Doctor Who’s famous Tardis getting makeover for new series in major change
WE’D expect to see more than a few tweaks to the Tardis when it returns with Russell T Davies running Doctor Who again.
But the most interesting of all will be modifications so the famous time travelling machine is wheelchair-friendly.
That means that any steps, narrow spaces or obstacles will be removed – and it could end up having ramps and even a lift installed.
A TV insider said: “These modifications aren’t just a sign of changing times, they’re also down to some of the characters who’ll feature on the show.
“Returning to the cast for the specials – which are set to air next year with David Tennant alongside Catherine Tate – will be wheelchair user Bernard Cribbins as Wilfred Mott.
"And there are rumours that disabled actress Ruth Madeley could also be joining the cast in the new shows after Jodie Whittaker has quit as the doctor.”
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Ironically the showrunner who introduced the most steps into the Tardis was Russell himself, when he rebooted the sci-fi classic with Christopher Eccleston as the time lord in 2005.
From that point on, more and more platforms were added, with Jodie’s version including an elaborate hexagonal set of steps leading to an entrance into the rest of the craft.
Prior to that the time machine’s interior was fairly flat and wheelchair-friendly, though that probably wasn’t intentional.
From William Hartnell’s first doctor in 1963 right up to Paul McGann’s version in 1996, all the Tardis’s interiors were pretty simple.
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It’s only in the past 18 years that they’ve become obstacle courses.
Let’s hope Davros and the Daleks don’t get wind of the changes – or Doctor Who’s sworn enemies will run amok if they get inside.
MAISIE KEEPS IT REAL
EASTENDERS star Maisie Smith delivered a sultry performance opposite fellow contestants Rhys Stephenson and Max George on the launch week of the Keeeep Dancing! tour.
They are joined by a raft of pros, all of whom have appeared on the BBC1 dance competition.
The pro line-up includes Neil Jones, Cameron Lombard, Jowita Przystal and Nancy Xu.
With seven dates already under their belts, the dancers will criss-cross the country before the tour ends in Southend on July 23.
To book visit:
DEATH IN PARADISE SPIN-OFF
YOU can’t have too much of a good thing, especially when it comes to the delightful Death in Paradise – and the BBC seems to agree.
It has commissioned a spin-off centred on Kris Marshall's character DI Humphrey Goodman.
The new series, called Beyond Paradise, will follow Humphrey as he returns to the UK.
The original, which stars Ralf Little as the inimitable DI Neville Parker, has become one of the Beeb’s most popular shows of the past decade.
BritBox will be involved in production and its Chief Creative Officer Diederick Santer said the spin-off was a “no brainer”.
He added: “Familiarity is so key and that comes with well-known IP, spin-offs, talent and location.
“This is so important and really cuts through.”
He also teased there were similar ideas in development.
LEIGH FRANCIS has called time on Celebrity Juice.
He announced yesterday that the outrageous ITV2 panel show will end after 14 years and 26 series.
Two highlights-reel specials will air later this year to say goodbye.
HARRY: SEX NOT SO HOT
TOO Hot to Handle hunk Harry Johnson has warned other youngsters that “sex isn’t everything” – despite going on the Netflix dating show where temptation was all around him.
He was talking on the latest edition of the Dear Deidre podcast – released today – where he talks to sex educator Alix Fox.
Harry said: “Some men, they’re quick to jump ship for something else, when you can work on what you’ve got.
“If you’re happy where you are, sex isn’t the be all and end all. It’s important but the time you spend together and what you have is worth working on, rather than just thinking ‘she’s having an affair’ or ‘I need sex’.”
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AFTER the success of Mare of Easttown, Kate Winslet has signed up to another series for HBO.
She’ll star in an adaptation of Hernan Diaz’s novel Trust, which is about a wealthy financier who tries to rewrite history and apportion blame by manipulating his memoirs.