So we are now counting down to the conclusion of the 2011 season, which will apparently return in both the UK & US on the unusual date of 27 August, rather than 3 September which most had expected. A fair bit was out of the bag for the occasion of Comic-Con. As well as TWO trailers (oddly one for just "The God Complex" episode) there was a lovely cast promo, see below which teases us with a pyramid and Rory's pert bottom. It also marks the official unveiling of the Doctor's new overcoat, mostly brought in to keep Matt warm during winter filming.
The trailer also reveals some weird and wonderful things - with the one I've pictured last causing the most fan chatter. All of our regulars look to be given moments of greatness.
After all the recent acrimony over future production plans for 2012 and the 50th anniversary in 2013 seeming to be pared back and reports of fueds between Steven Moffat and new BBC One controller Danny Cohen, just as both of Moffat's fellow producers leave the show, I have trust in the show and suspect this will all blow over. Even cast concerns have allayed when considered alongside the new working pattern, though I was a bit alarmed to hear everyone was recently dragged back for a day's filming on "Let's Kill Hitler" despite having otherwise wrapped at the end of April. Karen Gillan confirmed at the weekend she will return for series 7, probably arriving late in 2012, despite TV and theatre commitments. Arthur Darvill has yet to voice a similar confirmation, but we may find out in September when this year's Christmas special is to be filmed. It seems unlikely to me that one would continue without their spouse on board, though Arthur is tied to playing Mephistopheles at London's Globe theatre into early October. We know of course already the Matt Smith has signed up to play the Doctor until at least the anniversary, something he always seems very keen on being a part of.
The trailer for the hotel-bound episode "The God Complex" is here
You may be aware I have the serious hots for BBC News Sports presenter Matt Gooderick, and I've seen that a few others have taken notice and joined the dribbling appreciation.
So I have good news and bad news Matt-watchers - firstly the appearance of these gorgeous new posed shots of Matt. They're actually taken by a (very talented) amateur whose day job is a TV News director at TVC. He mocked one up as a Vanity Fair cover, and I must say Matt and the photo quality are up to the job!
Only found them when Matt himself changed his Twitter avatar (@MattGooders) to the moody head and shoulders shot. I recommend following Matt on Twitter - he's very gay-friendly and followed me back rather than blocked me when I suggested he do one of those stripped-down Attitude Active covers (he was previously a professional footballer) . Even when I sent him this MenAtPlay link he quipped it would liven up Sportsday!
Anyway, in the most recent months Matt has been splitting his time between sports bulletins on BBC World and the BBC News Channel (where I usually see him).
As of this week though Matt is packing a flask and starting permanent night shifts for a new programme, Newsday, simulcast on both channels but between 1 and 7am! OK if you are a night owl. It's such a shame they are hiding away one of their up and coming assets.
However, during our initial Twitter contacts I asked Matt if he was moving up to MediaCity Salford, and he confirmed he was - his wife Shelley is also a BBC employee. Whether this is as part of BBC Sport or BBC Breakfast (I said he should replace Chris Hollings) he didn't say or know, but was by this point suggesting I be his agent! Anyway I hope this means this very off peak slot is not really for good - sorry Matt fans outside the UK.
Minor Matt factoid - he attended the same school as Christopher Isherwood and was there last week to give a careers presentation.
Oh, and to prove I'm not the only Matt fan, here's a YouTube someone other than me made up of him last year (note his previous spikier hairdo). Warning - contains sport.
And remember Matt really does want to get his Attitude Active cover and asked me to campaign for it - I already pleaded with @AttitudeMag (and GT) for this exposure but please tell them if you want it too! ;)
http://tvnewsroom.co.uk/news/bbc-newsday-l...-tonight-10741/ - the launch of Newsday
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mboyne/sets/72157605820960066/ - the set from which the new photos come
http://tvnewsroom.co.uk/people/matt-gooderick/ - Matt's profile on TV Newsroom (not yet on Wikipedia)
EDIT 19 June - Matt tells me this is only for 6 months:
