WhoSpy

From Tardis Wiki, the free Doctor Who reference
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WhoSpy was a feature on the Doctor Who website which launched on 20 July 2004.[1] A "spy" on the Doctor Who production team uploaded a new behind-the-scenes photo every weekday throughout the filming of Series 1. This feature continued partially throughout Series 2 whereafter it only returned for the following 4 Christmas Specials.

A recurring sequence of numbers, 23 6 801, seen in many of the WhoSpy photographs, was a bit of "misleading fun" that sparked many fan theories.[2]

Following a little more than a decade of absence, WhoSpy made a return in 2023 in time for the 60th Anniversary of Doctor Who.[3]

Series 1

WhoSpy initially ran for 36 weeks, finishing on 23 March 2005 and had a total of 176 photos. Following the launch of the "new series" website, it was moved to its "The Making of Doctor Who" section; from the BBC Cult site. During the broadcast of Series 1 the pictures were updated with captions explaining what the photos were of and which episodes they came from.

# Image Caption Date
1 WhoSpy 20 July 2004.jpg Clapperboard
Doctor Who has begun! The slate for the first scene shot for the new series, filmed in Cardiff this Sunday. Episode Four, scene 21, if you're interested.
Location filming for Aliens of London.
20 July 2004
2 WhoSpy 21 July 2004.jpg Camera
This is the camera that filmed the first scene of Doctor Who shot by the BBC in 15 years.
Location filming for Aliens of London.
21 July 2004
3 WhoSpy 22 July 2004.jpg Coppers
English police cars and Welsh telephone boxes used on location. No Police Telephone Boxes, however.
Location filming for Aliens of London.
22 July 2004
4 WhoSpy 23 July 2004.jpg Chair
On set in a hospital. The Director sat in this chair. And the Director of Photography sat on the box. No one owns up to the Tupperware.
Location filming for Aliens of London.
23 July 2004
5 WhoSpy 26 July 2004.jpg Hot Stuff
Doctor Who's Gaffer prepares to turn up the heat as Billie Piper films a scene on the streets of Cardiff. Nice window display...
Filming outside the department store for Rose.
26 July 2004
6 WhoSpy 27 July 2004.jpg Fire Engine
A dry summer evening in Cardiff is transformed into a wet winter one in London.
Location filming for Rose.
27 July 2004
7 WhoSpy 28 July 2004.jpg Buses
Several red buses brought in to help create the illusion of London during recent filming in Cardiff.
Location filming for Rose.
28 July 2004
8 WhoSpy 29 July 2004.jpg Press
A global press conference seems imminent. But where is it, and who will be speaking?
Microphones from World War Three.
29 July 2004
9 WhoSpy 30 July 2004.jpg Hands
We'll go out on a limb and say these might come in handy.
Preparing for climactic finale of Rose.
30 July 2004
10 WhoSpy 2 August 2004.jpg Make-Up Bag
Make-up bags and story breakdowns snapped on location.
Is that a Slitheen in the top left hand corner?
2 August 2004
11 WhoSpy 3 August 2004.jpg Sign
"Strictly No Admittance" - this is actually part of the set, not to warn crew or actors away.
Warning sign from World War Three.
3 August 2004
12 WhoSpy 4 August 2004.jpg Painting
A currently secret underground location somewhere in Cardiff. For very good reasons the walls are being painted brown instead of white.
4 August 2004
13 WhoSpy 5 August 2004.jpg Painting
It's a pile of human make up. The more alien colours are hidden away - but we'll be seeing more of those soon.
5 August 2004
14 WhoSpy 6 August 2004.jpg Painting
The signed contract that confirms we really can use the Daleks after all! We'd tell you what it said, but then we'd have to exterminate you...
This is what made Dalek possible.
6 August 2004
15 WhoSpy 9 August 2004.jpg Camera
Another picture of a camera used in the production of the new series.
9 August 2004
16 WhoSpy 10 August 2004.jpg Producer
Producer Phil Collinson on location making the the new series of Doctor Who.
10 August 2004
17 WhoSpy 11 August 2004.jpg Stars' Chairs
Billie's off filming. Someone is sitting in Chris's chair. It's not Chris - it's actually director Keith Boak. Look! You've seen his back and ear!
11 August 2004
18 WhoSpy 12 August 2004.jpg Feet
The crew go to immense lengths to protect the carpet on location. Filming is taking place near one of Cardiff's plushest gyms. And what nice flooring it is.
Filming in 'Downing Street' for Aliens of London.
12 August 2004
19 WhoSpy 13 August 2004.jpg Sewing
The costume assistant hard at work making one of the many items vital to the production of the series. In this case, it's an umbrella bag.
13 August 2004
20 WhoSpy 16 August 2004.jpg Keys
Top secret keys to a top secret front door.
The Doctor Who Production Office.
16 August 2004
21 WhoSpy 17 August 2004.jpg Wet Paint
A hallway set. There'll be a chase scene through here any minute.
Inside Downing Street from World War Three.
17 August 2004
22 WhoSpy 18 August 2004.jpg Bins
Props back in the studio. These bins might look rubbish to you, but trust us, they're really, really significant.
Nestene-controlled bins from Rose.
18 August 2004
23 WhoSpy 19 August 2004.jpg Folder
A folder with a very important piece of paper inside.
A prop from Aliens of London.
19 August 2004
24 WhoSpy 20 August 2004.jpg Map
