Doctor Who The Day Of The Doctor Was Third Most Watched In iPlayer Chart

The 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who, The Day Of The Doctor, starring Matt Smith, John Hurt and David Tennant was the third most watched show of 2013 on BBC iPlayer.

The special episode which also starred Jenna Coleman, Joanna Page and Billie Piper received 3,144,000 views on the BBC's interactive catchup service.

The Series 7 episode of Doctor Who, The Bells Of Saint John, also featured in the top ten after being watched by 2,610,000 viewers on the service. 

The full top ten was as follows:
1. Top Gear Series 19 - Africa Special: Part 1 - 3,422,000 views
2. Top Gear Series 19 - Episode 1 - 3,220,000 views
3. Doctor Who - The Day of the Doctor - 3,144,000 views
4. Bad Education Series 2 - Swimming Gala Episode 1 - 2,907,000 views
5. Top Gear Series 19 - Africa Special: Part 2 Episode 7 - 2,764,000 views
6. Top Gear Series 20 - Episode 1 - 2,649,000
7. Top Gear Series 19 - Episode 2 - 2,625,000
8. Africa - Kalahari Episode 1 - 2,617,000
9. Doctor Who Series 7 Part 2 - The Bells of Saint John Episode 1 - 2,610,000
10. Madagascar – 2,417,000


The Daily Telegraph reports that  in total BBC iPlayer received 3 billion requests to catch up with TV and radio shows in 2013, an increase of 33 per cent from 2012. 

Find out more about Doctor Who on our website here.

David Tennant Christmas Countdown: 2 Days To Go!

23rd December - Nativity 2: Danger In The Manger!

A singalong version of Born In The Hay from last year's hit Christmas film which starred David as estranged twin brothers competing in a national Song For Christmas competition

REVIEW: Nativity 2: Danger In The Manger!

On the lookout for a Christmas gift, or perhaps some festive fun for a family Christmas Eve? Look no further, as David Tennant's 2012 film Nativity 2: Danger In The Manger! is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.
Find out what it's all about below:

Nativity 2: Danger In The Manger

In 2009, the modest family film Nativity! introduced us to the riotous kids of St. Bernadette’s Primary School in Coventry, their teacher Mr. Maddens (Martin Freeman) and a classroom assistant unlike any other in Mr. Poppy (Marc Wootton). It proved to be a home-grown Christmas hit, providing families with festive, feel good fun and a heart-warming story of adults and children finding their own self-belief and talents.

The sequel reached UK cinema screens last year and has now been released on DVD and Blu-Ray in time for this Christmas. With Martin Freeman off seeking dragon treasure in Middle Earth it falls to David Tennant to step into the chaotic world of St. Bernadette’s as new teacher Donald Peterson who has just moved to the area with his very pregnant wife Sarah (Joanna Page). Mr. Poppy has been left in charge of the class in the absence of a proper teacher, and the school day is full of farting contests, silly string wars and secret auditions for the Song For Christmas competition, entry to which is promptly banned by Mrs. Bevans (Pam Ferris). Unlike previous replacements for Mr. Maddens, Mr. Peterson manages to survive beyond the first day, despite finding a shrine dedicated to his predecessor and dealing with a classroom full of babies. He even thinks he has managed to talk the ever-enthusiastic Mr. Poppy out of the planned trip to compete in the Song For Christmas contest, but Mr. Poppy has his own ideas about that and the anxious teacher is soon right out of his comfort zone as part of an ill-advised and unauthorised ride across Wales with half of the class and a baby.

David Tennant takes a dual role in the film, also playing Mr. Peterson’s twin Roderick. Roderick Peterson is a huge success, a household name with awards and international recognition, much to the pride of their overbearing and unpleasant father (Ian McNeice). So not only will St. Bernadette’s be up against previous rivals Oakmoor School, led by Gordon Shakespeare (played with exuberant flair by Jason Watkins) but, to Donald’s horror, they will also be in competition with the elitist St. Cuthbert’s choir led by his estranged brother.  Roderick, snooty, cold, selfish and not adverse to bending the rules to get what he wants (“We do not cheat, we succeed” he icily informs one of his choristers) is the product of some of Mr. Peterson Snr’s more dubious parenting techniques, the same techniques that have left the other twin fearful of challenge and growth.

