Slow Updates and a Call for Help
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Unfortunately right now I am going through a major crisis involving this site. The other night my external harddrive decided to no longer work and it has all of the images I have collected for years – even before The Medusa Cascade opened – that I never got around to adding to the gallery. I am trying everything I can to recover all of the files that were on there but I don’t know if I will be successful.

This means that I don’t know when I’ll next be able to update the gallery with the exception of pictures for the fourth series of The Sarah Jane Adventures, the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special, and any other images I hadn’t yet moved to the external harddrive – which isn’t all that many in comparison to what was on there – as well as images that have not yet been released.

If you have any images that are not currently in the gallery, please send them to me and I will be eternally grateful to you for helping me during this difficult time.

Thank you so much and I will try my best to keep you up to date on this issue!

September 28th, 2010
BBC confirms ‘Sarah Jane’ return date

The BBC has confirmed a transmission date for the fourth series of The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Doctor Who Magazine reports that the spinoff will return for a new 12-part run on October 11.

Two new episodes will air each week, debuting on the CBBC channel every Monday and Tuesday. The same instalments will then be repeated on BBC One on Thursdays and Fridays.

The series will be comprised of six two-part adventures. Broadcast dates are still subject to change and will be finalised on the week before transmission.

Matt Smith will make a guest appearance as the Doctor in the third two-part instalment, titled ‘Death of the Doctor’.

The series begins on Monday, October 11 with ‘The Nightmare Man’ by Joseph Lidster.

Source

September 27th, 2010
Suranne Jones cast in ‘Doctor Who’
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Suranne Jones is to make a guest appearance in the next series of Doctor Who.

The official BBC site has confirmed that the former Coronation Street star will play a young woman called Idris in the third episode, written by Neil Gaiman.

“As an actor, it’s hugely exciting to be cast in Doctor Who,” she said. “I’m a massive fan of the show and I was blown away when I read Neil’s script and uncovered what’s in store for my character.”

She added: “I’m sworn to secrecy so viewers will just have to wait until next year to find out any other juicy details!”

Gaiman himself praised the actress, calling her “beautiful, funny and strange”.

“Suranne is marvellous,” he said. “It’s the kind of role that people will remember forever, so we needed someone who was able to pull that off, and to keep up with Matt Smith. And bite him. Suranne does all three.”

Jones previously played an evil incarnation of the Mona Lisa in the third series of Who spinoff The Sarah Jane Adventures and will also appear alongside former star David Tennant in BBC One drama Single Father.

Filming on the episode is expected to begin on Friday.

Source

September 23rd, 2010
‘Doctor Who’, ‘Top Gear’ Earn NTA Nominations
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The National Television Award nominations were announced in the UK today and several BBC favorites such as Doctor Who, Top Gear, Ashes to Ashes, and Luther each earned several nominations, including most popular drama program and drama performance categories.

Polls are now open to the public to determine a winner in a host of categories. On January 20, a shortlist will be revealed at 16th annual The National Television Awards in London, which will once again be hosted by British radio and television personality Dermot O’Leary.

Whovians will be looking for Doctor Who to lock down their sixth consecutive award in the drama category, while also championing Guinness Book record holder Matt Smith and Karen Gillan for their own individual wins. BAFTA-award winning sitcom The Inbetweeners will vie against teen drama Skins in the Digital Choice category while Antiques Roadshow UK and Top Gear will go head-to-head for the most popular factual program. Comedy hit Peep Show will also look to win its first-ever NTA award. Additionally, Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton are nominated in the Entertainment Presenter category.

Cast your vote at The National Television Awards’ official page.

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September 21st, 2010
David Tennant Interview for SINGLE FATHER
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After leaving his iconic portrayal of the Doctor in Doctor Who behind, David Tennant is now taking on a new role, SINGLE FATHER. In the new four-part BBC One drama, David Tennant plays the role of Dave, a recently widowed photographer, who falls in love with his wife’s best friend.

David Tennant gave an interview about his work on the series, here is what he had to say:

What attracted you to Single Father?

First, and foremost, the script. It’s just one of those scripts that arrived fully formed. The way it talks about family life and the way that Mick [Ford] draws the characters of the kids is just so beautifully done.

