Numbers Make My Head Hurt

The new edition of Dreamwatch magazine confirms that P.J. Hammond's episode "Small World" has moved from its current position in the Torchwood schedule. It's no longer episode three due to "effects requirements" and the writer predicts that it'll now be moved to "around episode six". This is the biggest indicator we've had that this episode will now form part of block three. We'll bring you more news on the other episodes as soon as we get it.

Meanwhile, our episode guide has been updated to include the changes.

Ghost Watch

Doctor Who Magazine # 370 is released in newsagents across the UK tomorrow, but I've managed to grab a sneak peak, and found some very interesting Torchwood news inside.

As well as commenting upon the casting of Burn Gorman and Naoko Mori, the magazine also exclusively reveals the director of the second block of filming on Torchwood (which consists of just two episodes). This particular block will be completed by Colin Teague, a director who has already headed up some notable episodes of Holby City (along with producer Richard Stokes). We wish Colin all the luck in the world, and here's hoping he produces some incredible episodes!

Colin's two episodes will not contain Noel Clarke's episode like previously thought. Instead, block two will contain a script by Toby Whithouse (Doctor Who - "School Reunion"), as well as script editor Helen Raynor's story, which has the working title of "The Ghost Machine". Now that's what I call an excellent episode title!

Below is an updated episode guide. Any spoilers associated with particular episodes will be printed in invisotext next to the title, so again, DO NOT HIGHLIGHT IF YOU WANT TO STAY SPOILER FREE! Don't say I didn't warn you! Information in brackets is currently awaiting confirmation.

EPISODE ONE - "Flotsam and Jetsam"
Written by: Russell. T. Davies, Directed by :Brian Kelly
Jack Harkness has returned from the far future, to modern day Cardiff where he's found a job working amongst Torchwood, an ultra secret military organisation. Jack believes that by staying near to the 'Rift' the Doctor will return one day and find him. Whilst investigating some alien gangsters (supposidly) he meets a police woman called Gwen Cooper, and soon Gwen has become part of Torchwood itself, replacing a former Torchwood operative named Suzie who has since gone rogue.

EPISODE TWO - "Dark Revelations (tbc)"
Written by: Chris Chibnall, Directed by: Brian Kelly
Current rumours suggest that during this episode Gwen Cooper's boyfriend learns the secret of Torchwood, and is taken over by a great evil. During the course of the episode Gwen learns exactly what it means to work for a top secret co-government agency.

EPISODE THREE(?) - "tbc"
Written by: Toby Whithouse, Directed by: Colin Teague
No details currently available. Bah!

EPISODE FOUR (?)- "tbc"
Written by: Noel Clarke, Directed by: (block three)
Noel appeared on GMTV last week and revealled that his episode is currently sheduled to be episode four of Torchwood. For now we'll continue to place the episode here. No specific details are yet available.

EPISODE FIVE (?) - "The Ghost Machine"
Written by: Helen Raynor, Directed by: Colin Teague
Thing's go bump in the night, but that's all I'm saying. The clue's in the name.

EPISODE SIX (?)- "Small World"
Written by: PJ Hammond, Directed by: (block three)
Gwen is still feeling her way in to the world of Torchwood, which she has just joined. This episode revolves around some "malevolent fairies". Hammond confirms in Dreamwatch magazine that the episode is no longer the third of the series.

OTHER EPISODES:
One more Russell.T.Davies script (possibly the finale)
At least three more Chris Chibnall scripts
A script by Si Spencer

And a quick note for fact fans: the first cast readthrough for Torchwood was Wednesday 26th April 2006, with actual filming commencing on Monday May 1st 2006. The first few weeks of filming were location shots as the team continue to settle into their new studio "Camelot".

And that's your lot for now! More news as we get it...and if anybody has any updates for our rough episode guide, then contact myself or Kurly and we'll be happy to make any changes.

