The Doctor; Timelord, Hero, Oncoming Storm and er...Fashion Icon??

Well, we all knew it was a bit risky but it looks like the gamble paid off. It seems Matt Smith's Doctor is about to start a fashion revolution...in the form of TWEED???

(from Sky News)

A traditional Scottish fabric popular with affluent country dwellers is to be sold on the high street for the first time after a collaboration with fashion store Topman.

One of the producers of Harris Tweed has teamed up with the chain to create a more youthful line amid renewed interest in the cloth, thanks in part to actor Matt Smith's wardrobe.

The material, which is exclusively woven in the Outer Hebrides, was once seen as a traditional premium brand and struggled to the point of extinction in 2006, when a mill on the Isle of Lewis closed. But it was reopened by Harris Tweed Hebrides a year later and the recent use of the cloth by designers such as Alexander McQueen, Yves St Laurent and Chanel has seen its popularity soar. It is now being sold in 50 countries worldwide.

However, it is Smith - who sports a tweed jacket and bow tie as the time-travelling character - who is credited with bringing tweed to an entirely new audience.

Mary McGowne, organiser of the Scottish Style Awards - which honoured Harris Tweed Hebrides last year - credited the company and the regulatory Harris Tweed Authority with transforming the cloth's image. "The work that has been done to promote its unique qualities, combined with key product placement, including Matt Smith and his geek-chic look, has bestowed real kudos on the fabric," she said.

The new collaboration will see Harris Tweed blazers, coats and accessories stocked at Topman - part of Sir Philip Green's empire - and priced to suit a mid-market shopper. The range will include blazers, coats and accessories

Jason Griffiths, Topman marketing director, told Sky News: "We are extremely excited about the launch of our collaboration with Harris Tweed. "As well as coinciding with their 100-year anniversary, we feel this partnership will bring Harris Tweed to a whole new audience." Harris Tweed Hebrides CEO Ian Mackenzie told Sky News the company was celebrating a 50% increase in output this year compared with the same time last year. But the surge in demand has pushed the price of wool up by 50%. "Quality wool products are in fashion at the moment," explained Sky News business contributor Russell Luckock. "Material prices are rising. By way of illustration, Lesley Prior, an Exmoor sheep farmer, producing high quality fleeces, is getting £10 per kilo for her product, as against the normal wool marketing price of £0.75 - £2.50 per kg."

Matt Wants To Stay For Years...

'Doctor Who' actor Matt Smith admits he is keen to push the boundaries of the sci-fi show and wants to continually make it better.

The 27-year-old actor is relishing playing the Time Lord in the BBC One sci-fi series and has hinted he wants to stay in the role for years to come and make the show better with each new run. He told reporters: "I try not to rest on my laurels really, I'm trying to keep pushing the boundaries. It's kind of like Hamlet but for television because it's boundless and you can reinvent it every day. So I'm trying to push the boundaries and trying to evolve. My intention is that I've started and I want to get better, I don't know how long I'll do it for, but I want there to be a marked improvement every time."

Matt also revealed filming of the next series is well underway and is going well. He said: "We're shooting the new series. We've got another 30 weeks of filming left but it's going great. We're off and we're cooking."
The actor will be joined in the next season by Karen Gillan, who plays The Doctor's companion Amy Pond, and Arthur Darvill, who portrays Amy's husband Rory Williams.

So, my fellow Whovians, what's your opinion? Should Matt stay for years or, should he go before he becomes too stale? We all know people didn't want David to go but, at the end of the day (or time if you like!!), we all knew it was the right decision for him.

Smith Wants Who Movie!!!

'Doctor Who' star Matt Smith wants to star in a big-screen adaptation of the BBC One sci-fi series, where he plays the titular Time Lord.

The 27-year-old actor - who plays the Time Lord in the BBC One sci-fi series - thinks the show would work brilliantly on the big screen and he is ready for it if it ever got the go-ahead.

He told reporters: "I'd be thrilled if they ever did a film. I think there are infinite stories to tell because you're not bound by time or logic or any of those things so I think it could work. But, you know, there's something brilliant about the format of 'Doctor Who' how it's compact into around 40 minutes and that happens every week."

Rumours recently circulated that Johnny Depp was in line to play The Doctor in a movie version of the series.
And although Matt thinks the Hollywood superstar would be good in the part, he would fight him for the right to portray the time-travelling alien in cinemas.

He added: "I don't want to talk myself out a job but Johnny Depp would be a good Doctor, no doubt. But I would do it if they asked me, hell yeah!"

More Reviews Of DW Live!

A terrifying array of monsters invaded London last night at the 'Doctor Who Live!' show.

Matt Smith faced a terrifying array of monsters at the opening night of the 'Doctor Who Live!' show yesterday.


