Rule change at the BBC could move Doctor Who and others out of prime time

Here’s an interesting article. Basically, pressure from commercial channels in the U.K. could force the BBC to move Doctor Who and other high performing programs out of prime time, because they are pulling viewers away from other shows. Fore more information, click on the source link below. Then come back here and tell us what you think of the move in the comments below, or chime in on the conversation on our Facebook page.

The BBC could be forced to move programmes such as Doctor Who and Sherlock from prime-time slots to avoid clashes with rival shows, it has been reported.

Source: BBC prime-time schedule ban: Strictly and Doctor Who among shows that could be moved ‘as part of rule-change’

dw on tv 2

 

Episode 278 – English History 101

ttv_logo_newWe take a side step away from Doctor Who again this week for another ‘Beyond the Doctor’. This time we examine Ninth Doctor actor, Christopher Eccleston in the role of the Duke of Norfolk in the 1998 film, Elizabeth, also starring Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush. We give our impressions of the film as well as rate Eccleston’s performance.

Plus, we talk about the new companion announcement that dropped over the weekend. Also, some convention news from here at home.

And, feedback returns this week.

Enjoy!

New Companion Revealed!

Not only did the BBC announce Pearl Mackie is joining the show as Bill, we got a new trailer/clip of her in action! Check it out below:

They also sent out a press release which you can read below and more pictures!capaldi-Pearl-Mackie-series-10

BBC One today announced Pearl Mackie will join the Doctor Who cast as The Doctor’s new companion. Pearl was exclusively revealed to audiences on BBC One during half time the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday 23rd August.

 

On joining the cast in her first major television role, Pearl said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Doctor Who family. It’s such an extraordinary British institution, I couldn’t be prouder to call the TARDIS my home!

 

“Peter Capaldi is such a brilliant actor, and his Doctor is such a wacky and wonderful character, I can’t wait to see what adventures are in store for him and Bill throughout time and space. Reading the script at the audition I thought Bill was wicked. Fantastically written, cool, strong, sharp, a little bit vulnerable with a bit of geekiness thrown in — I can’t wait to bring her to life, and to see how she develops through the series.

 

“I always loved stage combat at drama school so I can’t wait to get on set and kick some evil monsters into the next dimension!”

 

“Shooting the trailer was absolutely mental, there were pyro technics and smoke and I met my first Dalek! I’m not sure it will ever become ‘the norm’ seeing crazy monsters on set, but I cannot wait to meet some more! The weirder the better, bring it on!”

 

Peter Capaldi said: “It is a genuine delight to welcome Pearl Mackie to Doctor Who. A fine, fine actress with a wonderful zest and charm, she’s a refreshing addition to the TARDIS and will bring a universe of exciting new possibilities to The Doctor’s adventures.”

 

Steven Moffat, Lead Writer and Executive Producer adds: “A new face in the TARDIS, a new voyage about to begin: welcome aboard the amazing Pearl Mackie! This is where the story really starts.”

 

Charlotte Moore, Acting Director of Television said: “It’s so exciting to be revealing the much anticipated new companion to the nation in such spectacular style. Pearl brings a wonderful energy and lights up the screen. She will captivate Doctor Who fans old and new across the globe.”

 

Brian Minchin, Executive Producer adds: “We’re utterly thrilled to have the hugely talented Pearl join Doctor Who and I can’t wait to begin her new adventures in time and space!”

Pearl-Mackie-bill-2016-portrait-300x451What do you think of the casting? Send us your feedback at feedback@travelingthevortex.com or on the tab above!

capaldi-Pearl-Mackie-filming-trailer-2016

Traveling Quiz Show To Debut At Planet Comicion 2016

As long time guests to Kansas City’s Planet Comicion, Traveling The Vortex is pleased and to announce something new for this year’s convention. We have been working on a trivia extravaganza that we humbly call “The Great Traveling The Vortex Quiz Show”. It’s one part Qi, one part The Price Is Right, and one part The Gong Show. It’ll be high on energy, fun and audience participation. And if that doesn’t build it up way too much, I’m not sure what else to say. Here’s a super sneak peak:

If you wanna join the fun and have a chance to compete on the show, you better be at Planet Comicion, May 20-22.

Doctor Who Comics Crossover Event for Summer!

Today Titan comics announced a massive crossover even for Doctor Who Comics Day celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Cybermen!

The 5 issue bi-weekly adventure is titled ‘Supremacy of the Cybermen’ and stars the Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston), Tenth Doctor (David Tennant), Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith), and Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi), and their comic companions – Gabby, Cindy, Alice, Rose (Billie Piper) and Captain Jack (John Barrowman)!

