Power of 3

When you think of the name of writer Ben Steed, the chances are, you'll think of the three episodes he wrote for Blake's 7. Maybe you know his work from 80s ferry-based soap Triangle. Or, perhaps, you might remember his ITV sci-fi kids show Kappatoo. But did you know he had a script for Doctor Who under consideration for Season 21? Well, now you do! Courtesy of our friend Richard Bignell, we present Ben's story, The Circus of Destiny, with his outline brought to life by our talented team of readers. Then, we discuss the story and decide whether it was the right decision not to produce it for television. Let us know what you think!

Every now and then, along comes a Doctor Who adventure that's just scary. Grave Matter, by the late, great Justin Richards, is very much one of those novels - mysterious goings on, on an island off the coast of Britain. We welcome Justin's son Julian to talk through some of the creative process his dad had for this book, and we present details of the unpublished prologue from Grave Matter, plus other fascinating writings from the author. Plus, of course, the usual readings from the novel, with added era-authentic music!

The Toymaker has been given a lease of new life in the 21st century, after his return to TV Doctor Who in The Giggle. Brian Hayles's creation has always fascinated fans, leading to him appearing in comic strips, and, eventually, a BBC Past Doctor Adventure. We're joined by writer Gary Russell to discuss bringing back the Toymaker, pitching him against the Fifth Doctor and his TARDIS crew, putting them through the wringer, and throwing in a flashback to the First Doctor on Gallifrey for good measure!

Kenny and Dave travelled down to Derby on 5 September 2026, to attend Whooverville 17. There, they met up with regular podcast contributor Craig Brawley, and had a fantastic time at the convention, with Cybermen, bikers vs Daleks, and lots more. Here, they share their highlights - and are joined by Big Finish War Doctor Jonathon Carley too!

One of the most prolific novelists for Doctor Who during wilderness years 1.0 was David A McIntee. A writer for Virgin's New and Missing Adventures, as well as the BBC Books Past Doctor and Eighth Doctor ranges, the Scotsman was a huge fan of the Master. Sadly, David, who spoke to us several times on this podcast, passed away in December 2024, and to honour his memory, a book of original fiction has been published by Arcbeetle Press - https://www.arcbeatlepress.com/ We speak to the book's editor Hunter O'Connell, and David's widow, Lesley, about this book, I'll Think Of A Title Honest. I'll Think Of A Title Honest is available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Title-Honest-Lesley-McIntee/dp/B0GS6CCRSF?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Power of 3 listeners with long memories will recall we previously looked at the Jon Pertwee radio episodes in our 121st episode. Three years and 440 episodes later, we're putting it back under the microscope again, as we look at Barry Letts's novelisation of his own work. We feature archive interviews with Barry, BBC radio excerpts, a five minute reading of the audiobook, plus narrator Jon Culshaw drops by too. And, we get hints for the future of the BBC Audiobooks range from editor Michael Stevens.

Circuit Breaker continues, as we head into Penguin Books' contribution to the ongoing series. We speak to author Janelle McCurdy about her short story, The Doctor and the Three Witches, which is part of the new paperback reprint of Time Lord Fairy Tales. She explains how her love of the Tenth Doctor helped influence her adventure, which appears alongside a number of adventures by the late Justin Richards.

We return to the Doctor Who multimedia event of 2026 today, as we look at the next chapter in Circuit Breaker. Starring Jo Martin as the Fugitive Doctor, we're meeting some of the team behind Dawn of the Daleks, the second comic book published by Titan to tie-in with the series. We're delighted to welcome back editor Jonathan Wilkins, and co-writer Dulce Montoya, as they discuss how their second Dalek adventure came to be, how the object from the Black Archive needing returned was chosen and... Jonathan says the most forbidden word on the Power of 3!!!!! What is the word? He calls Kenny a "W"...

