Latest news with #ChristopherEccleston
South Wales Argus
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Christopher Eccleston seen filming new series in Newport
Today (Wednesday, July 9), Christopher Eccleston was seen filming a new series near the Chartist Tower on Upper Dock Street. Mr Eccleston, who appeared in the ninth incarnation of Doctor Who, was unable to reveal the new project he was working on, but the praised the city he was in. He said: 'It's lovely being in Newport.' Film crews have been spotted in Newport city centre for the past couple of weeks. Welsh production company Hello Deer were spotted filming in John Frost Square, Newport Central Library and Upper Dock Street producing a new feature film titled 'About a Bell'. 'About a Bell' is an independent film about Sami, a Syrian refugee, and Bryony, a young librarian, who embark on a highly personal quest to preserve a bell from a demolished church. Met Office confirms third heatwave inbound as 40C temperatures possible In the Dock: Look who's just been in court Listings on IMDB detail that Sami is played by comedian Omid Djalili, and Bryony will be played by Eleanor Worthington-Cox. This main duo will be joined by some giants of British acting including Doctor Who star and Emmy Award Winner Christopher Eccleston, Jonathan Rhodes and Scot Williams. This stellar cast will be directed by BAFTA nominee and star of 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' Simon Callow, who is making his first foray into directing since the 1990s. Unlike most other film crews this one is very small and only employs around 40 people, but staff on set feel that this is the best way to operate. Location assistant Matthew Marais, 25, said: 'I think they want to film in Newport as it's a city that's been developed. 'These independent films are the best kind of jobs because everyone cares so much more. If its someone's passion project, like this, then everybody wants to try harder to bring it to life.' Filming will take place around Newport and Cardiff, before the production moves to Belgium to complete filming in a few weeks. The production itself is set in Newport, so residents are sure to see parts of the much-loved city they call home throughout the film when it is released. There is no release date announced for the production yet.
Mint
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘Doctor Who' to depart from streaming—Where will the much-loved doctor arrive next?
The long-running British sci-fi phenomenon 'Doctor Who' is set to leave HBO Max at the end of July, raising fresh questions about the future accessibility of one of television's most iconic series. HBO Max has confirmed that all 13 seasons of the modern-era reboot (2005–2022) will be removed from the platform on July 31, with its spinoff Torchwood departing earlier, on July 26. This move affects episodes spanning the Ninth to Thirteenth Doctors, including performances from Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, and Jodie Whittaker. As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding where these episodes will be available for streaming next. While fans of the classic series (1963–1989) can still find earlier episodes on platforms such as Tubi and BritBox, the fate of the modern series' streaming rights remains unclear. Currently, seasons 1 through 13 are available on HBO Max, while the latest entries—seasons 14 and 15, starring Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor—are streaming exclusively on Disney+ (JioHotstar) under a separate deal. In addition to the main series, new content from the 'Doctor Who' universe is in development. A BBC spin-off miniseries titled 'The War Between the Land and the Sea' is expected to premiere in 2026. An animated spin-off for 'CBeebies', the BBC's children's channel, is also underway, although it remains uncertain whether The Doctor will feature as a central character. As for the flagship show's future, there are currently no new episodes officially commissioned. In the June issue of 'Doctor Who' Magazine, showrunner Russell T Davies acknowledged the uncertain state of the franchise, writing: 'We don't know what's happening yet, and while everyone works that out, I'll take a pause on this page. Hopefully, we'll have news soon.' For the time being, digital purchases and physical box sets remain the most dependable options for fans wishing to access the full breadth of 'Doctor Who' content—until a new streaming home is announced.
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Dr Who star Christopher Eccleston spotted in Dundalk on set of new movie ‘Chasing Millions'
Emmy winning actor and former Dr Who Christopher Eccleston has been spotted in Dundalk as shooting took place in a number of locations in Dundalk on the new film Chasing Millions based on the infamous Northern Bank robbery. There was consternation last week when an RUC jeep was spotted in the Muirhevnamor housing estate but it turned out that the film crew had rented a house at Slieve Foy Park.
