Elisabeth Sladen ('Sarah Jane Adventures')

By Neil Wilkes, Editor

The Sarah Jane Adventures - CBBC's Doctor Who spinoff for kids - is back for a second series. We say "for kids", but a large number of fully-grown Whovians may well disagree. The new run of 12 episodes promises to deliver a Smörgåsbord of delights for all ages, from a Sontaran in episode one to the much-anticipated return of The Brig in the series finale. We paid a visit to the set of the show to find out more from the lovely Elisabeth Sladen.

How would you say this series of Sarah Jane Adventures is different from the first?
"It comes in the dialogue. It's just more explanatory and it doesn't cut off quite so quickly. There are more grown-up stories and it's much harder hitting, I think. We stay with the problem this time, therefore we have to have dialogue that will not patronise."

Have you learnt more about Sarah Jane this series?
"I learn more about her every day. Russell [T Davies] said 'There are so many places she can go. We're only just starting to find out about her'. When the series started, I did think 'where is this going?' Quite honestly, when the pilot went out, I thought I was going to get so much stick from journalists. I love the programme, and always thought it was very good, but that's not always other people's perceptions. It's lovely how people have been so embracing of it."

How did you react when you were offered Sarah Jane Adventures?
"I went for a meal with Russell and Julie [Gardner, BBC Wales head of drama] and I actually thought I was going to be offered to go into Torchwood! Then I thought it was going to be K-9 and Sarah Jane, after what happened in 'School Reunion'. I loved K-9 to bits, but I wondered if that could work. They would have had to do something with the dog - they really would - because all you could do is crouch down and talk to it. That's very limiting, so I am blessed that I have the kids instead!"

How did you feel about The Brigadier (Nicholas Courtney) coming back?
"I've seen Nick on and off over the years, but he was so pleased to be asked back. It's a lovely thing to do because he's spoken about doing it and it's really nice for the fans."

Did he expect to be asked back?
"I don't think he did. I think he thought his time had gone, because now there's a different UNIT in place."

Is it a reunion for the two characters on-screen?
"They kind of muzz over that a little, but it has been a long time, so that leaves it open to how long it's been. Sarah Jane doesn't really want to introduce the kids to UNIT, because they use guns. Sarah Jane doesn't think a gun is a good thing, not even as a last resort, so it must be pretty special to have to go to The Brig."

It's often rumoured, but do you think the Doctor could ever appear in Sarah Jane Adventures?
"Well, who would have thought Sarah Jane could have been working with Torchwood? I never thought that could happen! That's what was so amazing about the Doctor Who [finale]. The prospect of crossover between the programmes is quite incredible, so 'yes' in answer to your question, I don't see why you couldn't have the Doctor on this show."

Would you go back to Doctor Who again?
"I actually think that was the last time. But then again, I thought 'School Reunion' was the last time! I thought 'what a lovely send-off, thankyou so much', but now I think that actually might be the last time. I would be really happy if it ended there."

How do you feel about Russell leaving?
"I don't know if he's leaving us, though. I truly, truly don't know that. Steven [Moffat] is taking over Who, which will be really interesting. I am really looking forward to seeing what happens there."

Will there be a third series of Sarah Jane?
"It's in the offing. It depends on this [series] and there are a lot of ifs. I think they're planning it, and it would be lovely to see where we go next!"

The Sarah Jane Adventures begins Monday at 4.35pm on BBC One.

(Digital Spy)

Tennant suffers 'Doctor Who' withdrawal

Thursday, September 25 2008, 19:41 BST

By Ben Rawson-Jones, Cult Editor

David Tennant has revealed that he is missing his Doctor Who colleagues during his sabbatical from the hit show.

The actor, who is starring alongside Patrick Stewart in a Royal Shakespeare Company production of Hamlet, said he loves everything about the BBC series.

"I'm excited to be doing Hamlet," he told Doctor Who Magazine, "but I have got very at home in Cardiff. I love that crew. I love that set-up. I love the show, so I'm missing that. I miss Russell's writing."

"It's nice to know that I'm coming back," he continued, referring to the four specials due to be filmed in 2009. "I'll be reminded of [Doctor Who] in some shape or form pretty much every day until I start filming again in January."

Tennant also joked that "Shakespeare's all right, but he's lacking in spaceships".

(Digital Spy)

Doctor Who Exhibition to land in Coventry

THE TARDIS is set to land in Coventry next year, bringing TV's favourite Time Lord to the city's transport museum.

The visitor attraction in Millennium Place has secured a massive coup in bringing the official touring Dr Who Exhibition for 2009.

And it's set to bring hundreds of thousands of fans of the BBC1 series to the city.

Coventry Transport Museum will be the only place in England to host the exhibition during 2009.

Virtually all the nasty villains and monsters from the revived show, currently starring David Tennant, will be packed into the Coventry Transport Museum from March 13.

It's not yet known how long it will be staying but it is expected to be for several months.

The exhibition will fill the front aerial gallery of the museum.

Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to get a closer look at the props and costumes used in the latest episodes of the hit show.

Steve Bagley, head of collections at the museum, said: "This is really fantastic news for the Coventry Transport Museum and the city.

"We knew that the exhibition was touring around the country and had been in some museums, so I contacted them to ask if Coventry would be a suitable location.

"They came to the city and had a look and have only recently confirmed that they will set up the exhibition at the museum next year.

"We are delighted. It is a very exciting opportunity for us and we are expecting a lot of people from across the country to visit.

"There are a couple of permanent exhibitions - one of which is in London - but this will be the only temporary exhibition in England, which is a real boost for Coventry."

There is currently a major exhibition in Earls Court in London, which is held permanently every year for fans of Doctor Who.

The only other touring exhibition next year is being staged in Glasgow.

Steve added: "We still haven't seen the final exhibition list and it is all still in the early stages of organising.

"However, I have contacted other venues which have housed this exhibition in the past and they have told me to prepare myself for a bumper year. It gets very busy."

Tickets for the event will go on sale once the finishing touches have been arrange.

(Coventry Telegraph)

Character Options: Jabe

Character Options have announced that they will be releasing the a figure of Jabe, the tree from Season 27 / Series 1, episode 2 - The End Of The World. No images available as of yet but I shall keep you posted =)

Little Dorrit Pictures

Here are a few pictures of Eve Myles in the upcoming Little Dorrit:-





(Pictures courtesy of http://evemyles.net)

Step into the TARDIS for Children in Need

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice

Fans of smash-hit shows Doctor Who, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go behind the scenes at the studios where the shows are filmed.

On Saturday and Sunday, 8 and 9 November, the BBC will be opening the studio doors just outside Cardiff to 100 lucky competition winners and their friends and families.

The money-can't-buy-experience is being run to help raise money for this year's BBC Children in Need appeal.

Doctor Who: Backstage will take fans to the heart of the action at the BBC Wales studios.

Visitors will tour the closely-guarded sets, come face-to-face with some of the Doctor's mortal enemies, and meet the behind-the-scenes teams who make it all happen – including the set designers, costumiers and make-up artists.

Russell T Davies says: "This is so exciting – giving fans the opportunity to take a behind the scenes look at where we film Doctor Who, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures is just brilliant.

"It'll be the perfect opportunity for the whole family to experience something unique and truly extraordinary. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience – and the best thing is that all the money raised will go towards BBC Children in Need."

To be in with a chance of winning a place on the tour, all people have to do is answer one multiple-choice question.

The all-important question will be announced on Friday 26 September, live on the Chris Moyles show on BBC Radio 1 and on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru.

It will also be available on the Doctor Who website – bbc.co.uk/doctorwho – along with the full terms and conditions.

The competition phone lines will be open from 8am on Friday 26 September 2008. Callers must be over 16 and have the bill-payers' permission. Each winner will be able to bring up to three guests who must all be aged five or over.

The tour is taking place during a brief gap in the production schedule.

Doctor Who will return to BBC One this Christmas in The Next Doctor and filming resumes early in 2009 on a number of specials, followed by Series five.

BBC Children in Need's aim is to positively change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

The 2008 BBC Children in Need television show is on Friday 14 November.

This year's fundraising theme is "Do Something Different" and in the weeks and months leading up to the televised appeal people are being encouraged to get creative and take up the challenge.

For inspiration there are lots of fantastic ideas in the new fundraising pack – go to bbc.co.uk/pudsey or call 0345 607 3333.

BBC Wales Press Office

Also released today is the title for this year's Christmas special - "The Next Doctor"

RTD: " I'd love to return for movie"

Russell T Davies has revealed that he would definitely return if the BBC commissioned a Doctor Who movie.

Davies, who will be leaving his role as Executive Producer next summer, claimed that he would love to come back to work on a film version of the series.

"I'd be very interested in going back for it," he said. "I think it could be lovely and could work as an idea. They did one in the 1960s and that worked and it didn't affect the TV series at all."

Radio 1 Doctor Who Special

This Friday, 26th September, THE CHRIS MOYLES SHOW will be broadcasting from the TARDIS set in Cardiff. The DJ promises:

• A launch for "something special" for this year's CHILDREN IN NEED
• Interviews with RTD in the studio whilst DAVID TENNANT and BILLIE PIPER will join them on the phone.

You can hear it on BBC RADIO 1 from 6.30 AM in the UK. It can also be heard online around the world. Here is the announcement in full, be warned - it contains the inane ramblings of Chris Moyles and chums. Though it does include a specially recorded message by a DALEK.

Myles reveals unrecognisable 'Merlin' role

http://www.bbc.co.uk/merlin/

HER face is barely recognisable but look beyond the warts, wrinkles and saggy skin and you just might spot one of Wales’ most glamorous star hiding underneath

.

Because this 130-year-old hag is none other than stunning Torchwood actress Eve Myles, transformed from bewitching to wicked witch by six hours in the make-up chair for her role in new BBC prime-time drama Merlin.