The Noel Clarke Diaries

Noel Clarke (Mickey Smith in "Doctor Who") appeared on the Entertainment Today section of GM:TV on Friday. He appeared to talk about Doctor Who (specifically the fate of Mickey in "The Age of Steel", as well as hinting that Mickey might still return...), as well as his film "Kidulthood" which is released on DVD across the UK next week. It really is a fantastic film, so go out and buy it guys and gals, and support Mickey...I mean Noel Clarke, along the way.

Oh, and Noel also mentioned Torchwood (see what I did there...left it to last to add tension). It seems that his script is currently scheduled as episode four and will presumably take place in recording block two (the team are still recording block one now, and will soon move onto block two episodes). Although Noel didn't mntion any details about his episodes he did call the show a mix between "The X Files" and "CSI". Whether being compared to CSI is a good thing or not is entirely up to you to decide.

But one thing looks certain now: Mickey Smith will not be appearing in Torchwood. Which is a shame, because Mickey plays the role of a hero so brilliantly in "The Age of Steel"...

Torchwood:High Definition Television!

In a move that's sure to delight fans of High-Definition Television, a source has confirmed that Torchwood is indeed being filmed in High Definition. All this basically means is better picture and sound quality for viewers who possess a HD Television set (so if you don't already own one, buy one today, or in time for Torchwood in October!). The benefits of HD programming also mean that a series is more likely to sell to the American market, as the US already use HD technology. So it's a major yay for Torchwood as it tries to secure a place on American television screens. Watch this space.

INDIRA VARMA PLAYS "SUZIE"

We've also got news of a guest star in episode one, "Flotsam and Jetsam". Actress Indira Varma is set to play the role of Suzie. Indira has already made a name for herself in the UK and US by appearing in high profile series such as The Canterbury Tales, The Quatermass Experiment (with a certain David Tennant), Little Britain, and HBO's Rome epic. A word of advice to readers though: becareful when typing Indira's name into google images. A few naughty pictures may pop up on screen. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Spoilers concerning Suzie's character appear below in invisotext. DO NOT HIGHLIGHT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED!

Suzie is a rogue Torchwood operative that eventually gets replaced by our heroine Gwen (Eve Myles). I told you it was a pretty big spoiler!

Operation Torchwood Begins At 15:30 Hours

We've received word from a source in our comments section that a Basecamp has been set up in Cardiff City Centre ahead of filming, which starts at 15:30 tomorrow. We currently have no more information, but if this is indeed the case, expect a media rush over the next few days. When the situation has become any clearer we'll post an update here.

Many thanks to Big Joe.

It's a small world after all

The latest Dreamwatch Magazine has an article on Torchwood. They reveal that P.J. Hammond has written the third episode of the series which will be called Small Worlds. There was also some spoiler news about the episode included but I'm in a really bad mood this week so won't be giving that away.

OK fine you win, it's in the comments.

Torchwood - Six Months On

Yes, we've reached our first milestone here at Torchwood.TV, for it was six months ago today that Torchwood was first announced on the BBC website, and therefore, six months since the birth of this very website. We've come a long way since our first post last October, and today - just days away from the filming - would be an ideal time to look back on the past half dozen months, and to take in exactly what we've learnt so far...

TORCHWOOD - WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
A spin-off from the popular Doctor Who series starring David Tennant and Billie Piper. In it, a former companion of the Doctor's, Captain Jack Harkness, travels back in time from the year 200,100 to Cardiff in the year 2006, where he heads up an ultra secret organisation called Torchwood, who hunt for aliens and their technology all across the globe. Torchwood was founded in 1879, after Queen Victoria had a nasty incident with a werewolf in Balmoral. Soon Jack has teamed up with Gwen, a modern day police officer who uncovers the Torchwood secret. Jack and Gwen lead the Torchwood investigation, and what they discover is yet to be seen...

STORY ARCS
Jack Harkness will lead the Torchwood team. Russell T Davies has promised that we'll learn more of Jack's mysterious past. Like Doctor Who season one we'll no doubt see events through Gwen's eyes, and see how she responds to working with soldiers and battling aliens. Apparently Jack's boss has a lot to do with the arc too...And could a romance be in the air for Jack and Gwen?

