The Whoniverse Round-Up December 2020

 

December 2020 

 

Jeremy Bulloch 

Jeremy Bulloch was born on 16th February 1945.  He was a British actor, known for his role as Boba Fett in Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983) along with the Return of the Ewok (1981) video short. 

Bulloch later played Captain Colton in Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith in 2005. But it's for his roles in Doctor Who that we also remember him for.

He played Tor in the Doctor Who story The Space Museum for 3 episodes in 1965. He returned in 1973 to play Hal for 4 episodes of The Time Warrior. 

Jeremy Bulloch sadly passed away on 17th December, 2020. He had been living with Parkinson's disease for many years and due to health complications, died on Thursday in hospital.

He was 75 years old. 

Sadly missed. 

 

New Year’s Day 2021 

Doctor Who Special: Revolution of the Daleks – bringing Captain Jack Harkness BACK to WHO. 

Have a wonderful Christmas, and make it the Best that you can, in these strange times.

 

Stay Safe!

The Whoniverse Round-Up November 2020 A Sad Farewell

 

November 2020 

 

This month is dedicated to two great actors who have graced our screens from the 70s and 80s and continued to entertain us until their sad passing this month. RIP John and Geoffrey. 

 

John Sessions 

Born on January 11th 1953 in Largs, Ayrshire, Scotland. 

John Sessions dominated a lot of the television programmes I'd watch in the 80s, in much the same way as perhaps Geoffrey Palmer did during the early 70s and 80s. I used to love Whose Line Is It Anyway? where a group of comedians would come up with quick witted comedy sketches just from a random series of words from audience as well as the host. One of the best programmes that came out of the 80s and only wish it would return. (Bit like Mock of the Week, only funnier). 

Although comedy is the first thing that springs to mind with Sessions, he was also a serious actor playing roles in The Bounty, Porterhouse Blue, Father Brown, Skins, Oliver Twist, Judge John Deed, and Filth to name but a few. 

He also lent his voice to characters for television and for audio, including From Russia with Love: The Radio Play video as the General and Rene Mathis. He was also the voice of Gus for the Doctor Who episode Mummy on the Orient Express in 2014 and in 2015 provided the voice for George Wilson in the Big Finish production of Torchwood: The Conspiracy. 

He died on 2nd November, 2020 from a heart condition. He was only 67. 

 

Geoffrey Palmer, OBE 

Born on 4^th June 1927 in London. He died on 5th November, 2020. He was 93. 

Growing up as I did, through the 70s and 80s, it was no surprise that situation comedies dominated our early evening viewing. My family loved watching Butterflies with Wendy Craig, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Andrew Hall and Geoffrey Palmer. Palmer played the grumpy Dad and husband to Wendy Craig's often dippy character Ria. I don't think I ever saw Ben (Geoffrey's character) smile. But then in many of the comedy character roles, Geoffrey rarely ever did, except for some far later episodes of As Time Goes By which he played Lionel Hardcastle, alongside Dame Judy Dench's Jean Pargeter. 

Yet it wasn't just comedies such as those above, or the single role appearances that Palmer was remembered for, or even as the voice over for a European Car manufacturer advert, or more recently, in Paddington in 2014, but his Sci-Fi role in Classic Doctor Who between 1970 and 1972 and more recently in the NuWho era of 2007. 

In Doctor Who and the Silurians in 1970 he played Permanent Under Secretary Masters in episode 2 - 3, which was later shortened to Masters for episodes 4 - 6. In the first episode of The Mutants in 1972 he played the Administrator. Thirty-seven years later, he was to return to Doctor Who for the Christmas Special Voyage of the Damned, playing Captain Hardaker, and although this role was short, and movement was limited to steering the ship and shooting Midshipman Frame, Palmer always played lugubrious characters, and oddly enough, they're characters you always remember. 

 

The Whoniverse Round-Up July 2020

July 2020

Earl Cameron

Actor, Earl Cameron, was the first black actor to play an astronaut in film and television. He played an astronaut in the Doctor Who story The Tenth Planet, and was also in Thunderball playing character Pinder. He died on Wednesday last week aged 102. We’ll be looking back over Earl’s life in our next Issue.

