Then and Now

Well 2008 has certainly been a great year for The-OncomingStorm. This time last year, the site wasn't even around and I was editing my Piczo website, Doctor-Who-Fan1, not really making a fuss about the year just gone. However, I feel this year deserves a mention.

Back in May, I decided to make the website with that horrific layout... Minima I think it's called... I shudder when I think that I had opened a brand new website with such a terrible layout! Anyway, 3 layouts later and now the site has this one which I'm pretty proud of.

Considering the site's only been going 7-8 months, in December we received over 1000 visits from countries all over the world, mainly from the UK. It may not seem impressive compared to other major Blogger sites but I'm quite proud it!

Many website features have come and gone... Via The Void, Site Reviewer, Companion Clothes, but they are making way for some brand new features coming in 2009. The new layout has been transferred to all the current pages and all have been improved and updated.

Back when the site started, the news posts were sloppy, without pictures and just packed with information that, most of the time, I'd just copied and pasted. Now, however, the posts are structured and are written completely by me, nothing just copied.

The site has received criticism and compliments in its time so far, but overall I just hope the site's improved over the months; the statistics surely have! But I'd just like to thank the loyal visitors who always leave comments and encourage me to keep going in moments when I just want to give up. Thank you and have a happy new year!

Appreciation Index

The festive episode of Doctor Who, 'The Next Doctor', achieved an Appreciation Index (or AI) of 86. This figure made it the second most appreciated programme on Christmas Day, it was narrowly beaten by Wallace and Gromit with 'A Matter of Loaf and Death' who managed to achieve an AI of 88. This is very good for Doctor Who considering the amount of specials and programmes that were on during the day. Well done on yet another success! The official ratings will be revealed next week, at the moment they stand at 11.7 million.

Banner Competition

The-OncomingStorm is in desperate need of a new, fresh banner and, to be honest, I'm not too good with graphics. So, for the New Year we are holding a Banner Competition where you can submit your banners that will appear on the site on New Year's Day. If you're interested and would like to take part, your banner must include the Doctor, our logo and slogan (Full of the latest News, Information and all things Who!) as well as any other things you feel need to be added. It must have a size of 760 X 268. The best will be added on 1st January. Send your entries to:

bex-doctorwhofan1@hotmail.co.uk

You have until New Years Day and please make all content in the banner your own. Good luck!

DWM 404 Cover

The cover for DWM issue 404 has been revealed and can be seen below. It contains the Doctor, Miss Hartigan and the Cyberleader. The issue is out on 8th January at a price of £3.99. Talking of magazines, The-OncomingStorm's online magazine Via The Void is officially coming to an end. Due to many reasons, I can no longer cope with making a magazine and would like to thank everyone who has supported it during its run. Now, I can concentrate on many other things which will be coming to the site...

Planet of the Dead

The title for the next special was revealed at the end of 'The Next Doctor' yesterday, it's called Planet of the Dead. This has caused plenty of speculation about which planet the title is on about, mainly people seem to think it's about Gallifrey, the Doctor's destroyed home planet. Remember, earlier rumours said something about Paul McGann making an appearance in a flashback, perhaps the episode is based on the Time War? What do you think?

Episode Discussion

So after months of waiting, The Next Doctor just burst onto our screens to bring us Cybermen, sonic screwdrivers and, er... hot air balloons. But what did you think of it? Were the new Cybermen amazing or should they have been deleted?

Owner's Opinion: To be honest, I thought it was one of those episodes that needs to be seen twice to be enjoyed. The first time through, I wasn't that impressed but we shall see once I re-view it.

What do you think?

Merry Christmas!

The-OncomingStorm would like to wish all its visitors a Merry Christmas! Thank you to everyone who has supported the site since it opened back in May. Tonight, obviously, sees the broadcast of The Next Doctor, so come back at 7.15pm for the Episode Discussion! In the meantime, have a great Crimbo!