A map of the South of England. Is this the new Congestion Charge zone, or something more sinister?
Emergency Room from Aliens of London.
20 August 2004
25 WhoSpy 23 August 2004.jpg Cups
With this many cups on set, how come the crew have to drink from polystyrene ones?
Ministerial tableware from Aliens of London.
23 August 2004
26 WhoSpy 24 August 2004.jpg Budget
A red briefcase... could this be the Doctor Who budget?
The Emergency Protocols case from Aliens of London.
24 August 2004
27 WhoSpy 25 August 2004.jpg Julie
Julie Gardner chairs an important meeting in her Cardiff office.
25 August 2004
28 WhoSpy 26 August 2004.jpg Green Screen
This is a green special effects backdrop on set.
Preparing for a transformation in Aliens of London.
26 August 2004
29 WhoSpy 27 August 2004.jpg Set Back
This is the back of a set. We'd love to show you inside, but we can't... Yet!
The Tylers' flat from Rose.
27 August 2004
30 WhoSpy 31 August 2004.jpg Tapes
Mini DV tapes used for making a rough assembly of rushes.
31 August 2004
31 WhoSpy 1 September 2004.jpg Euros
Euros Lyn - the director of the second production block - working out his schedule in the production office.
1 September 2004
32 WhoSpy 2 September 2004.jpg Safe
The Doctor Who Production office safe - where all the really secret secrets live.
2 September 2004
33 WhoSpy 3 September 2004.jpg Spray
A spray paint gun putting the finishing touches to an industrial set.
The floor of the TARDIS. You saw it here first...
3 September 2004
34 WhoSpy 6 September 2004.jpg Costumes
Just some of the hundreds of costumes needed to make an episode of Doctor Who.
6 September 2004
35 WhoSpy 7 September 2004.jpg Ice Cream
George Gerwitz, 1st Assistant Director enjoys an ice cream during a break from filming.
7 September 2004
36 WhoSpy 8 September 2004.jpg Pipe
A curious-looking piece of set. Could it be a ventilation shaft?
8 September 2004
37 WhoSpy 9 September 2004.jpg Buckets
Boxes of props on the props truck, catalogued according to a secret system. Hint: Small props are in a box labelled "S" and medium ones in a box labelled "M"...
9 September 2004
38 WhoSpy 10 September 2004.jpg Execs
Executive producers Mal Young, Julie Gardner and Russell T Davies deep in conversation about... stuff.
10 September 2004
39 WhoSpy 13 September 2004.jpg Smoke
It's smoke! In a can!
13 September 2004
40 WhoSpy 14 September 2004.jpg Washing Machine
They've taken the back off Rose's washing machine so they can put a camera inside it.
Filming for The End of the World.
14 September 2004
41 WhoSpy 15 September 2004.jpg Bedroom
The set for Rose's flat, all packed up. No prizes for guessing what Doctor Who is in Welsh...
15 September 2004
42 WhoSpy 16 September 2004.jpg No Entry
Entry to a surprisingly important set.
16 September 2004
43 WhoSpy 17 September 2004.jpg Billie
Billie Piper is Rose Tyler, the Doctor's companion.
17 September 2004
44 WhoSpy 20 September 2004.jpg Bolts
These are what really hold the TARDIS together.
20 September 2004
45 WhoSpy 21 September 2004.jpg Runner
Tim is the production runner - seen here running.
21 September 2004
46 WhoSpy 22 September 2004.jpg Billie
Happy Birthday Billie. But what's Rose looking at? See more on Friday.
22 September 2004
47 WhoSpy 23 September 2004.jpg Red Light
This is Dafydd. This is a red light. It's his job to turn it on when filming starts.
23 September 2004
48 WhoSpy 24 September 2004.jpg Billie
The writing's on the wall for Rose.
24 September 2004
49 WhoSpy 27 September 2004.jpg Richardson
Sound recordist Ian Richardson. With script.
27 September 2004
50 WhoSpy 28 September 2004.jpg Trailers
Actors' trailers during filming.
28 September 2004
51 WhoSpy 29 September 2004.jpg Remover
Body make-up remover. For those hard to shift bits of alien skin.
29 September 2004
52 WhoSpy 30 September 2004.jpg Lighting Console
The TARDIS console. Well, the one that controls the lighting for the set anyway...
30 September 2004
53 WhoSpy 1 October 2004.jpg Linda Davie
Linda Davie, make-up assistant, putting the finishing touches to a star.
1 October 2004
54 WhoSpy 4 October 2004.jpg Contact List
Contact has been made. A document we'd all like to read.
4 October 2004
55 WhoSpy 5 October 2004.jpg Locations
Location, location, location. Scenic spots that may feature in the new series.
Photos of Howells department store, Cardiff, as seen in Rose.
5 October 2004
56 WhoSpy 6 October 2004.jpg TARDIS Snow
Rose steps into the TARDIS, surrounded by (fake) snow and (real) crew. There's no business like snow business...
Night filming in Swansea for The Unquiet Dead.
6 October 2004
57 WhoSpy 7 October 2004.jpg Set Build
Construction manager Andy Smith and set decorator Peter Walpole with scenery flats.
On set filming for Rose.
7 October 2004
58 WhoSpy 8 October 2004.jpg Snow Scene
Christmas gets earlier every year!
The exterior of Sneed's funeral parlour, as seen in The Unquiet Dead.
8 October 2004
59 WhoSpy 11 October 2004.jpg Milk
Attention to detail from the props department. Only authentic period pieces are used here, and that includes the milk and sugar.
Sneed's tea cups from The Unquiet Dead.
11 October 2004
60 WhoSpy 12 October 2004.jpg Paint
Paint used on the set to make it pretty. Colours not chosen by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
12 October 2004
61 WhoSpy 13 October 2004.jpg Fan
