Later this month, DOCTOR WHO AT THE PROMS will be broadcast on BBC ONE as an hors d'oeuvre for DOCTOR WHO - THE NEXT DOCTOR.

Today, official photos of the event have been released featuring Tennant, Graske and his water pistol, Davros, Judoon and Ood.

© BBC PICTURES - MARK ALLEN.

The BBC has officially licenced a limited edition metal replica of the Master's Fob Watch as seen in SERIES 3's UTOPIA.

The item is limited to only 1000 units worldwide, engraved with the "number" and delivered with an hand-signed by Derek Jacobi certificate and is available for a limited time via PLAY.COM - see link below:

THE MASTER'S FOB WATCH - Limited edition metal replica £69.99

A true collectors piece.

On 26 January 2009, BBC DVD 2|entertain release eyeofhorus.org.uk's favourite CLASSIC SERIES stories as part of DOCTOR WHO - THE E-SPACE TRILOGY (FULL CIRCLE, STATE OF DECAY and WARRIORS' GATE).

The BBFC has released (06.11.2008) details:

For FULL CIRCLE:

• STUDIO COMMENTARY - Matthew Waterhouse, Andrew Smith and script editor Christopher H. Bidmead
• ALL ABORAD THE STARLINER - cast and crew look back at the making of this story
• K-9 IN E-SPACE- a look at the robot dog's role in the E-Space arc. With actors Lalla Ward, John Leeson, script editor Christopher H Bidmead, writers Andrew Smith and Terrance Dicks
• SWAP SHOP - Noel Edmonds chats to Matthew Waterhouse and takes calls from viewers of the Saturday morning entertainment show after Waterhouse's first appearance as Adric
• E-SPACE: FACT OR FICTION - Could E-Space really exist? A look at the science behind the concept of Exo-Space featuring script editor Christopher H Bidmead, visual effects designer (and Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society) Mat Irvine, authors Stephen Baxter and Paul Parsons, planetary scientist Dr Andrew Ball and astronomer and television presenter Sir Patrick Moore
• Continuity + BBC continuity announcements from the original transmission.
  Photo Gallery + Isolated Score + Coming Soon Trailer + PDF Material + Programme Subtitles + Information text

For STATE OF DECAY:

00:20:23:04 THE VAMPIRE LOVERS - THE MAKING OF 'STATE OF DECAY'
00:03:31:23 (CONTINUITY) (PRE AND POST CREDITS TELEVISION FOOTAGE)
00:05:32:00 (FILM TRIMS) (SPECIAL EFFECTS OUTTAKES SHOT ON FILM)
00:04:00:13 STATE OF DECAY - PHOTO GALLERY
00:17:02:01 LEAVES OF BLOOD - LITERARY VAMPIRES (FEATURETTE)
00:10:28:02 THE BLOOD SHOW (FEATURETTE)
00:04:34:21 THE FRAYLING READING

For WARRIORS' GATE:

00:27:09:02 THE DREAMING (MAKING OF)
00:19:39:09 THE BOY WITH THE GOLDEN STAR (FEATURETTE)
00:01:02:15 (EASTER EGG)
00:18:57:15 LALLA'S WARDROBE - A FROCKUMENTARY (FEATURETTE)
00:01:59:12 (CONTINUITY)
00:04:44:14 WARRIORS' GATE - PHOTO GALLERY
00:04:11:07 (DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES)

DVD EXTRA Commentaries:

FULL CIRCLE: writer Andrew Smith, script editor Christopher H. Bidmead and actor Matthew Waterhouse (Adric).
STATE OF DECAY: writer Terrance Dicks, director Peter Moffatt and actor Matthew Waterhouse (Adric).
WARRIORS' GATE: director Paul Joyce, script editor Christopher H. Bidmead, visual effects designer Mat Irvine, and actors John Leeson (voice of K9) and Lalla Ward (Romana).

BBC AUDIO has published the cover for the unabridged reading for DOCTOR WHO AND THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMEN. The release date 8 January 2009 RRP £17.99.

A single blow from the giant, hairy paw smashes the explorer to the ground. Terrified, he flees from the monster's glowing eyes and savage fangs... Why are the peaceful Yeti now spreading death and destruction? And what is the secret behind the glowing cave on the mountain? When Doctor Who discovers that a long-dead friend is still alive, he knows why his visit to the lonely Himalayan monastery has led to a struggle to save the Earth!