The 13-part series, which starts on Saturday, updates the story of the famous Welsh sorcerer of Arthurian legend. The story follows the fabled friendship between the young wizard Merlin and Prince Arthur. John Hurt voices Merlin's mentor, the Great Dragon, later in the series, Michelle Ryan, totally rebuilt after her experiences as the Bionic Woman, will play wicked sorceress Nimueh..

And Eve, who stars as evil witch Mary Collins alongside Richard Wilson as Gaius, Anthony Head as King Utter and newcomer Colin Morgan as Arthur, admits she’s still amazed by her almost unrecognisable appearance.

The 30-year-old from Ystradgynlais said: “I’m not sure anyone will actually realise it’s me and it’s just so impressive what a bit of make-up and prosthetics can do.

“Mary certainly looks like someone who has spent 130 years without ever drinking water or eating any fruit and veg.

“It took six hours to make me up every day. Luckily I had a good team around me to keep me amused during the whole process.”

After filming, it then took another two hours to convert Eve, who plays feisty Gwen Cooper in sci-fi hit Torchwood, back to her normal self.

But she admits that looking so evil certainly helped her get into character for the role.

For cast:http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult

“She’s a great role to play, my very first villain, and she’s a really nasty piece of work.

“She actually kills Dame Helen, a character which is also played by me.

“It was a bizarre experience because I had to do a scene right at the start of the episode with me talking to me.

“Mind you, watching it will be even stranger.”

The much-awaited Merlin is the BBC’s latest attempt to rival the prime-time family viewing success of Doctor Who – which Eve has also appeared in – and brings together a cast of acclaimed actors and new faces.

Filmed at locations around France and Wales, including Anglesey and Blaenau Ffestiniog, it is set in a time where magic is banned in Camelot, before Arthur becomes king and Merlin is coming to terms with his magical powers.

Producer Johnny Capps said: “Merlin, rather than being an unbelievably old and wise wizard is a young boy who works as Arthur’s manservant and has to hide his abilities.

“He saves Arthur on a regular basis but always has to keep his magic a secret.

“We also wanted to subvert the expectations of Arthur.

“He is not the heroic king of legend.

“He is a young man, rather like Prince Harry, who likes to party, enjoys his status but who also shows kingly qualities.

“That then gave us great possibilities for taking the story on.

“We could follow the two of them to see how Arthur unites the land of Albion and Merlin becomes the great wizard.”

As well as Eve, other guest stars include former EastEnder Michelle Ryan and Green Wing’s Julian Rhind-Tutt. Acting legend John Hurt provides the voice for the Great Dragon.

Eve, who is currently filming a third series of Torchwood with John Barrowman, said she is looking forward to seeing the show.

“I’m so excited about the series and I’m convinced it will be a huge hit. It’s so full of fantasy and intrigue, it’s just fantastic.

“It’s great to be involved with such an amazing production.”

Merlin starts on BBC One on Saturday at 7.30pm

Episode 1
Saturday 20th September 2008

Merlin arrives at the gates of Camelot as a young man, sent by his mother to start a new life. Bright-eyed with wonder, Merlin steps into the square where a crowd has gathered. A man, accused by the tyrannical King Uther of using magic, is executed right before a horrified Merlin's eyes. In Camelot, the price for using magic is death. As the axe falls, an old woman, Mary Collins, swears that one day she will avenge King Uther for the death of her son, before disappearing into thin air.

A shocked Merlin makes his way across Camelot to find Gaius, the Court Physician. Taken by surprise, Gaius falls from the top of a ladder: instinctively Merlin reacts and uses his magic powers to break Gaius's fall. Instead of thanking him, Gaius turns on Merlin and warns him how important it is to keep his magic a secret or else he will face certain death.

As Merlin explores his new surroundings he sees a young man humiliating his manservant and decides to step in and stand up for the poor, ridiculed boy. This turns out to be a mistake on Merlin's part as he soon discovers the young man is the King's son, Prince Arthur. Merlin seems unable to heed Gaius's advice to stay out of trouble!

Merlin is thrown into the stocks as punishment for fighting Arthur and he meets a young maid named Gwen, who is clearly impressed by his heroic actions. Merlin, however, doesn't seem to notice her advances... When Merlin discovers the Great Dragon he begins to understand his true destiny – he must use his abilities to protect Arthur, the future King of Albion. Merlin refuses to believe this. Mary Collins returns to take revenge on Uther's son, Arthur, and Merlin must now take control of his destiny. Will he be able to save the young Arthur in time?

Doctor Doctor

DOCTOR Who will become Doctor Two this Christmas, when the Time Lord meets a future version of himself.

Show creator Russell T Davies revealed: “The real heart of it is the beginning.

“The Doctor arrives, hears a damsel in distress, he steps forward to save her when this other man swings in, dashing, brilliant, amazing, clever, witty, saves the day.