Director Debbie Isitt has taken the themes from the first film and expanded upon them, sending her protagonists on a physical journey as well as their own personal journey of discovery. Her characters face challenges that lead them to have faith in themselves and to believe that they can achieve anything they want. The theme of family is also very apparent, and the role of the father is a particular focus, with a number of the characters either missing fathers or being affected by their parent’s actions. It is all part of Donald’s journey from the over-anxious character we meet at the outset as he prepares for fatherhood and starts to believe in his own gifts and talents.

But alongside the intrinsic messages, the film is a very likeable and unashamed piece of Christmas fun, with the added bonus of having some very accomplished actors on board. The improvised performances are strong and natural and it’s clear that the cast were having a lot of enjoyment exploring their roles. David Tennant as Donald may be a little over the top with the frustrated yelling at times, but he seems to be relishing the challenge of the two roles so much, giving fans two versions of David to enjoy:  one ruffle-haired, permanently harassed and endearingly loveable, the other smooth, bespectacled, and ever so slightly evil, so that we can surely overlook that. Marc Wootton is as hilarious and unpredictable as ever in the role of the anarchic Mr. Poppy but he is given a poignant side that explains perhaps his need to remain in the safety of childhood. Joanna Page gives Sarah Peterson a reassuringly strong side, more than the quiet little wife in the background but one who is strong enough to stick up for her husband when he needs her. The children are just the right side of cute, being allowed free rein to be themselves rather than give voice to mawkish adult-scripted lines. A Christmas Song competition, of course, needs credible Christmas songs, and the ones on show here are beautifully considered: the Phil Spector-like Counting Down, carbon copies of Justin Bieber and N-Dubz, the high choral number Peace And Love and of course the show-stopping and extremely catchy Born In The Hay.  The contest is hosted by superstar Angel Matthews, played in fabulous spiteful style by Jessica Hynes, who makes no secret of her crush on Roderick.

Primarily the film is aimed at children, so there’s plenty of toilet humour and slapstick and teachers getting tied up or pelted with eggs. But there’s also enough quality fun going on to appeal to all ages and there are plenty of laughs throughout. Moreover there is the strong moral message that from humility comes success, and that success can come to anyone who believes hard enough. There are admittedly one or two instances where events are questionable. Where, for instance, did Mr. Poppy stumble across a London Duck Bus in the middle of Coventry? And the ending itself requires some suspension of disbelief. Though maybe not. If you go in expecting just what this film is meant to be - a good, old-fashioned movie that the whole family can enjoy at Christmas - then you will surely accept that a Christmas miracle has taken place and that the conclusion is then exactly as it should be. It’s got to be a sad old world if we can’t expect a bit of magic at Christmas. And there’s a flying donkey out there somewhere who wholeheartedly agrees with that.


The DVD release also comes packed with extras including a Making Of featurette and some hilarious outtakes.

UK

Buy Nativity 2 on DVD here.

Buy Nativity 2 on Blu-Ray here. 

USA

Buy Nativity 2 on DVD here

Buy Nativity 2 on Blu-Ray here

Australia

Buy Nativity 2 on DVD here

Watch a clip here:

David Tennant Christmas Countdown: 24 Days To Go!

Because we're all so excited about Christmas, we'll be posting a David Tennant themed festive treat through December until the big day.

So, put down the wrapping paper, pour yourself an inappropriately large mug of mulled wine for the
 time of day and enjoy...


1st December: Nativity 2: Danger In The Manger! (2012) - the official trailer

Nativity 2: Danger In The Manger! is available now to buy - order here: 

UK DVD

UK Blu-Ray

USA DVD

Australia & New Zealand DVD

Ding! - Another The Day Of The Doctor Preview Clip Unlocked

The official BBC The Day Of The Doctor website has today unlocked a new clip of the episode featuring David Tennant.

Watch the video here

Fans are using the hastag #savetheday on Twitter and Facebook in order to unlock the sneak previews.
Find out more at http://www.doctorwhosavetheday.com

VIDEO: Joanna Page On Why She Took The Role In The Day Of The Doctor

In a new video interview released by the BBC, Joanna Page talks about why she took the role in Doctor Who: The Day Of The Doctor, even though she had become a mum only a few weeks previously.

