The actor and writer Nabil Shaban has died at the age of 72. Nabil Shaban will be best remembered by Doctor Who fans for his delicious portrayal of Sil, the odious and unctuous character created by Philip Martin for the 1984 story Vengeance on Varos. So successful was the character that he returned in the following season in Mindwarp. Shaban would later recreate the character in audio form for Big Finish. Nicola Bryant, who played Peri alongside Shaban, said So sorry to hear of the passing of dear Nabil Shaban. A wonderful actor, good friend and probably one of the best Doctor Who villains of all time. He worked tirelessly for disabled actors and always brought such dedication and humour to whatever he was doing Nabil Shaban was born in Amman, Jordan As a child, he was diagnosed with brittle bone disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, resulting in him moving to England for medical care, where he grew up in a series of hospitals and residential homes. After graduating from the University of Surrey, Shaban founded the Graeae Theatre Company, an organisation composed of disabled artists and theatre makers. He performed major roles in many Graeae productions, including: Hamlet, Godspell, The Emperor,  and Fleshfly. Shaban’s film work includes parts in City of Joy, Wittgenstein and Born on Fire, whilst on television he has had numerous roles in Channel 4 and BBC productions Nabil Shaban died on the 18th October 2025. He is survived by his wife Marcela Krystkova and their child.   Sil and the Governor Negotiate

The actor Tony Caunter has died at the age of 88. Tony Caunter was a well-known British actor who appeared in numerous roles on British television throughout a career spanning over sixty years. He appeared in ten episodes of Doctor Who. His debut in the series came in 1965 when he played Thatcher in two episodes of the First Doctor story The Crusade. He had a much more substantial role in 1971 in the Third Doctor story Colony in Space, where he played Morgan, the second-in-command on the IMC expedition. In 1983, his third appearance was as Jackson in the fifth Doctor story, Enlightenment.  Away from Doctor Who, Caunter was best known for playing the car dealer Roy Evans in the soap opera EastEnders, a role he portrayed for nine years. He often played policemen, including DCI Jim Logan in the first three series of Juliet Bravo. In the 1990's he was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable Arthur Quine in The Chief. In 1978, he appeared in the Blake's 7 episode Deliverance. Other memroble roles include Titanic's chief officer Henry Wilde in S.O.S. Titanic and Jack Shepherd in the Yorkshire Television sitcom Queenie's Castle. He also appeared in Crown Court, Z-Cars, The Avengers, Casualty, London's Burning, Home to Roost, The Saint, Special Branch, The Champions, Dixon of Dock Green, Catweazle, The Main Chance, The Professionals, The Sweeney, Minder, Pennies From Heaven, Westbeach, Howards' Way, Lovejoy, May to December, Boon, Heartbeat and The Scarlet Pimpernel Tony Caunter married Frances Wallace in 1962, and the couple had four children. He died in Eastbourne on 13 October 2025 a week after his wife's death  

The latest edition of Doctor Who Magazine, issue 622,  includes a 32-page mini-mag and a double-sided BBC Audiobooks wallchart In the magazine * Composer MURRAY GOLD, writer JUNO DAWSON and designer DAN MAY on the Interstellar Song Contest hit Dugga Doo and the alien race behind it… * ROBERT SHEARMAN discusses his new novels – Jubilee and The Chimes of Midnight – based on audio dramas he wrote for the Sixth and Eighth Doctors in the early 2000s. * A tribute to Season 18 script editor and the writer of Logopolis, Castrovalva and Frontios, CHRISTOPHER H BIDMEAD who died in August. * Previously unpublished extracts from an interview with Christopher H Bidmead conducted in 2017. * SOPHIE ALDRED talks about returning to the early days of companion Ace in a new audio drama box set. * KATY MANNING and CAROLE ANN FORD discuss short stories they have written for a new anthology that explores what happened to their characters, Jo and Susan, in the aftermath of TV episodes… * A celebration of BBC Audiobooks’ Doctor Who releases – including their recently completed run of talking books based on the Target novelisations. * The Black Archive Quiz – how sharp is your Doctor Who knowledge? * The monster hospital – the Museum of Classic Sci-Fi’s NEIL COLE explains how he’s brought some of the series’ memorable creatures back to life! * A deep dive into the world of the Eleventh Doctor episode Let’s Kill Hitler. * Back to 1988! What did the critics make of Seventh Doctor story Remembrance of the Daleks? * Will computers be to blame for our downfall? Gary Gillatt investigates… * A new comic strip adventure for the Fifteenth Doctor and Belinda… Regular features * GALLIFREY GUARDIAN: our news round-up including details of Russell T Davies’ BAFTA win and the ‘Speakies’ nomination for First Doctor audiobook Agent of the Daleks. * Reviews – featuring the latest audios, books, records and action figures. * Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe. * Prizes to be won – including Season 13 on Blu-ray!  Doctor Who Magazine Issue 622 is on sale Thursday 9 October 2025  from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £10.99 (UK).  Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £9.99.  

