Series 14 (Doctor Who)/Promotion

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Series 14

Promotion

Talk

A promotional picture of Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson.

For the promotion of Season 1 of Doctor Who, the BBC used in-print marketing and made extensive use of social media platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

History

The very first bit of promotion for this series came on 24 September 2021 with the reveal that Russell T Davies would be leading the show from the 60th anniversary and into "series beyond".

On 6 January 2022, visual effects editor Emily Lawrence spoke to Doctor Who Magazine 573 and offered a look into what may be in store for the future of the show, hinting at 360 screens and gaming software akin to shows like The Mandalorian, saying "The 360 screens in "The Mandalorian" and how they used gaming software to create those amazing landscapes is something I’d love to see in "Doctor Who", the actors walk in front of the screen and the environment moves with them.", explaining it would get rid of green screens once and for all.

On 8 May, Ncuti Gatwa shared a post on Instagram containing two hearts and a blue box. Shortly after, it was officially announced by the BBC that Gatwa would take on the role of the Doctor. Speaking on it, Gatwa said:

There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared. This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my upmost to do the same. Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true. His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent and fizzing with danger. An actor’s metaphorical playground. The entire team have been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show. And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show.Ncuti Gatwa

Showrunnner Davies added:

The future is here and it’s Ncuti! Sometimes talent walks through the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars. Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds. It’s an honour to work with him, and a hoot, I can’t wait to get started. I’m sure you’re dying to know more, but we’re rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie’s epic finale yet to come. But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!Russell T Davies

On 26 May, Russell T Davies spoke to Doctor Who Magazine, issue 578, about his plans around the reveal of Gatwa and their follow-up appearance at the BAFTA-awards show.

In an interview with Variety on 30 July, former villain actor Neil Patrick Harris teased that the new Doctor would be "the first gay Doctor".

On 24 September, former showrunner Steven Moffat told Radio Times that he had read Russell T Davies's scripts and said they were "fantastic".

Same day auditions for the new companion were held.

On 30 September, when David Tennant spoke in an interview with BBC News about his and Catherine Tate's return to the show in the 60th anniversary specials, also praised incoming Doctor Ncuti Gatwa, saying he's "brilliant" and "lovely" and "really talented".

On 23 October, following the broadcast of The Power of the Doctor and the episode's surprise regeneration into David Tennant, Russell T Davies revealed that Tennant would be playing the Fourteenth Doctor and Ncuti Gatwa would be playing the Fifteenth Doctor.

On 25 October it was announced by Gatwa on Live with Kelly and Ryan that a deal had been struck between the BBC and Disney Branded Television to have Doctor Who streaming on Disney+ from November 2023 onwards to transform the show into a global franchise. Along with these news was unveiled a new diamond-shaped logo.

Speaking of these news, Davies said:

I love this show, and this is the best of both worlds – with the vision and joy of the BBC and Disney+ together we can launch the TARDIS all around the planet, reaching a new generation of fans while keeping our traditional home firmly on the BBC in the UK.Russell T Davies

Disney+ President Alice Bowen also weighed in:

We’re excited by the opportunity to bring new seasons of this beloved franchise exclusively to Disney+ and introduce the show to the next generation of audiences in more than 150 markets around the world. The series is a perfect addition to our ever-growing catalogue of global content that continues to make Disney+ the home for exceptional storytelling.Alice Bowen

Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis also offered a few words:

Doctor Who has captivated the imaginations of families around the world for the past six decades. We are so excited about this collaboration with the BBC, and the opportunity to bring this iconic franchise – and Russell T Davies' brilliant vision – to life for a huge new global audience. Grab your sonic screwdrivers and prepare to travel through time and space!Ayo Davis

On 10 November new revelations were made in Doctor Who Magazine issue 584 about the new era to come; the new production crew was revealed and it was also revealed that the Fifteenth Doctor's companion had been cast and at the time of the magazine, Davies was already on "Episode Seven". Furthermore, Davies teased that "huge revelations to come and brand-new stories about a Time Lord’s life" were yet to come.

On 18 November, Davies and the official Doctor Who accounts shared a post early in the morning containing two hearts and a ruby. Later, in the evening, the new companion was revealed at the Children in Need charity event to be Millie Gibson in the role of Ruby Sunday. Speaking of her new role, Gibson said: "Whilst still being in total disbelief, I am beyond honoured to be cast as the Doctor’s companion. It is a gift of a role, and a dream come true, and I will do everything to try and fill the boots the fellow companions have travelled in before me. And what better way to do that than being by the fabulous Ncuti Gatwa’s side, I just can’t wait to get started."