It’s funny, true and clever. I’ve been fortunate to have experienced that a couple of times before but really it’s so rare. When those gems arrive you just have to say ‘yes’ straightaway.

What is it about Mick Ford’s script that makes Single Father “must watch” TV?

I think it’s just surprisingly accessible – whether you have kids or not it’s very recognisable. It feels very human and very real and the characters are so beautifully drawn in the script and I think we were extremely fortunate with the cast, which just means they’ve created this perfect little world. All the quirks offamily life are there.

As the drama starts with a death, would you say it’s a tear-jerker?

Because of the subject matter it’s inevitably a very emotional piece. But what’s beautiful about this script is how, at times, it’s brutally unsentimental. Rather than seeing the characters weeping and wailing we catch up with them 10 weeks later, just as life is about to kick in.

We rejoin just as events are starting to return to “normal.” It’s a time when everyone’s trying to move on but it’s simply not that easy.

Of course, it’s about a mother of four children who dies in a road traffic accident, so naturally it’s sad – but the way it’s been written and directed you instantly feel part of this world where life happens, life goes on.

How would you describe Dave?

He’s a loving bloke who’s committed to his family and works hard. Life just happens to him in a way that none of us ever imagine it could. He’s thrown into a situation he could never have conceived of and it’s all just about coping and being a father.

Dave has always relied on Rita to define his fathering and his parenting skills. So, when she dies, he’s rudderless at first. He wasn’t a bad father by any stretch of the imagination but he was a partner in the parenting and suddenly he’s the sole carer. That’s huge for him and so difficult to imagine how you’d cope with such a drastic change.

Is Dave shocked by his growing feelings for Sarah?

I think everything comes as a shock to Dave in this drama. He’s put into the most shocking situation anyone can imagine when his wife dies suddenly.

When viewers first meet him he’s very much in the midst of life and then that life changes drastically. He doesn’t know how to deal with Rita’s death at first. Things get complicated for Dave when he starts to develop feelings for Sarah and then, of course, he discovers secrets from Rita’s past.

He goes through these incredible sea changes of emotions very quickly. He’s forced to keep up with his life, everything is outside his control. And all the time, of course, he’s trying to be a good father trying to get it right but, true to life, he’s tripped up by his own lack of objectivity.

Is this the first time you’ve worked with Suranne Jones?

It is – a first for Suranne, unlike Laura Fraser, who plays my wife, Rita – we’d worked together twice before on Casanova and He Knew He Was Right. That proved to be quite a useful dynamic because Suranne was someone I knew less well who became a huge part of my life during filming and that’s very much the way Dave and Sarah grow together.

Suranne is so easy to be around – she’s so lovely, easy and funny to spend time with. That all worked out rather well I thought.

Have you played a father before?

Not to this level, no. I’ve certainly not played a grandfather before which was a bit of a shock to the system!

I played a dad in Recovery years ago but,in Single Father I have lots of kids – Dave’s got a brood of them. That was new for me and to work that closely for that length of time with so many kids was also new for me.

What was it like working with the kids?

We were so lucky to get the kids we got. I was slightly nervous of working with kids because it’s such a huge part of the story – it was a full-on eight-week shooting schedule and I just wasn’t sure how they’d react to that, never mind me!

But there was no need to worry, as the director [Sam Miller] took a great deal of care when casting and just got the most brilliant kids with a bellyful of individual personalities. Chris (who plays Paul) and Rob (who plays Ewan) really took to being brothers – one minute they were the best of mates, the next they were knocking lumps out of each other.

They wanted to do it, they got what it is to be on set, did everything that was asked of them and worked really hard putting the professionals to shame to be honest.

And is it true you went bowling with your “family” before the shoot started?

We did indeed. We all had such a laugh and threw ourselves into it from the off. It was a funny one because back at the beginning we were trying to fashion a family bond to try and make the drama feel as real as possible.

Instead of lengthy rehearsals on set, we just hung out and got to know each other bowling and playing football in the park.

Did you beat them at bowling?!

Well, it’s not that I didn’t win, you understand, they were given the bowling “bumpers” as help, which I thought was grossly unfair, quite frankly!

I told them I had been the Scottish Under-17 Bowling Champion just to unnerve them – but it didn’t seem to work. But, at the end of the day, they had the bumpers to help them – not that I’m bitter, not that I’m being competitive against children. I wouldn’t want you to think that!