"When they phone and say can you play Queen Elizabeth I in the 50th Anniversary special you have to say yes," she explained.

Watch the clip, which gives brief glimpses of the first readthrough and a location shoot with David Tennant, here:

The Day Of The Doctor starring Matt Smith, David Tennant, Joanna Page, Billie Piper, Jenna Coleman and John Hurt will be broadcast worldwide in sync with the BBC One premiere at 7.50pm GMT on Saturday 23rd November.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND: Nativity 2! Released On DVD Today

David Tennant's fun, festive family movie Nativity 2! Danger In The Manger is released on DVD across Australia and New Zealand today.

David Tennant stars in Nativity 2 Danger In The Manger as an anxious teacher who starts a new job at an under-achieving school and quickly finds himself struggling to cope with a wild classroom assistant, a group of under-performing kids and his own very pregnant wife. He soon becomes embroiled in a madcap plan to enter a National ‘Song for Christmas’ Competition and finds himself embarking on a disastrous road trip in search of the competition venue – the ‘Christmas Castle’. Lost in the wilderness with a class of small children, a baby and a donkey, he has to stand up, face his fears and try to lead them not only to safety, but victory. Nativity 2 is part action adventure, part musical and has all the comedy, warmth and heart that audiences love.

Buy Nativity 2 on DVD here. 

Find out more about the film, see photos, and watch clips on our website here.

USA RELEASE: NATIVITY 2! RELEASED ON DVD TODAY

David Tennant's fun, festive family movie Nativity 2! Danger In The Manger is released on DVD across the USA today.

David Tennant stars in Nativity 2 Danger In The Manger as an anxious teacher who starts a new job at an under-achieving school and quickly finds himself struggling to cope with a wild classroom assistant, a group of under-performing kids and his own very pregnant wife. He soon becomes embroiled in a madcap plan to enter a National ‘Song for Christmas’ Competition and finds himself embarking on a disastrous road trip in search of the competition venue – the ‘Christmas Castle’. Lost in the wilderness with a class of small children, a baby and a donkey, he has to stand up, face his fears and try to lead them not only to safety, but victory. Nativity 2 is part action adventure, part musical and has all the comedy, warmth and heart that audiences love.

Buy Nativity 2 on DVD here. 

It will also be released on Blu-ray on 26th November.

Buy Natvity 2 on Blu Ray here. 

Find out more about the film, see photos, and watch clips on our website here.

UK RELEASE: Nativity 2! Released On DVD & Blu-ray Today

David Tennant's fun, festive family movie Nativity 2! Danger In The Manger is released on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK today.

David Tennant stars in Nativity 2 Danger In The Manger as an anxious teacher who starts a new job at an under-achieving school and quickly finds himself struggling to cope with a wild classroom assistant, a group of under-performing kids and his own very pregnant wife. He soon becomes embroiled in a madcap plan to enter a National ‘Song for Christmas’ Competition and finds himself embarking on a disastrous road trip in search of the competition venue – the ‘Christmas Castle’. Lost in the wilderness with a class of small children, a baby and a donkey, he has to stand up, face his fears and try to lead them not only to safety, but victory. Nativity 2 is part action adventure, part musical and has all the comedy, warmth and heart that audiences love.

Buy Nativity 2 on DVD here. | Buy Natvity 2 on Blu Ray here. 

A double pack featuring both Nativity! and Nativity 2! is also released today

Order the double pack  DVD  | Order the double pack Blu-ray

Find out more about the film, see photos, and watch clips on our website here.

UK PREMIERE: The Day Of The Doctor Clip On Children In Need Tonight

The BBC will be showing an exclusive clip from the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary special The Day Of The Doctor during the Children In Need telethon tonight.

According to the Radio Times the clip will be shown in the first section of the programme between 7.30 - 8.00pm. They say:

Children In Need 2013
7.30pm GMT, BBC One

Terry Wogan and Tess Daly present another bumper evening of fundraising fun, which sees a massive line-up of stars singing, dancing or acting plain daft in support of disadvantaged children across the UK. The fun kicks off with the cast of West End smash Matilda singing a medley of songs from the show, boy band JLS performing some of their greatest hits in Albert Square and a treat for Doctor Who fans with an exclusive clip from the long-awaited 50th anniversary episode, which is being shown in just over a week, on Saturday, November 23.