BBC Breakfast Preview

A preview clip about this year's Christmas Special 'The Next Doctor' was shown today on BBC Breakfast. Lizo Mzimba went behind the scenes and talked to David Tennant and David Morrissey. In the Studio was the editor of DWA magazine and the winner of the Blue Peter competition who designed the Abzorbaloff. Enjoy!

Now That's Cool...

David Tennant's role as the Doctor involves being pretty cool. So much in fact, that he was recently voted No 27 in the Zoo Coolest Men in Britain List. The winner was... um... Michael Bisping (whoever he is...) with Lewis Hamilton in second place. Readers obviously enjoy David's sonicking, running around and generally being the Doctor! Personally, considering everything he's given to Doctor Who over the past three years, I think he should have at least been in the Top 10, but hey... you can't win everything.

New Clip

The BBC have released another new clip regarding this year's Christmas special. It includes Mrs Hartigan and a bunch of Cybermen. I would like to take this opportunity to explain that I can not update daily all the time... incase you hadn't noticed it is Christmas and other stuff is getting in the way, but I still do try! :) Anyway, I'm working on some changes today so take a look around.

The Next Doctor Guide

The BBC Official Site has updated its advent calendar with a guide to 'The Next Doctor.' It includes wallpapers, trailers and a Fear Forecast which can be seen below:

0 min - This looks familiar. "Perhaps XXXXXX is behind the TARDIS," grins Adam.
1 min - The family cheer!
2 min - Harry: "Cool!" Samuel: "How?"
3 min - Amy's suddenly concerned.
4 min - Rosita springs into action. Harry demands an explanation. 5 min - Amy whispers to Dad, "Why doesn't he... ?"
6 min - Harry's delighted with a vision.
8 min - Amy clutches Dad's leg.
9 min - Mum harrumphs significantly. Samuel announces that he is a fish.
10 min - The kids have never seen the sonic screwdriver used like that before.
11 min - Watch and learn. The kids are agog.
13 min - The Doctor recalls the night he regenerated. "It makes sense now!" says Samuel gleefully.
14 min - A sudden appearance alarms Amy. Adam has his doubts.
16 min - Amy feels quite sorry for the Doctor.
17 min - The Lady in Red outrages Samuel.
18 min - Amy's eyes widen in apprehension. Harry groans in dismay.
20 min - Why is Dad talking about his nice cardigan?
23 min - The Doctor reveals his favourite personal technology for the very first time.
26 min - Samuel's initial reaction reveals something about last week.
27 min - Samuel is delighted to see a very familiar face.
29 min - Mum and Dad are horrified.
31 min - Amy feels musical.
34 min - What is the racy nightmare?
35 min - Samuel slaps his forehead. "Why did the Doctor do that?"
36 min - The kids cheer!
38 min - Samuel is impressed.
40 min - What makes Amy wriggle in her seat?
41 min - The kids debate royal nomenclature.
42 min - Samuel whoops. Harry grins.
43 min - Harry's advice to the XXXXXXXX is: "Run!" So why are they slowing down?
45 min - "He's called what?" asks Adam.
46 min - Gasps and cheers. The watching parents are misty-eyed.
47 min - The boys are hugely impressed.
49 min - "It's like XXXXXXXX!" says Samuel. "It's a scary XXXX with XXXXX-XXXXXX!" says Harry.
51 min - Samuel realises something about the Doctor... but which one?
53 min - "Wooaaahh!" gasp the kids.
55 min - "The cloister bell!"
56 min - "This is even better than last year!" decides Adam.
57 min - The Doctors have an appointment to keep.
60 min - "Very good show!" declares Harry, and the whole family agree.