“The Doctor says: ‘Who are you?’ The man says, ‘I’m the Doctor!’ The Doctor becomes his companion. There will be a beautiful woman too, of course, but really it’s the Doctor paired with a new Doctor.”

David Morrissey plays Time Lord No 2 in the festive episode called The Next Doctor.

Russell added the next series of the hit BBC1 show would be sexier under new lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat.

Russell, who is stepping aside, added: “Look at Steven — he’s a writer clearly driven by sex.”

He also admitted that Hollywood superstar Kate Winslet had turned down a role in the last series to play the Doctor’s wife.

(The Sun)

Season 30 soundtrack available soon

Release date: November 2008

DWM Issue 400

On sale Thursday, 18th September 2008.
Price: £3.99

Contents are still secret. however, there are exclusive interviews with Russell T Davies, David Tennant. The biggest competition they have ever run, a FREE double sided poster, an EXTRA 8 PAGES!,

Christmas is just around the corner.....

Yup, hitting stores now is a 3D CERAMIC DALEK SEC mug complete with Milk Chocolate Pralines and Mallow. As with previous Mug Combos, this has been produced by BONBON BUDDIES.

Includes marsh mallows ! (Yummy!!)


(Blogtor who)

Davies suggests next Doctor Who

Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies has suggested who he thinks should replace David Tennant as the next Time Lord.

In e-mails serialised in The Times newspaper, Davies said Russell Tovey, who appeared in Alan Bennett's play The History Boys, would fit the role

Russell Tovey played Midshipman Frame in last year's Christmas special

.

The creator, who leaves the show next year as lead writer and executive producer, said he thought Tovey was "going to be huge" and is "amazing".

Davies also revealed he had wanted JK Rowling to star in a Christmas special.

'Spoof' idea

However, Tennant had not responded well to the suggestion.

"David doesn't like the JK idea, he thinks it sounds like a spoof, so we've paused slightly, wondering whether to win him round or just abandon something that he's not going to be happy with," Davies said.

A read-through with Kylie Minogue! Marvellous, isn't it? Russell T Davies

In the correspondence between Davies and Doctor Who magazine journalist Benjamin Cook, Davies talked about Kylie Minogue's cameo.

"A read-through with Kylie Minogue! Marvellous, isn't it? She's going to watch Last of The Time Lords on Saturday with David. Madder and madder," he wrote.

Tovey, 26, had a part in last year's Christmas Doctor Who special as Midshipman Frame.

He is best known for his role as Rudge, the least intellectual of the boys in the stage and screen versions of The History Boys.

The extracts are taken from a forthcoming book, Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale. They also reveal that Hollywood actor Dennis Hopper was keen to appear in Doctor Who, but was not "available for that many days" to film.

Where Are They Now? - No.8 Mary Tamm

Mary Tamm was born in Bradford , Yorkshire. (born 22 March 1950 in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire). Best known for being the first actress to play the character of Romana in Doctor Who opposite Tom Baker as the Doctor, from the 1978 - 1979 season known collectively as The Key To Time.

Her parents were refugees from Estonia, Mary's first language is Estonian, she didn't learn English until she started school.

She attended Bradford Girls Grammar school, and left with 6 O- levels and 3 A-levels.

She trained at Rada where she won the Emile Littler and Hannam Clarke awards.

Her first professional job was at the new Birmingham Repertory theatre where she spent nine months in the new building on Broad Street, working alongside Derek Jacobi, Joan Sims and Ronnie Barker.

TV work swiftly followed, notably, The Donati Conspiracy, with the late and great Richard Beckinsale, and Girls of Slender Means, with Miriam Margolyes and Patricia Hodge.

Her first feature film was Tales that Witness Madness, with Kim Novak, a cult classic, and The Odessa File, with Jon Voight, which pitched her career into the international arena.

Best remembered for Doctor Who, playing Romana, and Brookside, for her performance as Penny Crosbie, Mary's work has been varied and highly acclaimed .

Romanadvortrelundar (I)

Tamm was not initially interested in playing a companion to the Doctor as she believed that the role was merely that of the "damsel in distress". However, she changed her mind when assured by the producers that Romana would be different. Romana was supposed to be a Time Lady, a member of the Doctor's own people and therefore as capable as the Doctor. She left the programme after only one season due to her late discovered pregnancy. The role of Romana was assumed by Lalla Ward.

Recently she has starred in Diamond Geezer, with David Jason, A Class Act, Doctors, the BBC drama series Paradise Heights with Neil Morrisey and Ralf Little, and Jonathan Creek, with Steven Berkoff, as well as many guest appearances in several TV productions. See CV for more details.

Her recent stage work includes Amanda in Private Lives, Maria Halliwell in When We Are Married, Mari Hoff in Little Voice, and Beverley in Abigail's Party.

Mary is a member of the associates of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and for ten years worked on the committee, raising money for the student hardship fund. In 2005, she helped organise and appeared in the Rada centenary gala, which included past Rada luminaries such as Joan Collins, David Warner, Gemma Jones and many more.