Scary thought for the day - on January 1 next year, The Sarah Jane Adventures will be 20 years old. To mark the occasion, our friends at Roundel Books are publishing an exclusive book on the series, with more than 300 unseen pictures, taken during the production of the show by Tommy Knight's mum, Sandy. We're joined by designer Will Brooks to discuss the publication. Find out more at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/room5064/adventures-on-bannerman-road

The Invasion was the Second Doctor story that laid down the format for the decade to come. And now, it's the subject of a Black Archive, from Obverse Books, which has been written by Stephen Hatcher. Steve joins us to discuss this book. Order your copy from https://obversebooks.co.uk/product/84-the-invasion/ Read the bonus content from Richard Bignell at https://obversebooks.co.uk/the-invasion-local-interest/

The final part of the current box set of Twelfth Doctor Adventures from Big Finish is out this week. We meet musician Borna Matosic - the first Croatian/German to feature on our podcast - to discuss his work on the series. Plus, we review the first five episodes of this run, with guest co-conspirator Kat, from the Says Who podcast.

The Circuit Breaker series reaches its fourth instalment - and the Cybermen are here! Not just any Cybermen, but 80s Cybermen, voiced by David Banks! GET IN! We find out about the making of this release from BBC Audiobooks, as we speak with editor Michael Stevens, plus writer Steve Lyons. We also feature a five-minute excerpt from the adventure, courtesy of our friends at BBC Audiobooks.

The BBC's multi-platform event for 2026 continues, as the Fugitive Doctor stars in Circuit Breaker. We feature the third part of this ongoing storyline, The Honourable Society, which takes Jo Martin's incarnation of the Doctor back to Italy, to face Don Patata. This comic strip comes with the current issue of Doctor Who Magazine. Writer Jason Quinn - editor of DWM - tells us about writing the script for this tale.

This year's big Doctor Who multimedia event has arrived - Circuit Breaker. The Fugitive Doctor is summoned by UNIT after mysterious items begin to appear in the Black Archive. Only the Fugitive Doctor can solve the mystery, with no knowledge of her future. We kick off with Titan Comics' first publication of the event, Adversary of the Daleks. We're joined by editor Jonathan Wilkins and co-author Dulce Montoya.

It's been a while since the Nestene Consciousness himself, Al Dewar, joined us on the Power of 3. So, to make up for lost time, Al discusses the releases of Tegan, the Dark Water Cybermen, plus the Fifteenth Doctor, Dugga Doo and Mr Ring-A-Ding. Don't make me laugh!

The Web Planet - one of the great Doctor Who experiments, which still divides opinion to this day. Bill Strutton's 1965 serial was hugely ambitious, with a non-human selection of guest characters, on an alien world - all realised on a BBC budget in a small studio. Dr Brigid Cherry has written a Black Archive book looking at the story and analysing its creation and themes, and she joins us to discuss it. You can order a copy of it here - https://obversebooks.co.uk/product/83-the-web-planet/

For our 550th episode, we're absolutely delighted to welcome the one and only Jon Culshaw back to the Power of 3. We're pleased to have Jon - Britain's leading impressionist - with us, as he explains how he came to be cast as the Twelfth Doctor for Big Finish. Expect impressions throughout, laughs aplenty, and a fascinating insight into how Jon found the voice of Peter Capaldi.

We're highlighting a special release from the Black Archive series today - An Adventure in Space and Time. We speak to write David Rolinson about the work, featuring the special programme made for Doctor Who's 50th anniversary. You can order a copy of the book at https://obversebooks.co.uk/product/an-adventure-in-space-and-time/ Find out more about David's work at www.britishtelevisiondrama.org.uk

David A McIntee's third New Adventures novel is the subject of our latest episode. We feature some extensive archival interviews with the author, read by Dr John Bollan, as Kenny is joined by James Hadwen-Bennett to discuss the novel. Plus, David Steel provides a reading of the DWM Prelude, and from the book itself, while Gary Russell voices his thoughts on why he thinks this is the greatest New Adventure.

The Twelfth Doctor is back! Hurrah! We may not have Peter Capaldi playing him, but we have the amazing Jon Culshaw slipping into those polish leather Doc Martins, and he's not alone. We're delighted to be joined by producer and head writer on the new Big Finish series, Alfie Shaw, director Lisa Bowerman, and the Doctor's new companion Ash, played by Gwithian Evans. You can order the episodes individually - starting with The Second Death - here: https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/doctor-who-the-twelfth-doctor-adventures-run-fast-be-kind-the-second-death-3390 Alternatively, you can order a bundle of the first six adventures here: https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/doctor-who-the-twelfth-doctor-adventures-run-fast-be-kind-3389

Barry Letts - a name that is rightly revered in Doctor Who circles for his work in producing the majority of the Third Doctor's era on television, as well as casting Tom Baker as the Doctor. Today, we take a look at a novel which was written by Letts in 2005, just as the TV show returned to our screens with Christopher Eccleston. Island of Death features the Third Doctor, Sarah, the Brigadier and Jeremy Fitzoliver, as he expands Season 11, having started with The Paradise of Death and The Ghosts of N-Space. We feature a plethora of reading talent, bringing this novel to life, 21 years after publication.