8pm: Ice-skating stars Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean swap their skates for dance shoes to go head to head in this year's Strictly challenge. 

8.30pm: One Direction make their first appearance of the night, Gary Barlow introduces a nationwide choir of 1,500 children united in song and Frank Skinner banishes more celebrities' pet hates in a special edition of Room 101. 

9pm: Terry is joined by co-host Fearne Cotton as Harry Hill presents his own remake of a classic 1980s pop video - with a host of celebrity cameos - Albert Square also comes alive with dance, as EastEnders favourites demonstrate a multitude of styles, including Charleston, Bollywood, urban, tango and ballroom. The One Show's Alex Jones and Team Rickshaw complete their week-long 700-mile journey, the cast of Call the Midwife tackle a song-and-dance medley, and Ellie Goulding performs the official Children in Need single, How Long Will I Love You. 

Children In Need is the BBC’s own UK charity. It has been active since 1980 and currently supports over 2,600 projects, working 365 days a year, to make a difference to disabled and disadvantaged children and young people all over the United Kingdom. 

Visit the BBC Children In Need website to find out how you can support the 2013 campaign

Doctor Who: The Day Of The Doctor stars Matt Smith, David Tennant. Jenna Coleman, Billie Piper and John Hurt. The 75 minute 3D special premieres on Saturday 23rd November at 7.50pm GMT on BBC One and at 2.50pm ET on BBC America, and will be simulcast in 2D and 3D by TV broadcasters and cinemas in over 75 different countries around the world. Click here for a list of participating territories.

Find out more about The Day Of The Doctor here

Debbie Isitt On Nativity 2: Both David Tennant And Joanna Page Are Amongst The Best Actors In Britain.

Debbie Isitt, the creator and director of the hit 2012 Christmas film Nativity 2: Danger In The Manger has been talking about filming with David Tennant and Joanna Page. The stars played overanxious primary school teacher Mr. Peterson and his very pregnant wife in sequel to Nativity! which continued the misadventures of the staff and pupils of St. Bernadette's School. 

“Both David Tennant and Joanna Page are amongst the best actors in Britain. I love working with great actors! They throw themselves into the story and work with genuine fearlessness and commitment,” said Debbie. “I feel so lucky to have worked with such great actors and improvisers in my films. I really feel like I work with the best actors in the country.”

Filming took place on location in Wales and Warwickshire in late 2011. With the characters lost in the Welsh countryside on their way to a Song For Christmas competition, there was opportunity for not only some action packed scenes but also plenty of laughs.

"Filming the Nativity films is always fun. With animals, children and Mr Poppy (Marc Wootton) things can often get out of control and have us all laughing our heads off on set. David and Joanna both had to keep straight faces whilst doing amazingly brave stunts for this movie," explains Debbie. "David fell in the river when white water rafting - by accident! He was thrown down a rapid river but agreed to let me keep it in the scene, as it was so funny!

"Joanna had to get up in a helicopter without any door on it and fly thousands of feet up in the air to try and rescue David, who was stranded on a mountain! She was so brave - they both were - but all the time Mr Poppy was shouting funny things at them to try and make them laugh.

"They both did a fair bit of giggling - but that’s all good fun - it’s in the spirit of the Nativity movies to enjoy the filming process.

"I think the funniest day was when Joanna’s character was giving birth in the manger and David’s character had to deliver the baby twins.I can’t go into too much detail but we were all literally rolling in the hay with laughter!"

Debbie also confirms that there will be a third film in the series."We are just about to start shooting Nativity 3 'Dude, Where’s My Donkey?'" she says."Bring on the children, animals and tinsel' - I’m good to go!"

Read more at Female First

Nativity 2: Danger In The Manger! is released on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on Monday 18th November and the discs will include deleted scenes, outtakes and featurettes. 

Click here to order the DVD

Click here to order the Blu-ray

It is also due to be released on DVD in the USA and Australia

USA - released on Tuesday 19th November: click here to pre-order

Australia and New Zealand - released Wednesday 20th November: click here to pre-order

David Tennant and Joanna Page will next be seen together again in Doctor Who: The Day Of The Doctor which will be simulcast by TV broadcasters worldwide on Saturday 23rd November.