Here’s how Titan comics describe the plot:

“Exiled from Gallifrey at the very end of time, Rassilon, fallen leader of the Time Lords, has been captured by the last of the Cybermen. Now, the Cybermen have access to time travel. With it, every defeat becomes a victory. Every foe is now dead — or Cyberized.”

Written by George Mann & Cavan Scott with art by Alessandro Vitti the first issue drops Wednesday, July 6th, just ahead of Doctor Who Comics Day on Saturday July 9th and will feature 5 variant covers.

2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the show’s iconic cyborgs, the Cybermen. The Cybermen first appeared in the story ‘The Tenth Planet’ in 1966, and have been featured in Doctor Who numerous times since, including being brought back in the “new series” in the 2006 two-part, ‘Rise of the Cybermen’ and ‘The Age of Steel.’

DW_Event_2016_#1_Cover_B DW_Event_2016_#1_Cover_C DW_Event_2016_#1_Cover_D

Episode 277 – Don’t Steal Chairs

ttv_logo_newIn this week’s show we review the next two stories in Big Finish’s Fourth Doctor Adventures with The Sands of Life and War Against the Laan. We give our impressions of these two stories, and their all-star cast.

Plus, some news out of Big Finish, convention updates, and a public service announcement that out lawyers are forcing us to put into the show.

Enjoy!

Links mentioned in the show:

Doctor Who Short Trips – Zoe Returns

Gallifrey One 2017, 28 Years Later

Torchwood Returns!

…but probably not the way you were expecting.

Titan Comics have revealed they are bringing sexy back!

Captain Jack Harkness returns to Cardiff (and the lives of Gwen and Rhys Cooper) in an ongoing comic series set within the recent Big Finish audio play continuity.  It’s being billed as the continuation of the Torchwood saga, as Jack goes on the hunt for alien technology and fights against a shadow organization.

Global threats, big conspiracies, it sounds like classic Torchwood.

And perhaps the best piece of news: The comic is being written by none other than John Barrowman and his sister, Carol E. Barrowman. Antonio Fuso and Pasquale Qualano provide artwork.

RUMOR: Doctor Who Star Playing Darth Vader?

Rogue-One-A-Star-Wars-Story-logo

Radiotimes.com offered some speculation today about the new film Star Wars: Rogue One set to release later this year. Here is what the U.K website is reporting:

Disney have not confirmed that Darth Vader is even in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, let alone let slip who will actually be playing him. But this casting rumour is too good not to point out.

 

Why? Because the person allegedly lined up to play Lord Vader is a Doctor Who star. Ain’t sci-fi fun?

You probably haven’t heard the name Spencer Wilding. You probably couldn’t even pick him out in a crowd. But list off the TV shows and movies that the actor, martial artist and specialist creature performer has appeared in, and you realise this guy is serious business.

To learn more about his Doctor Who connection, you can read the rest of the article here.

Big Finish: Wendy Padbury Reprising Zoe Heriot Role

potterpadbury

Ian Potter and Wendy Padbury at the recording of The British Invasion

Blogtorwho.com is reporting that Big Finish has announced that Wendy Padbury will reprise her role as Zoe Heriot for two upcoming releases. Padbury originally starred alongside Patrick Troughton’s Doctor between 1968 and 1969, and has returned as Zoe on audio a number of times since 2007.

Padbury has recently recorded one of Big Finish’s monthly Short Trips Doctor Who stories – The British Invasion by Ian Potter.

These half-hour adventures are only available via download from the Big Finish website for £2.99 each.

The British Invasion is described as follows:

A huge metal dome sits by the side of the river Thames. Within it is a device that might change the entire future of humanity. The Doctor, Zoe and Jamie embark on a small act of kindness but the TARDIS seems oddly unwilling to help. It’s as if it knows the truth. There is something waiting here, something adaptable and cunning, gathering its strength to conquer the stars…

For more on the article click here.

For more on Big Finish’s Short Trips range go here.

Episode 276 – In Mother Russia…

ttv_logo_newThis week’s episode of the podcast focuses on the first story in the second season of Big Finish’s Fourth Doctor Adventures with The Auntie Matter.  We provide our impressions of the story featuring the Fourth Doctor as portrayed by Tom Baker and the return of Mary Tamm in the role of Romana.

Also, we take a look at the first five issues of Year Two of Titan’s Eleventh Doctor Comic series, featuring a familiar comics companion from long ago, Abslom Daak: Dalek Killer, and a not-so-familiar returning companion, known so far as the Squire.

Plus, some recent news.

Enjoy!

Links mentioned in the show: Gallifrey One: 28 Years Later