How did you find working in Scotland again?

It’s always great to be back in Glasgow. It’s a lovely city – a great city. It’s when I come back that I realise how fond of it I am. People are so friendly in Glasgow. So it was lovely to stay for an extended period during filming, not least because I managed to have access to the family.

Do you have any memorable moments from filming?

Well, they say never film with children and animals – I got both in one hit on Single Father! The children were easier to work with than the dog was, to be honest. In fairness, though, the dog was incredibly sweet, a lovely little creature. She didn’t end up in all the scenes she might have done but it’s not that she wasn’t good at acting, you understand. But it’s safe to say she didn’t always do as she was told.

Beyond Single Father, what else are you working on?

I’m filming a vampire movie called Fright Night in New Mexico at the moment, which is a remake of the 1985 film.

I’m playing a character called Peter Vincent, who’s a Las Vegas illusionist who also happens to be an expert on vampires. And, as well as some acting, I’ve spent a lot of time being sewn into very tight costumes!

Source

September 20th, 2010
BBC confirms second series of Doctor Who: The Adventure Games
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The BBC has confirmed a second series of Doctor Who: The Adventure Games, the online spin-off to their flagship sci-fi Saturday night drama.

After over 1.3 million downloads of the first series of the digital adventures, fans of the show are promised a “bigger and better” gaming experience in 2011 when once again they’re given the chance to control the Doctor and his companion Amy Pond.

The second series of the game will once again be executive produced by the television series chief writer Steven Moffat and will be developed alongside British gaming house Sumo Digital.

It is thought the games will tie in much closer with the television series in 2011, allowing viewers and fans the most interactive Doctor Who experience to date.

Matt Smith and Karen Gillan will once again provide original voice talent for their digital characters on screen.

Speaking of the new venture, Simon Nelson, head of multiplatform in vision, BBC said: “

“Given the success of the first series, we’d be daft not to recomission,”

“But it’s not just about the numbers; the feedback we’ve had has been overwhelmingly positive. Our audience has been introduced to a new form of drama – and, for many, these have been the first computer games they have downloaded. We’ve set new standards in audience participation – and we think we’ve really helped push the concept of families actively playing together. I can’t wait to see what the team does next.”

“The audience reaction to the first series has been incredible,” adds Anwen Aspden, executive producer, BBC Wales Interactive. “But we want to outdo the first series in every way. We want to take players on journeys which will bring the show to life like never before, and once again offer outstanding interactive drama to fans of all ages.”

Source

September 20th, 2010
The Sarah Jane Adventures Series 4 Promotional Images
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I’ve added two promotional images from the upcoming fourth series of The Sarah Jane Adventures to the gallery. Enjoy!

Gallery Link:
- The Sarah Jane Adventures > Series 4 > Promotional Images > General Series

September 16th, 2010
Doctor Who star in record books
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Doctor Who star Matt Smith has materialised in the record books.

The actor is officially recognised as the youngest star to take the role in the new edition of Guinness World Records.

The 2011 book also features another record for his hit show, which is listed as the longest-running science-fiction TV series in the world.

Smith – who made his debut as the Time Lord last year – was just 26 when he filmed his first scenes, three years younger than Peter Davison.

And the show has extended its own record for a lengthy run, after notching up 769 episodes up to June of this year, made up of 212 storylines plus a TV movie.

The last time book bosses included the category, the show had run to 709 episodes and 173 stories. This year, publishers have included a whole section dedicated to Doctor Who records.

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September 16th, 2010
Freema Agyeman’s holiday heaven and hell
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Freema Agyeman, the actress, on exploding toiletries, strange Dutchmen, and the time she took her tax return on holiday.

Great holidays…

Which was your best holiday?

I love Turkey and I’ve spent many holidays there over the past few years. My favourite was the trip I took there with my mum three summers ago. We rented a villa with a pool close to Fethiye and all we did was get up, have breakfast, swim, read, talk, laugh and relax.

And the best hotel you’ve stayed in?

