Whilst We Were Sleeping...

Just for fun, here's a rundown of the news this site missed between our last regular updates, and its 2015 revival.

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MAY 2010

Indira Varma stars alongside Idris Elba in BBC's global hit, Luther.

JUNE 2010

Naoko Mori stars opposite Christopher Eccleston in BBC Four's Lennon Naked. She plays Yoko Ono, to Eccleston's Lennon.

NOVEMBER 2010

Gareth David-Lloyd marries his girlfriend Gemma James.

DECEMBER 2010

Torchwood: The Official Magazine is cancelled. This is rumoured to be due to complications with the Torchwood license, following Miracle Day.

JANUARY 2011

Eve Myles headlines BBC Wales' Baker Boys.

FEBRUARY 2011

Former showrunner Chris Chibnall launches Camelot on the Starz network.

JUNE 2011

Russell T Davies is interviewed by the Guardian, about Torchwood: Miracle Day.

JULY 2011

Starz CEO Chris Albrecht states his channel is willing to wait until Russell T Davies is ready to deliver Torchwood season 5.

Meanwhile an original Torchwood novel, First Born (by James Goss) is released.

Chris Chibnall's Camelot series is cancelled by Starz, after a single season.

Captain Jack was suppose to feature in Doctor Who's 'A Good Man Goes to War'.

AUGUST 2011

Another Torchwood novel is released - Long Time Dead, by Sarah Pinborough.

SEPTEMBER 2011

The final episode of Torchwood airs on Starz, 9th September 2011.

Guy Adams' The Men Who Sold The World original novel is released.

Jane Espenson's web series Husbands premieres.

OCTOBER 2011

Johnny English Reborn releases in cinemas. It features Burn Gorman in a minor role.

NOVEMBER 2011

Miracle Day is released on DVD/Blu Ray.

DECEMBER 2011

Russell T Davies announces he's returning to the UK, to care for his boyfriend Andrew Smith.

FEBRUARY 2012

John Barrowman and Carole E Barrowman release the first in their Young Adult/Fantasy series, Hollow Earth.

MAY 2012

Gareth David-Lloyd's second album with rock band Blue Gillespie (Seven Rages of Man) is released.

JUNE 2012

4th June - Gareth David-Lloyd's daughter (Lily Christina Lloyd) is born.

A day earlier, John was helping BBC One present the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Even better, he's crowned Rear of the Year.

JULY 2012

Burn Gorman features in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, released this month.

John Barrowman presents a Channel 5 documentary about TNT's Dallas revival.

AUGUST 2012

Lauren Ambrose gives birth to her second child.

'Sleeper' writer James Moran releases his film Cockneys VS Zombies. A month later Tower Block, another film scripted by him, is released in cinemas. Both play that year's Frightfest.

SEPTEMBER 2012

John Barrowman and his sister Carole collaborate on Exodus Code - an original Torchwood novel, set post-Miracle day. It's released this month in book form, and as an unabridged audio reading (read by Daniel Pirrie)

Gareth David-Lloyd joins the cast of BBC One's Holby City. He reoccurs in the series on a semi regular basis, before departing in January 2013.

Chris Chibnall contributes two further episodes to Doctor Who ('Dinosaurs on a Spaceship' and 'The Power of Three')

OCTOBER 2012

John Barrowman makes his first appearance on the CW's Arrow series. He's soon promoted to a series regular role - and is still a part of the show's ensemble to this day.

DECEMBER 2012

John Barrowman features in a minor role within Zero Dark Thirty (which went on to be nominated  for the Best Picture Oscar)

FEBRUARY 2013

John and Carole E Barrowman release Bone Quill - the second in their Young Adult/Fantasy series.

Chris Chibnall has his say about Torchwood: Miracle Day.

'Reset' guest star (and Doctor Who's Chief Caretaker) Richard Briers dies.

MARCH 2013

Chris Chibnall's ITV series Broadchurch makes its debut. It stars a number of Doctor Who alum, but most notably David Tennant, and is frequently directed by Torchwood's James Strong.