Remember the lost BBC Books novel, Freaks, by Rebecca Levene? No, neither did we, for a long time! We bring this novel to life with readings of the chapter outlines from a talented team, and discuss how this novel would have fitted into the Eighth Doctor Adventures range. We speak to editor Steve Cole who commissioned the novel, plus writer Bex Levene. The cover art mock up was created by Will Brooks. (This episode originally appeared on Pieces of Eighth)

We've featured a lot of Doctor Who books that have been released by the BBC and Virgin books over the past three years. But today, we're doing something a little different - we're looking at the book pitch that became something else entirely. We're delighted to share a conversation with Gary Russell about The Island of Fear, his novel that later morphed into The Scales of Injustice!

Last week, we learned of the very sad news of the passing of Justin Richards. Justin is best known to Doctor Who fans as a novel writer, book editor, script writer and script editor with Big Finish, but he was also an accomplished children's novelist too. To pay tribute to Justin, we speak to Peter Anghelides, Steve Cole, Gary Russell and Lisa Bowerman, who all knew him and worked with him in different ways over the years. They pay tribute to their friend. The Power of 3 sends its deepest condolences to Alison, Julian and Chris, and their wider family and friends, at this sad time. Rest in peace, Justin.

Last week, we learned that sad news that Justin Richards, former Doctor Who books editor, and prolific novelist, had died. Justin was a powerhouse in the worlds of Doctor Who literature, writing for the majority of the Doctors, for the BBC, Virgin and Penguin, as well as crafting a number of factual books. We pay tribute to him with a look at his 50th anniversary novel, Plague of the Cybermen. Justin - thank you. Vale.

We've now featured around half of the New Adventures novels on the Power of 3, as we speak to the writers (where possible) about their books which were too broad and too deep for television. In today's episode, we look at the 36th New Adventure, which was written by Daniel Blythe. He discusses his second book in the range, after The Dimension Riders, and we also feature the DWM prelude, readings from the novel (with sound effects), the original DWM review, and what people think today on Goodreads.

Who remembers Destiny of the Doctors? No, not Destiny of the Doctor (singular), the joint BBC AudioGo/Big Finish series of productions for the 50th anniversary. Doctor Who and computer games have never been an easy mix, from The First Adventure and Warlord on the BBC Micro, through to Doctor Who and the Mines of Terror on the Commodore 64, and then Dalek Attack on various early 90s machines. Rather than look at the more recent Wii, PlayStation or Nintendo DS games, we're going back to the 1990s, with Destiny of the Doctors. We're joined by Gary Russell, who explains his involvement in writing the encyclopaedia entries for the game, as well as the fun involved in making a Doctor Who game. Plus! We feature a commentary on some of the game. Just what you always wanted!

The founder and Reeltime Pictures joins us again, and this time he's front and centre to discuss the company's history. From in-depth interviews, to full-cast dramatic productions, Reeltime has done them all over the years. Keith shares some fascinating insight into some of the earliest interviews, recruiting Nick Briggs to front the series, and how he and others went about shooting Wartime, the first independent, full-cast Doctor Who spin-off production. And we also share why you can't buy Downtime any more either! And please note, Keith's interview was recorded a week before it was announced that Russell T Davies was leaving Doctor Who. Plus! We have five DVDs to give away! If you want to win a copy of Doctor Who: Lockdown, from Reeltime, answer the question in this episode and send it to theEarth2podcast@gmail.com, with 'Sorry to bother you Peter' in the header.

It's time to say so long, farewell, to Ace, for the third time, after Survival and Love and War. We're delighted to be joined by Kate Orman, as she talks her way through the writing process, and shares her thoughts on the cover. As ever, we feature readings from the novel, plus the Doctor Who Magazine prelude.