Doctor Who:  The Prison Paradox is a new adventure for the Doctor from Titan Comics. The story sees the Fourteenth Doctor meet The Slitheen, marking the twentieth anniversary since they first appeared in the series. Experience a Doctor Who adventure like no other as the Doctor, Belinda, and an unlikely team of allies infiltrate a prison holding monsters and villains from across the cosmos. With new friends and old foes, and some old foes who might just be new friends, it’s an adventure that will take you across the Whoniverse...and beyond!   The Prison Paradox is written by Dan Watters and illustrated by new series artist Sami Kivelä   Covers are by Jay Anacleto, Nipuni, Flops and others Issue #1 is published on 5th November and is available to pre-order from your local comic shop and Forbidden Planet for UK & Europe.  

The latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine celebrates the Thirteenth Doctor In this issue * In Thirteenth Doctor JODIE WHITTAKER’s most in-depth interview ever, she talks about joining the Fifteenth Doctor in his final episode, her love for Mandip Gill and the rest of the fam, and how she would love to return to Doctor Who with Billie Piper!  * Director JOE CORNISH (perhaps best known for his collaborations with Adam Buxton) talks about casting Jodie in his 2011 movie Attack the Block – and how he thinks it might have worked as a Doctor Who movie. * Writer JESSE ARMSTRONG (Peep Show, The Thick of It, Succession) on Jodie’s performance in anthology series Black Mirror’s first season finale. * Writer JACK THORNE (His Dark Materials, Adolescence, The Hack) discusses Jodie’s central role in Netflix drama Toxic Town, plus his work with Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant. * Former showrunner CHRIS CHIBNALL talks about Jodie in Broadchurch and reflects on the essential characteristics of the Thirteenth Doctor’s tenure… * Back to 1974! David J Howe describes his attempts as a young fan to build his own Dalek! * Concluding our scene-by-scene analysis of the Twelfth Doctor’s first season finale. * Memories of the BSB weekend in 1990 – when the satellite broadcaster devoted an entire weekend to showing episodes of Doctor Who… * Gary Gillatt considers the dread conjured up by the series’ doppelgangers. * The final part of His Mad Pranks – our comic strip story featuring the Fifteenth Doctor and Belinda… Regular features * GALLIFREY GUARDIAN: our news round-up including details of YouTube series The Whoniverse Show, concept artist Peter McKinstry on his new book and the latest screening at Riverside Studios. * Reviews – featuring the Season 13 Blu-ray set, the latest audios, books and action figures. * Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe. * Prizes to be won – including Season 20 on Blu-ray!  Doctor Who Magazine Issue 621 is on sale Thursday 11 September 2025  from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £7.99 (UK).  Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £6.99.  

