Sci-Fi Bulletin: Exploring the Universes of SF, Fantasy, Horror and Spy-fi!

The latest set of adventures for the Ninth Doctor is out today from Big Finish, with Christopher Eccleston reprising his role as the Time Lord.

The Doctor encounters the last surviving member of an endangered species, a syndicate of high-stakes gamblers, and a troop of dancing spiders. And in the closing story, he squares up to a powerful ice-cold villain!

Joining Eccleston are comedienne and EastEnders star Josie Lawrence, and Maureen O’Brien — best known to Doctor Who viewers for playing the First Doctor’s companion Vicki opposite William Hartnell.

The ensemble cast also includes Pip Torrens (The Crown, Poldark), Pooja Shah (EastEnders, Class), Dan Starkey (Doctor Who), Alice Feetham (Boiling Point, Save Me), Lily Bevan (Doctor Who), Nicholas Colicos (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Thalissa Teixeira (Ragdoll, Anne Boleyn), and Amy Manson (Spencer, Once Upon a Time).

Distant worlds, alien cultures, vessels of exploration – the Doctor is never more at home than when he’s out among the stars. But that’s where travellers face the greatest dangers, and where the Doctor’s help is needed most… 

Salvation Nine by Timothy X Atack 

The Doctor happens upon an unusual outpost – and discovers it is about to be annihilated. To save Salvation Nine, he must rally people for whom war is an alien concept – and protect the future of the Sontaran race!

Last Of The Zetacene by James Kettle 

The rich and the criminal rub shoulders on Stage Three spaceport – and play high-stakes games for valuable prizes. The Doctor is always interested in endangered species, and the Zetacene is more endangered than most…

Break The Ice by Tim Foley 

On a chilly space station, the Doctor meets a group of scientists experimenting with cryogenics. But when one subject returns from extreme sub-zero temperatures, he does not return alone. A creature awakens that can freeze the soul with icy fingers – Jack Frost!

Christopher Eccleston said: “Working with Maureen O’Brien was lovely. She has a very magical quality to her and it was very interesting to hear her tales.

“I’m not supposed to say this but Salvation Nine is my favourite. I love the script. The idea of the evilest creature in the Galaxy having a peaceful, innocent and loving offshoot is incredibly moving and funny. It’s nice to see the Doctor genuinely surprised.

“In Last Of The Zetacene, I noticed the Doctor’s hard centre. He completely understands the creature’s desire for revenge. It was interesting to revisit that slightly brutal side of the Doctor and at the end, you get an insight into his loneliness.

“Break The Ice is brilliantly written which means it’s very easy for the actors to perform it. There was great energy in the studio and an absolutely brilliant villain – Jack Frost!”

Doctor Who — The Ninth Doctor Adventures: Into the Stars is now available to own for just £24.99 (collector’s edition 4-disc CD box set + download) or £19.99 (download only) from the Big Finish website.