On 20 November, the Scottish BAFTA's were held, attended by Peter Capaldi and Ncuti Gatwa, where Capaldi praised Gatwa and reminisced about his own time as the Twelfth Doctor, saying "[Steven Moffat was] looking for a new Doctor Who, he took me on the most magical journey, a journey that Ncuti is about to embark on. And I suspect Ncuti knows this already because I can see it in his heart and see it in him. But he’s about to discover how beautiful and wonderful and cosmic the human race can really be". Gatwa also revealed that his Doctor's costume was not yet finished, saying "it's still fluid, we’re still building.".

On 8 December, Davies revealed to Doctor Who Magazine issue 585 that the new series would consist of 8 episodes plus a special, saying that he's aware that it's not a lot, but urged fans to "give [them] time".

On 13 December, during an interview with Total TV Guide, Davies revealed that viewers would "…be staggered with the surprises we’ve got in store!" in the upcoming special, recalling the very first Christmas Special commission in 2005, saying: "It really felt like Doctor Who coming home.", and calling it a "tradition".

On 17 December, official promotional images of the new costumes for the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday were revealed by the BBC. At the same time the actors themselves posted a video of themselves revealing the outfits that had been filmed at Cardiff Harbour Authority car park.

On 22 December, in an interview with Radio Times, while promoting Count Magnus, former writer and occassional cast member Mark Gatiss spoke about the new series, stating "There's just such a kind of... it's got a spring in its step which just makes you very excited to watch it and Ncuti just seems so absolutely adorable and just brimming with that kind of effervescent love of the show." and spoke about his excitement for the the show's regularity to return.

On 5 January 2023, some revelations were made in Doctor Who Magazine issue 586 about the casting and production processes along with an interview with Gibson, revealing what it was like to act opposite Gatwa.

On 9 January, the BBC revealed on Doctor Who social media that Jemma Redgrave would return as Kate Stewart alongside UNIT and that Aneurin Barnard would appear as new character Roger ap Gwilliam.

On 20 January, the BBC announced the casting of actors Anita Dobson and Michelle Greenidge in undisclosed roles.

Same day, on an interview on The Graham Norton Show, Russell T Davies spoke briefly about Doctor Who, saying: "I am loving it, loving it so much. We’ve three specials and then a brand-new Doctor, who is amazing.".

On 27 January, Davies spoke to "GQ Magazine" about the new series, saying "I’m really proud of it. Oh my god, there are some strong episodes coming up.", also speaking about "next stage" being spin-offs, and speaking about Gatwa's first readthrough and much more.

In Doctor Who Magazine issue 587, released on 2 February, Julie Anne Robinson was announced as the third director and Jack Forsyth-Noble was revealed to be playing a character named Will.

Also in the Magazine, executive producer Joel Collins praised the incoming Ncuti Gatwa, calling him "magnetic", and said that companion Millie Gibson was funny and "wise beyond her years".

On 8 February, in an interview on Lorraine, Davies talked briefly about the new series, saying: "Lovely Ncuti Gatwa is the new Doctor with Millie Gibson at his side. They’re just shooting stuff together now.", telling that he was "very excited" and that "it’s thrilling"

On 12 February, Davies was interviewed on The Michael Ball Show on BBC Radio 2 in which he mentioned Episode 4, saying: "I sat here and I watched Episode Four last night and I think it’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever made in my life so I’m very, very happy with it. It’s looking so good Michael, I love it!"

On 1 March Davies was interviewed on Season 15, Episode 2 of the podcast Table Manners where he revealed he was going to stay on Doctor Who "for years".

On 2 March, Doctor Who Magazine issue 588 was released offering new details on the new series; it was revealed that the BBC had taken to using drones on the TARDIS set, with VFX co-ordinator Siân Reynish saying: "We’re using top of the range technology, the kind that Marvel films use, to make Doctor Who in Wales, which I think is pretty spectacular.". Reynish further praised Gatwa for his energetic Doctor, saying "I think he’ll bring such a new dynamic. He’s young and fun." and "He’s really individual".

Further in the magazine was revealed directors Julie Anne Robinson and Ben Chessell, with Davies revealing that Block 3 would consist of "two wildly different episodes by wildly different writers.", with rock formations being discussed in the Production Notes.

On 16 March Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition issue 63 was released in which executive producer Julie Gardner was interviewed about expectations and worries behind the scenes, to which she replied: "There’s only one worry on Doctor Who: that production delivers on the extraordinary quality of Russell’s writing. He’s writing amongst his best-ever work. The scripts are big and extremely ambitious. The only worry I ever have is that we get it right for him. We run to keep up."