David Troughton reads Terrance Dicks complete and unabridged novelisation, first published by Target Books in 1974.

DOCTOR WHO - THE NEXT DOCTOR episode guide is updated with new OFFICIALLY released pre-broadcast photographs.

THE NEXT DOCTOR episode preview

THE SARAH JANE SMITH ADVENTURES SERIES 2 is coming to an end next week with a two-part story, ENENY OF THE BANE (Monday 8 & 15 December at 14:35 on BBC ONE).

The story is noted for the return of not only Samantha Bond as Mrs Wormwood and Sontaran Commander Kaagh but the legendary & iconic Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart played the equally legendary & iconic, Nicholas Courtney.

Last week, BBC ONE re- commissioned a third series of THE SARAH JANE SMITH ADVENTURES for broadcast in 2009.

Photos: © BBC PICTURES - ADRIAN ROGERS

Okay, whilst not strictly DOCTOR WHO but former Script Editor/Writer, Douglas Adams' THE HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY BBC original radio drama audiobook (released through BBC AUDIO) has been voted THE GUARDIAN readers' favourite in a recent poll (beating 39 other titles).

Special editions of THGTTG (Primary Phase and Secondary Phase) will be released on 13 November including a bonus feature (a 50 minute interview with the author).

To purchase as a download go to www.bbcaudiozone.com or see links (right) to AMAZON.CO.UK (with free UK P+P).

The RADIO TIMES is previewing DOCTOR WHO - THE NEXT DOCTOR with a special fold-out cover edition on sale on 29 November 2008. RRP £1.05.

THE NEXT DOCTOR episode preview

Here's the Press Office release: SPOILERS

So this is Christmas. We're at Cyber HQ in London 1851 - in reality a set at Cardiff's Upper Boat studios in April 2008. This is Torchwood's Hub cunningly redressed for this year's Doctor Who Christmas special as a sort of huge Cyber-Victorian engine - all cogs, chains, furnaces, pipes and steam. Think steampunk. Or a huge version of the board game Mouse Trap.

Even before reading the script, I was attracted to this part," says Morrissey when RADIO TIMES joins him in his trailer over lunch. "DOCTOR WHO is great. They've asked me to do stuff before, but because of other commitments I was unable to. Then this came along: the Christmas special, which has added kudos and an amazing character. Well, the ultimate character, really. But a tragic character, too. Something terrible has happened to him. Over the course of the episode, bits of what happened are revealed...

Morrissey explains his approach to nailing his Doctor: "There has to be an inner truth for me, something at stake, and you have to play that for real." So did any former Doctors influence his performance? "When I look at Tom Baker and William Hartnell, there's a truth to their performances; Patrick Troughton as well. They never saw it as a genre show or a children's show.

"The difficulty for me is green screen [for special effects] - trying to create a relationship with something that isn't there. It's just a man holding a scaffolding pole with a tennis ball on the end. It's a weird process. At least with the Cybermen, their cold, emotionless faces are right there, so you can react to them. Plenty of kids will sleep with the lights on come Christmas night."

In Cyber HQ, however, the Cyberleader is in a bit of a pickle. His arm keeps falling off. (Well, part of his arm.) Not so scary now, eh? "He's a decomposing Cyber Controller," quips Tennant. "Hang on. No, he's a Cyberleader, isn't he? Easy mistake to make."

"Call yourself the Doctor?" Morrissey tuts in mock disgust. Would Morrissey consider a return to Doctor Who? "Oh yeah. Definitely. I love it. I've had a great time." As speculation gathers pace about who'll take over from Tennant, Morrissey is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the bookies' favourite. "If they asked me back," he says, with a twinkle in his eye, "I'd jump at it. I think it's a great character, and I've loved every minute."

The RADIO TIMES double-issue covering the Christmas and New Year period is on sale on the 9 December or it can be pre-ordered.

With the WOOLWORTHS stores heading into financial Administration tonight, DOCTOR WHO fans will be reassured that the series' DVDs will be secured.

This is due in part to the fact that 2|entertain is owned by the WOOLWORTHS "parent company". The BBC owns 60% of 2|entertain. The company's Press Release is as follows:

The Board also notes recent press speculation in relation to the possible sale of its 40% interest in the 2|entertain joint venture with BBC Worldwide. The Board can confirm that it is in discussions regarding a possible sale of that interest to BBC Worldwide.