MAY 2013

Eve Myles marries her boyfriend Bradley Freeguard.

She lands another lead role - in BBC's Frankie.

JUNE 2013

Naoko Mori is part of the cast taking Avenue Q to South Korea.

JULY 2013

John Barrowman marries boyfriend Scott Gill.

Burn Gorman stars in Pacific Rim (Currently in post-production, he's also a part of director Guillermo Del Toro's supernatural horror Crimson Peak, playing 'Holly').

Indira Varma joins HBO's Game of Thrones.

AUGUST 2013

Children of Earth's Peter Capaldi is announced as the Twelfth Doctor!

SEPTEMBER 2013

Miracle Day debuts on BBC America.

NOVEMBER 2013

John Barrowman appears during Doctor Who's 50th anniversary celebrations, as himself in Peter Davison's short film The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot.

Peter Capaldi makes his debut appearance as the Doctor in Day of the Doctor (which also includes a reference to Captain Jack).

FEBRUARY 2014

11th February, Eve Myles' second child, a daughter called Siena, is born.

MARCH 2014

Mekhi Phifer stars as Max in Summit Entertainment's hit movie Divergent.

APRIL 2014

Starfury: Miracle Day convention is held, with Eve, Kai, Naoko and Gareth present.

MAY 2014

It's announced that Lauren Ambrose has joined the cast of USA Network's Dig series. It eventually launches March 2015.

Miracle Day co-star Mekhi Phifer, meanwhile, files for bankruptcy.

JUNE 2014

John Barrowman releases his latest album, You Raise Me Up. You can download it now, or listen to it on Spotify.

He's also made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

JULY 2014

The third book in John and Carole E Barrowman's Hollow Earth series, titled The Book of Beasts, is released.

John plays a pivotal role in the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, taking place in Scotland.

Big Finish announce plans to adapt the New Adventures novel Damaged Goods (originally published in the 1990s by Virgin). It eventually releases in May 2014. Check it out - it's great!

AUGUST 2014

Congratulations to Gareth David-Lloyd who's son, Eli Andrew Lloyd, is born on the 14th of this month.

SEPTEMBER 2014

Captain John Hart features in a blink and you'll miss it cameo, in Doctor Who's Eighth Season episode 'Time Heist'.

OCTOBER 2014

Released in cinemas this month is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. It features Burn Gorman, and is probably the most junior film/TV programme ever listed on this site!

An American remake of Chris Chibnall's Broadchurch, entitled Gracepoint, launches.

NOVEMBER 2014

Fox greenlights an Indepedence Day sequel, Resurgence, starring Bill Pullman. It's released June 2016.

DECEMBER 2014

Ridley Scott's Exodus: Gods and Kings is released in cinemas. It features Indira Varma.

JANUARY 2015

The second series of Chris Chibnall's Broadchurch premieres on ITV. The new series features Eve Myles.

Russell T Davies returns to TV with dual-dramas Cucumber (Channel 4) and Banana (E4). It's reported that his CBBC series Wizards VS Aliens may have been cancelled (this is later confirmed).

Gareth David-Lloyd plus Juror#12 in the 2015 tour of play 12 Angry Men. The run concludes in May.

Netflix confirm that BBC shows (including Doctor Who and Torchwood) will remain on its services.

FEBRUARY 2015

Eve Myles talks about a Torchwood revival.

ITV officially announce a third series of Broadchurch - to air in 2017.

For no particular reason, the Radio Times website lists all the best references to Torchwood in its parent show.

MARCH 2015

Mekhi Phifer returns to cinemas in the second film in the Divergent series - Insurgent.

Gareth David-Lloyd stars in the final 4 episodes of the BBC's school soap Waterloo Road.

APRIL 2015

James Marsters talks about the differences between Buffy and Torchwood.

MAY 2015

Starfury: Mircale Day 2 convention takes place.

BBC America asks: Where are the cast of Torchwood now?

JUNE 2015

It's announced that Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat and Peter Capaldi are to speak at the Radio Time Festival 2015.