Doctor Who's biggest fan spends the day on set.
Wind machine used for Fan Room effects in The End of the World.
13 October 2004
62 WhoSpy 14 October 2004.jpg Barrels
A barrel of fun with fake snow on set.
Periods detail used for location filming of The Unquiet Dead.
14 October 2004
63 WhoSpy 15 October 2004.jpg Doctor
Christopher Eccleston plays the Doctor.
15 October 2004
64 WhoSpy 18 October 2004.jpg Logo 2005
The new Doctor Who logo. Details >>
18 October 2004
65 WhoSpy 19 October 2004.jpg Alien Props
Futuristic props.
Space bowls from The End of the World.
19 October 2004
66 WhoSpy 20 October 2004.jpg Champagne
Champagne slate - every 100 slates gets a champagne sticker... note the location of the scene for this one though.
20 October 2004
67 WhoSpy 21 October 2004.jpg Curtains
It'll be curtains for you when the Doctor arrives.
The interior of Sneed's funeral parlour for The Unquiet Dead.
21 October 2004
68 WhoSpy 22 October 2004.jpg Savage
Matthew Savage with set, character and prop designs.
22 October 2004
69 WhoSpy 25 October 2004.jpg Anna's Spanker
Anna's spanker! Used to hold tape for use as actors markers - pink for Billie and yellow for Chris.
25 October 2004
70 WhoSpy 26 October 2004.jpg Teeth
Make up designer Davy Jones making alien teeth moulds.
26 October 2004
71 WhoSpy 27 October 2004.jpg Cobwebs
Fake dirt and cobwebs - It's a dirty old job but someone's got to do it!
27 October 2004
72 WhoSpy 28 October 2004.jpg Boom
A long arm mic prepares to capture the sound on set.
28 October 2004
73 WhoSpy 29 October 2004.jpg Balls
These spheres help The Mill make their CGI monsters.
From filming at the Temple of Peace from The End of the World.
29 October 2004
74 WhoSpy 1 November 2004.jpg Panel
Old-fashioned technology hidden under a timeless exterior.
An exposed control panel from The End of the World.
1 November 2004
75 WhoSpy 2 November 2004.jpg Pipes
Sadly we can't bring you a picture of a Dalek today, but here's part of a complicated life-support system.
The Back of Boe from The End of the World.
2 November 2004
76 WhoSpy 3 November 2004.jpg Underwood
Someone still values Underwood very highly.
Typewriter gift from The End of the World.
3 November 2004
77 WhoSpy 4 November 2004.jpg Filters
Filter box - every filter used on block two is stored right here.
4 November 2004
78 WhoSpy 5 November 2004.jpg Tinkle
Who are you going to call?
The TARDIS phone.
5 November 2004
79 WhoSpy 8 November 2004.jpg Biohazard
There's some really dangerous material on set.
Set dressing for Van Statten's base in Dalek.
8 November 2004
80 WhoSpy 9 November 2004.jpg Toy
A polite notice to the terribly excited crew.
Thankfully, nobody broke the key prop on Dalek.
9 November 2004
81 WhoSpy 10 November 2004.jpg TARDIS Key
These really are the spare TARDIS keys, stored in a secret bit of the prop.
10 November 2004
82 WhoSpy 11 November 2004.jpg Gubbins
Various pieces of hi-tech equipment.
Inside the Dalek prop from Dalek.
11 November 2004
83 WhoSpy 12 November 2004.jpg Geocomtex
Who are the mysterious Geocomtex?
Set decoration for Van Statten's base from Dalek.
12 November 2004
84 WhoSpy 15 November 2004.jpg Warning
What are you being warned away from?
The base of a Cyberman helmet from Dalek.
15 November 2004
85 WhoSpy 16 November 2004.jpg Nick
Nicholas Briggs doing a Dalek voice at a tense moment - there's about to be a big bang!
Filming at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for Dalek.
16 November 2004
86 WhoSpy 17 November 2004.jpg Earth
You may think you know this by now. But who owns it?
Set decoration for Van Statten's office from Dalek.
17 November 2004
87 WhoSpy 18 November 2004.jpg Ahearne
Joe Ahearne directing the devastation.
Filming at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for Dalek.
18 November 2004
88 WhoSpy 19 November 2004.jpg Anna's Spanker
Anna's second spanker contains special tape that won't ruin the delicate flooring used on this equally special location.
19 November 2004
89 WhoSpy 22 November 2004.jpg Lemp
Lempicka was dead when this was painted.
Set decoration for Van Statten's office from Dalek.
22 November 2004
90 WhoSpy 23 November 2004.jpg Birthday
Many happy returns...
23 November 2004
91 WhoSpy 24 November 2004.jpg Bus Stop
Will three come along at once?
On location near the church for Father's Day. You'll be seeing these numbers again...
24 November 2004
92 WhoSpy 25 November 2004.jpg Microphone
This is the mike used to make the Dalek voice.
Nicholas Briggs' lip mic from Dalek.
25 November 2004
93 WhoSpy 26 November 2004.jpg Tax
Fully paid-up and roadworthy.
No period detail is overlooked for Father's Day.
26 November 2004
94 WhoSpy 29 November 2004.jpg Floorplan
A floorplan design for a very complicated set.
Satellite Five plans for The Long Game.
29 November 2004
95 WhoSpy 30 November 2004.jpg Prayer
Seven days without prayer makes one weak.
30 November 2004
96 WhoSpy 1 December 2004.jpg Set Model
Models come in handy when you're planning a really ambitious set.
Platform One interior from The End of the World.
1 December 2004
97 WhoSpy 2 December 2004.jpg ID Badge
A hands-on prop. Keep your fingers off.
2 December 2004
98 WhoSpy 6 December 2004.jpg Extras
Some supporting artists take a moment to let their hair down.
Extras on the catering bus during filming of The Unquiet Dead.
6 December 2004
