Filming starts on new Doctor Who
Filming started today on the new series of Dr Who.
The makers of the hit TV series took over a restaurant in the Mermaid Quay area of Cardiff Bay for a morning shoot.
A 13-part series of the BBC show will be aired sometime in the Spring following a Christmas special.
New Doctor Who David Tennant was involved in today’s filming along with Billie Piper who reprises her role as the Time Lord’s companion Rose.
Tennant replaced Christopher Eccleston in the lead role, appearing briefly at the end of the last series in June.
David Tennant told BBC Online that it was “pretty daunting” to play the cult sci-fi character.
Ex-Cassanova star Tennant, 34, said it was an intimidating role because “the series is so huge.”
“I’m aware of all that but I try to keep it in my back pocket and just get on with the job,” said Tennant.
He added: ““It’s great – you get to play a Time Lord and have a Tardis. You can’t knock that.”
Spokeswoman for the BBC, Cassandra Power, said: “Filming will take place over the next eight months. We will be filming in various locations around Cardiff and south Wales as well as London.”
Revived after a 16-year absence, Doctor Who proved to be a ratings success on its return in March.
The 60-minute Christmas special tells of the earth being under threat from alien Sycorax and features actress Penelope Wilton.
The Cybermen will return in the new series, and the Doctor and Rose will meet Queen Victoria and an evil race of Cat Women.
One episode will be written by comedian Stephen Fry while The League of Gentleman star Mark Gattis will once again contribute to the writing.
Executive producer Russell T Davies told BBC Online: “We can promise new thrills, new laughs, new heartbreak and some terrifying new aliens.”
