Power of 3

A day later than planned (we had to mark the return of missing episodes!), we bring you the second part of our preview of the Doctor Who - The Collection: Season 21. We're delighted to speak to Paul Scoones about writing (and re-writing!) the subtitles for five of the stories in this season, we learn about the new special effects on Warriors of the Deep with Chris Thompson, and finally, the brilliant Chris Chapman returns to discuss his involvement in three special features across the discs. Phew! It's been a busy week - we hope you enjoy!

It's happened at long last - more missing episodes have been returned to the BBC! Episodes one and three of The Daleks' Master Plan are back in the archives, after being found in the estate of a private film collector. Join us as we share our excitement. And you can find out more about the work of Film is Fabulous at their website - https://filmisfabulous.org.uk/

We're just days away from the 1980s being complete on Blu-ray as part of Doctor Who - The Collection. To celebrate, we're looking at how some of the new content has been brought together, as well as restorations of the episodes themselves. In this episode, we speak to the hero that is Mark Ayres, on his work to restore and remaster the audio, PDF king Richard Bignell shares some of the highlights of his researches for the ongoing production archive, while Derek Handley talks us through the photographic galleries. Part two of this preview will arrive later this week.

We're heading into UFO territory, as Doctor Who meets The X Files! Today's book club looks at David A McIntee's First Frontier, a novel which has become known for its shock twist in the years which have followed - the return and regeneration of the Anthony Ainley incarnation of the Master! We feature some archive interviews with the author, which have been read for us by Dr John Bollan, plus the usual reviews and reactions.

We love our Doctor Who animations at the Power of 3. So, we're turning the clock back to 2013, when The Ice Warriors was completed, thanks to the power of animation from Qurios Animation. We speak to the team behind it, Chris Chapman and Niel Bushnell, about their work on it. And Kenny and Dr John discuss their love of the adventure.

Doctor Who goes strange... stranger than ever! Today, we're looking at Simon Messingham's sole entry into the canon of the New Adventures, Strange England. Simon joins us for a discussion on writing the book. As ever, we feature the Doctor Who Magazine prelude and a couple of readings from later in the novel.

The Power of 3 reaches its 500th episode - woohoo! For a podcast that started in 2019, we've done not too badly, with our mix of regular co-conspirators, including Tom Harris, David Steel, Kenny Smith, Dr John Bollan and Steevie Day, plus lots of semi-regulars too. To mark episode 500, we've decided to take a look at an unmade Doctor Who story you've possibly never heard of, featuring the Fifth Doctor, Tegan and Turlough, for a story suggested for Season 21. We've brought it to life with guest readers Craig Brawley, James Hadwen-Bennett, Peter Watson and Ken Moss, plus music from Peter Howell. Thanks for sticking with us for the journey - and we've got some great exclusives lined up for the next 100 episodes! (Episode title graphic: Will Brooks)

Remember the good old days, when one of the first features you'd turn to in Doctor Who Magazine was The Time Team? Oh yes, that group of four fans, Jac Rayner, Peter Ware, Richard Bignell and Clayton Hickman, who went through ever episode of classic Who, and sharing their thoughts on them (plus the Dalek movies too). Those features were accompanied by Adrian Salmon's unique artwork, and now, those illustrations have been compiled - along with a host of new images - into a new book, The Time Team Unearthed. We're joined by designer Will Brooks, to discuss the publication, and how it's been brought to life. Plus, Will also shared details about the next book in the Go Figure series, looking at obscure American sci-fi show Star Trek. Order The Time Team Unearthed here - https://www.cutawaycomics.co.uk/publications/the-time-team-unearthed

Terrance Dicks returns to the New Adventures for his second novel featuring the Seventh Doctor, in Blood Harvest. Courtesy of archival interviews with Doctor Who Magazine, and Terrance's biographer Simon Guerrier, and read by Nev Fountain, we bring you the Doctor Who legend's thoughts on his work set in prohibition America. Kenny is joined by James Hadwen-Bennett to discuss this book, which also features James reading the DWM Prelude, plus two extracts from the novel.

We heartily encourage you to sing this episode's title to Ian Levine's seminal classic Doctor In Distress, so here's the first two lines for you... Doctor on Display - Let's All Go To The USA! We're joined today by Keith Barnfather from Reeltime Pictures, plus Brandon Peters, to discuss how the latest Doctor on Display release came about. They reveal details about the big truck that left the UK, and featured in Doctor Who Monthly - but few of us know much more about what happened after that. It's time to tell that story! You can order this release from https://timetraveltv.com/programme/614

Putting the Doctor and Sherlock Holmes together? An elementary idea! Join us as Andy Lane returns to the Power of 3, to talk about two of his favourite fictional heroes, and putting them together in one adventure - All-Consuming Fire. We also have a brief chat with cover artist Jeff Cummins, and feature an excerpt from the audio adaption too. Plus, we have the DWM prelude and a reading from the novel.