She mentors students at the academy, and helps with their progress both throughout their training, and afterwards, when they enter the profession. She has attended workshops and forums at drama schools in London, and has taught improvisation and audition speech techniques,as well as directing student productions.

She married Marcus in 1978, and they have one daughter and one grandchild. Mary lives in London with her husband and two cats.

July 2008

Mary is on board a new British film by Jake West, called Doghouse , playing a conservative MP called Meg Nut!


Mary has been filming a two part "Wire in the Blood" - 'Unnatural Vices', which is part of 8 one hour episodes airing on ITV1, Friday, 12th September 2008, with Robson Green & Simone Lahbib. She plays the part of Jeanette Wise 'Elektra', a S&M Mistress.

.

2007

Mary started the year with a return to her time on DR WHO. She provided the voiceover commentary for the Key To Time series, which was released on DVD on September 24th 2007.

She visited an old DW location, to present a documentary for the above, which was a fascinating experience, and filmed two in- vision interviews about her time on the programme. Other main and guest artistes who recorded material for the DVD include Tom Baker, John Leeson and many, many more.

All in all, the masses of extra material are a fascinating insight into the making of the series, with new and hitherto unspoken revelations coming to light ......even Mary was surprised!

Mary filmed an episode of Doctors for the BBC, playing a film star! This was out on August 20th, at 2.05 pm on BBC1. She did a cameo appearance in Diamond Geezer on Monday, April 9th at 9pm on ITV. Mary was in A Class Apart on March 23rd, BBC 1, at 8.30 pm. Also this year, she is devoting some time to penning her autobiography..

She flew to LA in January for a Dr Who convention, with old Rada chums David Warwick (below) and Louise Jameson, and attended panels with present cast members and writers of the new series. Mary was thrilled to make the acquaintance of one of her screen heroes- Mark Gattis, and to meet Noel Clarke.

2005

Work this year included The panto, Dick Whittington, at Sutton -Mary had a great time prancing about the stage and being very wicked as Queen rat.

With Matthew Harper as Dick .

Next, she did a film with Malcolm Tierney, of Braveheart fame, called Come Dancing, playing the dubious owner of a lap dancing club!

She then filmed an episode of Rose and Maloney, playing another baddie, Danuta Richmond, opposite Sarah Lancashire.

The year so far also involved organising the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art's centenary gala. This event was staged on April 17th, and Mary appeared as the compere, introducing performers including Joan Collins, David Warner, Gemma Jones and many more. She also read out tributes to the founder,Henry Beerbohm Tree, and did sketches with fellow presenter Mike Simpkins.

A Sci fi event followed at Milton Keynes, where Mary was thrilled to meet the cast of Lord of the Rings, and two of her favourite actors, Paul McGann and Alan Cummings, as well as catching up with fellow Who thesps, always a pleasure .

2004

Mary started the year with rehearsals for Mixed Feelings, by Eric Chappell, a comedy also starring Paul Nicholas. The play went on a very successful national tour. Mary played the character of Jan, a woman who had to cope with her husband's sex change. The serious undertones of the part provided an enjoyable challenge. (More info on reviews page)

Richmond Theatre London

MIXED FEELINGS

Mixed Feelings is an intriguing new play by Eric Chappell. The two halves head in very different directions and the audience is kept guessing throughout. Despite the fact that it handles the sensitive subject of a man’s re-entry into society after a sex change operation, there are no clichés and no awkward moments. The entire play revolves around Vernon, superbly played by Paul Nicholas. The first half sees him at home, just after his return to his wife Jan, played by Mary Tamm, and daughter Zoe, in British suburbia. He has been AWOL in Casablanca for six months and each person with whom he has contact has a different theory about his disappearance. His wife is convinced he had an affair, his best friend thinks that he was having a mid-life crisis and his boss believes that he suffered a nervous breakdown. The situations in which the truth is revealed to each person are witty and hilarious. Vernon spends the second half dressed in drag, which enables him to raise easy laughs but also some great one-liners. The set by Michael Holt is very good - the entire play takes place in the front room of Vernon and Jans suburban semi, which gives it the feeling of a television sitcom. Hailing from the sitcom Just Good Friends Paul Nicholas is perfectly at home in this environment. His wife is a great counterbalance and she is played by Mary Tamm as a straight talking, no-nonsense women, who appears to take the revelations in her stride. Her poise and authority are key to ensuring that the play does not turn into a farce. The entire cast is in fact excellent, making the most of the imaginative and well-paced script and well directed by Jeremy Meadows. John Benfield plays Vernons best friend Eddie with energy, whilst Alan Granvilles interpretation of Fletcher, Vernon’s prejudiced, racist, sexist boss, is sublime. Mixed Feelings is thought provoking and a joy to watch. It begs the question, what would you do if a key person in your life changed not just their appearance, but everything about themselves, including hobbies, partner, and their sex?