Maxine Evans

Our Friendly Cannibal, Maxine Evans, (Countrycide), has been busy building her photography business back up, during Lockdown. A year ago, however, Scott Handcock asked her back to Big Finish to be part of the Gallifrey Time War series, more especially, Volume 3. If you’ve been following the Time War series, you might be surprised to learn, that Maxine plays Leela’s Mum.

We didn’t have enough room to share this on her Lockdown Special post, hence why it’s here and well worth a posting. Will need to save up again for more of my favourite audios.

Remember, if you have any news to share with us, regarding cast from Who & Torchwood, that perhaps we’ve not picked up on over the month, then do please get in touch.

Until next time - stay safe, people!

The Whoniverse Round-Up February 2020

February 2020

Paul Kasey

We caught up with Paul Kasey recently and we were excited to discover that he was back in Doctor Who’s latest season in two roles. Kasey explained that it was his first time on Doctor Who without a mask. He played Harold Green in Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror episode. He was sporting red eyes, which I took to be contact lenses but was informed that this was a visual effect that was added later.

Kasey also appeared in the episode Fugitive of the Judoon on the 26^th January, as Ko Sho Blo. I hope he returns for more Who soon.

Julie Barclay

Julie Barclay is currently busy working on a new project that will be out sometime later this year. It’s an Indie film for the BFI, called Martyrs Lane, directed by Ruth Platt and stars Denise Gough (Stella), Steven Cree (TW: Uncanny Valley), Anastasia Hille (Keeping Faith), Hannah Rae (Broadchurch) and Kiera Thompson (Three More Sleeps).

Hannah and Kiera play sisters in the story.

Julie plays Janet ‘a lonely isolated woman struggling to care for her elderly mother’ in this ghost horror story.

Martyrs Lane Facebook Page gives an insight into the filming and worth a follow, guys. 

https://www.facebook.com/martyrslanefilm/

Simon Fisher-Becker

My Dalek Has Another Puncture is the second in Simon’s autobiographical trilogy, full of accounts of his life after Doctor Who, from auditions, castings, filming and recordings. It’s an interesting read and should ideally adorn everyone’s bookshelf.

It’s available now in paperback for £9.99 on Amazon. It’s also available to purchase in Kindle format.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dalek-another-Puncture-Fisher-Beckers-autobiography-ebook/dp/B07ZHJSTFP/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

Steven Savile

On the topic of new books to read. Steven Savile has a new book out. In eBook form only at the moment but one that looks like my kind of read. Tell me you’re not just a little bit tempted?

Scavenger Summer.

The summer of 1986. A summer of beachcombing and skinny dipping, of amusement arcades, karate games and Penny Falls, of first loves, fumbled experiences, excitement and possibilities. A summer where anything could happen. Those teenage days truly were the best ones of my life. Right up until the moment I found my mother’s body washed up on the beach.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scavenger-Summer-Steven-Savile-ebook/dp/B0838K7FCS

If you have any news you would like to share with us. Something that we can post up in our Round Up. Do please get in touch.

See you in March.

The Whoniverse Round-Up December 2019

December 2019

Jonny Owen

“Well I did it and it’s unbelievably hard work. Uncomfortable, damp, noisy.”

Club's Chief Executive Ioannis Vrentzos, and Executive Director Jonny Owen joined Nottingham Forest for the Big Sleep Out, raising money for the homeless through Framework. So far they've raised over their £5000 target. 'All funds go directly to supporting those who are sleeping rough locally, getting people off the streets...' This is Nottingham Forest's second Big Sleep Out. It took place on 23rd November at The City Ground.

You can still donate to the page by helping them raise even more, by following this link. 
Either click on the link or copy and paste

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nffc-sleepout2019?fbclid=IwAR3q7pCYNLhaqqDcgduQ1wMei9qINggYuEmI7f0V4Jji8vA7XbAflwi8nO4

Jonny posted on his Facebook page about his experience at the event, photos are also courtesy of Jonny Owen.

“The life expectancy of someone who is homeless is 47... You can totally understand that at 1am on a damp November. It's so difficult to get warm let alone sleep. It’s in your bones the rain. Winter must be particularly awful. Also, you're much more likely to be attacked or abused when you're on the street sleeping. How you're much more vulnerable. I mean you're in cardboard boxes but people kick you and spit. Dreadful really, isn’t it?