Teasers

Digital Spy have been releasing some Doctor Who teasers to get fans excited about the upcoming Christmas Special. They can be seen below:

1. The mysterious Cybershades can jump quite high.

2. Neither the Doctor nor the Other Doctor recognise each other. But the latter doesn't remember much anyway.

3. There are two words that the Doctor never refuses.

4. The Other Doctor has a TARDIS - and it's magnificent.

5. For a while Rosita becomes the Doctor's companion.

6. The script includes the customary line "what about the children?"

7. At least one previous incarnation of the Doctor makes an appearance.

8. Miss Hartigan (Dervla Kirwan) is a very special lady.

9. The Other Doctor's fobwatch is a very important clue.

10. "I suppose ** *** ***, **** ***** ** *****."

Updates

Sorry for the lack of updates recently, I haven't been very well, but now we're back in business. Firstly, VTV issue 7 is out now to read, see it here. In other news, the Doctor Who 'The Next Doctor' press launch took place today and Russell T Davies said that one of the specials will be filmed abroad...

"It's going to be quite exotic, I can't tell you where, but we've got four days filming abroad, to give it a bit of size and a new feel to it."

He also commented on David Tennant who recently had surgery on his back: "We will be very careful with him. The problem has been fixed but I don't think we'll be swinging him on a wire on his first day back."

Russell believes David will be fine to film Doctor Who from 19th January. Fingers crossed!

Trailer At 8pm

A trailer for this year's Christmas Special, 'The Next Doctor,' has been confirmed to be shown at 8pm tonight on BBC One. It will be shown just before Eastenders and will be available to view on the internet shortly after 8pm. Also, I am sorry to say there will be a small delay on VTV this month, mainly because I don't feel well enough to upload it today. It will be up either tomorrow or Wednesday. I hope you can understand.

Behind The Scenes Pictures

The BBC's Adventure Calendar is still going and today, 5 behind-the-scenes pictures have been revealed from filming for the Christmas Special 'The Next Doctor.' They can be seen below. Also, over the next few days leading up to Christmas, there will be a few surprises to the site, as well as several updates and improvements to all the pages so keep checking back.

TOCS Comes to Bebo!

The-OncomingStorm now has an account on Bebo where you can talk, make friends, view photos and videos, do polls and quizzes and much more! I've only just started it but need some friends to make it into a community so if you like, please add me:

http://www.bebo.com/tocs_bebo

I will be adding more stuff to it as I go along so if it seems a bit bare at the moment that's why! Also, don't forget VTV Issue 7 is out on Monday 15th December.

Bits and Bobs

Russell T Davies has confirmed that the title for the first Special will be revealed at the end of this year's 'The Next Doctor.' It includes a word beginning with the letter 'D' and is 4 words long. Also, scene 7 from Gareth Robert's script contains the immortal words 'Hello, I'm the Doctor' and Phil Ford's script contains the words Emily, pipes, carrots, legend, gadget and concerto. Hmmm...

Credit for Turevenad for the news!

What's To Come...

Russell T Davies is at it again. He's released another statement in the Radio Times which leaves many more unanswered questions and dilemnas!

"The first adventure, to be shown in only a few months time, promises to be the Time Lords wildest, maddest yet. He won't just be traveling without a companion - he'll be without the TARDIS too."

"After that, we'll be heading towards the monumentous day when the key to the blue box is passed on and the 11th Doctor storms into your lives... Lets just say that the dark forces are gathering already. The gate is waiting, and life will never be the same again..."

Bring on the 2009 Specials!

Surgery For David Tennant

As you have probably already heard, David Tennant was forced to pull out of Hamlet due to a back injury a few days ago. However, now he sadly has to have surgery for a prolapsed disc. He said, "It is hugely disappointing for me to have to miss these performances. My back problem has progressed to the point where it is currently impossible for me to carry on without surgery. I want to get back on stage as quickly as possible and I am very grateful to Ed who has courageously got to grips with the role but in a much shorter time. It's a fantastic achievement."
The-OncomingStorm would like to wish David Tennant a successful operation and speedy recovery!