We've got a tripled BAFTA Award winner as our guest this week! We're delighted to welcome writer Bob Ayres to the Power of 3, as we mark the release of his first work for BBC Audiobooks. Bob - the younger brother of sound genius Mark Ayres - discusses writing for the Eleventh Doctor, in Circle of Memory. Plus, we feature a five minute sample from the episode, read by Dan Starkey, courtesy of our friends at BBC Audiobooks.

We know that the word "parasite" is an insult used by the Chelonians in the New Adventures, but this has nothing to do with our favourite cybernetic tortoises. We're looking at Jim Mortimore's third book for the New Adventures range, following Lucifer Rising (with Andy Lane) and Blood Heat. We feature an all-new interview with Jim, as well as some archival interviews with the writer of this novel, with a harder SF leaning than many books in the range

"As part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations, and in line with the BBC's Charter and Agreement requirements, the BBC will put Doctor Who out to competitive tender this year." And with those words, the era of RTD2 is officially over. The triumphant return, heralded in time for the 60th anniversary, has come to an end. There will be no 2026 Christmas special. We gather our team to discuss the breaking news, and share out thoughts, hopes and positives for the future.

Falls the Shadow is undoubtedly one of the most controversial of all New Adventures. Known as the longest novel in the series, and also for its violence, Daniel O'Mahony has re-read his novel, and joins us to discuss it. We make no apologies for the fact this is one of our longest-ever episodes - apt, for such a length book!

‘After the neutronic war, our Dalek forefathers retired into the city, protected by our machines.' The Black Archive returns, as it delves into the facts of The Daleks (aka Serial B/The Mutants/Beyond the Sun/The Dead Planet). We speak to writer Oliver Wake to discuss his first entry in the Black Archive, the ongoing series of monographs on individual Doctor Who stories from our friends at Obverse Books. You can order your copy at: https://obversebooks.co.uk/product/82-the-daleks/

We return to our look at the New Adventures range as we put Mark Gatiss's second Doctor Who adventure, St Anthony's Fire, in focus. Featuring archive interviews with the writer (we did try and get a new conversation with him, but he's just been so busy!), we find out what happens when the Seventh Doctor, Ace and Bernice encounter a religious cult. We feature the prelude, excerpts from the novel, plus the DWM review and contemporary thoughts on the book.

We take a look at another 'lost' story featuring Richard E Grant's Doctor from Scream of the Shalka. Paul Cornell's story for Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor in the 2006 Doctor Who Annual, The Masks of Makassar, started life as his proposed sequel to the animated adventure. We take a look at the story - with a full reading of the annual adventure - and see how it would have worked as an animated story, for a different Time Lord.

We're taking a look at one of the first Eleventh Doctor novels published by BBC Books, as we turn the clock back to 2010. Night of the Humans was one of three original novels featuring the Doctor and Amy Pond, as they ventured out into the universe together. We're delighted to be joined by writer David Llewelyn, as he talks us through his process for writing this book - and mentions a party which we might all wish we had been at!

We conclude our mini-series of episodes celebrating the Third Doctor, as we return to the original Power of 3 format. Steevie, Kenny and Dr John take a look at Speadhead from Space, The Daemons and Planet of the Spiders, and share their thoughts on each. Which is the favourite? They'll share their thoughts - do you agree? Let us know!

On 20 May 1996, Doctor Who's third leading man passed away. In this bonus episode of the Power of 3, we remember Jon Pertwee, whose five years in the title role took Doctor Who to levels of popularity unseen since the show's 60s heyday. We are joined by a host of friends, including a very special guest who discusses Jon's personal legacy for them - and how Tom Baker gave their career a boost.

The Power of 3 is remembering the Third Doctor, Jon Pertwee, who passed away this week, 30 years ago. We kick off our commemoration with a look at the most Third Doctor of all Third Doctor novels, Mark Gatiss's love letter to the 1971-73 period, with the Doctor, Jo and the UNIT team - as well as the Master. We feature archive quotes from Mark, as well as the memories of book editor Steve Cole.

In our two-part look at the work which has gone in, to bring the TV Movie to 4K and blu-ray, we speak to more people involved in the process. Last week Paul Vanezis told us the full story of his work to restore the film, and this time, we're joined by David Palfreyman, who worked on the film scans, and Mark Ayres, who has restored the sound. And now, we're all ready for the BFI Screening!