99 WhoSpy 7 December 2004.jpg Action
Is this a very important flight of stairs?
A Welsh paper mill doubles for the Nestene lair in Rose.
7 December 2004
100 WhoSpy 8 December 2004.jpg Psalm
Comforting words?
Inside the church for Father's Day. Where have we seen those numbers before?
8 December 2004
101 WhoSpy 9 December 2004.jpg Model
Some sets need incredibly detailed models before they're built. Here's a tiny detail...
A Downing Street doorway from Aliens of London.
9 December 2004
102 WhoSpy 10 December 2004.jpg Swan
A topiary swan. Admit it, you've seen it all now.
Classy 1980's foliage from Father's Day.
10 December 2004
103 WhoSpy 13 December 2004.jpg Abduction
What's hovering above the house?
13 December 2004
104 WhoSpy 14 December 2004.jpg Walk
When can the TARDIS have landed in New York?
14 December 2004
105 WhoSpy 15 December 2004.jpg TARDIS Int.
No. We can't show you what's on the other side of this.
15 December 2004
106 WhoSpy 16 December 2004.jpg Basement
A lot of work's going into preparing for an action scene.
The basement of Henriks department store from Rose.
16 December 2004
107 WhoSpy 17 December 2004.jpg Bermuda
Something important is being searched for...
More of Clive's research from Rose.
17 December 2004
108 WhoSpy 20 December 2004.jpg Book
Whatever happened to the Bishop?
A bible from Father's Day.
20 December 2004
109 WhoSpy 21 December 2004.jpg Caterer
Can this man really be the Head Chef for Doctor Who?
Filming in the Food Hall for The Long Game.
21 December 2004
110 WhoSpy 22 December 2004.jpg Distant Shore
The Doctor regrets he's unable to return your artwork.
A picture in Rose's flat from Rose.
22 December 2004
111 WhoSpy 23 December 2004.jpg Fancy That
What's turned up on this familiar stretch of coastline?
Research material from Clive's shed in Rose.
23 December 2004
112 WhoSpy 24 December 2004.jpg Car
Martin Stephens, Camera Operator, shows you how to film in a car.
Filming Father's Day.
24 December 2004
113 WhoSpy 25 December 2004.jpg Fish Slice
Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
The TARDIS on location in Swansea for The Unquiet Dead.
25 December 2004
114 WhoSpy 27 December 2004.jpg Engine
A powerful engine? Or perhaps no-one knows what this is.
A set detail on the Observation Deck of Satellite Five for The Long Game.
27 December 2004
115 WhoSpy 28 December 2004.jpg Files
This doesn't contain the whole truth.
More of Clive's research from Rose.
28 December 2004
116 WhoSpy 29 December 2004.jpg Model
An art department model of a set from a forthcoming episode.
Unused set design from Aliens of London.
29 December 2004
117 WhoSpy 30 December 2004.jpg Infection
Something lethal is being contained.
Inside Albion Hospital, from Aliens of London.
30 December 2004
118 WhoSpy 31 December 2004.jpg Champers
Something to celebrate.
Champagne bottle props from Rose.
31 December 2004
119 WhoSpy 3 January 2005.jpg Unusual Angle
This man isn't important. But the angle he's been seen from is.
3 January 2005
120 WhoSpy 4 January 2005.jpg Cake
Bruno Langley grabs a bite to eat between takes.
4 January 2005
121 WhoSpy 5 January 2005.jpg Bizarre
The TARDIS lands in the strangest places.
5 January 2005
122 WhoSpy 6 January 2005.jpg Instruments
Kill or cure?
6 January 2005
123 WhoSpy 7 January 2005.jpg Memory
Lest we forget...
7 January 2005
124 WhoSpy 10 January 2005.jpg Vegan
You won't be seeing this in the new series.
Clive's handy spaceship guide from Rose.
10 January 2005
125 WhoSpy 11 January 2005.jpg Living Room
Even the TARDIS likes to relax sometimes.
The Mitchell's living room set from The Long Game.
11 January 2005
126 WhoSpy 12 January 2005.jpg Button
Something's about to go very wrong.
Warning sign from World War Three.
12 January 2005
127 WhoSpy 13 January 2005.jpg Street
On home territory?
The TARDIS lands here (or its Cardiff equivalent) in Father's Day.
13 January 2005
128 WhoSpy 14 January 2005.jpg Five
The number five.
Logo of Satellite Five in The Long Game.
14 January 2005
129 WhoSpy 17 January 2005.jpg Ketchup
Somewhere in this is a bottle of tomato sauce.
Preparing to film a scene for The Long Game.
17 January 2005
130 WhoSpy 18 January 2005.jpg Tent
The TARDIS tent, used to protect the prop on rainy days.
Location filming for Rose.'
18 January 2005
131 WhoSpy 19 January 2005.jpg Festive
Clive Evans, Location Manager, in a basement near Christmas decorations.
Location filming for Rose.
19 January 2005
132 WhoSpy 20 January 2005.jpg Saturday
An important date for your diary?
Doctor Constantine's diary from The Empty Child.
20 January 2005
133 WhoSpy 21 January 2005.jpg Unbelievable
You won't believe who's behind this desk.
A glimpse of Richard Wilson from The Empty Child.
21 January 2005
134 WhoSpy 24 January 2005.jpg Banana
"I like bananas. Bananas are good."
The Doctor's banana from The Doctor Dances.
24 January 2005
135 WhoSpy 25 January 2005.jpg Glass
Not everything goes according to plan.
On set in Room 802 from The Doctor Dances.
25 January 2005
136 WhoSpy 26 January 2005.jpg Set
Julian Luxton, Pamela Humpreys, Terry Bartlett and Brian Grant (Director).
Filming for The Long Game.
26 January 2005
137 WhoSpy 27 January 2005.jpg 23 Feb 63
Familiar sound effect.
Room 802 sound monitoring equipment from the Doctor Dances.
27 January 2005
138 WhoSpy 28 January 2005.jpg Door