Gizmodo
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Christopher Eccleston's ‘Doctor Who' Regeneration Remains One of the Show's Best
Twenty years ago this week, the first season of the revived era of Doctor Who came to an end with 'The Parting of the Ways,' as did the tenure of Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor. Ready to sacrifice it all to stop the Daleks, the Ninth Doctor's final moments remain a vital moment in Doctor Who history. It was the first time in decades since Doctor Who had asked its audience to trust in the magic of the series' defining trick to survival and re-invention: the magic of regeneration itself. Eccleston's exit may have been born from behind-the-scenes strife, but in giving the revived series a necessity to introduce this fundamental aspect of Doctor Who to its new audience so soon, it would go on to shape every regeneration after it for the next 20 years. Sure, they've gotten more explosive, but that bright, violent flash of conical streams of orange light has been with the series in some ways ever since the Ninth Doctor bid one last goodbye. What remains so interesting, and so poignant, about the Ninth Doctor's regeneration beyond the thematic template it set for the series is how quiet it is. Violence has become an indelible part of the modern Doctor Who regeneration: console rooms are smashed and battered; the Doctors themselves are wracked with sudden, debilitating agony; the release of energy is less about the rejuvenative aspect and more about this sundering, overwhelming force. Regenerations are big. They're dramatic. They're occasionally indulgently overwrought, a chance for the show's main star to have one last hurrah, one last emotional speech, or one final surprise. The Ninth Doctor's is anything but big. It has to balance a delicate line, both explaining to Rose and the audience alike exactly what is happening, but also metatextually acting as this final point on the story of who the Ninth Doctor is. For a man so haunted by the specter of the Last Great Time War, that his final moments are quiet, contemplative, and peaceful is a wonderful coda. An incarnation of the Doctor that was born in rage and shame for what he'd had to do in battle is given peace, a moment to reflect and acknowledge that his turn at this life was good, and of value, both to the Doctor and the people he let into his life with this face. There's something fascinating about revisiting the moment for this 20th anniversary—at a time where Eccleston's scene partner in Billie Piper has now stood where he once was, the face of the Doctor (or something that remains unseen), as Doctor Who heads into an uncertain future. Back then, the series felt full of possibilities, even laced with concern. Would regeneration work in 2005 has it had back in 1966? Would people accept a new face to their hero? Would the show be able to continue, and thrive? Those questions linger in the here and now with the Doctor's latest transformation, albeit with a different tone. The question about regeneration itself is moot at this point; we've seen plenty since, plenty grander, plenty weirder, than Eccleston's exit. But that nervous energy of what's next beyond that burst of dazzling light is still there now. Perhaps it's humbling that we can look back to those similar feelings from two decades ago, with the hindsight that yes, there was something beyond that light: 20 more years of something. Perhaps one day there will be more.
The Guardian
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Like trying to float a sinking ship': your reaction to Billie Piper's Doctor Who return
When I saw Billie Piper's face, it felt as if I had been subconsciously waiting 20 years for this moment. It was joyous and completely overwhelming. It was that same iconic Rose Tyler smile that got me – the one we last saw when she was reunited with the Doctor in 2008. Like many others, I was a child when I was introduced to Doctor Who in 2005 and it was unquestionably Rose Tyler who hooked me in, and that transcendental love story. I have been a fan of Piper ever since and hope, for old times' sake, we get to see her again with David Tennant's 14th Doctor. Steph Braithwaite, 31, community relations manager, Toxteth, Liverpool I heard a rumour about the Doctor regenerating into Billie but quickly dismissed it as a joke, so I was pretty surprised to see her pop up. Note that in the credits she wasn't listed as the Doctor. If the rumours are true, the show is likely to be rested for a good few years. So I'm thinking that getting Billie was probably a last-minute inclusion to get everyone talking and ensure the show didn't go out with a whimper. As for the future of the show, stick it on at 9pm. I think it needs to appeal to an older audience (like me) – I'm thinking more like X-Files. Make it dark, scary and occasionally funny. Just not sexy, please. Mike, 48, product designer, Montreal Christopher Eccleston, the former Doctor, vouched for this at a convention three years ago – partly, he said, because he wanted to see how fans would process such a move. Despite my reservations around the episode and this era more broadly, this manoeuvre is an excellently bizarre one, but I'm also confident it wasn't 'always the plan' as has been suggested. Regardless of what is next, the upcoming spin-off looks excellent. Russell T Davies, an incredibly ambitious writer and a visionary, has clearly had to navigate his vision for this era around various obstacles: Disney's lack of commitment to a further series, the pressure this puts on an up-and-coming cast, and the mammoth task of revitalising a franchise which can, and has, been phenomenally successful. What I want to see, really, is for Doctor Who to start