DOCTOR Who has been flung into the world of modern telly – as the BBC has commissioned a brand new companion show to run alongside the new series.
The “access all areas” sister programme will run on BBC Three and offer fans insight into how the show is made by featuring exclusive interviews with stars, chats with the essential crew behind camera and even show viewers exactly how some scenes were created.
Called Doctor Who: Unleashed, it will be hosted by the BBC’s gaming correspondent and Radio 1 Newsbeat presenter Stefan Powell.
And it will feel familiar to fans of old, who enjoyed a similar show called Doctor Who Confidential, which aired in 2005.
Showrunner Russell T Davies said: “Over the years, I meet so many people who were inspired to find careers in TV, because of the behind-the-scenes material the BBC would show.
“And now it’s back, in the grand old tradition of Doctor Who Confidential, but in a brand new form, Unleashed!
“So a whole new generation – and faithful fans of old – can see what the stars and the crew get up to behind the cameras.”
Steffan added: “When you’re told Russell T Davies is asking for you to present a show, you say, ‘when does he want me?’ Doesn’t matter, I’ll be there…’
“There’s a really fun and fascinating group of people bringing Doctor Who to life – I can’t wait for the audience to meet them.
“I’m so chuffed to have been trusted to help tell, in all its glory, the story of what goes into making the magic happen.”
Unleashed will run after every episode of the main show, with the action beginning in November.
The 60th anniversary specials, featuring David Tennant and Catherine Tate will kick off the run.
Offering further insight into what will feature on Unleashed, exec producer Jo Pearce added: “This series gives audiences access to all areas.
“Viewers are invited to see what really goes into the making of Doctor Who.
“It’s been such a privilege to create this show and we’re so grateful to the cast and crew who welcomed us in and allowed us to tell the story behind the drama.”
DON’T Tell the Bride has been axed after 16 years on air.
Channel 4 has opted to “rest” the reality show, which followed hapless grooms’ attempts to plan a £10k big day with no involvement from the bride.
It began life on BBC Three in 2007 before moving to BBC One, Sky and then E4.
ROB GIVES FREE KICK
ROB BECKETT has proven himself to be one of the good guys – after surprising a contestant with a generous gift.
The comic was part of the celebrity panel on Bradley Walsh’s Blankety Blank, screened on Saturday, where he teams up with pensioner Brian.
The OAP shared his plans to spend any winnings on a big-screen telly to watch the football – but the duo then lost.
But I can now reveal that big-hearted Rob later went online and ordered the TV for Brian, leaving the OAP over the moon.
Nice work, Rob.
Tom’s rite of back passage
SNEAKING in contraband is common practice for lags in most jails . . . or so I’ve been told.
So when actor Tom Rosenthal joined Channel 4’s prison reality show, Banged Up, he tried to keep it real by doing the same.
But the Plebs and Friday Night Dinner actor took his smuggling attempt so seriously he inserted a packet of tobacco up his bottom to try and evade detection by prison officers.
I understand the celebrity “inmates”, including former EastEnder Sid Owen, underwent a between-the-buttock inspection by staff to ensure that they weren’t sneaking items in using the old clenching method.
A TV insider said: “Tom went one stage further, which is a bold but uncomfortable move and one which is far more likely to evade detection by officers — though not guaranteed to work, of course.
“Tobacco is something which lags not only have for their personal use but is also a useful thing to trade with fellow prisoners in return for other goods or just favours.
“All the VIP inmates were given a thorough search on their way into the prison but a few choice items seemed to slip through.
“It’s a big problem that prisons across the country have to face on a daily basis.”
The show also features Gogglebox star Marcus Luther, singer HRVY, former MP Neil Parish and columnist Peter Hitchens.
They get slapped behind bars in the now decommissioned Shrewsbury Prison, alon with real former prisoners.
The celebs were all given jobs to do and were subject to body searches by real prison officers.
They also had to endure fights breaking out and someone doing a number two in the shower.
Perhaps that was just Tom retrieving his tobacco.
ITVX has commissioned a new true-crime series on three murder cases that spread online.
TikTok: Murders Gone Viral, will first look at the story of budding social media star Mahek Bukhari, from Stoke-on-Trent, who was recently convicted of double murder with her mother for a fatal car crash.
CELEBS ASLEEP AT WHEEL
MICHAEL McINTYRE faces disaster on The Wheel this weekend – with the most celebrity shutdowns ever.
Six famous faces playing the BBC quiz all answer incorrectly during their specific expert categories – leading to them being blocked from playing.
Presenter Paddy McGuinness takes a fall on karate, comic Seann Walsh crashes out on Batman and podcaster Rosie Ramsey flounders on musicals.
Plus Good Morning Britain’s Ranvir Singh gets it wrong on politics, Paralympian Ellie Simmonds is left red-faced on swimming and Alex Jones can’t cope with CBeebies.
Laughing off the ineptitude, Michael exclaims: “We’ve never had so many shutdowns in one show!”
Watch the chaos this Saturday at 8.35pm on BBC One.