VIDEO: Watch The The Day Of The Doctor Official Trailer

The BBC have now posted the official trailer to Doctor Who The Day Of The Doctor online.

The first trailer was due to have its premiere later on tonight on BBC One at 8pm GMT, with a simultaneous broadcast on BBC America. However, BBC Entertainment Latin America appear to have posted the clip in error early last night.

It is not clear whether the clip was the one due to debut tonight or the second preview promised for Sunday night on BBC One.

Watch the trailer here:

The Day Of The Doctor stars Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman and sees the return of David Tennant and Billie Piper. They are joined in the TARDIS by John Hurt as a third, unknown incarnation of the TimeLord. Other known cast include Jemma Redgrave, Joanna Page and Ingrid Oliver. 

The Day Of The Doctor will premiere worldwide on Saturday 23rd November at 7.50pm GMT on BBC One and 2.50pm ET on BBC America, with a global simulcast on TV across over 75 different countries and a broadcast into cinemas around the world

INTERVIEW: Joanna Page On Romantic Scenes With David Tennant For The Anniversary Special

The Doctor Who 50th Anniversary is now slightly over two weeks off. Ahead of the milestone event, the BBC have released more information and production images and have posted interviews with some of the cast and creatives of the 75 minute 3D special.

Joanna Page spoke to the BBC about her role as Queen Elizabeth I and filming romantic scenes with the Tenth Doctor on top of a freezing cold Welsh mountain.

INTERVIEW WITH JOANNA PAGE- QUEEN ELIZABETH I

Welsh actress Joanna Page takes on the role of Queen Elizabeth I and talks here about playing the monarch with an accent and filming romantic scenes on top of a mountain in Neath.

Question: What’s it like being part of the 50th, one of the biggest years on the show?

Joanna Page: It’s amazing being part of the 50th anniversary. I just remember getting an email asking if I’d play Queen Elizabeth I, which in itself I couldn’t believe because she’s so iconic, even in the history of Doctor Who. I’ve always wanted to be in Doctor Who and now to be in it and playing Queen Elizabeth I is absolutely fantastic, so exciting.

Q: And what did you do when you first found out about the news?

JP: When I first found out about the news I phoned my mum and my dad and obviously, told my husband and then I sat down and read the script, because I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I just couldn’t believe that they had sent it to me as it was like gold dust. There were all these rumours in the papers about what’s happening, and so and so is coming back and I just thought I’m actually going to know what happens. I’ve never done a job where you have to keep a secret before and it’s been really difficult, but also really exciting because you know and no one else does.

Q: You’re playing royalty; can we expect a Queen Elizabeth with a Welsh twang?

JP: Well it’s very funny being one of the most well-known Welsh people and having to stand up and say, ‘How dare you, I’m the Queen of England’. That did make me laugh, but no, I’m playing her with an English accent. But John Hurt said she actually wouldn't have had a very English accent, because there were so many different influences.

Q: What was it like working Matt, David, Billie and Jenna?

JP: It was quite scary working with Matt, David, Billie and Jenna because they’re iconic and they’re these major characters that I’ve watched and are part of Doctor Who history. It’s really funny acting with them because you look at them and they’re almost like cartoon characters because you see them so much and you’ve watched them and you believe them.

It’s just been fascinating and working with the two Doctors is brilliant because it’s the same character, but seeing how the two boys just play them completely differently and how they work off each other it’s really funny. After reading the script and then hearing it all in the read through it just all came to life and I thought, ‘Wow this is going to be fantastic’.

Q: There’s a little bit of romance between Queen Elizabeth and the Tenth Doctor. What was is it like filming those scenes?

JP: Filming the romantic scenes were quite difficult because my first day was on top of a mountain in Neath. It was absolutely freezing, it was blowing a gale and David, the Tenth Doctor and I, are having a picnic. So I’m lying across him and he probably couldn’t breathe, because I’ve just got this massive costume on, and he’s feeding me grapes as I’m just desperately shivering. You’ve got to try and play it romantic and relaxed, when actually you’re freezing cold. I think our lips were turning blue and I stopped feeling my hands. The next day, because it had been so cold with the wind my hands were bright red and all blistered because they were so chapped. So everyone is probably jealous, thinking she gets to kiss the Tenth Doctor and it’s all romantic, but it’s not; my lips were numb and my hands were chapped.