The actor - who plays The Doctor in the BBC One sci-fi series -children and adults alike were left quaking in their seats as Cybermen, Judoon, Silurians and Daleks battled it out at London's Wembley Arena in the spectacular production, which featured live music, special effects, explosions and plenty of shocks.

The audience was taken on rollercoaster ride with The Doctor's most famous enemies as the 'Greatest Showman in the Galaxy' Vorgenson - played by Nigel Planer and created especially for the show by 'Doctor Who' executive producer Steven Moffat - used his invention 'The Minimiser' to summon the fantastical creatures to the stage.

One unlucky audience member - although really an actor - was captured at one point by the Cybermen and "upgraded", returning as a member of the metal-clad army.

And that was just one of many surprises, which included a flying Dalek attacking The Doctor, an incredible sequence with the menacing statue-like Weeping Angels and various monsters running through the crowd.
Matt watched the story unfold with his model girlfriend Daisy Lowe and when he was introduced to the audience he received a rapturous round of applause and stood up to say hello to his thousands of fans.
The 27-year-old actor does not star in the show himself but appears in a series of video clips shown on a giant screen.

Before the production started he admitted he was nervous about seeing his head appear that big.
He said: "My head is going to be on a huge screen. That's unnerving, not just for me but for everyone, I think. No one needs to be seen that close up. But I'm so excited to see it. It will deliver on all the things 'Doctor Who' is brilliant at - fantastic stories, fantastic sets, fantastic music, adventure and scares."

Other famous faces in the crowd included Catherine Tate, who played companion Donna Noble in the show, and screenwriter Richard Curtis - who as well as penning several hit films also wrote the 'Doctor Who' episode 'Vincent and the Doctor' which aired during the last series.

The incredible show continues in London over the weekend before travelling round the UK, including dates in Sheffield, Manchester and Liverpool.

'Doctor Who' fans will be interested to know the show is intended to be a sequel to the 1973 TV episode 'Carnival of Monsters' - which starred Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor.

Matt Wants A Piano In The TARDIS!!

Doctor Who star Matt Smith is hoping to get a new gadget in the Tardis - a piano keyboard.

The actor wants a real instrument panel to show off his musical skills in a future episode.
Matt - soon to feature in a touring version of the show - has already used the programme to showcase his expertise as a footballer.

The former Leicester City and Nottingham Forest youth star was seen running rings around the other players when the Doctor had a kickabout in the past series.

And his latest request is to display how dextrous he is.

"I always wanted a piano in the Tardis, but that's yet to materialise, sadly," he said. "I'm by no means a dab hand but I can tinker a little bit."

However, he admits that fans may not be so keen to see him performing: "I guess once the Tardis lands, you want the adventure to get started - you don't want to see the Doctor playing the piano.

Matt, 27, will be seen during the new Doctor Who Live arena tour, which begins on October 8 at Wembley Arena and visits nine cities.

He will appear in specially filmed footage to be shown during the spectacular, which will feature live monsters including Cybermen, Daleks, Weeping Angels and many others.

Matt Smith Names Co-Stars He'd Like To See

Doctor Who star Matt Smith wants another redhead to take a spin in the Tardis - chart star Florence Welch.
He reckons the Brit-winning Florence And The Machine star would be perfect for a cameo role in the hit series.

Smith - who will next month be seen in a touring arena show, Doctor Who Live - said the singer was on his list of ideal guest stars for the BBC1 series. The Doctor is already accompanied across the universe by flame-haired assistant Amy Pond, played by Karen Gillan. Asked whom he would like to see make an appearance, Smith said: "Florence from Florence And The Machine - I'd quite like her to do one."

He also has his sights set on former soccer star Eric Cantona, who has moved into occasional acting roles.
"I'd quite like Eric Cantona to come and do one. That would be cool," Smith said.

French actor Vincent Cassel, Hayley Atwell and Helena Bonham Carter are also on his wish-list, along with comic Rowan Atkinson - who actually played the Doctor in a one-off BBC comedy special for Comic Relief. "There are many, many, many people," Smith added.

Smith, 27, will be seen during the new Doctor Who Live arena tour which begins on October 8 at Wembley Arena and visits nine cities. He will appear in specially filmed footage to be shown during the spectacular which will feature live monsters including Cybermen, Daleks, Weeping Angels and many others.

So does that mean she'll change the lyrics of her biggest hit to "WHO got the love?"*

*I apologise profoundly for this joke. My solicitors have advised me to say I will NEVER make a joke that bad again.

Matt Smith Comes To Karen's Rescue (If You Believe The Rumours!!)