On 30 March Doctor Who Magazine issue 589 was released, in which the 2023 specials directors praised the new TARDIS interior set, being said to be "church-like in scale" and them recalling initial worries of "It will never be ready in time…" and being able to "…point the camera anywhere at it and it looks amazing". Five new cast members were also revealed for the series.

On 31 March the BBC promised in their "Annual Plan" for 2023/2024 a "highly ambitious reinvention of Doctor Who", with the show included in their list of "distinctive, high-quality drama working with the very best new and established on-and-off-screen talent", saying: "We will bolster our on-screen spend with third-party investment to deliver greater value to audiences, including the first new content from our highly ambitious reinvention of Doctor Who, co-produced in partnership with Disney."

On 3 April it was announced by the BBC in a press release that actress, singer and RuPaul's Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon would be joining the series in an undiclosed major role. On joining, Monsoon said: "I’m honoured, thrilled, and utterly excited to join Doctor Who! Russell T Davies is a visionary and a brilliant writer— I can’t wait to get into the weeds with him and the crew! I hope there’s room in the TARDIS for my luggage.".

On 19 April the BBC revealed a teaser video with Monsoon along with some promotional images, revealing the costume for her villainous role.

On 20 April the BBC revealed promotional images of Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson in new costumes which fit into an episode set in "the swinging 60s".

On 24 April the BBC officially announced on their social media and the Doctor Who website that former composer Murray Gold would be returning to perform the soundtracks for the three Specials and series beyond, with Gold commenting: "I’m so happy to be invited back for another joyful ride in the TARDIS. I didn’t think twice. Working with Russell and his team is just a pleasure."

On 27 April, Doctor Who Magazine issue 590 was released in which the first interview with Gold following his return announcement in which he noted about the series that "There's an awful lot of music in this series" following several directors having approached him. Davies revealed that an episode title had been inspired by another sci-fi series, Star Trek: Picard. More cast members were also revealed in the magazine. As well as a new director being announced.

On 5 May, the BBC announced that actor Jonathan Groff would be joining the cast in an undisclosed "key role".

On 10 May, the BBC released some publicity photos of Groff alongside Gatwa and Gibson in 1800s style costumes.

On 12 May, the BBC released some more publicity photos of Gibson in her Regency era costume.

On 24 May, Indira Varma was announced as returning to the franchise as a new character called the Duchess.

On 25 May, Doctor Who Magazine issue 591 was released, in which was revealed a few more Production Diary notes about the series. Assistant location manager Alex Moore also talked about what it’s like working on the series.

On 7 June it was announced in a Press Release by the BBC that Bonnie Langford would reprise her role as Melanie Bush.

On 15 June it was announced in a Press Release by the BBC that Lenny Rush would join the show as a character named Morris.

On 22 June, Davies hinted in Doctor Who Magazine issue 592 at the new series with the words "kingdom", "gold" and "Tigella".

On 13 July, Gatwa was interviewed by Rolling Stone UK in which he spoke about taking up the role of the Doctor and how he related to the Doctor, saying: "This person survived a genocide. This person fits in everywhere and nowhere. I am the Doctor. The Doctor is me. I decided that I had to get this role.", also talking about the idea to have the Doctor have a different outfit almost every episode.

On 18 July the BBC released promotional posters of Ruby Sunday and the Fifteenth Doctor.

On 20 July Doctor Who Magazine issue 593 was released, which contained more Production Diary notes from the series.

On 17 August Doctor Who Magazine issue 594 was released, which contained the last Production Notes for the series. Art director Michael van Kesteren also revealed he had been asked to desgin a new sonic screwdriver for Gatwa, saying: "There were certain things requested for Ncuti’s sonic — which had a few things that needed to happen.". Four new cast members were also revealed along with a note from Russell T Davies saying: "Yasmin Finney wrapped a few days ago…".

On 30 August the BBC announced via video the Doctor Who The Official Annual 2024 which offered a look at the Fifteenth Doctor. The annual was released on 7 September.

On 14 September Doctor Who Magazine issue 595 was released which featured the first major interview with Bonnie Langford in which she talked about her return as Melanie Bush, in which she reveals that Mel has changed a lot since her early days, saying "she knows what a computer is now." and "she certainly doesn’t deal with carrot juice or fitness – ha ha – because I think that is just so irritating.

On 27 September a new Behind the Scenes show called Doctor Who Unleashed was announced to be broadcast alongside the new era of Doctor Who, being in the same vein as its older predecessor Doctor Who Confidential.