She also appeared at Dr Who conventions and signings, and recorded an audio CD for Big Finish reprising her character of a very changed Romana!

A highlight of this busy year was appearing with Paul Nicholas in the wonderful Simon Gray play,Stage Struck, at Windsor. The cast also included old chum Ray Lonnen. Mary also worked with with Paul the previous year in Mixed Feelings, a new Eric Chappell comedy. More of that later.......

After this, Mary travelled up to Birmingham to record a wonderful part in BBC's Doctors, playing a glamorous ex model, hailed as the Jean Shrimpton of the Midlands! A meaty role portraying an older woman with a secret young lover. Naughty naughty!

The year also included work for Big Finish, recording an audio CD for the Gallifrey series. Mary reprised her role as Romana, which was an interesting experience, and highly enjoyable. Visit http://bigfinish.com/ for more info.

MARY TAMM -Credits

TELEVISION CREDITS - Series leads include:

PARADISE HEIGHTS / Yvonne Edwards/ A Pearce / D Innes Edwards
BBC
HEADLESS / Portia Loomis/ T McHale / M Hutchison Channel 4

BROOKSIDE / Penny Crosbie /Various (15 months) Channel 4

THE ASSASSINATION RUN / Jill Frazer /Ken Hannam }

THE TREACHERY GAME / Jill Frazer/ Ken Hannam }

THE HELLO GOODBYE MAN / Jennifer/ Alan J.W. Bell }
[BBC]
GIRLS OF SLENDER MEANS / Selina/ Moira Armstrong }

THE DONATI CONSPIRACY / Sally Ross /Vere Lorimar }

DOCTOR WHO / Romana /Various (1 year)

A RAGING CALM / Julie Warner / June Howson / Gerry Mill Granada


TELEVISION CREDITS - Guest appearances include:

WIRE IN THE BLOOD/ Elektra /Peter Hoar /Coastal Productions

DOCTORS / Jemma Forrester / Neil Adams / BBC

DIAMOND GEEZER II / Maureen Charlton /Paul Harrison Yorkshire / ITV

A CLASS APART / Mrs. Fills /Nick Hurran Paloma / BBC TV

ROSE AND MALONEY / Danuta Richmond/ Metin Huseyin Company Pictures

HOLBY CITY / Fliss Wright/ Neil Adams )

DOCTORS / Sylvia Crawford /Jason Millward )

TWISTED TALES - FLAT FOUR / Mrs. Templeman /Andy Goddard )

JONATHAN CREEK – 2 hour special / Vivien Brody /Sandy Johnson )

THE PRACTICE / Lynn Baker /Adrian Bean }

CRIME TRAVELLER / Mary Chandler/ Rick Stroud }

CASUALTY / Virginia Petrie /Sue Butterworth }
BBC
BERGERAC / Louise West /Laurence Moody }

NOT THE NINE O'CLOCK NEWS / Sketches /John Lloyd }

JANE EYRE / Blanche Ingram /Julian Aymes }

THE SCARLET WOMAN / Laura /Bill Anderson }

CORONATION STREET / Diana Black /Eugene Ferguson Granada

THE BILL / Moira Sutherland/ Ged Maguire Thames

LOVED BY YOU / Diane Caldwell / Richard Boden )

UP RISING / Maddie Matt Lipsey ) Carlton

LONDON BRIDGE / Jan Bishop /Roberto Bangura )

HEARTBEAT / Marilyn/ Ken Horn Yorkshire

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD The Abbess/ Terry Marcel Warner Brothers TV

THE NEW PROFESSIONALS / Maggie Llewelyn /David Wickes Sky / Wickes TV

PERFECT SOUNDRELS / Mary Cooper /John Gorrie TVS

WORLDS BEYOND / Susan Wentworth /Adrian Cooper Channel 4

QUEST FOR LOVE / The Women/ Philip Saville Channel 4

POIROT / Louise Farley /Ed Bennett LWT

ANIMAL ARK / Antonia Kent /Dirk Campbell Zenith

THE INHERITORS / Tessa/ Ian McNaughton HTV

ONLY WHEN I LAUGH / Leonora /Vernon Lawrence Yorkshire

CORONATION STREET / Pauline / Roland Joffe Granada



FILM CREDITS INCLUDE:

THE ODESSA FILE / Sigi / Ronald Neame Columbia

COME DANCING / The Madam/ Mark Conn Dark Horse Pictures

AMAZONS AND GLADIATORS / Queen Zenobia/ Zachary Weintraub )

RAMPAGE / Julie / Manik Sandrasagra ) Paramount

WITNESS MADNESS / Ginny / Freddie Francis )

SORTED / Ann Foster /Alex Jovy Jovy Junior Films

MELODY IS HER SECOND NAME / Alex/ Jack Rochon U4ME Films

THE DARKENING / Maria Gabriel /Steven Hilliker Electronic Arts

PRESSING ENGAGEMENT / Mai Wells / Jon Weinbren
Yorkshire Films

THREE KINDS OF HEAT / Caroline Pyn /Leslie Stevens ABC

THE LIKELY LADS / Chris / Michael Tuckner EMI

THE DOUBT / Anne / Photis Constantindes EMI



THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE:

