BBC News Online – Thursday 10th July, 2003

Richard E Grant is to take on the role of Dr Who in an animated adventure to be released in November. The actor will become the ninth person to play the famous sci-fi hero since the series was launched in 1963.

The last actor to take on the role was Paul McGann, who starred in a Dr Who television movie in 1996.

This time, the adventure will be shown on the internet by BBCi, to mark the 40 anniversary of the programme.

Grant is well known for his roles in the cult film Withnail and I and the television series The Scarlet Pimpernel.

He described his interpretation of the timelord as something of a “Sherlock Holmes in Space”, and said he immensely enjoyed recording the story.

The new Dr Who adventure has been written by Paul Cornell, who is also an established television writer, working on shows like BBC One’s hospital drama Casualty.

“I’m honoured to have the chance to set the Doctor off on another 40 years of adventures,” he said.

“Just wait until you hear Richard! He is the Doctor!”

As reported by REG himself a couple of weeks ago, Jolie found this accompanying news item at the BBC News Online website:

Grant takes on Dr Who role.

Richard E Grant is to take on the role of Dr Who in an animated adventure to be released in November.

The actor will become the ninth person to play the famous sci-fi hero since the series was launched in 1963.

The last actor to take on the role was Paul McGann, who starred in a Dr Who television movie in 1996.

This time, the adventure will be shown on the internet by BBCi, to mark the 40 anniversary of the programme.

Grant is well known for his roles in the cult film Withnail and I and the television series The Scarlet Pimpernel.

He described his interpretation of the timelord as something of a “Sherlock Holmes in Space”, and said he immensely enjoyed recording the story.

The new Dr Who adventure has been written by Paul Cornell, who is also an established television writer, working on shows like BBC One’s hospital drama Casualty.

“I’m honoured to have the chance to set the Doctor off on another 40 years of adventures,” he said.

“Just wait until you hear Richard! He is the Doctor!”

Meanwhile SueW. informs me that Bright Young Things is scheduled to be released on October 3rd. More news as it comes to hand.

Richard E Grant will host the Third Waterford School Clay Pigeon Shoot to raise funds for bursaries on Thursday 2nd October 2003, at the Holland & Holland Shooting Ground, Northwood. If you would like to participate, further information is available from Allison Langley or Waterford School Trust tel/fax: 020 7737 7038

All the links in the Gallery/Pictures section are now active – regardless of whether there are pictures for any particular link or not. This is just to make sure that all pictures are linked as there were a few up there (Tramway Road, The Miracle Maker etc.) that I’d forgotten to link. Apologies for that, folks. Now when I upload new pics they will be instantaneously available to all.

Thanks to Denise for the Waterford news.

Hello! Magazine – Number 772, 8th July 2003

A glamorous party at renowned Indian restaurant Yatra in London was a fitting showcase for stunning pieces of diamond jewelry designed by celebrities.

A cross by Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French and a twin-heart pendant by Phil Collins were among the limited-edition pieces, sales of which will benefit the National Osteoporosis Society.

Guest of honour was the society’s president Camilla Parker Bowles who purchased a dazzling pendant by Joanna Lumley.

It feels like it was just yesterday that there was talk about the Withnail For Waterford event……and, if you read the Temple news, it was yesterday! Today I have another article about Waterford and the Withnail For Waterford charity screening from February 2000. You can read all about that here.