THE BBC - THE HOME OF TORCHWOOD

BROADCAST
The series will broadcast on BBC Three in October, and at the minute, it appears that it will transfere to BBC One the following week. And Canadian fans should look out for the series too. It's a co-production between the BBC and the CBC, and so, the series is likely to debut on the network in 2007.

CAST
John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness)
Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper)
Burn Gorman (Unknown Role)

WRITERS
Russell T Davies (Two episodes, including Flotsam and Jetsam)
Chris Chibnall (At least Four episodes, including episode two)
P J Hammond
Helen Raynor
Toby Whithouse
Si Spencer
Noel Clarke

DIRECTORS
Brian Kelly

FILMING (AND REHEARSALS)
Rehearsals begin this week in Cardiff, with filming slated to begin on May 1st. Filming takes place at Roald Dahl Plass at the beginning of May, and a press release is expected to mark the birth of Torchwood.

MERCHANDISE
Already confirmed is a Captain Jack action figure. No image is currently available, but Character Options will no doubt release an image of the doll in the coming weeks.
The BBC have also registered the web domain www.torchwood.org.uk. This is likely to be of a similar vain to Mickey Smith's site, and should be running by the end of the second season of Doctor Who.

CROSSOVERS
It's been confirmed by Russell T Davies that there will be no crossovers between Doctor Who and Torchwood.

Captain Jack and the Chocolate Factory

The South Wales Echo revealed today that the shooting location for The Hub (Torchwood HQ) is located underneath Roald Daal Plass in Cardiff Bay. Rehearsals for the spinoff are beginning this week, the first day of filming still appears to be May 1st. This spot is also known as the Oval Basin and is where the TARDIS parked on the rift in Boom Town.

Scan thanks to Chronologix, of the OG forums

I'm sure if they know what's good for them they will be keeping all gawkers far from the excitement, but we always welcome first hand reports here at Torchwood.TV. So if you happen to be enjoying a nice romantic walk on the bay and see a Sycorax strolling towards you be sure and let us know.

Hit The Road Jack...

Today was John Barrowman's final day on This Morning, but ever the showman, John left with one hell of a bang. After over-long articles on Coronation Street (apparently Mike Baldwin is dead - does anybody care?!?), John and Fern talked television gossip with pundit Paul Ross. And Paul managed to tease some Torchwood information out of John. Here's one big yay for Paul Ross!

After Tuesday's edition of "This Morning" John travelled to Cardiff to see the Torchwood sets. He seems very impressed with what he saw. The concept drawings for these sets can be found here. Anyway, John then went on to reveal that filming doesn't begin in May like we all thought...but NEXT WEEK!!! My friend within the BBC was right when he gave us that April information last month. All in all, it means torchwood.tv was the first internet site to give this information to its readers. Check us out! Last but not least, John revealled one final secret, but beware, your head may explode out of pure excitement after you've read it...

Captain Jack is going to be driving his own Scooby Doo styled van in Torchwood. Described by John as "massive", Jack will drive the vechile (think Dead Reckoning from that Land of the Dead film) around the country. John goes on to advise viewers to keep their eyes peeled, because he may pass them on the road inside the van! Imagine driving home from work and finding a 51st Century guy parked next to you...! No pictures are currently available, but with filming due to start next week, it can only be a matter of time before an official BBC press release. Failing that, it can't be long before some tabloid newspaper creeps on set to capture the return of Captain Jack.

Here's hoping at least!

Torchwood 2D

Here at last is a full gallery of images from last night's Doctor Who Confidential:

Thanks to our friends at http://torchwood.time-and-space.co.uk/ the screencaps can be seen in full. Thanks a lot guys. I owe you one!

Yours, Confidentially...

Yes, as a few of you have discussed on the comments section, earlier this evening, during a special episode of "Doctor Who Confidential" entitled One Year On, Torchwood was discussed in some detail, which I'll break down for you below:

BACKGROUND
According to RTD (who was interviewed about the show) Jack Harkness travels back in time, through the rift, to Cardiff, where he hopes the Doctor will one day return, in order to re-fuel the TARDIS (much like he did in Boom Town). It's here that Jack becomes head of the re-formed Torchwood, and as we know folks, that's where all the fun begins...