It seems that rumours of poor Amy's demise in series six are getting more and more feverent as we approach the xmas special. Here's what The Sun - Britains best selling toilet news paper had to say:

DOCTOR: "I'LL SAVE AMY FROM AXE!!"

DOCTOR Who yesterday vowed to save sidekick Amy Pond from being killed off.
Fans feared actress Karen Gillan, 22, would be chopped from the new series now being shot.But Matt Smith, 27, who plays the Time Lord, said: "I'll rescue her." Amy was bumped off in the last series before being revived in the final episode. Fans thought that heralded her permanent death.But Matt said: "Amy Pond can't die, no way. I'd miss Karen. So don't worry, I won't let it happen."A nine-city Doctor Who Live tour begins on October 8 at Wembley Arena.

The Press Association were a little less dramatic:

Doctor Who star Matt: I'll save Amy

Doctor Who star Matt Smith has reassured fans that he won't let assistant Amy Pond be killed off - and vowed: "I'll save her." He said actress Karen Gillan - who plays his sidekick - will stay with the show because there's still "a lot more mileage" in their friendship.

There had been suggestions that fan favourite Amy would be given the chop in the new series. She was briefly bumped off in the summer but brought back to life in the final episode of the series, The Big Bang.

Matt - soon to be seen as part of a stage spin-off of the show - said: "She can't die, Amy Pond can't die. No way, I'd be sad. I'd miss Karen." He said: "I just think for this particular Doctor, his bond with Amy, I think there's a lot more mileage in it yet. I think there's a long way to go. So I can't see it happening any time soon." He added: "Don't worry, I won't let it happen - I'll save her, I'll save the day."

The new Doctor Who Live arena tour begins next month with a show at Wembley Arena.

Matt, 27, appears in specially filmed footage to be shown during the spectacular, but the monsters and narrator Vorgenson (played by Nigel Planer) appear live. The actor said he would be attending opening night on October 8 but was tight-lipped about whether he'd be making an on-stage appearance, saying: "Well, you'll have to wait and see."

Poor Karen! Only 22 and already rumours of her death are rife!!!

Suranne Jones Confirmed For Series 6 Role.

The BBC has announced that former 'Coronation Street' favourite Suranne Jones is to guest star in the new series of 'Doctor Who'. Jones will play a character called Idris in an episode written by bestselling sci-fi and fantasy author Neil Gaiman. Jones said: "As an actor, it's hugely exciting to be cast in 'Doctor Who'. I'm a massive fan of the show and I was blown away when I read Neil's script and uncovered what's in store for my character. "However, I'm sworn to secrecy so viewers will just have to wait until next year to find out any other juicy details!"

Commenting on her casting, Gaiman said: "Suranne is marvellous. She's beautiful, funny and strange. It's the kind of role that people will remember forever, so we needed someone who was able to pull that off, and to keep up with Matt Smith [the Doctor]. And bite him. Suranne does all three." The episode begins filming on Friday.

Jones previously appeared in the 'Doctor Who' spin-off 'The Sarah Jane Adventures'.

Guardian Q & A Interview With Matt Smith

 

Hi, Matt. Doctor Who is off on tour (1). Does his sonic screwdriver double as an electric toothbrush?
Of course. He just lasers over his teeth and he's good to go.

The tour is nationwide. Is it safe to leave the Tardis in town centre car parks or will it end up smelling of wee and full of cards for "exotic massages"?
No one can get in. You could drive the Welsh rugby team at it (2). It's been in far more precarious locations.

You need to pull out all the stops to take Doctor Who Live, so presumably it'll be a musical, on ice. How does a Dalek put on an ice-skate?
Doctor Who on ice! But would we want to hear a Dalek sing? The great thing is that the monsters from the whole history of Doctor Who will be within touching distance.

Daleks never used to be able to go upstairs. Now they can. Seems unfair.
They sort of went upstairs, just with a really bad edit. At least now they don't have to live in bungalows.

Your Doctor wears a bow tie and a tweed jacket. Weren't you tempted to go for something more casual – like a tracksuit?
A tracksuit would have looked rubbish. I wanted it to feel professorial.

The Doctor never managed to snog any of his assistants until recently. Why the sudden interest in Earth girl tongue?
Steven Moffat (3) has an inventive mind. Amy wanted to snog the Doctor, not vice versa. This particular Doctor is a bit, "Woooh. Girls." It's fun to kiss the hot assistant once.

When you and Benedict Cumberbatch (4) go on holiday, who gets top bunk: him for having the world's daftest surname, or you for the most common?
He's a mate of mine, Ben. It's a cool surname, Cumberbatch. I'm happy with bottom bunk. It's cosier. If I have to get up for a wee, I won't wake him.