It's not often that a friend of yours becomes the producer of Doctor Who... but that's exactly what happened with Derek Ritchie. From his days in the Glasgow Doctor Who group, to overseeing episodes of Peter Capaldi's Doctor, working on Class, Wizards vs Aliens, working with Idris Elba, and a host of other shows, Derek Ritchie joins us on the Power of 3. And stand by for some fantastic new facts!

Who would have thought that Theatre of War would have had such an impact on the Whoniverse? It's famous for introducing Irving Braxiatel, the Doctor's REDACTED, who would go on to appear in Gallifrey, Bernice Summerfield and a host of other audio ranges from Big Finish, as well as original novels. We have interviews with writer Justin Richards, his son Julian, cover artist Jeff Cummins, and audio adaptation cover artist Will Brooks, plus our usual readings and reactions from readers, then and now.

Hot off the presses, the latest publication from Obverse Books's Black Archive series has been released this week. Philip Purser-Hallard takes a look at Paul Erikson and Lesley Scott's The Ark, and how the First Doctor, Steven and Dodo fare when they encounter the future of humanity - and the Monoids. Is it a story of benevolent masters and slaves who turn on them? Join us as we find out more. Order your copy at https://obversebooks.co.uk/product/81-the-ark/

The Power of 3 Book Club returns to the New Adventures for the new few weeks. We return to the Seventh Doctor, Ace and Bernice, and a trip to Peladon with the return of some familiar faces - The Ice Warriors. Gary Russell talks to us about his first novel, and we feature readings of the DWM prelude and an excerpt from the novel.

Hypothetical situation - the faces of four people involved with Doctor Who are to be carved onto a mountain, like Mount Rushmore. So, we asked our team which four faces they would choose - everyone is eligible, whether in front of the camera or behind it. We've got a surprising range of replies from Kenny, Steevie and John (plus Dave pops in via the Space-Time Telegraph). Who would you choose? Let us know!

Under the microscope today is a novel by the godfather of Doctor Who fiction, Mr Terrance Dicks. Today, Catastrophea, his Third Doctor and Jo Past Doctor Adventure for BBC Books, is examined. We're delighted to feature never before seen (or in this case heard!) material from Terrance's archive, courtesy of his widow Elsa and biographer Simon Guerrier. Editor Steve Cole drops by too, to reveal how this novel was commissioned.

Our new irregular series speaking to the Scots who've made Doctor Who on TV continues. We're today joined by Saul Metzstein, who directed five of Matt Smith's stories in Series 7, as well as three of the shorts. Plus, he talks about directing hit TV show Slow Horses.

The Second Doctor, Jamie and Zoe find themselves in a dead end town on an alien world, in Colony of Lies. Author Colin Brake returns to join us once more, as we take a look at his BBC Past Doctor Adventures novel. Plus, we reveals where Dimensions in Time stands in EastEnders canon, and teases what he may have done if he had taken the script editor's job in Doctor Who if Series 27 had gone ahead!

You may not have realised this, but the Power of 3 is a Doctor Who podcast based in Scotland. We're kicking off an irregular series discussing the show with the Scots who have worked on it, with a conversation with concept artist Peter Mckinstry. Peter's book, The Art of Time Travel, has recently been released, and in his only podcast interview, he joins us here on the Power of 3 to discuss his work on the TV show, from Series Two through to Series Five. Peter also tells us how his fant-art-stic book came about. Plus, Steve Cole pops by to tell us about his work on the book too.

What's that you say, child? You need to know about Damnation, erm, Salvation? Well, my boy, it's a good job the Power of Four podcast is here, is it not? They're bringing you a look at the creation of this book featuring myself, with the editor Stephen Cole, and that charming young man who wrote it, young Steve Lyons. Now, off you go and listen to it on your musical boxes or vinyls playing device. Go on, shoo, shoo!

As the nights are cold and dark, what could be a better time to listen to a story set in a spooky old house at night? Craig and Kenny discuss Big Finish's masterpiece, erm, Master, from 2003. And they're joined by producer Gary Russell, writer Joe Lidster, actress Charlie Hayes, and you will obey him... Mr Geoffrey Beevers!

We're back with the Eleventh Doctor on his adventures with Amy and Rory. Today we put Extra Time under the microscope, as the Doctor and his friends battle to ensure England win the World Cup. (The Twelfth Doctor would not have helped here!) We have an exclusive interview with author Richard Dungworth, who kindly replied to some emailed questions, which we've had read out on his behalf by our friend James Hadwen-Bennett. Plus, we have two readings from the book.

