It’s been a while, but it’s time for another TARDISblend – and now with filming underway for Doctor Who Series 7, the floodgates have opened on the news and rumor mill. During TARDISblend 48, we preview the schedule for Series 7 and 8, as showrunner Steven Moffat begins the lead to the massive 50th Anniversary year in 2013.

We take a look at the confirmed information, as well as the unconfirmed rumors – including one that hints of a main star from Moffat’s Sherlock may be taking on the reins of a familiar long-time Who villain. We also discuss the possibilities of the new companion for the Doctor (Matt Smith) into Series 7 and beyond, as Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill) make their “heartbreaking” exit; as well as what is ahead for River Song (Alex Kingston).

After several quiet months of no Whovian-related news, fans of Doctor Who were treated to a surprise with the unveiling of the first official set photo from the filming of Series 7. The seventh season of ‘Nu Who’ began filming this week in Cardiff, Wales, set for a later-than-usual Fall broadcast. You can see the new set photo at the end of this post.

Doctor Who Series 7 will star Matt Smith, reprising his role as the Eleventh Doctor, along with showrunner Steven Moffat continuing the production behind-the-scenes. Companions Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill) are also entering their final series of the show, as the Doctor is to find a new companion this season.

Doctor Who Series 6
DVD | Blu-Ray
Starring Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Alex Kingston, Stuart Milligan, Suranne Jones, James Corden
Written by Steven Moffat, Stephen Thompson, Neil Gaiman, Matthew Graham, Mark Gatiss, Tom McRae, Toby Whithouse, Gareth Roberts
Directed by Toby Haynes, Jeremy Webb, Richard Clark, Julian Simpson, Peter Hoar, Richard Senor, Nick Hurran, Steve Hughes
BBC
Release Date: November 22, 2011

The sixth season of the new generation of Doctor Who is propelled by showrunner Steven Moffat into a web of timey wimey twists and turns, chock full of revelations and unveiled secrets of key characters: specifically fan favorite River Song. The series begins with a disastrous development for the Doctor, witnessed by his companions — and sets the tone for the rest of the season.

Spoiler Alerts go out to all listeners, for the season finale for Doctor Who Series 6 — The Wedding Of River Song — is here, and finds the Doctor (Matt Smith) stepping forward to face his ultimate destiny at the fixed point in time at Lake Silencio in Utah. But before he allows the Silence to accomplish their goals, he begins to investigate their motivations. The quest will bring him answers – and more questions.

As Series Six of Doctor Who begins to race to its conclusion, the Doctor (Matt Smith) is on the tail end of a 200-year journey since separating from companions Amy and Rory Williams (Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill). Before taking the steps towards his deadly encounter with the Impossible Astronaut, Madame Kovarian (Frances Barber), and the Silents, the Time Lord decides to drop in on an old friend: Craig Owens (James Corden).

But the social visit turns out to be a destiny with danger, as the Doctor begins to detect strange things afoot in a shop near Craig’s home. The two team up, and along with Craig and Sophie’s (Daisy Haggard) baby Alfie, they quickly discover a new plot from the dreaded Cybermen… and it could be a disastrous showdown.