What is the terrible secret of room 801?
That it was really room 802? A set from The Doctor Dances.
28 January 2005
139 WhoSpy 31 January 2005.jpg Set Model
With a model like this, every detail is mapped out. Even the curtains.
Van Statten's office from Dalek.
31 January 2005
140 WhoSpy 1 February 2005.jpg Fate
Is that a knave or a jack?
Inside the nightclub from The Empty Child.
1 February 2005
141 WhoSpy 2 February 2005.jpg Bang Boys
Alex and Barry provide many of the on set effects.
On set for The Doctor Dances.
2 February 2005
142 WhoSpy 3 February 2005.jpg Block
Playing a deadly game.
A devastated Room 802 from The Doctor Dances.
3 February 2005
143 WhoSpy 4 February 2005.jpg Alert
Good advice when faced with a threat from above.
Information poster from The Empty Child.
4 February 2005
144 WhoSpy 7 February 2005.jpg Crystal
What does the crystal ball reveal?
A prop from Doctor Constantine's desk in The Empty Child.
7 February 2005
145 WhoSpy 8 February 2005.jpg Polecam
A view from on high?
A remote camera captures a Reaper-eye view for Father's Day.
8 February 2005
146 WhoSpy 9 February 2005.jpg Desk
Post modern? Or is it rather dated?
Doctor Constantine's post from The Empty Child.
9 February 2005
147 WhoSpy 10 February 2005.jpg Desk of the Future
Who works here?
A desk from the Medical Floor in The Long Game.
10 February 2005
148 WhoSpy 11 February 2005.jpg Great
Do these spheres contain intelligence?
Spider eggs from The End of the World.
11 February 2005
149 WhoSpy 14 February 2005.jpg Dead
These feet belong to a famous dead person.
Pegg legs from The Long Game.
14 February 2005
150 WhoSpy 15 February 2005.jpg Set Detail
Some sets are incredibly detailed. And powerful.
Captain Jack's ship from The Empty Child.
15 February 2005
151 WhoSpy 16 February 2005.jpg Nails
Alien finger nails, drying in the sun.
Bits of Slitheen from World War Three.
16 February 2005
152 WhoSpy 17 February 2005.jpg Instruments
More surgical instruments.
Medical equipment from The Long Game.
17 February 2005
153 WhoSpy 18 February 2005.jpg Missing
Have you seen anything suspicious?
Missing Persons posters from Aliens of London.
18 February 2005
154 WhoSpy 21 February 2005.jpg Ship
Is it too late to save this wreck?
Monitor screen detail from The Long Game.
21 February 2005
155 WhoSpy 22 February 2005.jpg Panic
We're guessing the situation isn't very safe.
Hi-tech alert status board from World War Three.
22 February 2005
156 WhoSpy 23 February 2005.jpg Control
There are a lot of control panels in the new series. For strange things.
Medical screens from The Long Game.
23 February 2005
157 WhoSpy 24 February 2005.jpg Anorak
It gets cold in the future as well.
Filming in the Control Room for The Long Game.
24 February 2005
158 WhoSpy 25 February 2005.jpg Pub Car Park
The TARDIS lands somewhere normal.
Location filming for Rose.
25 February 2005
159 WhoSpy 28 February 2005.jpg Sneezes
It's best to keep your nose clean around here.
An information poster from The Empty Child.
28 February 2005
160 WhoSpy 1 March 2005.jpg Ice
Ice will suffice.
Frosty set dressing for The Long Game.
1 March 2005
161 WhoSpy 2 March 2005.jpg Graffiti
A section of inner city London, created outside the studio in Wales!
Graffiti from Aliens of London.
2 March 2005
162 WhoSpy 3 March 2005.jpg Dead Light
Even the dead get great lighting in Doctor Who.
Atmospheric zombie lighting from The Unquiet Dead.
3 March 2005
163 WhoSpy 4 March 2005.jpg Scenery Flat
The view from Rose's flat isn't real.
4 March 2005
164 WhoSpy 7 March 2005.jpg TARDIS Ext.
A TARDIS prop being specially weathered.
7 March 2005
165 WhoSpy 8 March 2005.jpg Stairs
As I was going up the stairs...
Creepy toys from The Empty Child.
8 March 2005
166 WhoSpy 9 March 2005.jpg Industrial
Wooden scenery flats made to look very durable.
Wall from the Downing Street bunker in World War Three.
9 March 2005
167 WhoSpy 10 March 2005.jpg Model
Design Assistant, Colin Richmond puts the finishing touches to an enormous set model.
10 March 2005
168 WhoSpy 11 March 2005.jpg BRG
Some of the show's technology is quite sturdy.
The Chula ship and monitoring equipment from The Doctor Dances.
11 March 2005
169 WhoSpy 14 March 2005.jpg Bang
Setting up an exploding ceiling.
A special effects shot from the end of Dalek.
14 March 2005
170 WhoSpy 15 March2005.jpg Kitchen
It's the period detail that counts.
Inside the Lloyd house from The Empty Child.
15 March 2005
171 WhoSpy 16 March 2005.jpg Allen
When all the aliens look alike, you have to give them names.
Inside a Slitheen costume from World War Three.
16 March 2005
172 File:WhoSpy 17 March 2005.jpg Vent Room
In order to create this huge set, the studio walls and ceiling were used as well.
The Heat Fan from The End of the World.
17 March 2005
173 File:WhoSpy 18 March 2005.jpg Desk
There are some very strange workspaces in the new series.
Desk and data pad from The End of the World.
18 March 2005
174 WhoSpy 21 March 2005.jpg Mystery Guest
We can't tell you who this guest star is.
Okay, we can now. It's Simon Pegg from The Long Game.
21 March 2005
175 WhoSpy 22 March 2005.jpg Lush
A small detail from a very opulent set.
An unusual chair from Aliens of London.
22 March 2005
176 WhoSpy 23 March 2005.jpg Tin
Please give generously.
Albion Hospital set dressing from The Empty Child.
23 March 2005