Q: Where will you be watching the episode?

JP: I’m going to be watching the episode in my living room. My husband has been asking for ages if we can buy a 3D TV and I said no, but now after putting on the glasses myself, it’s fantastic so I’ve said we have to get a 3D TV. So we’ll be watching it in the living room with all of my family round and then I’ll probably go to the cinema and watch it as well.

Look out for the trailer for The Day Of The Doctor on BBC One and BBC America on Saturday 9th November shortly before 8pm GMT

Find out more about the special here

SciFi Now Visit The Set Of Doctor Who: The Day Of The Doctor

The new issue of SciFi Now magazine, out now, contains a celebration of 50 years of Doctor Who. There's a look at all eleven incarnations of the Time Lord, a preview of the Mark Gatiss-scripted drama An Adventure In Space And Time, and their exclusive account of a visit to the set of Doctor Who: The Day Of The Doctor.

Set Visit: Doctor Who

On set in Cardiff, Joanna Page is terrified that she will mislay pages of the highly secret script
"It's so scary, because your name is written across every single page of the script. 'My God, don't put them in the bin! Make sure I shred them!' I'm terrified that something's going to be found on the pavement and it's going to have 'Joanna Page' over it and then they're going to hang me," she says

Matt Smith says of the reappearance of the Tenth Doctor, "I think having the meeting of Doctors sort of sprinkles a bit of fairy dust on it, you know? Even for the crew and everyone, just seeing the costumes next to each other, seeing the Converse and the bow tie...it's kind of cool."

David Tennant talked about returning. "You don't know quite how you're going to feel about it," he said. "And you never know entirely if it's wise to go back to anything. But with Doctor Who there has always been the precedent, so I guess it was always there as a possibility. It's not like I'm doing a season, it's very much a lovely thing to revisit for a handful of filming days, and something that I still feel very fondly about. I had a very wonderful, happy time here, so it's no great trial to have another wee go."

Read the full feature in Issue 86 of SciFi Now, available now in the UK

A digital edition of the magazine can be downloaded here

The Day Of The Doctor: Joanna Page Confirms Elizabeth I Role

Joanna Page appeared on ITV’s Loose Women earlier today and confirmed that she will be playing Queen Elizabeth I in the Doctor Who 50^th Anniversary special The Day Of The Doctor. She also spoke about what it was like working on the show so soon after giving birth.

New mother Joanna revealed that she had intended to take a year off after giving birth to her daughter Eva, but the Doctor Who offer was too good to refuse. Joanna made sure that there were conditions to her returning to work early.

“Doctor Who asked..” she said. “You don’t expect three weeks after giving birth for them to phone and say will you play Elizabeth I. I said ‘Yes, OK, but [my daughter]’s coming with me, and I think they knew not to mess with me, I was like a lioness. I was ‘I’m feeding, this is when she gets fed, she’s coming on set, she’s coming everywhere with me’, and that’s what happened. But everyone was just great.”

The filming schedule was adjusted to the new baby’s needs, sometimes at very short notice.

“One day I was about to get on the back of a horse with David Tennant and James, my husband, drove in in the car with Eva, said ‘She needs feeding’ so I got off the horse, got in the back of the car, ripped open the bodice and Elizabeth I was breast feeding! That’s working mum for you.” Joanna said.

Today’s edition of Loose Women is available on ITV Player for the next 29 days.

Joanna can be seen in the new ITV drama Breathless tonight from 9pm.

The Day Of The Doctor stars Matt Smith, David Tennant, Joanna Page, Billie Piper, Jenna Coleman and John Hurt. It will be simulcast worldwide on Saturday 23rd November.