Whilst discussions in relation to such sales are being pursued with vigour, terms have not yet been agreed. Both sales are subject, amongst other things, to the approval of the Group's lending banks. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a sale of the Group's retail business or of its interest in 2|entertain will be concluded.

A further announcement will be made in due course.

So, calm down, fans, you will be able to buy DRAGONFIRE on DVD. Eventually.

PLAY.COM has reduced the price of a selected DOCTOR WHO ACTION FIGURES to just £5.00 (RRP £7.99) for a limited time and whilst stocks last. Links below:

• REAPER (SERIES 1) electronic action figure £5.00 (save £9.99)
• DAVROS action figure £5.00
• DALEK SUPREME action figure £5.00
• SONTARAN COMMANDER SKORR action figure £5.00
• DONNA NOBLE action figure £5.00
• OOD SIGMA action figure £5.00
• SONTARAN TROOPER action figure £5.00
• PYROVILE PRIESTESS action figure £5.00
• JUDOON CAPTAIN action figure £5.00
• NATURAL OOD action figure £5.00

And there's a £5.00 off a pre-order for the stunning REMOTE CONTROL DAVROS figure to be released at the end of this month.

• DAVROS REMOTE CONTROL action figure £34.99 (£5 OFF RRP)

All the above items are UK POSTAGE FREE.

According to BBC PRESS OFFICE, as part of CYBERMAS DAY, prior to the broadcast of THE NEXT DOCTOR, BBC ONE are scheduling THE PROMS - DOCTOR WHO PROM including the "cutaway episode", MUSIC OF THE SPHERES starring David Tenannt.

Here's the OFFICIAL Press Office release for both programmes:

It's Christmas Eve in 1851 and Cybermen stalk the snow of Victorian London, in this special Christmas edition of Russell T Davies's Bafta Award-winning time-travelling drama. When the Doctor arrives and starts to investigate a spate of mysterious deaths, he's surprised to meet another Doctor, and soon the two must combine forces to defeat the ruthless Miss Hartigan. But are two Doctors enough to stop the rise of the CyberKing?

David Tennant stars as The Doctor, David Morrissey as The Doctor and Dervla Kirwan as Miss Hartigan. This episode also features Velile Tshabalala as Rosita.

THE NEXT DOCTOR episode preview

And then:

Accompanying the drama, BBC One has highlights from the first ever Doctor Who At The Proms , one of the hottest tickets of the Summer.

BBC One offers viewers the chance this Christmas to see highlights from the first Doctor Who Prom - one of the hottest tickets of the summer. Hosted by Freema Agyeman (Martha Jones) and with a surprise guest appearance by Catherine Tate (Donna Noble), this programme, filmed at the BBC Proms in July, is a musical odyssey through time and space.

With the Tardis on stage at London's Royal Albert Hall, the programme takes viewers on a journey through four series of the Doctor's adventures, and features the music that accompanied them - Murray Gold's celebrated music for the television series. Performed by the BBC Philharmonic and London Philharmonic Chorus, under the baton of Ben Foster, the music is accompanied by specially edited film sequences from the series.

One of today's featured highlights provides viewers with a chance to see the scene that was specially filmed for the BBC Proms. Music Of The Spheres, written by Russell T Davies and starring David Tennant - not to mention a mischievous Graske - left the audience spellbound and there is lots of audience interaction and laughter. The concert also brought the audience face to face with some of the Doctor's most fearsome adversaries - a host of monsters and aliens, including the Doctor's oldest enemies, the Cybermen, Davros and the Daleks.

Music featured in this Doctor Who Prom includes All The Strange, Strange Creatures; The Doctor Forever; Rose; Martha v The Master; The Daleks And Davros; Donna; Girl In The Fireplace; Astrid; This Is Gallifrey; Doctor's Theme/Song Of Freedom; Doomsday; and Doctor Who Theme.

Doctor Who At The Proms is simulcast on BBC HD - the BBC's High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media. With up to five times more detail than standard definition television, HD provides exceptionally vivid colours and crisp pictures to make Doctor Who At The Proms a truly cinematic TV experience.

PHOTO: DOCTOR WHO - THE NEXT DOCTOR - © BBC PICTURES ADRIAN ROGERS

DOCTOR WHO and THE SARAH JANE SMITH actress, Elisabeth Sladen has confirmed that she will not be recording any studio commentaries for either DOCTOR WHO or TSJA DVD releases due to contractual reasons with 2|entertain.

Shame.