Series 2

WhoSpy returned for the second series on 5 August 2005[4], but it stopped abruptly after only 15 weeks and 74 photos on 17 November 2005. The next day the website was redesigned and WhoSpy was completely missing.

# Image Caption Date
1 File:WhoSpy 5 August 2005.jpg Camille
Camille Coduri returns as Rose's mum. She's seen something terrible.
5 August 2005
2 File:WhoSpy 8 August 2005.jpg Light
The crew work hard to get the most out of the fading light.
8 August 2005
3 File:WhoSpy 9 August 2005.jpg Eye
When we asked, no one would tell us what this was from.
9 August 2005
4 File:WhoSpy 10 August 2005.jpg Spray
This man is spraying snow.
10 August 2005
5 File:WhoSpy 11 August 2005.jpg Decoration
The crew add a decorative touch to an entire tower block.
11 August 2005
6 WhoSpy 12 August 2005.jpg Umbrella
The crew line up a shot.
12 August 2005
7 WhoSpy 15 August 2005.jpg Trailer
Radical TARDIS re-design revealed.
15 August 2005
8 WhoSpy 16 August 2005.jpg Stairs
Going upstairs is very important.
16 August 2005
9 WhoSpy 17 August 2005.jpg Tent
Who left the lights on? The TARDIS stays under wraps.
17 August 2005
10 WhoSpy 18 August 2005.jpg Oblate_2
What (not) on Earth is it?
18 August 2005
11 WhoSpy 19 August 2005.jpg Eye2
We've never seen this eye open.
19 August 2005
12 File:WhoSpy 22 August 2005.jpg Pie
An exclusive peek in the Tyler fridge.
22 August 2005
13 File:WhoSpy 23 August 2005.jpg Wind
The wind machine turns!
23 August 2005
14 File:WhoSpy 24 August 2005.jpg Hawes2
Director James Hawes prepares a very important scene.
24 August 2005
15 File:WhoSpy 25 August 2005.jpg North Pole
Lots of planets have a North.
25 August 2005
16 File:WhoSpy 26 August 2005.jpg Scale
What's he got his beady eye on?
26 August 2005
17 WhoSpy 30 August 2005.jpg Doctor_Rose
The Tenth Doctor and Rose.
30 August 2005
18 WhoSpy 31 August 2005.jpg Display
A sign of trouble?
31 August 2005
19 WhoSpy 1 September 2005.jpg Logo
Doctor Who's graphic design runs rings around the competition.
1 September 2005
20 WhoSpy 2 September 2005.jpg Santa Poster
Santa Claus is coming to town.
2 September 2005
21 File:WhoSpy 5 September 2005.jpg Red Light
Red light spells danger.
5 September 2005
22 File:WhoSpy 6 September 2005.jpg Party
Time gentlemen please...
6 September 2005
23 WhoSpy 7 September 2005.jpg Agenda_3
Glad to see there's time for tea in a crisis.
7 September 2005
24 File:WhoSpy 8 September 2005.jpg Space Dust2
Space dust can be such a problem.
8 September 2005
25 File:WhoSpy 9 September 2005.jpg Tooth and Claw
Tooth and claw?
9 September 2005
26 File:WhoSpy 12 September 2005.jpg Robot
The art department just love designing new robots.
12 September 2005
27 File:WhoSpy 13 September 2005.jpg DV
What can we learn from this emblem?
13 September 2005
28 File:WhoSpy 14 September 2005.jpg Nurse
Who's going to be needing her attention?
14 September 2005
29 File:WhoSpy 15 September 2005.jpg Sign
Is this sign in bad taste?
15 September 2005
30 File:WhoSpy 16 September 2005.jpg Xmas Files
The Xmas Files?
16 September 2005
31 File:WhoSpy 19 September 2005.jpg Not Xmas
These aren't what you think they are.
19 September 2005
32 File:WhoSpy 20 September 2005.jpg Jump
No sign of Jamie Oliver here.
20 September 2005
33 File:WhoSpy 21 September 2005.jpg Rocky2
What lies beneath this mysterious surface?
21 September 2005
34 File:WhoSpy 22 September 2005.jpg Hotel
Who'd you find in here?
22 September 2005
35 File:WhoSpy 23 September 2005.jpg Costume
Putting the finishing touches to some costumes.
23 September 2005
36 WhoSpy 26 September 2005.jpg Cuff
Arresting officer.
26 September 2005
37 WhoSpy 27 September 2005.jpg Six-O-One
...and half a dozen of the other. Who's in control of this device?
27 September 2005
38 WhoSpy 28 September 2005.jpg Support
Supporting actor.
28 September 2005
39 WhoSpy 29 September 2005.jpg Secret
Cardiff holidaymakers enjoy the sun - while the Doctor saves the world inside.
29 September 2005
40 WhoSpy 30 September 2005.jpg Euros
Euros Lyn and Non Eleri Hughes monitor episode two.
30 September 2005
41 File:WhoSpy 3 October 2005.jpg Hanger
The Doctor's coat - and some hangers on.
3 October 2005
42 File:WhoSpy 4 October 2005.jpg Village
The gaffer has fun.
4 October 2005
43 File:WhoSpy 5 October 2005.jpg Horse Whisperer
Simone and Daffodil discuss a scene.
5 October 2005
44 File:WhoSpy 6 October 2005.jpg Shot
The crew film an important exit.
6 October 2005
45 File:WhoSpy 7 October 2005.jpg Dish of the Day
Someone's got a big appetite.
7 October 2005
46 WhoSpy 10 October 2005.jpg Crash Mats
These aren't here for gymnastics.
10 October 2005
47 WhoSpy 11 October 2005.jpg Edward
Production Designer Edward Thomas lets off some steam.
11 October 2005
48 WhoSpy 12 October 2005.jpg Curtains
Space-age showers, or curtains for someone?
12 October 2005
49 WhoSpy 13 October 2005.jpg Phones
Two hotlines mean double trouble.
13 October 2005
50 WhoSpy 14 October 2005.jpg Manure
Has anybody seen our horse?
14 October 2005
51 WhoSpy 17 October 2005.jpg Tubes
What can these tubes be feeding?
17 October 2005
52 WhoSpy 18 October 2005.jpg Not Cushion
What does this contain?
18 October 2005
53 WhoSpy 19 October 2005.jpg Massive
This set's so tall, it goes up from the studio floor, through the art department and into the roof.
19 October 2005
54 WhoSpy 20 October 2005.jpg Spades
Has somebody been digging for the truth?
20 October 2005
55 WhoSpy 21 October 2005.jpg Mark
The Doctor and friend hit their marks.
21 October 2005
56 WhoSpy 24 October 2005.jpg Claw
This could leave a nasty scratch...
24 October 2005
57 File:WhoSpy 25 October 2005.jpg Fishy
There's something fishy about this crest.
25 October 2005
58 File:WhoSpy 26 October 2005.jpg Cover_Up
Looks like an old-fashioned cover-up to us.
26 October 2005
59 File:WhoSpy 27 October 2005.jpg Secretary
They still have paperwork in the future.
27 October 2005
60 File:WhoSpy 28 October 2005.jpg Trouble
Trouble in the boudoir?
28 October 2005
61 File:WhoSpy 31 October 2005.jpg Doors
What could be lurking behind these doors?
31 October 2005
62 File:WhoSpy 1 November 2005.jpg Drapes
Is that a sinister shadow?
1 November 2005
63 File:WhoSpy 2 November 2005.jpg Plastic
Are we giving you the heads-up here?
2 November 2005
64 File:WhoSpy 3 November 2005.jpg Candles
Slightly more than four candles will illuminate the action.
3 November 2005
65 File:WhoSpy 4 November 2005.jpg Toast
Raise a glass - but what's to celebrate?
4 November 2005
66 File:WhoSpy 7 November 2005.jpg Pipes
Futuristic plumbing?
7 November 2005
67 File:WhoSpy 8 November 2005.jpg Ball
An unusual piece of headgear.
8 November 2005
68 File:WhoSpy 9 November 2005.jpg Euros 2
Euros Lyn prepares for a special scene.
9 November 2005
69 File:WhoSpy 10 November 2005.jpg Plan Table_2
Making plans for Christmas.
10 November 2005
70 File:WhoSpy 11 November 2005.jpg Instrument
An instrument of torture?
11 November 2005
71 WhoSpy 14 November 2005.jpg Double Queen
Even queens need a double sometimes.
14 November 2005
72 WhoSpy 15 November 2005.jpg Appliance
What might this shed some light on?
15 November 2005
73 WhoSpy 16 November 2005.jpg Chicken
Chickens are hired for an authentic rustic feel.
16 November 2005
74 WhoSpy 17 November 2005.jpg Change
Time for a change?
17 November 2005