Find out more about The Day Of The Doctor on our website

Joanna Page Talks Doctor Who 50th Anniversary

Actress Joanna Page has revealed that she didn't even have to audition for her role alongside David Tennant and Matt Smith  in the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special. 
Talking to the Radio Times website she said; "I've wanted to be in Doctor Who for ages, they just phoned and said 'Will you be in it?' and I said 'Oh my God! Yes definitely'".
She admitted to being a little nervous when she first turned up on set saying:
"It was so much fun getting to act with the different Doctors but it was quite scary and intimidating at first." 
Joanna says she loved working with John Hurt who will also star in the Special:
"He is so much fun. He's got the most amazing stories, he's just fantastic. And you see him on set and he's got that amazing voice and he doesn't do anything - he just starts saying the lines and you're like, 'Oh my god, you are the best actor I've ever seen.'"
And the actress is careful not to reveal any of the closely guarded secrets of the episode adding:
"What's scary is your script arrives and on every single page it says 'Joanna Page' over it so you know that if you leave it on the tube or if you've forwarded it to someone, you are in the s**t. So doing interviews I was like, 'Don't say anything. Make sure you don't reveal anything.'" 

Keep up to date with the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary on our website here.

Doctor Who Magazine Confirms David Tennant Is The Only Past Doctor To Return For 50th Anniversary

The new issue of Doctor Who Magazine (#460) which is released tomorrow reveals that David Tennant is the only past Doctor who will be appearing in the 50th Anniversary Special.
The magazine also confirms that Christopher Eccleston was approached to take part, but he will not be appearing.
Show boss Steven Moffat says of the special episode that will see David Tennant and Matt Smith join forces "We can't make this all about looking backward..."
Other cast confirmed for the episode include Jenna-Louise Coleman, Billie Piper, Joanna Page and John Hurt.

Thanks to Steve Ryder.

First Doctor Who Location Photos And Sightings Appear (SPOILERS)

The first photos of the filming of the 50th Anniversary episode of Doctor Who have started to appear online already.

The above photo of what appears to be the Tenth Doctor's TARDIS was uploaded to Twitter by @cazj911  and was taken in Neath, South Wales and both David and Matt have been spotted on set.

Meanwhile Twitter user @ryanfarrr posted the Tweet that everone wanted to hear:

"I've been waiting for three years to post this tweet: Matt Smith and David Tennant have arrived on set #dwsr"

Over the weekend the BBC conformed that David Tennant, Billie Piper, Joanna Page and John Hurt will all be joining Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman in the episode, which will air on BBC One in November.

SPOILERS FOLLOW....

---------------------------

David Tennant has been seen on a medieval style set. Photo below:

Photo from @Erin_Rickard  - with thanks

David Tennant & Billie Piper Return To Doctor Who: Press Round Up

On Saturday the BBC confirmed that David Tennant and Billie Piper would be returning to Doctor Who and joining Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman for the much anticipated 50th Anniversary episode.
The press have naturally been almost as excited as fans by this news. Here's a collection of the coverage:

• David Tennant and Billie Piper To Return To Doctor Who - The Telegraph
• David Tennant and Billie Piper Confirmed To Return For Doctor Who Special - Daily Mail
• David Tennant and Billie Piper Return - Daily Mirror
• David Tennant and Billie Piper To Make Doctor Who Comeback - The Metro
• David Tennant and Billie Piper Return For 50th Anniversary - The Sun

The readthrough of the script and the announcement that Joanna Page will be joining the cast has also been covered:

• Tennant and Smith Pictured Together At 50th Anniversary Readthrough - Daily Mail
• Joanna Page On Board For Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Episode - Daily Mirror
• Two Timelords Together - Daily Express

Second Photo and More Casting Info From The Doctor Who Anniversary Special

The BBC Doctor Who Official Twitter feed have now released a second photo from today's read through for the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special.

The photo features David Tennant and Matt Smith along with Jenna-Louise Coleman, the Eleventh Doctor's latest companion. The picture also confirms that Gavin And Stacey and Nativity 2 star Joanna Page will also be joining the cast. Billie Piper and John Hurt were confirmed as cast members on Saturday. Further announcements are expected to be made very soon.

Work on the special, written by showrunner Steven Moffat and directed by Nick Hurran, began on Monday 1st April. It is expected to be shown on BBC One on Saturday 23rd November, the day of the programme's 50th birthday. 

Visit the BBC Doctor Who site or follow @BBCdoctorwho on Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest news from the special