Eleven Doctors walk into a bar. David Tennant orders a pint of Tennent's. Sylvester McCoy, packet of McCoy's. Patrick Troughton, pint of Broughton. Jon Pertwee goes for a wee. Tom and Colin Baker are barred: troublemakers. Paul McGann sneaks in a can. William Hartnell sits on a bar stool. Christopher Eccleston is off his head again. Davison, Peter, pint of wife-beater (5). What are you having?
That's a canny question. Matt Smith has a pint of orange and a kiss with a girl with a quiff (6) (7)!

In the original draft of Back To The Future, Marty McFly has a time-travelling fridge, handy for keeping his beers cold. Fancy part-exchanging the Tardis for a time-travelling washing machine?
But I've got a washing machine in the Tardis that's as big as a house (8)!

Torchwood lacks the manliness of Doctor Who, doesn't it?
John's (9) quite manly, isn't he? I don't watch Torchwood but I'm sure John sprinkles it with magic and colour.

Thanks, Matt. People say Doctor Who made them hide behind the sofa, yet most people have their sofas pushed against the wall. Eh?
On what research have we got that most people have their sofas pushed against the wall?

You can be the bench test.
Er, yes, I do. Although when I stay in Cardiff, I don't. So when I watch Doctor Who, it's perfect for hiding behind.

Doctor Who Live tours the UK from 8 Oct to 7 Nov
1 Cast members appear on a screen
2 Doctor Who is filmed in Cardiff
3 Head writer and exec producer
4 BBC's Sherlock Holmes
5 Stella
6 La Roux?
7 Except aren't you dating model Daisy Lowe, Matt?
8 Check the label. Tweed is dry clean only
9 Barrowman

One last thing... Matt Smith

Knock knock. Who's there? Doctor Who's Matt Smith, that's who – talking tracksuits, tweed and toothbrushes with Rich Pelley

The Doctor Set To Land In The Black Country!

Doctor Who live stage show coming to Birmingham
(From The Birmingham Post)

A full-scale alien invasion is set to hit the Birmingham NIA next month with the first-ever stage outing for TV hero Doctor Who, writes Neil Elkes.

And while assorted Daleks, Cybermen and Silurians will be plotting the conquest of the Earth on stage, behind the scenes a Sutton Coldfield company is pulling the strings.


Steve Hill and David Andrews, owners of Events, Marketing and Other Stuff, based in Cofield Road, are more used to the rigours of life on the road with rock’n’rollers like Oasis.


But as tour manager for Doctor Who Live, Steve will be making a rare foray into theatrical production.

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He will be making sure the 80 or so cast and crew, including Young Ones star Nigel Planer, are in the right place at the right time for the 25-date UK tour.
“Doctor Who Live is a major show, with a live band, theatrical performances, lasers and pyrotechnics. It is quite ambitious,” he explains. “It’s a privilege to be involved. Doctor Who is a British institution, it is watched by millions. It’s part of our culture.”


A former bass player with local bands like The Starfighters, Little Big Horn and The Grip, he did not reach the heights of stardom he dreamt of – number 63 was his highest chart position – but found a place behind the scenes. 


That rock experience was channelled into a new career as production and tour manager which has grown over the last 15 years, first as a freelance and more recently with EMO. He has now worked on world tours with the likes of Bon Jovi, The Cure, Oasis, last year’s Take That spectacular and more recently this summer’s Radio 1 Big Weekend gigs.
“Having that experience of being in a band, even though they were not the most successful bands, I have seen it from their perspective. I think it helps,” he says.
“And Birmingham is the perfect location for our business, it is central, you can get to most places within two hours.”

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Steve admits getting into the concert and live show business at the right time. With album sales plummeting in the face of widespread online music piracy, tours and gigs are the only way bands and artists can sell themselves. “All the effort goes into live shows, they are the big earner for the industry,” he adds.
With the BBC now taking to the road there is optimism that the live circuit has even more room to grow.
Doctor Who Live is at the NIA from October 18-20. The show includes filmed parts starring The Doctor himself Matt Smith, while Young Ones star Nigel Planer and voice of the Daleks Nicholas Briggs perform live.

For full details visit www.doctorwholive.com/

Series 5 Deals

I'm sure most of you reading this will be wanting to get your hands on the Series 5 box set when it arrives in stores. But, if you're like me, and think that the RRP of £69.99 is a bit much to pay well worry no more because  I've trawled the WWW to try and find the best bargains:

Love Film are doing it for £49.93 with free delivery Here

Movie Mail have got the Limited Version for £54.49 with free delivery Here

Meanwhile for Blu-Ray fans we have the following:

Zavvii have got it for £52.85 with free delivery Here

They also have the Limited Blu-Ray version for £61.85 Here again with free delivery.

If anybody has found it cheaper anywhere else please let me know so we can share the savings with fellow fans :)