British sci‑fi series, time-travelling Doctor from a long lineage of incarnations
BBC confirms the long-running sci-fi series will not have a Christmas special as plans mature for a competitive tendering process. Russell T Davies has exited, with the BBC planning to invest in the show’s long-term future and explore external platforms.
A slate of Guardian and Independent pieces looks back at iconic robots and sci‑fi cinema, while The Guardian surveys TV droids and the Independent reflects on why Stranger Things resonated with Gen Z, noting nostalgia for pre‑tech life.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony has opened in Glasgow, with King Charles III and Queen Camilla attending. The event features a time-travel Tardis entrance, a garden stage, 74 nations parading, and a rotation of Scottish cultural moments amid budget constraints.
Ronnie Le Drew, known for operating the Rainbow puppet Zippy, has died after a short illness. He trained at the Little Angel Theatre and co-founded the London School of Puppetry. His presidency of the British Puppet Guild and his contributions to puppetry are being remembered by colleagues and peers.
The Doctor Who screenwriter has spoken about his husband Andrew Smith’s death from glioblastoma in 2018. He says caregiving was hard but he would have done it for 50 more years. Smith and Davies were together 20 years, married in 2012, and Davies is dating Oliver Cole. Davies will publish a memoir about his career this year.
Tributes have poured in after the deaths of Imelda Staunton’s film collaborator and Tom Chadbon, a veteran actor known for Doctor Who and Game of Thrones. Staunton has had a long career across film, stage and TV, while Chadbon is remembered for his Doctor Who role and later TV work. The articles note the attached celebrations of their careers and their impact on fans.
The Royal Shakespeare Company has postponed the new Othello at the Swan Theatre after Sharon Clarke, who was set to star, begins treatment for cancer. Tickets will be refunded and a replacement production is planned for early 2027. Clarke, known for Holby City and her stage work, remains positive and supported by her team.
Philip Jerome has been jailed for 12 months after breaching a stalking prevention order by contacting actress Piper through social media, attending events and keeping a notebook of notes. Police found images and posts about Piper on his devices; his pattern shows a long history of harassment.