So, 2025... that was an eventful one in Doctor Who terms, wasn't it? We lost a Doctor, apparently gained a new one, had a spin-off show to watch, a new Doctor arrived at Big Finish, missing episodes were rumoured to be returning, and a host of great merchandise was released. John, Kenny and Steevie go through some of these big Who news stories and discuss them. What was your Who highlight of 2025? Tell us on our social media!

It's our final episode of 2025 - and we end with the Tenth Doctor taking on an old foe. Today's book club sees us joined by writer David Llewelyn, as he discusses The Taking of Chelsea 426, an adventure set in the gap year, as the Doctor travelled solo after losing Donna. As well as hearing from David, we have two excerpts from the official audiobook, read by Christopher Ryan, plus reviews and ratings.

Merry Christmas, everybody! There may not be any new Doctor Who on TV this festive season, so we're turning back the clock to look at some of our festive favourites. Steevie and Kenny are joined by a plethora of pals, as they pick their favourite Doctor Who adventures set at Christmas.

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without The Chimes of Midnight, if you ask any Big Finish fan. And Eighth Dcotor tale Chimes has been given a 2025 makeover in print form by author Robert Shearman, who's also novelised his Sixth Doctor plauy Jubilee, for BBC Books. We're joined by Rob and editor Steve Cole, for a festive treat.

The final Black Archive release from Obverse Books is now available - Mawdryn Undead. We speak to writer Kara Dennison about why she chose this often overlooked Fifth Doctor adventure to put under the microscope. You can order a copy here - https://obversebooks.co.uk/product/80-mawdryn-undead/ Plus, we reveal what's coming next year from Obverse as the Black Archive continues in 2026, its tenth year of publishing. Follow Kara on her blog - https://karadennison.blogspot.com/

Given how few full Doctor Who novels there are set at Christmas, we today speak to the writer of a very wintry book. Joining us from across the pond is Lloyd Rose, discussing her Seventh Doctor PDA The Algebra of Ice, which features Ace and the Brigadier. Please excuse the quality of the interview, as the conversation with Lloyd took place using a traditional phone line, which we've tried to clean up as best as we can. Please, we feature a pair of readings from the novel, as usual.

Today marks the final episode of The War Between the Land and the Sea. And to commemorate it, we look at the first performed Sea Devil story! We speak to producer Gary Russell and writer David Bailley about Big Finish adventure Professor Bernice Summerfield and the Poison Seas, and the difficulties of bringing Sea Devils to life on audio.

As we prepare for the final encounter between the Earth Reptiles and humanity in The War Between the Land and the Sea, we're heading back to Big Finish territory. We take a look at the making of Bloodtide, the 22nd Big Finish Doctor Who release, which pitted the Sixth Doctor and Evelyn Smythe against the Silurians - and a Myrka. Joining us to discuss it are writer Jonathan Morris, producer/director Gary Russell, actors Miles Richardson and Helen Goldwyn, plus musician and sound designer Alistair Lock.

We travel back to 2009 today, to talk about the plastic fantastic. We're joined by not just Character Options's Al Dewar but Dave Turbitt, who was at BBC Licensing at the time. They talk us through the creative process for David Tennant's final season as the Doctor.

Today, we met writer Al Ronald, who's recently had three releases from Big Finish. He's written a Paternoster Gang, for the Seventh Doctor and Ace, and also a Comedy Playhouse release. Oh, and he's Scottish...

We're celebrating a Doctor Who Christmas story from Big Finish today, with a Doctor whose TV reign was not as long as it should have been. No, we're not discussing THAT one, we're looking at Blood on Santa's Claw and Other Stories. We're joined by writer Nev Fountain.

If there's one item a Doctor Who fan needs every year, it's the annual! We speak to Paul Lang, the writer and designer of the Official Doctor Who Annual, about this year's publication. And he teases what's coming next year too!

We make a rare trip into Paul McGann territory today, for a look at the BBC Eighth Doctor Adventure Vanderdeken's Children. Christopher Bulis returns for another appearance as he shares his memories of writing this novel. Chris previously spoke to Kenny on Pieces of Eighth about this book, but this is an all-new interview with him, plus we also hear from editor Steve Cole and cover artist Colin Howard.

Our 12 Krynoid Pods of Christmas has begun! We're counting down to December 25 with a podcast each day - some short, some long, to help pass the time before Santa arrives. Today, Al Dewar from Character joins us to discuss the latest release - the Wrarth Warriors, from The Star Beast.

It's official - Season 21 will be the next Doctor Who release from The Collection. We've used our timescoop to find Tom Harris, our founding father, and bring him from his rose garden of retirement, to join Dave and Kenny, as is our tradition each time a new box set is revealed. What do our team think of these stories? And did they like the trailer? Find out by listening in!

