Friday 2 August 2013

The Twelfth Doctor to be announced on Sunday




The wait is almost over for all the Doctor Who fans, as the identity of the next actor to play the Doctor is to be announced in a special one-off programme called Doctor Who Live, to be broadcast on BBC One this Sunday August 4 at 7pm.

In front of a live studio audience, host Zoe Ball will unveil and interview the next actor to play the lead role,  which is one of the most coveted roles in British television.

The programme will feature Doctors old and new, companions, special guests and celebrity fans, all taking place against the backdrop of a swirling vortex with Daleks and the TARDIS appearing in the studio.

Earlier in the week the BBC had cleverly disguised the show in the TV listings, scheduling a fake ‘Celebrity Mastermind’ in the 7.30pm-8pm slot.

Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor  will finally end months of speculation over who will be taking over from Matt Smith, who departs at Christmas.  Peter Capaldi, Ben Daniels, Ben Whishaw and David Harewood have all been linked with the role, though an unknown actor is perhaps far more likely.

Executive Producer Steven Moffat said : ‘The decision is made and the time has come to reveal who’s taking over the TARDIS. For the last of the Time Lords, the clock is striking twelve.’

Moffat and Smith will both give interviews during the show, commenting on the role and what they believe it takes to play the iconic role of the Doctor.

Fans in America will be able to watch the unveiling live via simulcast on BBC America.

Charlotte Moore, the Controller of BBC One said: ‘BBC One is the home of big live events and this special live show is the perfect way to reveal the identity of the next Doctor and share it with the nation. The Doctor is a truly iconic role and I’m more than excited about the booking.’

Ben Stephenson, the Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning meanwhile, revealed how they have been using the codename Houdini for the actor.

He has said: ‘We can’t wait to unveil the next Doctor with everyone live on BBC One on Sunday night. Amongst all the speculation and betting, there has been lots of fun and intrigue at work as we’ve been using the codename Houdini as a decoy! It’s the biggest secret in showbiz, even those working with the new Doctor on other projects at the moment have no idea they are in the presence of the Twelfth incarnation.’

Rory Kinnear had also been tipped as a possible Doctor, but after insisting that he won’t be joining the show his denial was compounded by his signing up to the ITV drama Lucan, which films at the same time.  Also mentioned as a possible contender for the role was Domhnall Gleeson, son of Brendan Gleeson, who played Bill Weasley in the last of the Harry Potter films.

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