JULIE GARDNER
According to Gardner (Torchwood's executive producer) the show will be filmed in Cardiff, but set throughout Britain's cities. So yay! Here's hoping they visit Manchester (where I live!)

CONCEPT DRAWINGS
The designs for The Hub, and various other Torchwood locations were featured quite heavily throughout this broadcast. We also saw some builders actually assembling the set! As soon as any screen caps are released onto the net, you can be sure we'll post them here! And boy, will they be worth the wait!!!

UPDATE! Thanks to www.eyeofhorus.org.uk the concept drawing for the "Autopsy Area" is now here! It can be seen below:

http://www.eyeofhorus.org.uk/images/photo/10tennant/dr-who-night-dwc/torchwood-drawing1.jpg

Anyway, I better get typing away at that Richard Stokes (long overdue!) interview. Until tomorrow...

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!

Ladies And Gentlemen We Have Our Lady (Hopefully!)

First things first, this breaking news item was originally posted on www.bbc.co.uk/news but the item mysteriously vanished after a couple of hours or so (Torchwood operatives are obviously wanting to keep this one secret for a while!), but alas, we Woodies cannot be silenced. This move though does question the honesty of the following story, but I believe it to be the truth, so without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, let me present Gwen, at long long last...Eve Myles!

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41368000/jpg/_41368502_myles_203.jpg

The BBC issued the following news statement (which has since been retracted!?!):

"Welsh actress Eve Myles is to play the lead female role in Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood. Myles will play the role of Gwen opposite John Barrowman in the 13-part serial, to be screened later this year. The drama, penned by Russell T Davies, will chart the adventures of a renegade team of crime investigators who solve both human and alien mysteries. Davies, who wrote the comeback series of Doctor Who, said he created the role especially for the actress. The new series, which centres on the character of Captain Jack, is due to begin filming in the summer and will be screened on BBC One and BBC Three. Anagram The drama is inspired by Doctor Who, but there will be no fictional crossover between the two programmes. It is intended for a post-watershed audience. Myles, whose previous credits include appearing alongside Sir Michael Gambon in a National Theatre production of Henry IV, appeared in the first series of the revived Doctor Who. Russell T Davies is writer and one of the new series' executive producers "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," said Swansea-born Davies. The "sexy, funny" spin-off, whose name is an anagram of Doctor Who, will be set in Cardiff. "Doctor Who has a completely different feel to this kind of thing. This is set in the same place every week. It's a different sort of fun to Doctor Who," said Davies. "It's an urban series, very much set on Earth," he added."

Now, although this story is not yet official information, www.drwho-online.co.uk has sources 'confirming' its leads, and the link above does have the bbc domain printed upon it. As usual, I'll wait for a definate press release before I believe this story, but the signs are suggesting we take it with a lot less salt that usual. And if we do have our Gwen at last, let me be the first to say, doesn't she look fantastic. And Jack ain't bad either!

Welcome aboard Eve...Let you have many a good time ahead of you.

The Countdown Begins Here Folks...

A couple of my sources in Cardiff have revealled some interesting news regarding both "Doctor Who" Season Two, and "Torchwood", both of which (I'm sure you'll agree) sound very very promising indeed!

+Doctor Who Season Two
A lot of this season finale ("Army Of Ghosts"/"Doomsday") has already been recorded, in September - January, but a lot of its scenes were recorded with a skeleton crew, suggesting that something happens in these scenes that the BBC want to keep secret (I doubt its Jack's return, because Barrowman has been busy during this period). Perhaps Miss Piper finally leaves the show...paving way for a guest appearence in Torchwood...?