BBC AUDIO are releasing the TV narrated soundtrack to the Pertwee six-part classic, DOCTOR WHO - THE MIND OF EVIL (1971) on 12 February 2009. RRP £13.99 (an increase of £1.00 on the current 2008 prices).

The narrator is expected to be Katy Manning though Nicholas Courtney would have been nice.

Additional exciting releases planned for 2009 are:

• DOCTOR WHO AND THE MASQUE OF MANDRAGORA (12 May) - Unabridged
• DOCTOR WHO - THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN (8 January) - Unabridged
• DOCTOR WHO AND THE CYBERMEN (2 April) - Unabridged
• DOCTOR WHO - SHINING DARKNESS (12 May) - Abridged
• DOCTOR WHO - GHOSTS OF INDIA (12 May) - Abridged
• DOCTOR WHO - THE DOCTOR TRAP (12 May) - Abridged

The BBFC has released details for the double-disc February 2009 release of William Hartnell's THE RESCUE and THE ROMANS (1964).

00:08:11:09 THE RESCUE - PHOTO GALLERY
00:21:45:16 MOUNTING THE RESCUE - DOCTOR WHO
00:07:13:11 BLUE PETER ROMAN BANQUET
00:02:31:18 ROMA PARVA
00:06:02:21 THE ROMANS - PHOTO GALLERY
00:33:59:02 WHAT HAS 'THE ROMANS' EVER DONE FOR US?
00:17:45:01 DENNIS SPOONER - DOCUMENTARY
00:17:38:08 GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS! THE 1960S DOCUMENTARY

With thanks to BBC AUDIO.

Two exclusive audio adventures based upon THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES are being released on the 13 November 2008. RRP £5.99 single CDs.

THE GHOST HOUSE

A crack in time and a lost child mean trouble for Sarah Jane in this thrilling story, read by Elisabeth Sladen.

Up early one morning, Sarah Jane is astonished to see that the house opposite hers has changed overnight: what used to be a nondescript 1970s family home has been replaced by a smart Victorian residence.

How did a house from 1884 suddenly materialise in Bannerman Road? Where has the old O'Brien place gone? And more importantly, who - or what - has caused this temporal anomaly? Sarah Jane and friends must find out before time itself explodes and destroys the world...

THE TIME CAPSULE

Sarah Jane and friends must deal with some deadly alien artefacts in this gripping story, read by Elisabeth Sladen

It seems like a regular, routine weekday: Sarah Jane is doing a supermarket shop (and trying not to embarrass Clyde, who is doing his work experience in Betterworth's) while Luke is at the Natural History Museum, helping to catalogue items and set up displays.

But their ordinary day is about to turn extraordinary, as forces from an alien world start to affect Earth and all hell breaks loose. With an icy void opening beneath the chiller cabinet, museum exhibits coming alive and terrifying monsters appearing, Sarah Jane, Luke, Clyde and Rani are soon fighting for their lives...

eyeofhorus.org.uk will review the releases when available.

With thanks to SILVA SCREEN.

eyeofhorus.org.uk is previewing Murray Gold's DOCTOR WHO SERIES 4 ORIGINAL TELEVISION SOUNDTRACK ahead of the 17 November 2008 release.

DOCTOR WHO SERIES 4 OST preview

Yesterday, Russell T Davies was interviewed by Ben Cook at the National Film Theatre. Interesting evening but less than exciting.

At the event, Davies revealed:

• The regeneration of the Tenth Doctor will be "slightly different but similar", with only RTD, Cook and Julie Gardner knowing the extent of the change over scene
• RTD has already written the final words of the Tenth Doctor
• RTD and the current production team would "come back" if the drama series took a nose dive in popularity in the future
• During the filming of THE RUNAWAY BRIDE, David Tennant told RTD that he intend to leave after three series.

With thanks to Kevin (THE HYDE FUNDRAISERS).

eyeofhorus.org.uk is proud to announce that an outstanding £15,000 has been raised throughout 2008 (an increase of £6,500 on the 2007 figure) by THE HYDE FUNDRAISERS (THF) for BBC'S annual CHILDREN IN NEED (the BBC's first charity fund raising appeal started in 1927).

A recent event held at the official DOCTOR WHO EXHIBITION (Southport, UK) was attended by "the legendary voice of K9", John Leeson, amid creatures inspired by the series created by the THF.

Spaceport's ART OF DR WHO EXHIBITION has now been extended from January to 1 March 2009.