Kai Owen joins Channel 4's teen soap Hollyoaks. He's currently leading a controversial storyline. He plays manipulative paedophile Pete Buchanan, in a plot hailed by child abuse charities.

Universal Pictures launches the official trailer for Everest (featuring Naoko Mori).

Eve Myles is raising money for Dewi James, who is in need of a life saving operation.

JULY 2015

WalesOnline reports that Ianto's shrine in Cardiff Bay is still going strong - 6 years on from the events of Children of Earth.

Former BBC Execs Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter launch production company Bad Wolf in Cardiff.

Lauren Ambrose joins the cast of the forthcoming X Files revival.

John Barrowman attends San Diego Comic Con, and sings the Doctor Who theme tune!

James Moran's latest short film, Ghosting, will play at this year's Frightfest in London.

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Phew! All caught up.

Drop a comment below if I've missed anything.

News From The Hub

At long, long last I've bought my copy of Doctor Who Magazine, and I think it's about time I shared some of its secrets with you guys. And guess what? We've beaten ever major Doctor Who/Torchwood site to the news of Torchwood writers. A first! We're top of the pile, with the big dogs now...just where we should be! Anyhoo, lets begin, we've a lot of information to get through...

THE WRITERS

NOEL CLARKE AS "MICKEY SMITH"

The big news here is that Noel Clarke, the actor behind the role of Mickey Smith, is writing an episode for the series. Russell T Davies (lets just call him RTD for my aching hands sake!) says of Noel's involement: "Noel's just hit the headlines with his controversial script for the successful UK movie Kidulthood, but we've actually been talking about this for quite some time. The man is bursting with ideas! We have to add half an hour on to script sessions, just to hear him talk. I've also picked up quite a few tips on how to talk to the laydeez, though when I'm gonna use them, I don't know! Noel's a big sci-fi fan, and I think he's going to find some radical ideas to take Torchwood in completely new directions."

There's an interesting development too. Helen Raynor, script editor on both series of Doctor Who, will be penning one episode, although Russell confirms that this wasn't planned! He says "This was a bit of a scary prospect - first of all, it was an over-commission, which means an extra script...but Helen's script was so good - no, in fact it was brilliant - it's one of the best first scripts I've ever read, so it's gone straight into the shooting shedule." Over-commission? Does this mean what I think it does? 14 scripts?!? Unless one episode is dropped, could we have a 14 part series on our hands?

Other confirmed writers include PJ Hammond, Chris Chibnall (who's writing episode two, and at least three other episodes as well) and newcomer Si Spencer (Whose previous work includes work such as Life During Wartime, apparently).

DIRECTORS

The first 'block' of episodes (one of which is episode one) will begin filming in May, under the helm of director Brian Kelly.

EPISODE TITLES

The first episode has the title of "Flotsam and Jetsam". Interestingly RTD notes the series as "Series One". Are more series planned for the show? This is the first indication that it won't be a one-series-wonder!

RUSSELL . T . DAVIES AND CHRIS CHIBNALL

RTD has confirmed that he'll only be writing two scripts for series one (episode one and, maybe, the finale episode 13). Chris Chibnall has now joined Russell in the show's editorial team, overseeing scripts and in RTD's own words has "been helping me plan and shape the entire season". So that'll be Torchwood, "created by Russell .T. Davies and Chris Chibnall" then.

RICHARD STOKES INTERVIEW

Here's some nuggets of information the new producer told the magazine:
+ "We keep talking about a noir style"
+ "Russell and Chris have filled their scripts with great humour"
+ "The show will touch on universal truths in the human condition"
+ "(Jack) is the heroic lead. He requires some subtle changes."

I'll post more specific comments on this interview later in the week.