+Torchwood
Rumour has it that when the BBC begin publicity for the new series of Doctor Who in March, they'll release a pree release for "Torchwood" to try and capture some of Doctor Who attention. The rumours suggest that this press release will finally announce the casting of Gwen, as well as Jack's two other companions, as well as several of the other writers, ahead of the start of principle photography in April. I guess we'll just have to wait and see...But if any news is announced, you can bet Torchwoodtv will be amongst the first to report it!

Oh, and btw, its almost our 100th post here...Who's betting that Kurly has something nice to celebrate with?

For the last time, it's April damnit!

It seems everyday we get another confirmation that Torchwood will begin filming in April in Cardiff and yet we still seem to have some lingering doubts don't we? It is reported today that in the new issue of Now Magazine JB says yet again, April it is. TV.com's man on the inside jackharkness left a comment here yesterday which should also finally put all of these delay rumours to rest.

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

If you still are not convinced (I too admit I need things confirmed by at least 5 people before I believe them) I predict Barrowman will say the word April at least seven times tomorrow during his two media appearances. First, you will need to wake up bright and early to see JB on ITV's breakfast show in several interview segments scheduled for Friday morning. Then there is the LBC 97.3FM London radio show with Alison Bell starting at 12:45 Friday afternoon.

Don't forget to send in your Torchwood questions before the show if you haven't yet. I have already asked about filming delays, so that's covered. So the only thing left to ask JB in your email is: exactly how many times do the scripts call for the use of a defabricator in season one?

Keep Calm

The title above is the directive that RTD has given us, and I think for the most part we have been adhering to that. In the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine, Russell comments that changes in personnel is to be expected in the pre-production of a blossoming show such as Torchwood. He confirmed a prior report that James Hawes will not be producing the program. Looking out my window, I don't see any riots in the street yet, so it seems Woodies are dealing with this news responsibly.

Source:http://torchwood.time-and-space.co.uk/

The report also said that pre-production is still "a few weeks off" which while not implicitly stating that the show is way behind schedule, does seem to indicate we really shouldn't expect to see it on our screens until very late in the year at the earliest. If you count backwards 13 weeks from the last saturday in March of 2007 (When WHO season 29 will probably start) you end up in the last week of December 2006. Hmm, could there be a christmas premiere in the cards for the non-family-orientated Torchwood?

Finally, two new names have also been thrown into the mix, Helen Raynor as script editor and Matt Savage as designer. More on them in forthcoming posts . . . well that is if they are still associated with the show by the time I can get around to writing about them.

Barrowman's Bum

JB appeared on an ITV program called The 5:00 Show Friday and said that Torchwood and Season 29 of Doctor Who will still both fit into his schedule. This is obviously great news and seems to indicate that the spinoff is still steadily on course. But it is not as fantastic news for some as the other information he spilled, that we will probably get to see his posterior on the new spinoff.

Source:http://dancingonice.com

His statements were all rather vague, and JB's website still states Autumn 2006 as the premiere date for Torchwood. So no real answers yet, we might get them in Barrowman's next scheduled interview on Friday February 3rd from 12:30 to 1:30 on LBC radio 97.3FM with Alison Bell. At least the second half of the show will also be podcast. She is even soliciting questions via email, so now is your chance to drill Captain Jack about Gwen.

Shouldn't have got out of bed today

In a day that may go down in history as Black Tuesday, Outpost Gallifrey reported that production on Torchwood has been pushed back several months. This will conflict with Doctor Who production and James Hawes will no longer be involved with the upstart show. It would be nice to have this confirmed from a source who is working on the show before we panic but OG has been reliable.

Source:http://stakesandstones.co.uk/

It has already been revealed that Captain Jack will be back in season 29 and that season 28 will have lots of references to Torchwood, so it is not clear yet how this will all fit in with WHO production. We can probably assume JB won't be in the 2006 christmas episode as that will also be shot in July, but other than that we will just have to wait for more news as we get it.

As sad as you may be about the news of Torchwood's delay you have it easy, you didn't make the silly choice to do a daily blog about the show. But all is not lost if the youth of today can learn from my example, and not make a similar mistake when the next Doctor Who spinoff comes along.