It's been a while since be brought you an original novel featuring the Sixth Doctor - so here we go! We're delighted to be joined by the brilliant Kate Orman, discussion her first - and last! - Past Doctor Adventure from BBC Books. Plus, we feature the usual readings from the novel, plus the contemporary DWM review, and how readers look at it now.

The War Between the Land and the Sea is just a few days away from broadcast. So, before the Sea Devils (Homo Aqua if you prefer - although you're about to hear how inaccurate it is from our resident Latin scholar!) return to our screens, we've taken a look at the previous stories in which the feature. So, what do John, Steevie, Dave and Kenny think of The Sea Devils, Warriors of the Deep and Legend of the Sea Devils?

The Sea Devils return to our TV screens this weekend - but in a new way! The Third Doctor tale is being given a new lease of life through a 90 minute new edit, and Benjamin Cook tells us about it. Plus, Mark Ayres discusses the audio side of things, and how a new score has been created for the story by Lorne Balfe. Plus, Peter Crocker discusses the picture restoration (from a previous episode of the podcast!).

With less than a week to go until the broadcast of the first part of The War Between the Land and the Sea, we look back to a past adventure with the Earth reptiles. Under the microscope today is The Silurian Gift, as we take our first dip into the Quick Reads series. Author Mike Tucker joins us to discuss this fun, fast read - which is still available to buy.

Last week, we brought you a look at the New Adventure, Shakedown. Part of it novelised the video release of the production from DreamWatch Media, written by Terrance Dicks. So, in a sequel to that episode (and in some ways a prequel - it's Doctor Who, of course it can be both!), we speak to director Kevin Jon Davies about creating this adventure with the Sontarans.

We return to the earliest days of BBC Books' Past Doctor Adventures. Today, we take a look at just the third book they published, The Ultimate Treasure. We're delighted to be joined by the joyous Christopher Bulis as he talks us through the process of switching from Virgin Publishing to the BBC.

It's Doctor Who's 62nd anniversary - hurrah! To commemorate the occasion, we take an in-depth look at Dr Who and the Spare-Part People (also known as The Brain Drain, but given Big Finish recently did a Third Doctor tale with that title - totally unrelated - we're using The Spare-Part People!). Originally written by Jon Pertwee and his friend Reed de Rouen, this was pitched around the time of Season 7 to the production office, but never made. We bring you readings of the full plot breakdown, complete with a Radiophonic Workshop score, and our thoughts on the outline. Should it have been developed? Tune in and decide for yourself!

We know that a lot of our listeners are Doctor Who action figure collecting enthusiasts, so we're always pleased to welcome Character Options' Al Dewar to the podcast. As we occasionally do, we encouraged listeners to send in their questions for Al following some social media prompts, and we share some of your questions here, with Al giving his replies. Al wasn't given copies of the questions in advance, so what you hear are his honest instant reactions. So stand by to find out just what the situation is with the TARDIS console room playset Al previously mentioned, some B&M figures we didn't get, and much more! Please note: This was recorded on Tuesday night, and Dave, Kenny and Al were also keeping an eye on the score at Hampden Park, as Scotland won 4-2 against Denmark to qualify for the 2026 World Cup Finals.

He may have gone from our TV screens, but the Fifteenth Doctor still lives on. His adventures continue through BBC Audiobooks, and we're delighted to be joined by the fantastic Dr Una McCormack, who tells us about writing her latest adventure, Counterstrike. Plus, we have an excerpt from the other new release, Firefall.

In our latest episode looking at a Doctor Who novel, we're delighted to welcome Lance Parkin to The Power of 3 for the first time. We discuss how he got his commission to write Just War, the research involved, the writing process, the reaction, the audio version, and so much more, in one of our longest-ever episodes. Plus, Dave Owen reads his original review of Just War from DWM, as well as our usual readings from the book and 2025 reaction to the book.

Who remembers the excitement of 1994, when a new Doctor Who drama without Doctor Who was announced, featuring the Sontarans? And then - GASP! - came the news that this story would then be novelised as part of the New Adventures range, featuring Doctor Who! And it was being written by Terrance Dicks?! Kenny is joined by guest co-conspirator Si Hart, as they look at this book. Plus, we've got readings from archival interviews of Terrance Dicks, performed by someone with plenty of Big Finish and Dead Ringers credits to his name! Yes, it's... well, tune in and hear!

The latest of the Puffin Classics Doctor Who novels is here, and the Doctor encounters... Dracula! We're delighted to welcome back Paul Magrs to discuss writing this book, as he reveals his love of the original novel, and lots more besides. Plus, courtesy of our friends at BBC Audiobooks, we bring you not just the official audio release of this book, but three others!

Remember that time on Doctor Who when Mike Yates died? In our latest book club episode, looking at a Doctor Who novel, we're heading back to the era of the Missing Adventures, and looking at Speed of Flight. We're joined by author Paul Leonard to discuss his 1996 work.