More than 5000 of 'Dr Who' fans have complained to the BBC because they say Saturday night's episode was ruined by a trailer for 'Over The Rainbow'. The programme was interrupted by a caption featuring an animated cartoon of the show's host, Graham Norton, just as new Doctor Matt Smith was making a dramatic pre-cliffhanger speech. It's shocking. I don't watch 'Dr Who', but I hate those trailers. And when they do that thing where they scrunch up the end credits of something.

Anyway, a BBC spokesperson has said: "We apologise for the timing of Saturday night's trail". I should think so too.

Steven Moffat, who leads the previously reported new team behind 'Doctor Who', has said that the current economic climate won't affect the show, they'll just force the producers to be more creative.  "There will never be enough money to make Doctor Who," he's reported as saying. "We could spend 'Avatar's budget and still ask for more, because it's a show that's set in every point in history and every place in the universe".

He went on to say that finances aren't considered when writing episodes, and explained that the creative team set out to achieve what they can with the money they have. "A lot of the most iconic things about Doctor Who are a direct consequence of financial shortcomings," he added. It doesn't surprise me, frankly. It's the reason why Fringe theatre is so often so much more exciting than the big shows.

Anyway, as you may be aware, 'Doctor Who' returns on 3 April with the new doctor Matt Smith in the starring role.

That previously reported Dr Who tour has kicked off, with the first episode of the new series getting a movie style premiere in Cardiff, attended by the show's new stars, the latest Doctor Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, who plays his assistant. Smith told the BBC: "I'm pleased it's unleashed upon the world. I really hope people enjoy it and are thrilled with it."

A new-look tardis is revealed in the series opener, as well as new look doctor and assistant, a reflection, possibly of the fact that a new creative team has taken over. Original chief writer and show producer Russel T Davies has, as you may know, stood down. Smith and Gillan told reporters that they've had positive reactions from fans of the show, even in advance of the premiere, Gillan saying "We've had lots of lovely letters".

The new Doctor Who, Matt Smith, is to introduce himself to fans later this month when he appears on tour as part of a BBC Outreach programme that targets 'hard to reach' communities. He and co-star Karen Gillan will travel around the UK to showcase the first episode of the new series, taking in Belfast, Inverness, Sunderland, Salford and Northampton. Executive producer Piers Wenger says:  
"This is a great opportunity for the new doctor and his companion to interface directly with the people who matter most to Doctor Who: the fans".

Following that tour, which begins on 19 March, there will also big-screen events in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Plymouth and Swansea.

CBBC show 'Blue Peter' has launched a competition for viewers to design a new console for Doctor Who's Tardis. The winning control panel design will appear in the time travelling vehicle for one episode when the new series, starring new doctor Matt Smith, airs next year. 

Children aged 6 – 12 are invited to enter the competition - which specifies that entrants' designs must incorporate household objects - and their work will be judged by a panel including aforementioned actor Smith and production designer Edward Thomas, who offers this advice: "Don't come along with a design that's finished and too technical - it needs to have a lot of character. It's about being clever with what you find around the house and make sure it really feels as if the Doctor has put it together."

As per most 'Blue Peter' contests (well, it was always that way back when I were a lass), there will be three different age categories, and the winner of each age group will get to visit the Dr Who set and meet the cast and crew.  Entries need to be in by 2 November, and you can find more details on the Blue Peter website if you're interested. Well, interested in informing a young friend about it all, presumably.