[IanJRedman]

I'm not mad-keen on all bar two episodes being from the same writer - hopefully that's just RTD 'setting the tone' for the new run, and Season 2 will see a broader range of voices.

[RhysJR]

I'm not mad-keen on all bar two episodes being from the same writer - hopefully that's just RTD 'setting the tone' for the new run, and Season 2 will see a broader range of voices.

Same. Apparently there's set to be four guest writers in the next series (I think the internet is using an interview with RTD as the original source). Suggestions there will be a black writer for the first black lead Doctor then as well.

Whether you're including co-writer credits or not, this is one of the two heaviest showrunner written series of the revival.

twitter.com 

twitter.com 

[JMT1985]

Please remember, the episode count per season has been drastically cut since the 12th doctor era - when Peter took over in 2014, they cut 1 episode per season, and then when Jodie became the 13th they cut 2 episodes per season, and now we are down to 8 episodes per season, so not much wriggle room for new writers to be let loose.

With all the Disney money now available, it is still unlikely we will ever return to the 13 episode run per season of 2005 - 2008 and 2010 - 2013.

[Newshound47]

RTD did suggest 2025 will have more than 8 episodes but nothing confirmed.

[RhysJR]

Jinx Monsoon's character, appearing in epsiode 2 The Devil's Chord, will be called 'Maestro'. Sounds familiar to another notable Doctor Who villain it must be said (doubt they would appear as early as episode 2 though).

cultbox.co.uk 

Jinkx Monsoon Doctor Who character name revealed
In the June 2024 issue of Empire magazine, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davie…
  Source: cultbox.co.uk

---

Also from the RTD interview featured in the above, there might be no Beatles songs actually featuring in that episode, despite the Fab Four being on it. The rights for their song are apparently very expensive.

[David]

I'm wondering with Jinkx as a non-binary performer could be the next reincarnation of the Master/Missy... as the Maestro? Might explain the piano detailing on the costume or I'm thinking way too hard about this. I think they'd play that role **excellently**.

Called it! Really curious to see if they’re a relative of the Master/Missy.

[TIGHazard]

Jinx Monsoon's character, appearing in epsiode 2 The Devil's Chord, will be called 'Maestro'. Sounds familiar to another notable Doctor Who villain it must be said (doubt they would appear as early as episode 2 though).

cultbox.co.uk 

---

Also from the RTD interview featured in the above, there might be no Beatles songs actually featuring in that episode, despite the Fab Four being on it. The rights for their song are apparently very expensive.

International rights presumably (with the Beeb being able to use for basically nothing domestically)

[Flux]

International rights presumably (with the Beeb being able to use for basically nothing domestically)

I don’t think the Beatles are included on the Beeb’s list of blanket clearances. Apple Records are (or certainly used to be) one of the few high profile labels which need to be cleared and paid for separately, so this may well be because of costs for BBC broadcast as well as international considerations.

[JAS84]

How ironic, considering The Beatles have been on Doctor Who before... and that's how their only surviving Top of the Pops footage still exists!

[News Engineer]

I don’t think the Beatles are included on the Beeb’s list of blanket clearances. Apple Records are (or certainly used to be) one of the few high profile labels which need to be cleared and paid for separately, so this may well be because of costs for BBC broadcast as well as international considerations.

They aren't, permission has to be given on a case by case basis and Apple will want exact details of how it's being used, even before it gets to any payment. I know of one instance where a deal was eventually done for a very short excerpt of one Beatles song in a news piece (so not even an entertainment show), but it took a lot of work even to get that.