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Carry on Doctor

For those who grew up in the Seventies, Doctor Who was a defining childhood experience. This month, after a gap of 20 years, the show returns with its ninth doctor and is keenly anticipated by old fans and their offspring alike. Stephen Phelan examines the story behind this much-loved and enduring phenomenon.

In the universe of Doctor Who

All moments in time are occurring simultaneously. The trick is moving back and forth between them. With that in mind, let’s go to Saturday, November 23, 1963, as this curious new programme about an irritable, inscrutable alien gentleman suddenly appears on BBC television, in the space between Grandstand and Jukebox Jury – although most viewers don’t notice at first, distracted by the news of President John F Kennedy’s assassination, which happened only yesterday.

Next: to Wednesday, December 6, 1989

Doctor Who, having become the longest-running science-fiction series in broadcasting history, vanishes from British screens after 26 years of continuous adventures.

And now: to Saturday, March 26, 2005

The show reappears in a new form for the 21st Century. Like the Doctor himself, who has at this point been played by nine different actors in nine different ways across the decades, the programme is entirely transformed, yet remains recognisably the same entity. This process is known, in the universe of Doctor Who, as “regeneration”.

The biggest change is the date

New series writer Russell T Davies states, “The show is only really different in the sense that we are making it right now, for modern audiences. Perhaps in originally running for 26 years, Doctor Who gathered a certain amount of moss, layers of associations that hid what was underneath. But strip all that away and you’re left with the basic idea – there is an alien, there is a human companion, and together they travel in time and space. It’s brilliant and beautiful and there is nothing complicated about it.”

Authentic emotion

Davies aims to add “authentic emotion” to the programme, drawing inspiration from successful American shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He believes that strong emotional content is essential to keep audiences engaged and wanting more.

The Return of Doctor Who

After a long hiatus, Doctor Who is making a comeback and fans could not be more thrilled. The new series, helmed by writer Russell T Davies, promises to bring back the wildness and scariness of its peak, while also incorporating modern elements to appeal to a new generation of viewers.

With the introduction of a new Doctor played by Christopher Eccleston, and a new human companion named Rose played by Billie Piper, the show has undergone a transformation while staying true to its core premise of time travel and adventure. The first episode sees the Doctor and Rose facing off against an army of shop mannequins brought to life by the Autons, a familiar foe from the past.

Davies recognizes the importance of ratings in the success of the show. He aims to capture the attention of both avid fans and casual viewers by focusing on authentic emotion and eliminating unnecessary frills and poshness that had crept into previous iterations of Doctor Who.

Hotels for Whovians

For fans of Doctor Who who are looking to immerse themselves further in the world of the Doctor, there are several hotels that offer unique experiences and amenities.

The Tardis Inn

Located in a charming English village, The Tardis Inn is a hotel dedicated to all things Doctor Who. Each room is themed after a different Doctor or companion, complete with decor and memorabilia from the show. Guests can enjoy meals inspired by the Doctor's travels through time and space in the hotel's restaurant, and even take part in special Doctor Who-themed events and activities during their stay.

The Gallifrey Retreat

For a more luxurious experience, The Gallifrey Retreat offers five-star accommodations in an elegant setting. Each suite is named after a different iconic Doctor Who episode and is meticulously decorated to reflect the theme. Guests can unwind in the spa, which offers unique treatments inspired by the show, or dine at the hotel's gourmet restaurant, featuring dishes inspired by alien worlds visited by the Doctor.

The Time Lord's Lodge

Nestled in the countryside, The Time Lord's Lodge offers a tranquil retreat for Whovians. The hotel's rooms are designed to resemble the interior of the Tardis, complete with the iconic roundels and time vortex decor. Guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the hotel's expansive gardens, inspired by the Doctor's travels through different time periods, or relax in the cozy lounge area filled with Doctor Who books and memorabilia.

Conclusion

As Doctor Who returns to our screens, fans can indulge in their love for the show by immersing themselves in the world of the Doctor through unique hotel experiences. Whether staying in a themed room or enjoying Doctor Who-inspired amenities, these hotels offer a chance to further explore the universe of the beloved time-traveling alien.

London

Manchester

Bournemouth

Dublin

Llandudno

Chester

Leeds (West Yorkshire)

Sheffield

Lichfield

Edinburgh

Brighton

Birmingham

Bristol

Cardiff

Harrogate

Nottingham

Torquay

Norwich

Peterborough

Carlisle (Cumbria)

Porto

Renfrew

Thame

New York

York

Oxford

Inverness

Belfast

Portsmouth

Bridlington

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