When Matt Smith announced he was leaving Doctor Who, a feature I had written which asked the question ‘Is it time for a female Doctor Who?’ went viral – perhaps unsurprisingly. Many were appalled at the mere suggestion and I actually managed to get a second feature written based solely on the vitriolic comments the first article sparked.
Yet throughout all of this hatred, one pairing stuck in my mind. As I contemplated which actress (or actor – yes I was thinking of both!) might work really well as the new Doctor, Olivia Colman popped into my head and just wouldn’t leave.
Having seen her in Tyrannosaur I knew she could do drama; she could break your heart. And everyone knew already just how funny she was from her earlier TV work and films like Hot Fuzz. She seemed the perfect choice.
A female Doctor required a male companion in my mind too and it occurred to me that the loveable Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley to Harry Potter fans) might just be brilliant.
He could be endearing, angry, feisty, stroppy - all the great marks of an interesting companion.
The pairing stuck with me, even after Peter Capaldi was announced as the replacement.
And so, I give you Doctor Who: The Re-imagining, a fun little script I wrote in which the Doctor (Olivia Colman) and her new assistant (Rupert Grint) go on their first adventure. I hope you like it!
Please take it in the context it was meant – a laugh!
Safe travels, Whovians xxx
After the incredible success of The Rosie Project, Graeme Simsion's debut novel, Don and Rosie are back for The Rosie Effect and settling into married life in New York City.
Though things seem to be going well for the pair, the news that Rosie is pregnant sends events spiralling out of control in a way not even Don can handle and their relationship begins to feel the strain. Then Don's old friend and colleague Gene turns up and sets up camp in their home.
What follows is the brilliantly insightful humour, romance and honesty fans of this pairing have grown to love. Simsion proves he is so much more than a one-trick pony offering real drama and laughs in this eagerly-awaited sequel.
The only thing that stops this book from utter perfection is the unavoidable lack of originality that made the debut such a phenomenal read. Yet, returning to Don and Rosie is such a complete delight that it matters not. It's like returning to the comfort of old friends.
The Rosie Effect is a joyous novel, full of charm, hilarity and warmth. Perfect reading for the approaching colder weather.
4.5/5 FOBLES
The Rosie Effect is published by Michael Joseph on 25th September.