The great Nye Bevan said we judge our society by how we treat those less fortunate than us. The sick, the homeless, the poor. I actually think it’s incredible how many DO care and try to help. There [are] loads of people doing as much as they can. Volunteers lots of them. They told me about a Welsh lad from Cardiff who was sleeping rough in some church grounds in North Notts. They saved his life. They woke him and his thin tent had completely frozen and he was hours away from dying. He’d recently got off the drink and drugs because they’d got him on a course and into temp accommodation and was even applying for jobs now. That’s Framework. They really do care.

Bless them for that. Bless them for everything they do."

John Barrowman

John Barrowman is back with his latest web series Acursian, the time travelling journey between 1745 and present day, where Charlie Stewart, descendant of Bonny Prince Charlie looks set to lose everything on his 40th birthday, if three talismans are not retrieved from Bregan, the god of war.

If anyone fancies writing a review of this latest series, in the New Year, do please get in touch, by email or through our social networking sites.

https://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/acursian/list?title_no=1452&fbclid=IwAR0h3LZlG_NIUkpLSI0tJy2DGYlWWzHYMBDMZKO9dqjHnWsUcznkS94XG3M

On 1st December, Barrowman had a little procedure after suffering a C5/6 facet joint injury. He was given a series of intraspinal injections which reduced the inflammation and got him back on his feet again. An injury like this, can take up to 6 weeks to fully heal. So, we hope he takes it easy and avoids back flips for a while!!!

On 29th November, John's new Xmas album A Fabulous Christmas was released, and I don't think there are many fans left who don't own a copy, downloaded or physical ones. Plus, a gorgeous collection of merch. Joshua has eyes on the teddy!!!

https://www.themerchandisingshop.co.uk/shop/shop.v3/product_list.php?&shopid=764

That’s it for now. See you all in 2020.

The Whoniverse Round-Up October 2019

October 2019

Nathan Sussex

It feels like Old News now but back in September (15th to be exact), Nathan’s gorgeous partner got down on bended knee and proposed, and Nathan said ‘YES!’ So once again, we send our congratulations to them both. Looking forward to the wedding date.

Christopher Eccleston

There are many people who suffer from mental health issues, and this week Christopher Eccleston spoke candidly about his battles with Anorexia and Depression with Lorraine Kelly on 8^th October, 2019. His book I Love the Bones of You is well worth a read.

Russell T Davies

A new drama series coming to Channel 4 and written by Davies in much the same way as ‘Years and Years’ is to hit our screens in the late summer of 2020, and tells the story of a group of young gay men who are infected by the HIV virus during the 1980s. It tracks their lives, episode by episode, and in some cases, some of the stories may end tragically.

It stars a host of well-known faces, with lead role played by Olly Alexander from the band Years and Years. Also, in the series are Omari Douglas and Callum Scott Howells, with Nathan Sussex, Keeley Hawes, Shaun Dooley, Neil Patrick Harris, Nathaniel Curtis, Stephen Fry and Tracy Ann-Oberman.

No trailer available as of yet. But when one does, you can be sure we’ll be posting it to our Facebook Page as soon as we can.

If Years and Years is anything to go by, we’re going to have to stock up on hankies, because I think we’re going to be emotionally drained come the end of the series.

The Whoniverse Round-Up June 2019

June 2019

Nathan Sussex

Hollyoaks did well at the recent Soap Awards ceremony, picking up a few gongs, including Best Villain of the Year going to Nathan Sussex. Congratulations. Nathan collected his award, wearing his Nathan Parker Bespoke creation (sparkly jacket)

Last Summer 

I'm gutted that living where I do, that I won't be able to see this film unless I visit Wales any time soon. So really hoping it comes out on DVD at some point in the future. Nathan plays a character in this but unsure if he's another baddie or if he's a bit of a goodie. You will have to let us know if you're able to catch the film.

Premise: During a long hot summer in the 1970s untroubled by the adult world, four boys roam free until tragedy strikes with devastating consequences. Taking matters into their own hands, will the boys learn the value of their childhood friendship in the face of their impending fate?

View the trailer here: http://www.filmhubwales.org/films/last-summer

Writer and Director Jon Jones

Producer Katherine Lannon and Catrin Defis Lewis

Cast: Noa Thomas, Grufydd Weston, Rowan Jones, Christopher Benning, Richard Harrington (Hinterland), Steffan Rhodri (Keeping Faith, Gavin & Stacey), Steffan Cennydd, Ruth Olman, Roberet Wilfort (Gavin & Stacey), Nia Roberts (Keeping Faith, Doctor Who) and Nathan Sussex (Hollyoaks, Torchwood)

Filmed and set in Wales and supported by Ffilm Cymru Wales. Currently only available to view in Wales, UK. Is in English and runs for 97 mins.

