Winter Holiday

I've just received word that filming on series two of Torchwood has now been completed. There's still a number of pick-up shots left to film (including some with James Marsters, apparently) and post-production work continues in the editing suite and at the Mill, but as far as the actors are concerned it's a wrap for another year.

John Barrowman finished work last week, which left him free to tour the UK's television studios in a bid to promote his "Another Side" CD. The star will publish his autobiography on January 24th next year, according to the booklet inside his latest CD offering. In the meantime John will be presenting "The Kids Are Alight" (which records between 26th and the 30th November, up in Glasgow) and he'll be appearing on this Friday's Children in Need marathon.

He'll also host a special performance of Cinderella at the Old Vic theatre, on 7th December. It'll feature Queen Victoria herself, Pauline Collins, and was wrote by Stephen Fry.

Over Christmas he'll appear alongside Connie Fisher on BBC One's provisionally titled "Maria Meets Joseph" - more news on this project when we get it.

And next April 15th, John will be visiting my home city of Manchester to perform at the Bridgewater Hall. You can book tickets (priced £27.50) here.

Meanwhile, fellow Torchwood recruit Gareth David-Lloyd is keeping himself busy now that filming has concluded. The South Wales Echo reported on the 9th November that Gareth will be on hand to help celebrate 60 years of Barnado's Cymru adoption work:

"Torchwood actor Gareth David-Lloyd will be joining the celebrations to mark 60 years of Barnado's Cymru adoption work. Staff will be dressed in 1940's style costumes and will be holding a street party for children at the Millenium Stadium, Cardiff. Gareth David-Lloyd, who plays Ianto Jones in the TV hit, will be cutting the birthday cake and signing autographs at the event tomorrow.Parents who have adopted through Barnando's and children who were adopted through Barnado's are also being invited."

Gareth (and his band "A Breath of Blue Fire" will be supporting James Marsters when the Buffy and Angel star performs at The Point on Mount Stuart Square, this Saturday (November 17th). Tickets cost £20, and can be bought from the Point's box office by phoning 029 2046 0873 or emailing info@thepointcardiffbay.com

Torchwood writer Cath Tregenna will also be attending the concert.

You can visit Gareth David-Lloyd's official site by clicking here.

Later this month Burn Gorman appears in cinemas across the land in the Vince Vaughan, Paul Giamatti and Kevin Spacey vehicle, "Fred Clause". The film has had mixed reviews in the USA who have seen advanced screening of the Christmas-themed movie.

Burn plays the role of Podorov in the upcoming film "The Oxford Murders" which was filmed between January 22nd and March 24th this year. No release date has been set for the film in either the North American or European markets. There's been rumours that it could go straight to DVD over here in the UK.

As for Naoko Mori, there have been a few rumoured whispers that she could return to the West End and resume her role in the "Avenue Q" production.

The cast and crew are all under the assumption that series three will be greenlit. They all hope to return to Cardiff in April next year and resume filming.

It's not known who will or won't be returning for year three...

UPDATE: Filming isn't quite finished - John Barrowman and James Marsters film some of the final scenes at Ogmore Farm, just outside of Cardiff, tomorrow.