By Christel Dee, Simon Guerrier and Ben Morris

BBC Books, out August 24

The rather high-tech world of Doctor Who goes decidedly old school with this collection of cut-out-and-dress-up Doctor Who dolls, and proves to be very addictive.

For someone who spent many an hour in the 1970s cutting out space scenes from the back of Weetabix boxes, there’s something very nostalgic about carefully cutting out along a bold line, taking care not to stray off course. Maybe taking a cue from their adult colouring or Dot-to-Doc books (I love that title) BBC Books are now offering you the opportunity to cut out and stand up 26 Doctor Who figures, all of whom have an additional set of clothes or hat/facial expression.

Initially I wondered whether some potential purchasers would be put off that the dolls aren’t press-out, but then that would mean that you’d have everything out on the table within an hour. As it is, you have to spend time cutting round every curl on Tom’s head or curve on Sylvester’s umbrella. It’s also good solid card stock that’s used, meaning that each figure stands up proudly, and each sheet can be tidily pulled out of the binding without breaking it.

All 12 regular Doctors are featured (but no War Doctor) and all regular new Who companions, though no Captain Jack (surely a missed opportunity of not having a nearly nude Barrowman from The Parting of the Ways?) or Nardole, the character who already has a replaceable head.

There’s also some classic companions, including Sarah Jane’s striped ‘Andy Pandy’ romper suit from The Hand of Fear and Jo Grant in groovy 70s gear – though sadly not in a pose where you could perch her up against a Dalek. [Behave! – Ed.]

Of note are the costume designer credits for each costume and some facts by Simon Guerrier about the costume variations. The illustrations by Ben Morris are instantly recognisable and you might chuckle at some of the humorous choices he’s made – the Seventh Doctor’s gurning being the the highlight or Pertwee in washer woman headscarf! And while not all the dolls’ parts are interchangeable between figures, you might enjoy sticking Colin’s glorious curls on the elder Baker’s body.

An introduction about cosplay (no, not Coldplay, autocorrect!) from The Fan Show‘s Christel Dee provides some tips on how to create your next convention get-up, possibly inspired by the designs showcased in the book.

Verdict: A fun, crafty book. Not essential, but as a diversion on a rainy afternoon to keep the kids occupied (including those in their 40s) it’s a colourful cut-out-and-keep package. 8/10

Nick Joy