The Next Doctor DVD Cover

The official cover for the DVD of this year's Christmas Special has been revealed and can be seen below. The cover features David Tennant and David Morrissey along with a bunch of Cybermen. The DVD will be available to buy from 19th January 2009 at the RRP of £15.99. Will you be buying this? Special thanks to Adventures Through Time and Space for the information and cover!

VTV Issue 7

VTV Issue 7 is fast approaching and here is the front cover for it! We now have an official cover maker, Brad, (who is a genius) so now VTV will look presentable and decent! Hopefully this will be the start of a better VTV, as before it has been blurry, rushed and just of a low quality. Comments on the cover would be appreciated. In this issue, take a look back at all the Christmas specials, a glance at the history of Children in Need and Doctor Who as well as all the usual features! To see the issue, come back here on Monday 15th December.

New Trailer

A brand new trailer has been released to promote this year's Christmas Special 'The Next Doctor.' It may seem the same as any other trailer we've seen, but there are a few different clips that are unseen so it's worth a watch and can be seen below.
In site news, please remember the TOCS Series is still going and the stories can be viewed at the bottom of the sidebar, all the links are listed there. Also, next Monday (15th December) VTV Issue 7 will be released and be available to read.

Brand New Images

As you can see, the posts now have a new layout and I am aiming to get a few done each day to make the site seem more updated! Hope you like it! Also, the site is going to have a lot more content and I am hoping to get the sidebar jam packed with interesting features. So, it's not long until 'The Next Doctor' and everyone is getting excited about the return of our much loved TV programme. Now, 8 new images have been unveiled by Digital Spy and can be seen below.

Rosita and her two Doctors

Lady in Red...

Those Ear Pods are back with a vengence...

A sad funeral...

... is gate crashed by some Cybermen!

A group of scary CyberShades

Turning orphans into Cybermen?

The brains behind it all...

What do you think of these pictures? Please leave a comment below!

DWM #403 Cover and New Pictures

The cover for DWM issue 403 has been released and can be seen above. The magazine, out on Thursday 9th December, will have a preview of 'The Next Doctor' as well as many other interesting features.

Also, the BBC Advent Calendar has revealed 4 new 'The Next Doctor' pictures as downloadable Christmas cards, they can be seen below:

TV Times Awards

Doctor Who was triumphant at the TV Times Awards winning favourite TV show once again. David Tennant was also successful, winning Sexiest Male and coming second in Favourite Actor. Here are all the awards:

Top Five Sexiest Males:
1. David Tennant
2. Rob James-Collier
3. Scott Maslen
4. John Barrowman
5. Robert Kazinksy

Top Five Favourite Actors:
1. Sir David Jason
2. David Tennant
3. Michael Kitchen
4. Robson Green
5. Rob James-Collier

Top Five Favourite TV Shows:
1. Doctor Who
2. Coronation Street
3. EastEnders
4. Strictly Come Dancing
5. The X Factor

Well done to Doctor Who and all involved once again!

Credit to www.david-tennant.com for the information in the post.

Times Confirmed

The Official BBC Site has confirmed that this year's Christmas Special 'The Next Doctor,' will be shown at a very early time of 6pm. Do you think this is too early, or does time not matter? The episode is expected to last around an hour and will probably be followed by a Confidential on BBC Three.

Also, the Doctor Who Prom, which took place earlier this year, has been confirmed to be shown at 1.50pm on BBC One on January 1st 2009. During this programme, you'll be able to see several musical pieces being performed live, Davros invade the building and the special mini-episode 'Music of the Spheres.' Will you be watching this?

New Trailer

A brand new Christmas trailer has been released by the BBC to promote their festive programmes and a few glimpses of the upcoming special 'The Next Doctor' were shown. You can see the trailer below as well as some screencaps which, if you are going to use, must be credited to The-OncomingStorm.

Screencaps:

Looks good, doesn't it? Feel free to leave your thoughts.