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WHO'S SORRY NOW
Ex-Doctor Who boss Steven Moffat says show starring Jodie Whittaker ‘looks cheap’ next to Netflix hits
Steven warned that Doctor Who has to compete with the millions invested in TV shows by streaming services
THE new series of Doctor Who may have got off to a great start but its old boss fears it risks looking cheap.
Steven Moffat was executive producer from 2009 up to the moment Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall took over the reins in 2017. The ex-boss believes a lot more money needs to be pumped into the sci-fi classic if it is to compete with other big TV shows, particularly in the age of Sky, Amazon Prime and Netflix.
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On an episode of the Sitcom Geeks podcast, the interviewer told Steven: “My memory of Doctor Who is very much of a piece of cardboard that he is standing behind.”
Steven replied: “That is the big challenge of Doctor Who now... running the risk of looking as cheap now as it did then, compared to what the rest of TV is doing, unless they put a whole lot more money into it. And it’s still an inexpensive show.
"A show that generates as much money as Doctor Who should be getting more of it back, frankly.”
The show pulled in 9million viewers when it returned to BBC1 with Jodie Whittaker as the 13th Doctor. But by episode three, that number had fallen to 7.3million.
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Doctor Who sees Jodie Whittaker reunited with the Tardis as the time-jumping space ship returns
Steven warned that Doctor Who has to compete with the millions invested in TV shows by new channels and streaming services.
He added: “Television didn’t use to look the way it looks now. When we watch now, we watch something that’s quite often better than cinema.
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“Have you have seen the recent Game Of Thrones? I haven’t seen anything in the cinema that matches their battle scenes.”
Steven makes a good point. But I wonder what he did to boost Doctor Who’s budget in the eight years he was boss?
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ANDY HALLS'
BIZARRE TV COLUMN
War hero Cassidy's Corrie joy
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THE first amputee war veteran to appear in Coronation Street has told how taking up acting saved his life.
Lance corporal Cassidy Little, who made his Weatherfield debut on Monday, embarked on his new career after losing his right leg from below the knee on a tour of Afghanistan in 2011.
The Canadian-born former Royal Marine medic, who also severely injured his left leg fighting the Taliban, plays veteran-turned-paralympian Greg Kennedy in the ITV soap.
In an exclusive interview, Cassidy said of his switch into acting: “It was definitely my island – it was definitely my lighthouse. I was able to steer towards that. And because I was able to do that, my body healed as my mind focused on something I love to do.”
His character Greg has arrived on the cobbles to help cheer up Jack Webster after the youngster lost a leg to sepsis.
12-year-old Sasha Burrell lost both legs up to the knee after contracting life-threatening sepsis
Cassidy is also starring in the stage play Soldier On, about war vets’ post-traumatic stress disorder, at The Other Place in London’s West End until November 24.
Of course, Cassidy knows the mental toll of war. He said: “After leaving rehab, I couldn’t have a shower because I had open wounds.
“I was delicately cleaning myself. I caught a glimpse of myself sitting on the floor of this bathroom, with the scars and skin grafts and bruising.
“I remember looking at myself and weeping. And then I had to have a word with myself.”
It’s great to see Corrie celebrating such a hero.
Judge Rinder's Christmas special
HE spends most of his time splitting up parties bickering like children on his ITV show.
But Robert Rinder’s next bunch of squabblers will at least have a good excuse.
The straight-talking TV star and Sun columnist is casting for a special children’s edition of Judge Rinder, to be screened at Christmas.
And producers are on the hunt for children aged four to seven to go on the show to air their dirty laundry. The advert reads: “Maybe a sibling accidentally broke one of their toys?
“Maybe one of their friends borrowed or damaged their fancy dress costume?
“Whatever the case – we’d love to hear from you!”
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Myleene Klass seems happy to be labelled a Hot Mess – even though her camouflage trousers suggest she just wants to blend into the background.
But that was never going to happen, with her wearing bright pink and a large pair of eye-catching sunglasses as she took to the streets of central London this week.
Shaun's on to a winner
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MORE than 14 years after leaving EastEnders, Shaun Williamson is returning to BBC1 in new comedy Mr Winner.
The actor, who played long-suffering Barry Evans in the soap from 1994 to 2004, will appear as concerned father Chris, whose daughter, Jemma, is getting married.
Her future husband is central character Leslie Winner, who’s played by Spencer Jones, better known as William Kempe in BBC2 comedy Upstart Crow.
But he’s also a hapless chap who, despite his best intentions, can’t help but muck everything up – and that includes holding down a job to pay for the wedding.
Filming of the six-part comedy has started and it’s expected to air next year.
Shaun starred in Extras in 2006 and last year’s Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5.
Soapbox
KEANU comes up with a plan to test his theory over who the blackmailer is in EastEnders – and when his fears are confirmed, he tells Sharon everything.
Meanwhile, Hayley’s new positive attitude over the baby comes under threat when she overhears Kat talking about her again.
Soon afterwards, there’s another drama when Hayley starts to suffer contractions.
Fortunately, it’s a false alarm but Jean has already taken matters into her own hands.
In Emmerdale, it’s the day of Grace’s funeral but Cain is concerned that Chas has lost faith in her daughter’s send-off. Later, she is overwhelmed to see villagers lining the street.
Elsewhere, Ross tells Rebecca they should leave the village but she ends up questioning if he’s serious.
- Alexander Skarsgard has dropped a big hint that he might be appearing in a second series of HBO’s Big Little Lies, saying he has “read all the scripts” for the follow- up. That’s despite the fact his character was killed off in the first season.
MOST READ IN BIZARRE
Must watch
WHAT? Gordon, Gino And Fred: Road Trip, 9pm, ITV.
WHY? French love guru Fred Sirieix joins TV chefs Gino D’Acampo and Gordon Ramsay north of the border with a spot of Highland Games and dressing as “true” Scotsmen.
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
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