PRIVATE LIVES / Amanda /David Warwick Far-Eastern tour

STAGE STRUCK / Anne /Mark Piper )

I'LL BE BACK BEFORE MIDNIGHT / Laura /Mark Piper ) Theatre Royal, Windsor

PRESENT LAUGHTER / Joanna /Tom Conti )

AGIBAILS PARTY / Beverley /Ian Dickens Chichester Festival Theatre

THE MAINTENANCE MAN / Diana /June Howson The Mill, Sonning

WHY IS HERE THERE? / Miss Julie, Hedda Gabler/ Hilary Westlake Lumiere & Son/Riverside Studios

SWIMMING POOLS AT WAR / Cat /Bob Gillespie Offstage Downstairs

CARDS ON THE TABLE / Rhoda Dawes/ Peter Dews Vaudeville, London

BITTER TEARS OF PETRA VON KANT / Karin /Robert Walker New End, Hampstead

MOTHER EARTH / Various /Tony Palmer Roundhouse, London

THE LOVER / Sarah / Peter Dews Birmingham Rep

ACTION REPLAY / Helen/ Peter Farago Birmingham Rep

OEDIPUS / chorus Peter Dews Birmingham Rep


National tours:

MIXED FEELINGS / Jan /Jeremy Meadow National tour

DEAD FUNNY / Eleanor /Bruce James National tour

WHEN WE ARE MARRIED / Maria Helliwell /Ian Dickens National tour

POPCORN / Farrah Delamitri /Bruce James National tour

THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE / Mari Hoff/ Bruce James National tour

TABLE MANNERS and LIVING TOGETHER / Ruth /Ian Dickens National tour

GOOD MORNING, BILL / Dr. Sally Smith /Peter Clapham National tour

BBC refutes McGann 'Dr Who' return story

By Ben Rawson-Jones, Cult Editor

The BBC has rejected tabloid claims that Paul McGann has been cast in a forthcoming Doctor Who special.McGann portrayed the eighth incarnation of The Doctor in a 1996 television movie and a series of spinoff audio adventures. The Sun claimed that he will reprise the role in a 2009 special written by Russell T. Davies.

The article stated that he is "expected to begin filming in October or November" and will shoot scenes set during the Time War, an event that is key to the current mythology of the revived series.

However, a spokeswoman for the show told Digital Spy: "There is no truth to the story at all."

Paul McGann back as Dr Who

FORMER Doctor Who Paul McGann is making a surprise comeback to the Tardis next year.

The star of cult movie Withnail And I played the eighth Doc in a one-off TV film collaboration between the BBC and Fox in 1996.

But a follow-up series was never made and when the sci-fi show eventually returned to the Beeb in 2005, it starred Christopher Eccleston, 44, as the new Time Lord.

But Paul, 48, reprised his role in several audio adventures — some broadcast on radio — and has remained a firm favourite with fans.

He is expected to begin filming in October or November for one of four feature-length specials to be shown instead of a series in 2009.

Flashback scenes will see him battered from the Time War and shorn of the long hair he had in the film.

An insider said: “Fans loved Paul’s Doctor and feel he was never given the proper chance to shine. Reference is often made to the Time War which wiped out the Time Lords and this will give them a taste of that.”

Current Doc David Tennant will also appear.

(The Sun)

Piper blames bad weather for Rose's 'lisp'

Billie Piper has suggested that her vocal delivery as Rose Tyler during Doctor Who's fourth season may have been hampered by the cold weather.

Piper's return in the episode 'Turn Left' provoked criticism over the actress's apparent inability to reprise Rose's distinctive 'chavette' dialect. A number of viewers speculated that Piper may have been suffering from a speech impediment or developed a lisp prior to filming.

"I got really paranoid," Piper told Radio Times magazine. "Maybe it was really cold and my lips were tense, because we were shooting in the middle of winter and I'm always in a tiny leather jacket. But it seemed fine when I heard it."

Piper added: "When I went to work the next morning, the make-up guy said: 'Your speech sounded really funny'. I wonder if it was something in the final mix. Strange."

(Ben Rawson-Jones Digital Spy)

Tennant: Doctor Who Movie Edges Closer

David Tennant is reportedly keen to star in a big screen version of Doctor Who.

The Sun reports that the Scottish actor wants to sign a new deal with the BBC that includes playing The Doctor in both a spinoff movie and the fifth series of the popular drama in 2010.

Tennant has yet to commit to the role beyond several specials that mark the end of Russell T. Davies' tenure as executive producer.

An insider on the show told the tabloid: "It looks like the film is going to happen in the next few years... everyone is keen now and the fans are clamouring. Part of David’s conundrum is that he wants to do films, so this looks like it would solve both issues."