Doctor Who Magazine previews the forthcoming Blu-ray release of Season 13 in a special issue about the series’ Gothic horror episodes. Every print copy includes a new and exclusive compilation CD from BBC Audiobooks!  Doctor Who Magazine editor Marcus Hearn says The stories in Tom Baker’s first three seasons have a formidable reputation.This is an issue that celebrates the classis Gothic horror era. We’ve got the inside story on the restoration of the new Blu-rays, and we reveal the new Skarasen as it appears in the Special Edition of Terror of the Zygons. Elsewhere in the magazine, Louise Jameson has brought her unique insight to a new adventure with the Fourth Doctor and Leela. The CD includes an exclusive preview of The Loch Ness Monster, as well as highlights from 14 other Target audiobooks. The whole package is a real collectors’ edition – and the perfect companion to the new Season 13 box set. Highlights of the new issue include: * Behind the scenes on the shoot that brought the Skarasen back to life. * The restoration secrets of Terror of the Zygons and the other stories in The Collection: Season 13. * An exclusive interview with Anna Ridley, the designer of 1977’s Image of the Fendahl. * A look at the late-night TV schedules of the mid-1970s, with details of the horror-film screenings that inspired producer Philip Hinchcliffe and script editor Robert Holmes.  * The surprising story behind The Brain of Morbius – revealed by recently discovered documents in the archive of director Christopher Barry.  * Doctor Who’s most controversial episodes – were any of Mary Whitehouse’s complaints justified? * Eye witnesses share their memories of the 1975 location shoot for The Android Invasion.  * The unmade Robert Holmes stories that would have taken Doctor Who even further into the dark side. * The life and career of Louis Marks, who wrote The Masque of Mandragora. * A guide to the Fourth Doctor’s friends and foes during the Gothic horror years. PLUS     A new and exclusive short story by Louise Jameson, who played Leela.     AND MUCH MORE!   Gothic Horror is on sale now, RRP £10.99 from panini.co.uk and good news retailers while stocks last.  It’s also available digitally from pocketmags.com priced £9.99.

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 620 is out today. In this issue * ZYGONS! SUTEKH! KRAALS! KRYNOIDS! An in-depth exploration of THE COLLECTION – SEASON 13 Blu-ray box set. Including: details of a documentary on Ian Marter who played companion Harry Sullivan, producer Phillip Hinchcliffe visiting the locations from the series, and the creation of new monster effects! * ENTER THE BLACK ARCHIVE! Join Doctor Who’s brand manager James Page in San Diego as he takes us behind the scenes at this year’s Doctor Who activation. * Props art director MICHAEL VAN KESTEREN talks us through the creation of various gadgets for this year’s season, including: colour variants of the Doctor’s sonic, the “Polish! Polish!” robot Scoot, and the Rani’s time ring bracelet! * THE SEVENTH DOCTOR IN UKRAINE! Dalek and Cyberman performer Mickey Lewis recounts how he joined Sylvester McCoy on a journey to entertain fans in war-torn Kyiv. * A lost Seventh Doctor adventure! TV writer ROBIN MUKHERJEE talks to DWM about working on Doctor Who in the 1980s and how his story Alixion has finally been realised as an audio drama… * A royal audience with MARY REYNOLDS who starred as our late Queen in the 25th anniversary serial Silver Nemesis. * AFTER IMAGE: Simon Guerrier looks back at Lucky Day, The Story & the Engine, the Interstellar Song Contest and Wish World/The Reality War. * Find out how students across the UK’s universities are testing their Who knowledge with a challenging quiz league! * Back to 1975 (and 1963): Giving life to the Loch Ness Monster! * The Randomiser: Gary Gillatt looks into the heroics of the first three Doctors during the Second World War. * We examine the hidden depths of Dark Water, in the first part of our Fact of Fiction feature on the finale to the Twelfth Doctor’s first season. * The Fifteenth Doctor and Belinda’s adventures continue in the comic strip. Regular features * GALLIFREY GUARDIAN: our news round-up including the announcement of a new range of adventures – across books, comics, audio and the web – that will reveal more about JO MARTIN’s Fugitive Doctor. * Reviews – featuring the latest audio and book releases. * Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe. * Prizes to be won – including the new Monster Makers Comic Collection from Panini!  Doctor Who Magazine Issue 620 is on sale Thursday 14 August 2025  from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £7.99 (UK).  Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £6.99.  