THE HUB

Buy this month's Doctor Who Magazine just for this fantastic column, written by none other than RTD. Here he tells how the BBC are planning for Doctor Who and Torchwood's futures so much that for Doctor Who Series Three and Torchwood Series One production will move to a "Hollywoodesque" film set 20 miles from the current studios. Here, Doctor Who and Torchwood will film back-to-back. Russell has nick-named the new studio "Camelot". So Camelot it is then! Anyway, the interseting news is that Torchwood's main interior has been named "The Hub". The set has already been designed, and when the column was written at the start of March, construction had started on it. So it should be ready any day now! The Hub is directly next to the TARDIS interior, so a scene in the TARDIS could be filmed one minute, with scenes for Torchwood's Hub immediately after!

DOCTOR WHO AIRDATE (UK VIEWERS)

Sorry to advertise the show's broadcast details here, but RTD has given all fans one simple mission this month: to promote the show's debut whenever possible. So, who am I to argue with the bossman!

Saturday April 15th, BBC One, 7PM

EPISODE GUIDE

Here's the details that are currently confirmed:

Episode 1: "Flotsam and Jetsam" Written by Russell.T.Davies
Episode 2: Untitled Written by Chris Chibnall

OTHER STUFF

Further updates will follow later. Kurly's probably typing away at his Noel Clarke bio as we speak. I'll update you on the Richard Stokes interview very soon, I just want to respect DWM and wait a few days before posting (too heavily) from their work. They've done a fantastic job this month (and every month infact) and I want to say a big thank you to all the guys and gals who made this month's issue possible.

PS

Well done Kurly on the site's new look! Absolutely fantastic. You've outdone yourself yet again!

Torchwood Overload (What A Fantastic Way To Celebrate 100 Posts!)

We've reached a milestone; here we are - still going strong after 100 posts.

Kurly we all owe you so much. This little website which you founded months ago is quickly becoming the web-community for Woodies everywhere, and on behalf of everyone I have one thing to say:

Thank you.

I had planned to celebrate somewhat differently with today's column, but to hell with it: for the first time in months we have real news about the series, and I think today would be the ideal time to share it with you all. Gear up, because Torchwood is coming...

www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho

We've got a lot of new information, so here goes:

Gwen's full name is Gwen Cooper, suggesting that Myles isn't playing the same role she played on "Doctor Who". Here's what Eve Myles thinks of playing the role of Gwen Cooper, "I'm thrilled to be playing the part of Gwen. To get the chance to do a 13-part series under the watchful pen of Russell is amazing," says Eve, "It's such a compliment to have been chosen for the part - I can't wait. I'm also looking forward to working with John. It'll be the perfect opportunity for the both of us to show everyone what we've got."

Russell. T. Davies says, "I've admired Eve's work for years, and when she was able to guest-star in Doctor Who last year, it just confirmed to me that she was one of Wales's best-kept secrets. The part of Gwen in Torchwood was written specially for her - so it's a good thing she said yes! Eve and John Barrowman have already met up, and the combination is going to be electrifying."

Meanwhile our old friend John Barrowman confesses:"I'm really looking forward to working with Eve. We've had a good laugh on the occasions we've met and the fact that she's already been in Doctor Who means she knows what she's getting into."

Head of BBC Wales Drama, Julie Gardner, says: "We are delighted to announce the casting of Eve Myles in the central role of Gwen, alongside John Barrowman's Captain Jack in Torchwood. Eve is an intelligent and versatile actress, who has done exceptional work in a number of BBC dramas, including our local series Belonging."

Our little nuggets of information revealled during the BBC press release include:

+Toby Whithouse (writer of the Doctor Who episode "School Reunion") is set to write one episode of the new series.

+Chris Chibnall seems to be contributing more than we originally thought. In the BBC press release he's not listed as a 'contributor', but with RTD as one of the show's main writers. Does this mean he's writing multiple episodes, or is this simply a typo?

+The show's new producer is Richard Stokes (a past producer on British soaps Holby City and Eastenders). He replaces James Hawes, who has been forced to drop out after the filming shedule moved from early 2006 to around April/May.

So much new information, so little time to process it all! If anymore information is released through the day you can bet myself and Kurly will be on the front line to receive it...