Good Omens

It's receiving some fantastic reviews across the world when it premiered on Friday on Amazon Prime. Those of us who are yet to see it, may need to either purchase something for a month of free Amazon Prime, or wait until it comes to the BBC sometime in the New Year. I have heard that there is also the possibility of a Good Omens Box Set later in 2020, but don't quote me on that. I think I might start saving for that possibility now, just in case.

To any of you who have been enjoying back to back episodes of Good Omens and wish to shout about it to the world – we are currently looking for fresh reviewers – so if you have an article up your sleeve, or indeed on your computer, then whack it over to us, for a chance of it being in our next Issue out in July!

Gavin & Stacey

Ruth Jones and James Corden have returned to pen another Christmas Special which brings Gavin & Stacey back to our screens. Can’t wait. I believe much of the original cast will be there, and it will be interesting to see if the original Neil will be in the story or a completely different child. He must be about 10 now???

Quantum Assassin by Matt Langley

Steven Savile’s latest novel ‘White Peak’ hasn't had the easiest start to life, after a major screw up with the publishing company responsible for launching his new series under the Ronan Frost penname. But he's nothing if not resourceful. Instead of crying woe is me, I’m glad to say, Steven is fighting back by taking control of his own destiny. He is launching his own publishing company, BAD PRESS, and his latest ‘science fantasy fun novel with an 80s soul and slightly mad sensibility’. He writes it with long time friend and fellow Doctor Who scribe Paul Ebbs. Writing under the Matt Langley name (which saw Steven become a finalist for the People's Book Prize with Black Flag) Steven is already in the process of hiring artists and designing the next release, Dagger of the Martyrs, a Knights Templar fantasy novel. And we wish him all the very best luck with that. So, if you’re in the market for a new ebook, then be sure to purchase a copy on Amazon and photograph your copy and send it to Steven to be in with a chance of winning a competition he has for this month.

“Anyone who sends me a proof of purchase for this gets put into a draw I’m making on the 25th of the month, offering not one... not two... okay this could go on a while, but fifty signed hardcovers of my St Martin’s and Severn House novels... to steve@stevensavile.com  “

Nathan Sussex photo courtesy of Nathan Sussex

The Whoniverse Round Up April 2019

April 2019

Nathan Sussex is currently filming in the feature film Next Door, he plays the character, Jamie. It's an anthology of short films, about the residents who all live under one roof and stars a host of known names from the world of television and soaps, and I've spotted at least three from Hollyoaks. The writer and Director Matt Shaw plays the saddest character out of the entire film - Mr Lonely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI00weF5ic0&feature=youtu.be

The stories are adapted from Shaw's 'F*cked-Up Shorts' range of books which you can find on Amazon. They were inspired from reading Roald Dahl's adult stories as he grew up, with a twist of 'Tales from the Crypt' and 'Tales of the Unexpected' so if you were a fan of those, you'll enjoy this.

There's all manner of chaos under that roof, from murder, affairs, broken souls and heartbreak and really dodgy sexual encounters. In fact, I'd go so far as to say, that if you enjoyed Twisted Showcase, you'll love this.

Next Door is Matt's second feature film, his first being award winning feature 'Monster'

The Whoniverse Round-Up February 2019

February 2019

Sarah Pinborough

CROSS HER HEART

Published by HarperCollins on 17th May 2018

Pinborough's psychological thriller was originally published 23 April 2018 and is storming up the charts ahead of Lynda La Plant's latest novel as seen in photo below of Sarah posing in Sainsbury's.

Cross her Heart is not connected to Behind Her Eyes thriller, but it is still likely to keep you up all night.

According to author C.L. Taylor of The Accident, 'it's unflinching and disturbing' and some of the parts you'd want to read between your fingers.

If you love novels that will have you so incredibly engrossed that you won't want to put it down till you finish it, or when you do put it down eventually it's with you for ever such a long time afterwards - then you'll certainly enjoy Cross Her Heart.