The latest edition of Doctor Who Magazine is published today In this issue * CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON and BILLIE PIPER talk to DWM about being reunited for a brand-new series of audio adventures. * Celebrating 60 years of Steven Taylor – actor PETER PURVES looks back over his fascinating career and his time travelling with the First Doctor. * PLUS – a look behind the scenes of the Tales of the TARDIS episode that covered 1965’s The Time Meddler – including a chat with both Peter Purves and MAUREEN O’BRIEN who played Vicki in the serial. * Script to screen: Find out all about how THE SHREEK from Lucky Day was conjured into reality! * Illustrator extraordinaire DAN LILES shares some of the artwork he’s prepared for the Target Books range including original mock-ups and alternative designs. * After Image: the first in a series looking back at episodes from the recent season – including reviews of the new Target Book adaptations. * Boom! Piper Jones invites us to join her at the Ace Jacket book launch… * Back to 1992: We look at some of Third Doctor Jon Pertwee’s final TV roles… * The Randomiser: Gary Gillatt reviews chess as seen in Doctor Who with the help of expert THALIA HOLMES. * We scrutinise the insect-world of Vortis in the concluding part of our Fact of Fiction on 1965’s The Web Planet. * The Fifteenth Doctor and Belinda’s adventures continue in the comic strip. Regular features * GALLIFREY GUARDIAN – our news round-up including a look at plans for San Diego Comic-Con 2025. * Reviews – featuring the latest audio and book releases. * Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe, including a chat with the team behind the new Ninth Doctor and Rose adventures! * Prizes to be won – including the Limited Edition Steelbook of the Fifteenth Doctor’s second season!  Doctor Who Magazine Issue 619 is on sale Thursday 17 July 2025  from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £7.99 (UK).  Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £6.99.  

The BBC has confirmed that Season 13 will form the contents of the next Blu-ray box set. The season, first broadcast in the UK in 1975 and 1976, was Tom Baker's second season. Together with Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith, it features some of the best-known and highest-regarded stories of the classic era of Doctor Who.  The eight-disc box set sees the Doctor and Sarah cross time and space to do battle with the Zygons, the biomechanoid Loch Ness monster, the fearsome Sutekh and his robot mummies, vengeful renegade Time Lord Morbius, an anti-matter creature on a distant planet, the scheming Kraals and the terrifying Krynoid. All episodes have been newly remastered from the best available sources – these classic adventures have never looked or sounded so good on home media.  * Terror of the Zygons * Planet of Evil * Pyramids of Mars * The Android Invasion * The Brain of Morbius * The Seeds of Doom The Collection: Season 13 is also jam-packed with hours of new and exclusive material, including: NEW DOCUMENTARIES * WORLDS WITHIN: A profile of actor Ian Marter, who played Harry Sullivan * RETURN TO THIRTEEN: Philip Hinchcliffe returns to the locations of several Season 13 stories and is reunited with old friends * IN CONVERSATION: Director Graeme Harper chats to Matthew Sweet about his life, career and Doctor Who * TOM TALKS: Tom Baker on Season 13 and more * THE DOCTOR WHO ESCAPE ROOM: The Fourth Doctor team attempt their escape * BEHIND THE SOFA: New episodes with Colin Baker (the Sixth Doctor), Maureen O’Brien (Vicki), Katy Manning (Jo), Sarah Sutton (Nyssa), Janet Fielding (Tegan), Sophie Aldred (Ace), Sadie Miller (Elisabeth Sladen’s daughter), and comedian Toby Hadoke. * BRAND NEW AUDIO COMMENTARIES: Tom Baker on episodes from Terror of the Zygons, Pyramids of Mars and The Android Invasion * UPDATED SPECIAL EFFECTS: On Terror of the Zygons * OMNIBUS EDITIONS: HD recreations of the Pyramids of Mars and The Brain of Morbius repeat screenings, plus a brand-new edit of The Seeds of Doom * TALES OF THE TARDIS: A 2024 edit of Pyramids of Mars with updated effects and appearances from the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) * EXCLUSIVE ARCHIVE TREATS: Including never-before-released footage from Mathshow, Disney Time and more * INTERVIEWS: Unreleased footage of Elisabeth Sladen and Michael Sheard (Laurence Scarman in Pyramids of Mars) * 5.1 SURROUND SOUND: New surround mix on Pyramids of Mars * HD PHOTO GALLERIES * INFO TEXT * PDF ARCHIVE This eight-disc box set also includes hours of special features previously released on DVD, including Documentaries, Featurettes, Audio Commentaries and more.   The Collection: Season 13   The season can be pre-ordered on Amazon  