On 28 September, the BBC held a huge concert at Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff called Doctor Who @ 60: A Musical Celebration, which celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the show with music performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Alastair King. The concert united the three New Who showrunners Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat and Chris Chibnall as well as both composers Murray Gold and Segun Akinola, playing all the well-known soundtracks as well as introducing a few new tracks.

On 12 October the 60th Anniversary concert was dropped on BBC Sounds for fans who weren’t able to attend the concert live two weeks prior.

On 24 October it was officially revealed by the BBC that writers Kate Herron and Briony Redman had co-written an episode of the series.

"Season's Streamings" promo image providing the title of The Church on Ruby Road ^[+]Russell T Davies, Doctor Who Christmas Special 2023 (BBC One and Disney+, 2023)..

On 6 November, Disney+ revealed their "Season's Streamings" schedule for the holidays, revealing that the "Doctor Who Holiday Special" would be titled The Church on Ruby Road and would be available on 25 December, officially making it a Christmas Special.

On 30 November, the BBC officially announced in a Press Release the the title of the opening special, The Church on Ruby Road, along with the release date of Christmas Day, along with its synopsis and that the special would involve Goblins. Davina McCall was also announced as playing herself, along with the revelation that Michelle Greenidge would play Ruby Sunday’s mother Carla, Angela Wynter would portray Ruby's grandmother Cherry and Anita Dobson would play Mrs Flood.

On 1 December during an interview with SFX Magazine 373, Davies revealed that the Christmas special is about the origins of Ruby, saying "Scene one, she’s abandoned as a baby in the past, and enter a Time Lord. A Time Lord is obviously going to start winding himself into that story in the way that no one else can.", revealing that Ruby is named after the church where she was found on Ruby Road. He also revealed that from this series would be a reinvention of the show while still being very much the same show.

On 4 December in an interview with The Big Issue, Gatwa talked about holding back "It’s felt like I’ve been the Doctor and also had to hold off from being the Doctor for most of the last two years.", also saying that he’s ready for the fans to see it, but also nervous. He further spoke about the Doctor being very human-like, saying "Anything I say will get dissected, people will be like, this is exactly what it’s going to be. And I don’t want to paint anyone’s perceptions."

On 7 December, Doctor Who Magazine issue 598 was released containing interviews, and the revelations that the special would feature "show-stopping musical number" with goblins, as well as the synopsis for the episode. It was also revealed that Ruby is a keyboardist in a band.

On 10 December, a video was released on YouTube with Gatwa unveiling his Doctor's new sonic screwdriver, showing how it differs from the traditional sonic screwdriver in that it has more the appeareance of a TV remote, containing a plug-in port, light, lenses and a Gallifreyan message that is a Rwandan proverb; "Injunga y’úrulími inèsha injunga z’îgitèro" meaning, "The sharpness of the tongue defeats the sharpness of the warrior".

On 11 December, the BBC released a new song from the upcoming special, "The Goblin Song along with a music video from the special.

Same day, Disney+ released a brand new trailer from the Christmas Special.

On 13 December, Gatwa was interviewed on Radio 2's The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, on which he revealed that the Doctor would own a new piece of technology called "Psychic Gloves".

On 22 December, during an interview with 1883 Magazine, Gibson talked about Doctor Who, amongst other things saying that "I think the series, in my opinion, becomes very Black Mirror in a way. I think people will really love this new era.".

On 25 December during an interview with IGN, Gatwa spoke of the bi-generation, which happened in The Giggle, commenting that his Doctor is fully the next Doctor in line and that it’s just a new mythology, also commenting on how the Specials have opened up the door to new lore going forward, saying: "There is a whole bunch of mythology that Russell is bringing in, there’s a whole pantheon full of different villains and lore and mythology that he’s bringing into the show."

On 29 December, SFX magazine issue 374 released which amongst other things, took a look at the Fifteenth Doctor's new TARDIS as well as further fuelling the idea of the series leaning into the supernatural, mentioning an actor on set playing The Bogeyman.

On 4 January 2024 Doctor Who Magazine issue 599 was released, which amongst other things featured an interview with Russell T Davies in which he talked about the show becoming more supernatural, saying: "For my first time writing Doctor Who, this is an unashamedly supernatural character. That was built in to the original Toymaker. In the 1966 original, he turns people into dolls. He makes them dance on a dance floor. There’s an invisible game. He’s a magician. That is a whole new world for Doctor Who, and that’s a very big step the whole programme is about to take…". It was also revealed that the new series would feature a returning face from the Specials.

On 14 January, Jason Quinn, the editor of Doctor Who Magazine, was interviewed on the podcast WHO Corner to Corner in which he shared his impressions on some of the upcoming scripts, describing them as "insane" and "creepy" and saying they’ve topped the Specials.