During the height of 'Dalekmania' in the 1960s, two movies starring Peter Cushing as the time traveller were released - Doctor Who And The Daleks and Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150 AD.

(Ben Rawson-Jones Digital Spy)

Sarah Jane Series 2 Press Pack

BBC Press Office have released a 'Press Pack' regarding series 2 of the Sarah Jane Adventures which airs on Monday 29th September 2008. First episode is The Last Sontaran which wll be transmitted at 4.35pm, with part two on 6th October at the same time.

The Last Sontaran

By Phil Ford, Directed By Joss Agnew

Part One - Reports of strange lights around the Tycho Radio Telescope lead Sarah Jane, Luke, Clyde and Maria into a terrifying forest encounter – and Sarah Jane comes face to face with her oldest enemy. Meanwhile Maria wrestles with a huge decision when her dad is offered a new job in America.

Part Two - Sarah Jane and the gang have only 40 minutes to save Earth as Sontaran Commander Kaagh plots to bring the world's orbiting satellites crashing down on nuclear installations across the world. And Maria's Mum finally gets to the truth from Alan – but will they be in time to save Maria?

Broadcast details

The Last Sontaran

Part One

Monday 29 September 4.35pm CBBC on BBC One

Part Two

Monday 29 September 5.15pm CBBC Channel

Monday 6 October 4.35pm CBBC on BBC One

The Day Of The Clown

Part One

Monday 6 October 5.15pm CBBC Channel

Monday 13 October 4.35pm CBBC on BBC One

Part Two

Monday 13 October 5.15pm CBBC Channel

Monday 20 October 4.35pm CBBC on BBC One

Secrets Of The Stars

Part One

Monday 20 October 5.15pm CBBC Channel

Monday 27 October 4.35pm CBBC on BBC One

Part Two

Monday 27 October 5.15pm CBBC Channel

Monday 3 November 4.35pm CBBC on BBC One

The Mark Of The Berserker

Part One

Monday 3 November 5.15pm CBBC Channel

Monday 10 November 4.35pm CBBC on BBC One

Part Two

Monday 10 November 5.15pm CBBC Channel

Monday 17 November 4.35pm CBBC on BBC One

The Temptation Of Sarah Jane Smith

Part One

Monday 17 November 5.15pm CBBC Channel

Monday 24 November 4.35pm CBBC on BBC One

Part Two

Monday 24 November 5.15pm CBBC Channel

Monday 1 December 4.35pm CBBC on BBC One

Enemy Of The Bane

Part One

Monday 1 December 5.15pm CBBC Channel

Monday 8 December 4.35pm CBBC on BBC One

Part Two

Monday 8 December 5.15pm CBBC Channel

Monday 15 December 4.35pm CBBC on BBC One

More Daleks invading in Who show revamp

The city’s popular Doctor Who exhibition is to undergo a massive revamp costing tens of thousands of pounds, the Echo can reveal today.

At least three new Daleks will arrive at the show’s Up Close exhibition at the Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay, next month.

And props from series four of the sci-fi drama will also feature among the new displays.

The Daleks have been described as “gobsmacking” by the exhibition’s creators Experience Design.

One is expected to be the red Sentinel Dalek – a larger model with specialist weapons.

They will form their own Dalek zone at the centre, similar to one at Britain’s largest Doctor Who exhibition in Earls Court in London.

Head designer at the firm Martin Wilkie said: “It will be the exhibition’s first refurbishment since it opened in the winter of 2005, when it was created as part of Cardiff celebrating its 100th year as a capital city.

“It was only intended to be there for a two-month run, but has stayed for almost three years due to popular demand.”

The Middlesex-based firm said it could not reveal the facelift’s full cost, but Mr Wilkie said it would run into tens of thousands of pounds.

He added: “We hope this will give visitors a real treat and the Daleks on display should be absolutely gobsmacking.

“We also want to expand on the Cardiff aspect of the show.

“We are looking at having audio tours in Cardiff Bay so people can visit the nearby Doctor Who sites.”

Caleb Woodbridge, a lifelong fan of the hit BBC series, said the expanded exhibition would prove popular with fans.

“The Daleks are iconic and feature heavily in the show – they are one of those characters with a broad appeal,” said the 22-year-old clerical assistant from Cathays, Cardiff.

“The have a monstrous evil about them that appeals to children.

“But they are also something that adults seem to respond to.”

The current exhibition will be closed to visitors while the facelift takes place between October 13 and 19.

(Wales Online)

Secret Diary Double Bill To Kick Off New Series On ITV2!

The new series of Secret Diary Of A Call Girl will start on Thursday 11th September at 22:00pm on ITV2 and will be a double bill, with episodes 1 and 2 being shown back to back.

Episode 1:

A journalist tries to blackmail Belle after he spots her with a client who turns out to be a politician. She also finds trouble in the form of Bambi, a girl with aspirations of becoming a high-class escort.

Episode 2:

Belle considers plastic surgery and agrees to go a date with Alex. Meanwhile, Bambi finds herself in a dangerous situation.