The latest edition of Doctor Who Magazine is out today In this issue * “OH, HELLO…” We take a look at the jaw-dropping revelations in this year’s season finale! * Plus – RUSSELL T DAVIES looks back at how the Fifteenth Doctor’s two seasons developed. * VARADA SETHU speaks to DWM about her time playing Belinda Chandra. * ACCESS ALL AREAS! Join us on the set of Wish World and The Reality War – including contributions from director ALEX SANJIV PILLAI and Melanie Bush herself – BONNIE LANGFORD. * JUNO DAWSON, co-writer of this year’s spectacular Interstellar Song Contest, talks about her Doctor Who journey. * SCOTT HANDCOCK, UNA McCORMACK, JAMES GOSS and GARETH L POWELL discuss their new Target novelisations covering last year’s season finale and the first three episodes of Season 2… * Ace! A preview of two books, curated by SOPHIE ALDRED, that tell the story of her character’s iconic jacket and collection of badges… * JOHN LEVENE – aka UNIT’s Sergeant Benton – gets behind the wheel of Bessie at a special day at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. * Doctor Who lands in San Diego! A report from the new Worlds of Wonder exhibition in the US. * Gary Gillatt argues that France is the Doctor’s spiritual home… * Back to 1985… Alan Barnes recalls the final role of Doctor Who super villain VALENTINE DYALL. * THE FACT OF FICTION travels back to 1965 to scrutinise life on the planet Vortis in The Web Planet. Regular features * GALLIFREY GUARDIAN – our news round-up including a look ahead to spin-off series The War Between the Land and the Sea. * Reviews – featuring the latest audio and book releases. * Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe including the return of the Thirteenth Doctor! * Prizes to be won – bag yourself copies of the new Target Books!  Doctor Who Magazine Issue 618 is on sale Thursday 19 June 2025  from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £7.99 (UK).  Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £6.99.

The actor Prentis Hancock has died at the age of 83. Prentis Hancock appeared in four roles in Doctor Who. In 1970, he had a small role in the Third Doctor's debut story Spearhead from Space, where he played a journalist sent to cover the meteorite shower which accompanied the third Doctor's arrival.  He had a much larger role when he played Vaber in the 1973 story Planet of the Daleks. Vaber was the hothead member of the Thal task force sent to Spiridon to defeat the Daleks. His third appearance was in the Fourth Doctor story Planet of Evil where he played Salamar, the captain of the Morestran probe ship sent to Zeta Minor to make contact with Professor Sorenson's expedition. His final appearance came in 1978 in The Ribos Operation where he played the Shrieve captain guarding the crown jewels of Ribos. Hancock's best-known role was in the first season of science fiction series Space: 1999 where he played Paul Morrow. Other appearances included roles in Dr. Finlay's Casebook (1962)Dr. Finlay's Casebook, Dixon of Dock Green, Z-Cars, Colditz, The New Avengers, Danger UXB, Minder, Secret Army, The Professionals, The Bill, Bergerac and Bodyguards Prentis Hancock was born in 1942. He died peacefully in hospital surrounded by his sister, neice and daughter on Friday 30th May  

Following on from the season two finale of Doctor Who, viewers were treated to a first look at the next chapter in the Whoniverse, ‘The War Between The Land And The Sea’, and new character imagery has been released of Russell Tovey as Barclay and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt. The five-part series also stars previously announced cast members Jemma Redgrave, Alexander Devrient, Ruth Madeley, Colin McFarlane, Adrian Lukis, Patrick Baladi, Francesca Corney, Mei Mac, and Vincent Franklin. Additional guest stars who can be spotted in the trailer are Waleed Hammad, Iestyn Arwel, Hannah Donaldson, Manpreet Bachu, and Ann Akinjirin. When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war. Russell T Davies, Showrunner, Writer and Executive Producer says: The excitement is beginning to build, as the Whoniverse expands. I can’t wait for people to see this magnificent cast in such a powerful, vital, epic story. Look to the seas! The series is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television, and will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, and exclusively on Disney+ outside of the UK (where available).     The War Between the Land and the Sea