The Runaway Bride (Adventure Calendar)

After over a year away, WhoSpy returned again as the treat for Day 13 of the 2006 Advent Calendar. An unknown number of images teased the upcoming Christmas special - TV: The Runaway Bride.[5]

# Image Caption Date
1 File:WhoSpy 13 December 2006a.jpg Who sits at a desk like this? 13 December 2006

Voyage of the Damned (Adventure Calendar)

Day 3 of the 2007 Adventure Calendar featured 6 images teasing TV: Voyage of the Damned.[6]

# Image Caption Date
1 WhoSpy 3 December 2007a.jpg Under wraps... 3 December 2007
2 File:WhoSpy 3 December 2007b.jpg Preparing for a big bang.
3 File:WhoSpy 3 December 2007c.jpg Taking on water.
4 File:WhoSpy 3 December 2007d.jpg Costume drama.
5 File:WhoSpy 3 December 2007e.jpg The sound of drums...
6 File:WhoSpy 3 December 2007f.jpg Step back in time.

The Next Doctor (Adventure Calendar)

Day 14 of the 2008 Adventure Calendar featured 5 images teasing TV: The Next Doctor.[7][8] After broadcast these images were incorporated into the episodes' Photo Story feature.[9]

# Image Caption Date
1 WhoSpy 14 December 2008a.jpg Surrounded by the Clappertrons, the Doctors faced certain death...
David Tennant and David Morrissey film an exciting fight scene.
14 December 2008
2 WhoSpy 14 December 2008b.jpg Who Ya Gonna Call?
Is this guy ghostbusting, or simply snow blasting?
3 WhoSpy 14 December 2008c.jpg The Cyberleader was thrilled by his new microscope...
Going for a take in the Cybermen's lair.
4 WhoSpy 14 December 2008d.jpg Someone always turns up to the fancy dress party without a costume...
A funeral procession is assembled, ready for a take.
5 WhoSpy 14 December 2008e.jpg The Cybermen's spaceship was badly in need of an upgrade...
A Cybershade mask at the Prop Store.

The End of Time, Part One (Adventure Calendar)

Day 22 of the 2009 Adventure Calendar featured 15 images teasing TV: The End of Time, Part One.[10] Again after broadcast these images were incorporated into the episodes' Photo Story feature.[11]

It's the long awaited return of WhoSpy!
For those new to this parish, every year we provide tantalisingly obscure sneak peeks behind the scenes of the next adventure. So these images don't contain spoilers... simply food for thought and wild speculation. In fact, the wilder the better. This is Christmas, after all!

The End of Time, Part One debuts on BBC One on Friday at 6.00pm. Merry Christmas!

