A new Doctor Who spin-off series, Doctor Who Unleashed, will go behind the scenes of the main programme, in something akin to Doctor Who Confidential which was axed in 2011.
Doctor Who Unleashed will air on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, straight after every new episode of Doctor Who.
It’s a new 30 minute factual entertainment series produced by Bright Branch for BBC Studios, hosted by Steffan Powell (BBC Gaming Correspondent and former Radio 1 Newsbeat Presenter). The show boasts exclusive interviews with the stars in front of the camera, as well as those behind it.
Russell T Davies, Doctor Who showrunner, says:
“Over the years, I meet so many people who were inspired to find careers in TV, because of the behind-the-scenes material the BBC would show. And now it’s back, in the grand old tradition of Doctor Who Confidential, but in a brand new form, Unleashed! So a whole new generation – and faithful fans of old – can see what the stars and the crew get up to behind the cameras.”
Steffan Powell says:
“When you’re told Russell T Davies is asking for you to present a show, you say, ‘when does he want me?’ Doesn’t matter, I’ll be there…There’s a really fun and fascinating group of people bringing Doctor Who to life – I can’t wait for the audience to meet them. I’m so chuffed to have been trusted to help tell, in all its glory, the story of what goes into making the magic happen.”
Jo Pearce, Bright Branch Creative Director and Doctor Who: Unleashed Executive Producer, says:
“This series gives audiences access to all areas, led brilliantly by Steffan Powell, viewers are invited to see what really goes into the making of Doctor Who. It’s been such a privilege to create this show and we’re so grateful to the cast and crew who welcomed us in and allowed us to tell the story behind the drama.”
Fiona Campbell, Youth Audience (BBC iPlayer and BBC Three) says:
“Doctor Who is a show that needs no introduction, so it goes without saying that BBC Three and iPlayer are thrilled to introduce this incredible new series that invites viewers into the world of Doctor Who, showing them just what really goes on.”
I’m one of those people Russell talks about — someone who was inspired by Confidential, and while I don’t work in TV, it still remains a goal. I was gutted when Confidential was cancelled by Zai Bennett, so this is fantastic news.
Unleashed is expected to begin this November with the three new Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials.