Beware of spoilers if you have not yet watched The Reality War   Tonight (Saturday 31st May) viewers saw Ncuti Gatwa’s final scenes as the Doctor as he steps down from one of the most iconic roles in British television. In an epic two-part season finale, viewers saw the Doctor face the Rani in an extraordinary battle to save the world and the Doctor made the ultimate sacrifice to save the life of one little girl. Since being announced as the Doctor in May 2022, Ncuti Gatwa was launched into the Whoniverse and immediately taken into the hearts of Doctor Who fans across the globe. With his first appearance being part of the show’s 60th anniversary celebrations in November 2023, Gatwa’s arrival into the show was a never seen before bi-generation which saw him split from the Fourteenth Doctor, played by David Tennant. His portrayal of the Doctor won Gatwa a Best Actor award at BAFTA Cymru Awards in 2024, as well as nominations for a BAFTA Scotland Audience Award for Favourite Scot on Screen, and Best Actor in a Drama Series at The Critics Choice Television Awards in the US in 2025. Gatwa’s first full episode, The Church on Ruby Road saw the Doctor team up with companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, and the two travelled on out of this world adventures, with episodes including The Devil’s Chord, Rogue and Boom with Gatwa winning praise globally for his iteration of the iconic character. In season two, Gatwa gained another companion, Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu and the stakes got higher, with battles bigger than ever before with the duo going back in time to Miami in Lux, travelling to Lagos in The Story & the Engine as well as attending the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest before facing the Rani and Omega in his final battle to save earth before regenerating once more. Speaking of his decision to leave, Gatwa said: You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever.  There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe. The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can’t thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience. I’ve loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. I’ll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.” Speaking of Ncuti’s departure, Russell T Davies, Showrunner said What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti’s great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights.   Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama added When Ncuti Gatwa first stepped foot on the TARDIS we instantly knew he was going to be an iconic Doctor and it wasn’t long before his dazzling performances captured the hearts of so many around the globe. The role of the Doctor is like no other and Ncuti’s dedication, charisma and magnetism has taken the Doctor into unchartered territory which we have never experienced before. As Ncuti himself said at the start of this journey - unlike the Doctor he may only have one heart, but he is giving it all to this role - I think we can all agree that he did that, and more. Thanks, Ncuti for being such a special part of the Whoniverse. BUT AS VIEWERS SAY GOODBYE TO THE DOCTOR THEY GOT A HELLO FROM A MUCH-LOVED FACE As everyone said farewell to this iconic Doctor, they also got sight of a very familiar face as the Doctor regenerated and it was none other than Billie Piper… Billie first appeared in the Whoniverse when Doctor Who returned to screens in 2005, as Rose Tyler, the much-loved Companion to the Doctor played by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant. But just how and why she is back remains to be seen… Speaking of the surprise twist, Russell T Davies adds Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she’s done it again! It’s an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the TARDIS, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told. After 62 years, the Doctor’s adventures are only just beginning! Speaking of her return, Piper said: It’s no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that TARDIS one more time was just something I couldn’t refuse, but who, how, why and when, you’ll just have to wait and see Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television.

The BBC has confirmed that the special edition of Doctor Who: Unleashed will be available from Saturday, 7th June 2025 (from Doctor Who News)