# Image Caption Date
1 WhoSpy 22 December 2009a.jpg Time for a fond farewell? 22 December 2009
2 WhoSpy 22 December 2009b.jpg Relative dimensions.
3 WhoSpy 22 December 2009c.jpg Measure twice, cut once.
4 WhoSpy 22 December 2009d.jpg An interesting design.
5 WhoSpy 22 December 2009e.jpg The big bang!
6 WhoSpy 22 December 2009f.jpg No one seems to know what this is.
7 WhoSpy 22 December 2009g.jpg An interesting read.
8 WhoSpy 22 December 2009h.jpg Out on location.
9 WhoSpy 22 December 2009i.jpg Alright - who tipped the giant mug of coffee?
10 WhoSpy 22 December 2009j.jpg The crew investigate a warehouse.
11 WhoSpy 22 December 2009k.jpg The building blocks of something new.
12 WhoSpy 22 December 2009l.jpg What is waiting inside?
13 WhoSpy 22 December 2009m.jpg Do not touch the red wire!
14 WhoSpy 22 December 2009n.jpg VIP guest!
15 WhoSpy 22 December 2009o.jpg Part of a much bigger pattern?

2023 specials

# Image Caption Date
1 WhoSpy 8 September 2023.jpg Welcome to #WhoSpy! 📸 I'll be your very own spy on set during filming of #DoctorWho, keep your eyes peeled for more updates 🤫 8 September 2023
2 WhoSpy 12 September 2023.png Plans are forming… 📜 #WhoSpy 12 September 2023
3 WhoSpy 14 September 2023.jpg You'll need more than a universal translator to work this out! #WhoSpy 14 September 2023
4 WhoSpy 16 September 2023.jpg Waiting for a new #DoctorWho adventure be like… ☹️ #WhoSpy 16 September 2023
5 WhoSpy 17 September 2023.jpg Fancy a trip? #WhoSpy 17 September 2023
6 WhoSpy 19 September 2023.jpg That looks impressive, but more importantly… what's happening Tues - Thurs at 9:30am?? #WhoSpy 19 September 2023
7 WhoSpy 21 September 2023.jpg No Spoilers Here! 🫸 #WhoSpy 21 September 2023
8 WhoSpy 7 October 2023.jpg Flip the switch, see what happens... #WhoSpy 7 October 2023
9 WhoSpy 9 October 2023.jpg Do NOT be caught reading classified UNIT documents, trust me 😤 #WhoSpy 9 October 2023
10 WhoSpy 12 October 2023a.jpg 12 October 2023
11 WhoSpy 12 October 2023b.jpg
12 WhoSpy 12 October 2023c.jpg
13 WhoSpy 12 October 2023d.jpg
14 WhoSpy 15 October 2023a.jpg What could this be used for? #WhoSpy 15 October 2023
15 WhoSpy 15 October 2023b.jpg That looks deadly… #WhoSpy
16 WhoSpy 16 October 2023.jpg Who could need these? #WhoSpy 16 October 2023
17 WhoSpy 17 October 2023.jpg BOO! 👹 #WhoSpy 17 October 2023
18 WhoSpy 18 October 2023.jpg These tests have been happening awfully recently... #WhoSpy 18 October 2023
19 WhoSpy 20 October 2023.jpg Suited for action 🫡 #WhoSpy 20 October 2023
20 WhoSpy 22 October 2023.jpg Rose has been planning for quite a while! #WhoSpy 22 October 2023
21 WhoSpy 24 October 2023.jpg It will chime four times... 🔔 #WhoSpy 24 October 2023
X WhoSpy 24 October 2023 (Newsletter).jpg Behind the scenes
And... action! #WhoSpy is back, bringing you more behind-the-scenes exclusives from the 60th anniversary specials.
(this image was posted in the Doctor Who Newsletter e-mail)
24 October 2023
22 WhoSpy 3 November 2023.jpg No access! How do I become a Level 5 Operative? 🤔 #WhoSpy 3 November 2023
23 WhoSpy 7 November 2023.jpg Someone is hard at work here! But the #WhoSpy works harder… 7 November 2023
24 WhoSpy 10 November 2023.jpg We’re just clowning now 🤡 #WhoSpy 10 November 2023

Christmas Special 2024

# Image Caption Date
1 WhoSpy 9 December 2024.jpg Ready for another trip (behind the scenes) in time and space? #WhoSpy 9 December 2024
2 WhoSpy 10 December 2024.jpg The only meal we'll want this December 😋😋 #WhoSpy 10 December 2024
3 WhoSpy 12 December 2024.jpg Less than two weeks…are you Christmas ready? 🎄 #WhoSpy 12 December 2024
4 WhoSpy 13 December 2024.jpg Where are you going first? #WhoSpy 13 December 2024
5 WhoSpy 14 December 2024.jpg When one door closes... #WhoSpy 14 December 2024
6 WhoSpy 15 December 2024.jpg Are you my Mummy? #WhoSpy 15 December 2024
7 WhoSpy 18 December 2024.jpg Watch out for giant wasps! #WhoSpy 🐝 18 December 2024
8 WhoSpy 20 December 2024a.jpg TARDIS blue? #WhoSpy 20 December 2024
9 WhoSpy 20 December 2024b.jpg A sweet treat #WhoSpy

Footnotes

  1. Who Spy 1: Clapperboard. bbc.co.uk (20 July 2004). Retrieved on 8 February 2019.
  2. Website survey results on bbc.co.uk
  3. @bbcdoctorwho on twitter.com
  4. WhoSpy returns. bbc.co.uk (5 August 2005). Retrieved on 28 February 2019.
  5. WhoSpy. bbc.co.uk (13 December 2006). Retrieved on 21 December 2022.
  6. WhoSpy. bbc.co.uk (3 December 2007). Retrieved on 21 December 2022.
  7. DAY 14: WHOSPY. bbc.co.uk (14 December 2008). Retrieved on 21 December 2022.
  8. DAY 14: WHOSPY. bbc.co.uk (20 August 2009). Retrieved on 21 December 2022.
  9. The Next Doctor - Photo Story. bbc.co.uk (26 December 2008). Retrieved on 21 December 2022.
  10. Day Twenty Two!. bbc.co.uk (22 December 2009). Retrieved on 21 December 2022.
  11. The End of Time - Photo Story. bbc.co.uk (28 March 2013). Retrieved on 21 December 2022.

External links