Remember when Doctor Who was the number one show on TV, and everyone loved David Tennant and Billie Piper? We turn back the clock 20 years, as we travel with the Tenth Doctor and Rose to Africa, as we look at the original novel The Art of Destruction. Writer Steve Cole joins us to discuss this book, with audiobook readings from Don Warrington.

We're just a few weeks away from the release of the Doctor Who TV Movie in 4K and blu-ray restored form. Joining us is the man who has overseen the work, Paul Vanezis, for a rare podcast interview. Prepare for some incredibly in-depth information on the process of bringing the film to UK standards, which will blow your mind. Please note: This episode is also this week's edition of Pieces of Eighth - the Doctor Who podcast dedicated to the Eighth Doctor, also produced by our Kenny.

The Ninth Doctor, Rose and Captain Jack are our focus this week, as we take a look at the fourth New Series Adventure. The Deviant Strain - taking its name from the cover typeface - was released in 2005, and was written by the range editor Justin Richards. We feature an archive chat with Justin, which is read for us, while Steve Cole tells us what it's like to edit the editor! We have our usual excerpts from the novel too.

A Doctor Who story set in Scotland, that isn't Terror of the Zygons?! What?! In the first of an occasional series, the Power of 3 takes a look at Big Finish stories which are set north of the Border, in Caledonia. Today, John and Kenny discuss Medicinal Purposes, a Sixth Doctor adventure set in Edinburgh, featuring Leslie Phillips and some wee laddie called David Tennant. Plus, we're joined by the story's writer, Robert Ross, to discuss the 60th Big Finish monthly range adventure from 2004.

The Seventh Doctor and Ace face a deadly, unthinking foe with an appetite for destruction - the Krill! We find out all about the genetically engineered superweapon, as Mike Tucker joins us to discuss his PDA, co-written with Robert Perry. It's Krill or be Krilled - we also briefly discuss its audio sequel, Dust Breeding. You can hear about the making of Dust Breeding on the Big Finish podcast - https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/big-finish-podcast-2026-02-06-impeccable-dimension-3415

At last - the word is out, and Character Options have revealed their figure line-up for 2026. Al Dewar is back with the Power of 3, the original home of action figure talk with the man himself, as he talks us through the Fourth Doctor, Mr Ring-A-Ding, the Wirrn, Liz Shaw and the Primord, plus the Cybermen - and also, the Yeti! AND! Al reveals the figure he originally planned for the collect and build element. Plus, Al hints at what's to come from B&M later this year - and much more.

New Target novelisations are out! Hurrah! We start our look at these new paperbacks with a look at the Ninth Doctor novelisation of Aliens of London. We speak to writer Joseph Lidster, editor Steve Cole, and feature an excerpt from the audiobook release. The paperback and audiobook are out now!

We speak to the writers of two of the latest BBC Audiobooks releases in our latest episode. We're joined by John Peel - the writer of the first original licensed piece of Doctor Who fiction, about The Mind Trap, and newcomer Paul Hayes, about his adventure, Star Flight. And we've got two five minute samples, courtesy of our friends at BBC Audiobooks.

"Physician, heal thyself..." "It's the end, but the moment has been prepared for..." "I don't want to go..." "Carrot juice, carrot juice, carrot juice..." The last one of these, is not the most appropriate final words for any incarnation of the Doctor, and in today's book club, we look at the final Sixth Doctor adventure, in print form. Gary Russell joins us to discuss this novel, and its ending, and the factors that made it darker than he planned it to be. We feature our usual readings, the DWM review at the DWM, and contemporary thoughts from Goodreads.

The Doctor Who missing episode count has dropped to 95, thanks to the generous donation of The Daleks' Master Plan parts one and three, from the estate of a deceased film collector. These were returned to the BBC by Film is Fabulous! But do The Nightmare Begins and Devil's Planet live up to the hype and expectations? Can Douglas Camfield's work be as good as we hoped? Kenny, Dave, John and Steevie discuss, and are joined by a group of friends who offer their insights. Remember, you can support Film Is Fabulous! here - https://filmisfabulous.org.uk/