See © THE HYDE FUNDRAISERS event images: right.

Their final event of the year is WHO AT THE LIBRARY - NOVEMBER 22nd 2008 (Ashton Library, Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside) on Saturday November 22nd. THF will be appearing with a selection of characters including Davros, Pig Guard and their very own Donna Noble! The event is free but donations are welcomed to support our nominated charities. Additionally, in 2009, THF will be presenting a cheque for £6000 to THE RAINBOW TRUST.

This is British fandom at its very best.

THE HYDE FUNDRAISERS.

Further details about CHILDREN IN NEED (including the two-minute preview of DOCTOR WHO - THE NEXT DOCTOR on 14 November).

Empty the TARDIS money boxes, and donate.

BBC AUDIO is releasing Patrick Troughton's THE MOONBASE as an unabridged reading based upon the 1974 TARGET novel, DOCTOR WHO AND THE CYBERMEN. The release date 2 April 2009 RRP £17.99.

A mystery virus is wreaking havoc among the crew of the Earth's weather control station on the Moon. While investigations into the strange disease are in progress International Space Headquarters Earth puts the entire Moon base into strict quarantine - the Doctor and his companions included! To make matters worse, Moon base personnel inexplicably vanish and vital weather control equipment is sabotaged. Who is responsible? The Director of the base suspects the time-travellers. The Doctor fears that the ruthlessly evil Cybermen are at work.

BBC AUDIO has recorded (back in October) another audio "exclusive to CD" adventure to tie-in with SERIES 4, and, once again, they have secured the talents of Catherine Tate.

THE NEMONITE INVASION (according to an insider, set during the Second World War) by David Roden is released on 5 February 2008. RRP £9.99. ISBN-13978-1408406793.

Thanks to Joe for the information.

The incredibly ingenious DOCTOR WHO-related fundraisers, HYDE FUNDRAISERS have another forthcoming special event.

WHO AT THE LIBRARY - NOVEMBER 22nd 2008 Location : Ashton Library, Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside. On Saturday November 22nd, Hyde Fundraisers will be making their final appearance of 2008 at Ashton Library with a selection of our characters including Davros, Pig Guard and our very own Donna Noble! The event is free but donations are welcomed to support our nominated charities.

Further details at www.hydefundraisers.com

Empty the TARDIS money boxes, and donate.

Collectors are seeking the more elusive DOCTOR WHO CHARACTER OPTIONS toys on eBay. Presently, this is the TIME CRASH limited edition (now deleted) action figure double-pack featuring the Tenth and the Fifth Doctor (with CLASSIC SERIES Sonic Screwdriver and Celery).

Released in the Summer, a single pack is currently being auctioned for £155.00 (RRP £11.99).

It is a shame that a percentage of the final sale price is not being donated to CHILDREN IN NEED. Perhaps, the eBay Seller could do this?

eBay - TIME CRASH item

Following his appearance (and win as BEST ACTOR) at the 2008 National Television Awards, David Tenannt will be appearing on BBC BREAKFAST on Monday 3 November from 08:00.

If you miss/missed the interview, visit the BBC BREAKFAST website.

BBC BREAKFAST

UK tabloids and fan-made websites are awash with suggestions, polls and general gossip from "BBC Sources" about the actor to take the coveted role of the Doctor from SERIES 5 onwards.

eyeofhorus.org.uk has decided to let incoming Producer, Piers Wenger and "Showrunner", Steven Moffat get on with their work (scripts commission from January 2008 - including a return to DOCTOR WHO by Mark Gatiss) and will not be discussing the identity of the Eleventh Doctor until officially announced.

In an exclusive interview with BBC NEWS, David Tennant has officially announced that he is leaving DOCTOR WHO before the production for SERIES 5, leaving in-coming Executive Producer a "clean-slate" for his first full series in control.

Here's the full transcript of the interview (© BBC NEWS):

Why have you decided to say goodbye to Doctor Who?

When I first started back in 2005, I always thought that if it worked out, three years would be about the right time. Three years, three series. Which I did and I loved and I had a great time. And with Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner [executive producers] leaving, that became a very natural stepping off point for me.

What became very difficult was when it was announced that Steven Moffatt was taking over because I'm such a fan of his, he's such a great writer, he's written such amazing stories for me in Doctor Who already. The prospect of hanging around for a while and enjoying working with him was sorely tempting and very nearly changed my mind.