I love hotels for their solitude and comfort, but I believe a seedy one can have as much promise as a plush one. My favourite, though, is Champneys in Piccadilly. I go every year to indulge myself and always stay in the old house, which is full of character and set in beautiful grounds. The staff are fantastic, the food is superb and the spa treatments give me a great sense of calm.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

A like-minded travelling companion. Depending on my mood I can be quite different on holiday. I can go from being the active teetotal sightseeing rambler or just spend the whole day flat on my back by the pool in a constant state of drunkenness.

What do you always take with you?

My iPod and a book, but I won’t necessarily use them. The one thing I always use is lashings of sunscreen. I know it’s really square but I’m one of those people who piles on the factor 50 as soon as I’m outside. I woke up one day and thought it was time to start looking after myself so I drink two litres of water a day, exercise, eat my five portions of fruit and veg and slather myself.

What’s your best piece of travel advice?

Swot up on some local culture before you arrive and try to learn some of the language. I’m now surprisingly proficient in Turkish, which means I experience the satisfaction of being able to show my gratitude to the locals in their mother tongue, and secondly it enables me to understand what’s going on in the Turkish soap operas on the television.

Where do you want to go next?

I’m one of these people that if I have a nice holiday – like I have had in Turkey repeatedly – I go back a lot. Having said that, I realise that the world is a massive place and I’ve started compiling a top 10 list of places to visit, because when the moment comes to actually book something I tend to forget where I quite fancied going. I haven’t really got any places I’ve always wanted to go, so maybe I’ll just throw a dart at a map.

…and disasters?

Which was your worst holiday?

I’ve never had a holiday that was a total disaster. Even when my travelling companions and I aren’t in the same head space, I’ll try to make the best of the situation and retreat into my own space to read a book and relax or just fall asleep for the whole holiday under an umbrella.

What’s your worst experience on holiday?

I once made the mistake of deciding to take my tax return on holiday. I know it sounds crazy but I was imagining sitting by the pool with a drink and making the whole miserable experience less traumatic than usual. Unfortunately my luggage was lost and as well as every single document I needed to file that year’s return, it contained lots of personal possessions. When I wondered how on earth I was going to replace all these things and all that information I felt physically sick, and couldn’t even begin to relax. It was a nightmare, but thank God the case turned up before the end of the holiday, so I was able to get a few days of peace.

What’s the biggest packing mistake you’ve made?

I always pack too many toiletries and once a tube of something exploded in my case. After that I decided to wrap everything. On one particular trip to LA, the security guy thought he’d rumbled me when he found the packages. Once he realised they were just bottles of shampoo and face cream you could see he was sorely disappointed. I now try to travel with hand luggage only and pack the bare minimum.

And the worst hotel you’ve stayed in?

A friend and I stayed in a dormitory in Amsterdam as 18-year-old university students. There were eight of us in bunk beds and this one weird guy didn’t sleep all night but just sat on the edge of his bunk staring at us. Another lad was in and out of the lavatory all night, which made it unfit for human use. At the time we thought it was hilarious but now I wouldn’t sleep in a dorm if you paid me.

What do you avoid on holidays?

Creepy crawlies. I’m just not an insect fan, especially abroad. At least I know the ones here can’t do me too much damage. I’m terrified of bugs and I travel with sprays, lotions, potions; the lot. I have to check the room before I go to sleep and if I come across a bug and fail to remove it I have to sleep in a separate room as I’m paranoid that I’ll be taken advantage of as I sleep.

What do you hate about holidays?

Airports. Anyone I travel with will tell you that about an hour before we’re due to be there my mood just changes because I’m anticipating problems.

Freema Agyeman stars in Law And Order UK, Thursdays, 9pm, ITV1

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September 16th, 2010
‘Who’ director: ‘The kids will freak’
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Doctor Who director Richard Clark has hinted that an upcoming episode of the show will terrify children.

Clark previously confirmed that he would helm two instalments for the next series.

He wrote on his Twitter feed: “I’m scared filming this [episode]. The kids are gonna freak.”

Clark later added that he was preparing to wrap production on his two-episode stint.

He continued: “Big finale today. Complex. Lots to co-ordinate. But it’s looking seriously gorgeous.”

He also praised the performance of star Matt Smith, but refused to confirm the identities of any guest actors.

“Matt’s performance [is] a joy,” he said. “Wonderfully talented actor. Sadly [I] can’t reveal anything about guests, except that I’m delighted.”

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September 14th, 2010
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