Doctor Who Magazine is out today, and the print edition includes a Target Books paperback. An exclusive new edition of the wheel in space by Doctor Who author Terrance Dicks In the magazine: * THIS YEAR’S SEASON FINALE PREVIEWED! RUSSELL T DAVIES on what to expect in the much-anticipated concluding episodes Wish World and The Reality War… * ACCESS ALL AREAS – Join DWM at UNIT HQ for the climactic scenes of Lucky Day – including contributions from writer PETE McTIGHE and guest star JONAH HAUER-KING. * Barber Shop Quartet – actors SULE RIMI, SANYA ADEGBOLA, MICHAEL BALOGUN and JORDAN ADENE talk about their roles as the Barber’s captives in The Story & the Engine. * Fugitive Doctor JO MARTIN on her surprise return to the TV series… * VIP backstage access to the Interstellar Song Contest! Writer JUNO DAWSON, director BEN A WILLIAMS and your host RYLAN are among those on hand to reveal the secrets of this entertainment spectacular! * Mrs Flood unmasked! ANITA DOBSON chats about the latest revelations… * The Rani reborn! ARCHIE PANJABI on taking on the mantle of the cold-hearted Time Lady! * A guided tour to an impressive new exhibition opening in Peterborough. * Target Books’ STEVE COLE remembers TERRANCE DICKS and discusses the special new edition of The Wheel in Space included with this issue. * Gary Gillatt assesses the merits of alien art from across the universe… * Back to 1973… We take a look at contemporary reactions to the environmental message of Third Doctor classic The Green Death. * FACT OF FICTION – unravelling the mysteries of the Evolution of the Daleks. * The adventures of the Fifteenth Doctor and Belinda continue in the comic strip. Regular features * Gallifrey Guardian – our news round-up including details of the cinema screenings of the season finale. * Reviews – featuring the latest Blu-ray/DVD, book and audio releases. * Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe. * Prizes to be won – including new adventures for the Fifteenth Doctor in print!  Doctor Who Magazine Issue 617 is on sale Thursday 22 May 2025  from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £10.99 (UK).  Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £6.99.  

Demon Records is celebrating Jon Pertwee’s flamboyant portrayal of the famous Time Lord, 55 years after he made his screen debut on 3 January 1970. Available on Blue and 4 x Blue and Green Vinyl, with a beautifully illustrated cover, this set presents Jon Pertwee narrating two classic Doctor Who Target Books, an array of bonus Jon Pertwee audio appearances, and his own 1972 pop single, Who Is The Doctor? Doctor Who and the Curse of Peladon is Brian Hayles’ abridged TV novelisation set on a medieval-styleworld, and Doctor Who and the Planet of the Daleks is Terrance Dicks’s abridged adaptation of the Terry Nation adventure set on the jungle-like Spiridon. Bonus features are also included on each disc, spanning the 1970s to the 1990s, including BBC radio interviews, a Goodwood Races sketch with Elisabeth Sladen, comedy featuring Mel Giedroyc, and tributes paid by family members and Doctor Who producers. This also includes a frameable photographic print of the Third Doctor. Accompanied by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop’s familiar Doctor Who theme, the Jon Pertwee Collection celebrates one of the most stylish, iconic and beloved Doctors of all. “I cross the void beyond the mind. The empty space that circles time...Eternal wisdom is my guide. I am the Doctor!” LP 1 Side A Doctor Who and the Curse of Peladon Part One / Goodwood Races mini-drama LP 1 Side B Doctor Who and the Curse of Peladon Part Two / Profile interview LP 2 Side C Doctor Who and the Curse of Peladon Part Three / Newsbeat interview LP 2 Side D Doctor Who and the Curse of Peladon Part Four / Simon Bates interview LP 3 Side E Doctor Who and the Planet of the Daleks Part One / The Skivers comedy sketch LP 3 Side F Doctor Who and the Planet of the Daleks Part Two / Local radio interview LP 4 Side G Doctor Who and the Planet of the Daleks Part Three / Radio Lives tributes LP 4 Side H Doctor Who and the Planet of the Daleks Part Four / Who Is The Doctor?   The set is also available in a deluxe 4 CD gatefold package, this includes a full colour booklet with cast, credits and racklisting information.    