My Life On Mars

Anybody who's been following the development of "Torchwood" closely will recognise the name of Chris Chibnall, just one of the confirmed writers of the new series. Now, I know that Kurly has already talked about the man way back in January, but now that his Life On Mars episode has aired, I figure now is an ideal time to revise that discussion.

For followers of the show, during last night's Life On Mars, Sam Tyler investigated a cover-up within his own police department, leading to the major revelation that one of his fellow officers (look away now in you don't wanna read spoilers!) killed a prisoner and was guilty of manslaughter.

It was a particularly dark episode for the show, one with less humour than usual. What particularly impressed me about Chibnall's writing was how human his characters felt. They didn't feel like 2D characters at all and really came alive on screen. He can also write action scenes aplenty (the locker room fight last night was as good as a modern day boxing match - ouch!) but what impressed me the most about his writing was the way that at the end of the 60 minutes, all the characters feel like they've changed, and not in a subtle way at all. Chibnall creates an emotional rollercoster, and the audience are left exhausted by the end of the hour, wanting more, but being too afraid to ask.

However, between these glorious scenes were often over-long, somewhat boring talkative scenes where not much happened. At least 15 minutes could have been cut from this episode, which bodes well for Torchwood, which will be 45 minutes long anyway!

Aside from this though, Chibnall appears as an ideal choice for writer on Torchwood. He can write dark gothic environments. He can certainly write humour (although going off of last night's Life on Mars he certainly needs to add a little more for Torchwood). Most importantly, with Chibnall we'll get a Jack, Gwen, et al who really will come alive on screen. Our favourite characters are in good hands I guarentee you (and yay! Matthew Graham, Life on Mars creator, is writing Doctor Who!).

What do you all think about Life On Mars? Have you seen other Chris Chibnall episodes? Please post your comments here. See you all again soon.

Where are the Martians?

While us Woodies are waiting for our show, there is another program airing now that could just tide us over. It premiered last Monday on BBC1 and is called Life on Mars. You probably didn't catch the premier since the brilliant Richard Dawkins was over on Channel 4 that night and not to be missed. But tonight(Monday) remember to switch over to the new BBC show as soon as Lalla Ward's husband's show The Root of all Evil is finished.

Source:http://www.bbc.co.uk

Life on Mars is about a modern day Manchester police detective who finds himself in 1973 where action and hijinks then ensue. Early reviews are for the most part favorable (Hollywood Reporter, Digital Spy, New Scotsman) and at least one episode will be written by Torchwood writer Chris Chibnall. The title comes from a David Bowie song, so don't expect any Martians or other aliens. Although who knows, this is set back in 1973 so the police might just have to call in UNIT and their mysterious scientific advisor at some point.

Lancaster, born and bred

Chris Chibnall, next in our running series on Torchwood authors, doesn't have as long a resume as Peter Hammond but does have a variety of credits to his name. He has been involved in a few television projects in the past, most notably the BBC drama Born and Bred.

Source:http://www.artscouncil.org.uk

Chibnall is now a very busy writer, in addition to working on Torchwood this winter he is also working on the Torchwood spinoff Life on Mars which is also due in 2006. Well at first glance the show looks like a Torchwood spinoff, as it centers around a time-travelling police detective. However, Life on Mars (scroll way to the bottom) will be set primarily in '70s Manchester (apparently the closest location to Mars the BBC could come up with) as opposed to modern-day Cardiff.

I have been able to find next to nothing as far as Life on Mars is concerned on the web. Perhaps some clever person out there can cash in on this and be the first to start a fansite for the show? Chibnall is also connected with a show called Merlin which is rumoured to fill the 7pm Sat. night slot on BBC1 following the next series of Doctor Who.

Like John Barrowman, Chibnall has a background in the theatre. He was involved for several years as a playwrite with the experimental theatre group Complicite. Chris has come a long way since he first broke into TV cataloging old football games for SKY sports. Let's just hope that the huge job of helping launch three new BBC shows in a single year won't drive him back towards a quiet lonely gig deep in the recesses of SKY's video vaults.