But I think it's better to go when there's a chance that people might miss you, rather than to hang around and outstay your welcome.

What's your message to the fans?

When I was a kid, I loved Doctor Who, I grew up with it. For me, it was the most exciting time when the Doctor changed.

You know he's on his way out, you know something terrible's going to happen, it's very exciting - and then you've got this whole new character to look forward and wonder about. It's very exciting and it's part of what makes Doctor Who so great. I'm excited as a viewer to see what happens next.

Russell T Davies must have given you some hints about what your exit will be like?

No! He hasn't. I do not know what he's thinking about. But Russell being Russell, I'm sure it'll be a send off to be proud of.

What are your memories of the last three-and-a-bit years?

It's been the most extraordinary time, it's been bewildering, life changing, very exciting. And just so much fun, such a great show to work on. And again I think that's one of the reasons I think it's right to take a deep breath and bow out when it's still fun, when it's a novelty.

I don't ever want it to feel like a job, so I want to move on when it still feels exciting and fresh and that means I'll miss it.

What do you think you'll miss the most?

I think I'll miss all the people who work on the show. I'll miss Russell's fantastic scripts and of all the other writers who work on it.

And I'll miss playing this character. I don't think there's a better character on television. He gets to be everything - he gets to be funny and intense, he's a hero but he's also a bit of a clown, he's an anarchist but he's strong and dependable and crazy. Like mercury one minute and like steel the next.

And to get the chance to play all those things for 45 minutes on a Saturday night - I'll miss that I'm sure.

As an actor, do you think you'll always be known as Doctor Who?

I think it's one of those parts that does that does follow you around, yeah. I know a couple of the old Doctors and it's clearly still a part of their life. I think the public has such an enthusiasm for it and such an intrigue for the show, that once you've been part of it it does tend to stick to you like glue.

But that's fine - it's something I'm very proud to be forever associated with.

Do you think you'll ever do anything as special as Doctor Who again?

It's difficult to know. I think the cross-generational, cross-cultural appeal of Doctor Who is pretty unique. I can't think of anything else that has fans who are seven and 70 in almost equal measure.

It's difficult to think of what else one might do that could rival that. I hope I'll do things that will be as exciting and as thrilling artistically and professionally, obviously, but I think Doctor Who is pretty unique.

How has Doctor Who changed your life - it must have had great positives and great negatives?

Obviously the great positive is I get to be involved in this show I'm desperately proud of, and I get to work on these great scripts and I get to play this incredible character. I suppose it has a level of public scrutiny and attention which is very flattering and kind of thrilling to be in the middle of, but also bewildering, and sometimes it does make make you famous in a way that was never a particular intention of mine.

It's churlish to complain about, but it does bring certain tensions to your life which you might not always choose to have. But I knew what I was getting into, that's part of the job, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

The huge question is - who would you like to replace you?

Well I've always been a big supporter of Wee Jimmy Krankie. So the campaign starts here to get Wee Jimmy Krankie in the Tardis and big Ian Krankie as the companion. I think that works.

Whoever your successor turns out to be, what would your advice be to them?

I wouldn't be as pompous as to offer them advice - I'm sure they'll sort it out for themselves. Just have fun. It's the best part around. Enjoy it.

What will it be like for the fans - you're their Doctor and it will be a huge change for them when you go?

I guess if you were eight when I took over, you'll be 12 when I leave, which is quite a big time of life isn't it? But I think that's one of the exciting parts of being a fan of the show - you know that the doctor can change, the character and the centre of the drama can be a completely different person, and act very different.

It's not like James Bond, where you know he's a certain type of man, like Tarzan is a certain type of character, or Sherlock Holmes. The Doctor can change quite radically, but there's still an essential Doctor-ness and I'm sure whoever takes over will find their own way of communicating that.

And when I was a kid, Tom Baker turned into Peter Davison, and it was thrilling and extraordinary and a little bit disorientating at first, but in a really exciting way, so I'm excited for everyone else getting to watch that happen. I think it'll be great.

You're not leaving immediately - you've got another year for the specials. Can you tell us about that?

We've already shot the Christmas special for this year called The Next Doctor, which in the circumstances is perhaps a more intriguing title than it was before. We see the 10th Doctor meeting another Doctor.

And then in January we'll film four more specials, which will be screened throughout next year, and they'll be the four last stories that I do. I don't quite know when they'll go out, but they'll go out sometime throughout 2009.