481: Merry Christmas Everybody

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.