Beware of Spoilers if you haven't yet seen The Interstellar Song Contest   This week’s journey to the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest took a shocking twist when Mrs Flood (Anita Dobson) bi-generated and revealed her true identity to be the Rani. Originally played by Kate O’Mara, the Rani is a Renegade Time Lord and enemy of the Doctor who first appeared back in the 1985 classic serial ‘The Mark of the Rani’.  Now, alongside Anita Dobson, the Emmy Award-winning Archie Panjabi joins Doctor Who as the Rani, who has been hiding in secret as Mrs Flood and meticulously waiting for her time to face the Doctor. Archie Panjabi is known for her roles as Zahra Gahfoor in Hijack, Kendra Malley in Departure, and Kalinda Sharma in The Good Wife, for which she earned critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award. Her impressive career spans both film and television with roles in films including Bend It Like Beckham, Yasmin, and San Andreas. Archie Panjabi and Anita Dobson will appear in the two-part finale ‘Wish World’ and ‘The Reality War’, which will see the Doctor and the Rani go head-to-head in a monumental battle that will send shockwaves through the Whoniverse. On joining Doctor Who, Archie Panjabi said: It seems there’s been quite a bit of speculation about the Rani’s return…and who can blame you? Kate O’Mara’s portrayal was brilliant, ruthless and unforgettable. Now, under Russell T Davies, she’s back- and I’ll ask…what in the WHOniverse will we bring to her? Let’s just say, you might not be ready! Russell T Davies, Showrunner, said:  Ncuti always said he wanted to face the Rani, so after 32 years, she’s back! It’s an honour to work with Archie - I’ve been a fan for years, and what a joy, to see her twinned with Anita Dobson. It’s the greatest threat the Doctor has ever faced… and there are even more villains to come! Doctor Who continues with the first episode of the epic two-part finale, ‘Wish World’, on Saturday 24th May, launching exclusively on BBC iPlayer at 8am and Disney+ outside of the UK (where available). The season two finale of Doctor Who, ‘The Reality War’, will premiere simultaneously on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in a primetime evening slot on Saturday 31st May, and Disney+ outside of the UK (where available), as well as in over 450 cinemas across the UK & Ireland.    

A special edition of Doctor Who: Unleashed is set to air on BBC Three, BBC iPlayer and BBC Wales. Steffan Powell is once again set to take a trip through the time vortex as he invites viewers on a journey celebrating the last twenty years since Doctor Who returned, and he will be joined by a host of cast and creatives that have played a part in bringing the show back into the Whoniverse. Joining Powell for the ride are some of the show’s most recognisable faces, including past Doctors David Tennant and Jodie Whittaker, former companions Billie Piper, Pearl Mackie, and Mandip Gill, ex-showrunners Steven Moffat and Chris Chibnall, the current Doctor Ncuti Gatwa alongside his newest companion Varada Sethu, as well as the current showrunner and the man who brought the show back in 2005, Russell T Davies. As well as chatting with the stars about what Doctor Who means to them, Powell will be revealing secrets from behind the scenes with interviews with those who work behind the cameras to bring Doctor Who to life. Speaking of the special episode, Russell T Davies said: After the season's climactic end, it’s great to celebrate the 20 years that led us here. I hope this is a party for faithful viewers, with a galaxy of stars, Doctors, companions, Billie Piper reunited with David Tennant, and the making of our first ever Dalek! Steffan Powell adds What a joy to be giving the Unleashed treatment to 20 years’ worth of Doctor Who history.  To see the lasting impact the show has had on those who helped bring the magic to screen has been a privilege, and a reminder of just how much the show means to so many. The special episode of Doctor Who: Unleashed will air on BBC Three, BBC iPlayer and BBC Wales next month. Previous episodes of Doctor Who: Unleashed are available to watch now in the Whoniverse on BBC iPlayer.  

The BBC has confirmed that this year's Doctor Who Finale will have its premiere on BBC One rather than being available earlier on BBC iPlayer.  Following a cosmic journey of twists and turns as the Doctor attempts to get Belinda home, the season two/41 finale of Doctor Who will premiere in a primetime evening slot on Saturday, 31st May, and in over 450 cinemas across the UK & Ireland. Titled ‘The Reality War’, fans across the globe will be able to all watch together as the Doctor faces one of his most terrifying and monumental battles to date in an extra-special-length episode. The season two finale will air exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, with the exact transmission time to be confirmed in due course, and simultaneously on Disney+ outside of the UK (where available). Russell T Davies, Showrunner said: The Doctor is doomed, Belinda is lost, Ruby is trapped, UNIT is powerless, the Unholy Trinity rule supreme and the Underverse is rising. And now we can all experience this devastating climax together, all at the same time, with a unique worldwide premiere. I can promise shocks, scares and revelations off the scale. Come and have fun! Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television.