challenging for mass appeal again. Ben, 23, London I had become tired of the show and haven't watched more than one or two episodes in the last five years, which is very sad but I just wasn't excited by it any more. I had been a devoted Doctor Who fan since Tom Baker but that died with Capaldi and Whittaker. Billie will bring me back – I hope she will be the next Doctor. Mary, US Billie Piper was never a great companion in my view but many did love her as Rose. If she is set to play the Doctor then she needs to be a very different character type, more in line with a Missy than a 13th Doctor. I do not know if she can do that. There are so many good actors in the UK that could play the character of an alien without trying too hard, something previous Doctors appeared to do, but the last few haven't felt authentic. I believe they need a break, perhaps about five years, before the next series. In that time the show executives and writers can create something special. Just having a familiar face returning, in whatever capacity, isn't enough. Mandy, Midlands In all honesty, I'm a bit unsure how I feel. There are elements of it that makes sense, however, there is something unnerving about taking on the form of a previous love interest and wearing their skin as a suit. I hope it's not just gimmicky – perhaps if there are links back to the Bad Wolf storyline that originated for the ninth Doctor then it may work. However, at the moment it does feel like trying to float a sinking ship. I say this as somebody who has loved Doctor Who since I was a child. Time will tell, but I hope this isn't just another cheap trick to keep us interested. Russell T Davies don't let us down! Gabrielle, freelance photographer and video editor, Bristol I am honestly fine with her being the next Doctor – it could be very interesting. However, I feel for Ncuti Gatwa, whose entrance and exit have been overshadowed by nostalgia grabs. The entire season was set up for viral moments and not storytelling, but this is meant to be swept under the carpet because guess who is back? Billie Piper! Let the team remind you of when Doctor Who was interesting and you cared about the characters, but don't mind the fact they are going to force a companion we barely care about to now have a child. Don't mind the fact the doctor has a complete personality change and gaslights and belittles Ruby. Don't mind the fact women in that season were treated terribly. We have another female Doctor to make all the bad writing seem unimportant. Rachel, 25, research assistant in data science and clinical trials, St Albans I think it feels tired and creatively bankrupt. On its own, it might have felt exciting or refreshing, but after the 60th specials and the number of throwbacks throughout the last two seasons, it feels as if the creative team are barely capable of looking forward. I'd like Billie to at least take on the role properly and have much more screen time. The last thing the audience wants, after so many regenerations since the episode Power of the Doctor, and such a sadly short stint for Ncuti, is to get attached for what feels like five minutes before losing another Doctor. I just feel worn out from it all. Zach, 24, student, Aberystwyth I'm shocked, but in a good way. Billie Piper is such an integral part of NuWho history and the credits didn't introduce her as the Doctor, so the opportunities are endless (is she the Bad Wolf? Or the Moment?). I'm really excited to see what comes next and hope the show gets renewed. The only thing I'm upset about is how poorly parts of the fandom reacted. To bring back old characters is such a Doctor Who thing to do. I have the feeling that loads of people forgot what the show is about: it's fun, it's full of heart and it's always been a little bit wacky, so why not embrace this new development with an open mind? As the Doctor himself said: 'Hate is always foolish, love is always wise.' It would be great if people took that to heart. Isa, Germany This is what Doctor Who should be like – where there is an air of mystery about it, not where they advertise who the new Doctor is months in advance. I am not worried if this is a brief appearance or if she is the new Doctor. I am only worried about whether the show can pull it off well and do a respectable job with it. I just want the show to be good and entertaining. Karl, Australia It was a shock seeing Ncuti regenerate into Rose Tyler. Firstly, this was the first regeneration that didn't seem to cause any pain to the Doctor. Secondly, the regeneration energy being dissipated by his clothes and then Billie saying hello made it more confusing as normally the Doctor does not know what face they will get. I think Doctor Who is going on a hiatus and Billie is not the actual 16th incarnation. I guess we'll have to wait. Muhammad Hashmi, student, Pakistan The Ncuti Gatwa series were the worst series of Doctor Who I've ever seen, and I've followed it since 1963. Billie Piper's return was an act of desperation. I would like the show to have a break of at least 10 years so that Russell T Davies and his production team have nothing to do with it. Stephen John Mitchell, 70, retired, Carlisle I have nothing against Billie Piper. She is a wonderful actor and if she wasn't so ingrained in the show she would be on my shortlist to play the 16th Doctor. But she is as much a part of it as David Tennant and Catherine Tate are. Falling back on nostalgia every two years won't help the show survive. If it's to continue to be the crown jewel of the BBC that it's been for the best part of 20 years, it needs new ideas. A new format for its distribution to help it fit with TV in 2025. Maybe a self-contained five-episode run that can be binged? Olly, 33, musician, Manchester