Olivia Colman

Academy Award for Best Actress 2019 - The Favourite

One of the best things to come out of the Oscars in a long time is Olivia Colman collecting her award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Queen Anne in The Favourite.

The speeches are always the best part of any award ceremony and Olivia’s didn’t dismay. It was absolutely hilariously witty and kudos to her for keeping it together. I think if it had been me, I’d have barely been able to speak.

Congratulations Olivia - you thoroughly deserve it!

Peter Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi's debut single ‘Someone You Loved’ has reached No1 in the UK charts. It's not surprising given how poignant the song is, and the video attached to it brings tears to the eyes. Peter Capaldi plays a widower who lost the love of his life, but feels her heart beating in someone else's chest.

Not a dry eye in the Office I can tell you.

Peter is Lewis' dad's second cousin, we believe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCuhuePlP8o

The Whoniverse Round-Up February 2018

February 2018

Nathan Sussex

On the 29^th January this year, Buster Smith entered Hollyoaks’ Dog in the Pond after answering the phone rung by Damon Kinsella, his son. It was to become the start of a new character in the soap, and as usual, one with a shocking secret. So, naturally, he sets pulses racing by flirting with Marnie Nightingale, and Myra McQueen within a few days of each other.

So far, the only shocking thing to discover, is that Nathan’s character Buster, has a Salford accent and not the Welsh one I was looking forward to hearing. But don’t let that put you off, his character raises much mirth on the screen, and as his contract for the character doesn’t end until August 2018, there’s plenty of time for his secret to be revealed.

Credit Lime Pictures for photographs

Daniele Favilli

I recently caught up with Daniele and congratulated him on the Play - Oh Dio Mio which translates as Oh My God, that premiered on Thursday 1^st February in Florence. It is Daniele’s directorial debut. The play is a fun and mystical story about God feeling depressed and visiting a psychologist. At the end of the story it is more about the psychologist’s demons than those of God’s.

As it would be a fair journey to see the Play, Daniele enticed us with a 15-minute advert for Campari, called The Legend of Red Hand.

It’s actually really cool, and I’ve watched it more than a few times now. Excellent acting.

 Enjoy!

The Whoniverse Round-Up November 2017

November 2017

David Tennant

Good Omens, which began filming last month, sees David Tennant playing Alistair Crowley, Hell’s approachable demon, with Michael Sheen playing his sidekick, fussy angel, and rare book dealer, Aziraphale. The six-part television series, began as a comic apocalyptic novel written by Sir Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. Douglas Mackinnon is director for this.

The one-time Tennant is ginger and he’s not playing The Doctor.

The series will launch in 2019 on Amazon Prime Video before coming to BBC2 at a later date.

Call of Duty: World War II – Nazi Zombies sees David Tennant providing the voice for Prof. Drostan Hynd, an antiquities expert and former art thief, who chose helping the good guys than spending time in prison. Tennant brought an authentic Scottishness to this role, in the fact that it comes with very strong language, which given this is Call of Duty, doesn’t surprise me. It only comes as a surprise that it’s from Tennant we hear the sweary words. I’m looking forward to playing this game.

You can find out more about this game for PS4 here: https://www.callofduty.com/uk/en/wwii/zombies

SANTA, I’VE FOUND WHAT I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS!!!

Gareth David-Lloyd

Black River Meadow – as if you hadn’t heard already has less than 12 days left in the Kickstarter Crowdfunding to reach its £5k total. Without this, the filming can’t begin, until a much later date. Kickstarter is different from other crowdfunding platforms, in that if the money raised isn’t enough, you lose, and they keep the cash. So, let’s give this a final push, and see filming begin as soon as possible.

We know you’re saving for Christmas, and you’re putting a little aside for a rainy day, and there’s umpteen charities calling out for help too, but I’m sure you’ve got something hiding down the back of the sofa. I’m sure you don’t need those designer shoes that you’ll only wear the once then hide in the back of the closet till you have that purge. The same goes for the outfit you wanted to get, ummed and ahhed, bought and hated it. Why go through all of that? Why not, put your money to a better cause – the Black River Meadow cause, I mean, look at the perks you’re getting for even a tenner, fifteen quid, twenty quid, WOW. I’m holding out for a limited-edition badge, I don’t know about you.

If everyone was to put £10 or £20 each into the funding, imagine how fast that target would be reached.

Come on, DIG DEEP!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/darkvalleyprod/black-river-meadow