 May and 1, 2 June filming went back to The Parade in Cardiff, Wales.[147]
On 5, 6, 7 and 8 June filming went to the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, Wales.[148]
Filming then took place on 9 June inside a building at One Central Square in Cardiff, Wales.[149]
Filming went to Fitzalan Road in Cardiff, Wales on 16 June.[150]
On 19 and 20 June, filming took place in Cardiff City Hall in Cardiff, Wales.[151][152]
On 25 and 26 June filming took place on Park Street in Cardiff, Wales.[153][154]
On 10 July filming took place near the Academy Espresso Bar in Barry, Wales.[155]
Lastly, filming went back to Wolf Studios, Wales on 14 July, wrapping up with a party at National Museum Cardiff on 15 July.[156]
Television stories
Christmas Special[157][1][158]
| Episode Number |
Title | Writer | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | The Church on Ruby Road[159] | Russell T Davies[160] | Mark Tonderai[94] | Return of Christmas Specials.[158] Television debut of Ruby Sunday, Carla Sunday and Cherry Sunday. |
Regular series
| Episode Number |
Title | Writer | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | TBA | Julie Anne Robinson[97] | |
| 2 | The Devil's Chord[161] | TBA | Ben Chessell[50] | |
| 3 | TBA | TBA | Julie Anne Robinson[96] | |
| 4 | TBA | Russell T Davies[99] | Dylan Holmes Williams[94] | |
| 5 | TBA | TBA | ||
| 6 | "Regency" (working title) | Kate Herron and Briony Redman[162] | Ben Chessell[97] | |
| 7 & 8 | TBA / TBA | Russell T Davies[100] | Jamie Donoughue[98][50] |
Festive special
| Episode Number |
Title | Writer | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | TBA | Russell T Davies[163] | Alex Pillai[164] |
| Episode Number |
Title | Writer | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| 2 | TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| 3 | TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| 4 | TBA | TBA | Peter Hoar[91] | |
| 5 | TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| 6 | TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| 7 | TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| 8 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Episode Number |
Title | Writer | Director | Notes |
|---|
| Episode Number |
Title | Writer | Director | Notes |
|---|
Episode notes
To be added
Aliens and enemies
To be added
Rumours
- Billie Piper expressed a willingness to return as Rose Tyler at some point "if the circumstances and the story were right”.[165]
- Matt Smith expressed a willingness to return as the Eleventh Doctor at some point "if the timing was right, and after giving Jodie Whittaker a chance. I think we've got to give a few years to Miss Whittaker to get the TARDIS under her belt, as it were, and then yeah — one day". [166]
- Davies' new era could bring back the Christmas Special.[167][168]
- According to The Mirror, the new era will get spin-offs focusing on villains such as the Daleks, Sontarans, Cybermen, Sea Devils and Weeping Angels, centering around what they get up to when the Doctor is not around.[169]
- Spin-offs happening was further supported by Katy Manning, who also hinted at "people returning".[170]
- According to The Sun, Davina McCall - the voice of Davinadroid from Series 1 - will return to to the series, only this time playing a fictionalised version of herself.[171]
Production errors
- In the scene when Donna asks the woman if she could borrow £10 as it's Christmas, you can clearly see that Donna is wearing sports shoes instead of her usual white wedding shoes; Catherine Tate had been wearing sports shoes between takes.
- Even though it is supposed to be Christmas, it is obvious that the special was filmed during the summer, because all the trees have leaves on them, etc.
- When Donna returns to the reception, and the Doctor borrows a gentleman's phone, you see a menu item that says "Play". It is obvious that the HC Clements search that the Doctor does is a movie clip on the phone.
- The mask of the Roboform which abducts Donna in the taxi has eye lenses on its Santa mask which change from plain blue to fake eyes like those seen on the masks of other disguised Roboforms.
- When the Roboforms surround the hotel, they are armed with a flamethrower trombone, a missile-launcher tuba, a machine gun trumpet, a bugle of unknown ordnance, a tenor horn or euphonium of unknown ordnance, and the remote control for the bauble bombs. However, when they face the Doctor in the ballroom, the tenor horn/euphonium has been swapped for a curling, bugle-like instrument, looped over the Roboform's shoulder.
Continuity
As per Forum:Non-valid Continuity sections, categories, and prefixes#Continuity sections, this section needs to be written from an out-of-universe perspective.
- The Doctor's TARDIS regenerates itself from severe damage as it did in The Eleventh Hour [+]Loading...["The Eleventh Hour (TV story)"], The Woman Who Fell to Earth [+]Loading...["The Woman Who Fell to Earth (TV story)"] and The Ghost Monument [+]Loading...["The Ghost Monument (TV story)"]. Unlike on previous occasions, this was triggered by the Doctor rather than automatically and did not result in the TARDIS' appearance changing.
- The Doctor and Donna are stranded due to the HADS activating as it had done before in Cold War [+]Loading...["Cold War (TV story)"], The Magician's Apprentice [+]Loading...["The Magician's Apprentice (TV story)"] and The Witch's Familiar [+]Loading...["The Witch's Familiar (TV story)"]
- The Doctor licks a substance to determine its properties, a trait that was present in their tenth incarnation seen in The Christmas Invasion [+]Loading...["The Christmas Invasion (TV story)"], The Idiot's Lantern [+]Loading...["The Idiot's Lantern (TV story)"] and Planet of the Dead [+]Loading...["Planet of the Dead (TV story)"]. This carried onwards into their eleventh incarnation such as in The Eleventh Hour [+]Loading...["The Eleventh Hour (TV story)"] and Day of the Moon [+]Loading...["Day of the Moon (TV story)"] as well as their thirteenth incarnation, like in It Takes You Away [+]Loading...["It Takes You Away (TV story)"].
- On learning that he and Donna have arrived in 1666, the Doctor advices Isaac Newton to avoid London. This is due to the Great Fire of London which he inadvertently caused in The Visitation [+]Loading...["The Visitation (TV story)"]
- When posing as Donna, one of the not-things mentions that the Doctor was not born on Gallifrey which they learned in The Timeless Children [+]Loading...["The Timeless Children (TV story)"]. In the same conversation, the Doctor states that the Flux "destroyed half of the universe because of me", referring to the events of The Vanquishers [+]Loading...["The Vanquishers (TV story)"].
- The Master previously accidentally destroyed 25% of the universe (which included the Traken Union) with Entropy by closing off the Charged Vacuum Emboitements to E-Space in Logopolis [+]Loading...["Logopolis (TV story)"]).
Adaptations and merchandising
To be added
Stories set during the season
To be added
Reference books
- Whotopia: The Ultimate Guide to the Universe (set sometime around The Church on Ruby Road)