Benjamin Cook
@benjamincook.bsky.social
Writer • Journo • TV/video/podcast editor. Business enquiries: ninebrassmonkeys@gmail.com
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
Actually yes I'd forgotten this. Three people who live in a hedge and one who just stepped out of the salon. bsky.app/profile/benj...
November 24, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Actually yes I'd forgotten this. Three people who live in a hedge and one who just stepped out of the salon. bsky.app/profile/benj...
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
I love that the original BBC cast cards for Doctor Who make it look like the exciting adventures of four people who live in a hedge.
And some more Carole Ann Ford photos I love 😍:
1) Aged 16, in August 1956.
2) Her 1964 Doctor Who cast card pic.
3) With Pertwee and Troughton in Chicago, November 1983.
4) With Maureen O'Brien at a Fantom signing in London, May 2025 (📸 by the amazing @misterphipps.bsky.social).
1) Aged 16, in August 1956.
2) Her 1964 Doctor Who cast card pic.
3) With Pertwee and Troughton in Chicago, November 1983.
4) With Maureen O'Brien at a Fantom signing in London, May 2025 (📸 by the amazing @misterphipps.bsky.social).
November 23, 2025 at 11:46 PM
I love that the original BBC cast cards for Doctor Who make it look like the exciting adventures of four people who live in a hedge.
And some more Carole Ann Ford photos I love 😍:
1) Aged 16, in August 1956.
2) Her 1964 Doctor Who cast card pic.
3) With Pertwee and Troughton in Chicago, November 1983.
4) With Maureen O'Brien at a Fantom signing in London, May 2025 (📸 by the amazing @misterphipps.bsky.social).
1) Aged 16, in August 1956.
2) Her 1964 Doctor Who cast card pic.
3) With Pertwee and Troughton in Chicago, November 1983.
4) With Maureen O'Brien at a Fantom signing in London, May 2025 (📸 by the amazing @misterphipps.bsky.social).
November 23, 2025 at 11:34 PM
And some more Carole Ann Ford photos I love 😍:
1) Aged 16, in August 1956.
2) Her 1964 Doctor Who cast card pic.
3) With Pertwee and Troughton in Chicago, November 1983.
4) With Maureen O'Brien at a Fantom signing in London, May 2025 (📸 by the amazing @misterphipps.bsky.social).
1) Aged 16, in August 1956.
2) Her 1964 Doctor Who cast card pic.
3) With Pertwee and Troughton in Chicago, November 1983.
4) With Maureen O'Brien at a Fantom signing in London, May 2025 (📸 by the amazing @misterphipps.bsky.social).
🚨 RARE PIC KLAXON! Courtesy of Carole: here’s her REAL-LIFE grandfather – a photo of ACTUAL Dr Who! – “a very upright Victorian gentleman” (sounds about right). That’s him seated centre, surrounded by his wife and 12 children! More in this month’s DWM… #GoBackGrandfather
November 23, 2025 at 11:16 PM
🚨 RARE PIC KLAXON! Courtesy of Carole: here’s her REAL-LIFE grandfather – a photo of ACTUAL Dr Who! – “a very upright Victorian gentleman” (sounds about right). That’s him seated centre, surrounded by his wife and 12 children! More in this month’s DWM… #GoBackGrandfather
Carole’s casting in Doctor Who almost didn’t happen. Early in 1963, she’d signed to leave for America that August to begin rehearsals for a Broadway musical opening in December. If that job had held, there’s no way she could have played Susan. Full story ⬇️ from my piece in DWM…
November 23, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Carole’s casting in Doctor Who almost didn’t happen. Early in 1963, she’d signed to leave for America that August to begin rehearsals for a Broadway musical opening in December. If that job had held, there’s no way she could have played Susan. Full story ⬇️ from my piece in DWM…
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
I think this may be the first public mention of Doctor Who, a couple of weeks ahead of it being spoken of in the BBC’s launch of the autumn season, of which Doctor Who was part.
November 23, 2025 at 10:25 PM
I think this may be the first public mention of Doctor Who, a couple of weeks ahead of it being spoken of in the BBC’s launch of the autumn season, of which Doctor Who was part.
In this month’s DWM, I sit down with Carole Ann Ford for an epic 27-page chat. But here’s a bit of history: she was also Doctor Who’s first-ever interviewee! On 1 Sept 1963, the News of the World announced the show’s launch via a chat with Carole – complete w/DW’s first spoilers!
November 23, 2025 at 10:19 PM
In this month’s DWM, I sit down with Carole Ann Ford for an epic 27-page chat. But here’s a bit of history: she was also Doctor Who’s first-ever interviewee! On 1 Sept 1963, the News of the World announced the show’s launch via a chat with Carole – complete w/DW’s first spoilers!
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
🚨 Episode 1 of Obsolete is live in 15 minutes! 🚨
I hope you enjoy it, and have a happy #DoctorWhoDay
Link below...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOSP...
I hope you enjoy it, and have a happy #DoctorWhoDay
Link below...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOSP...
OBSOLETE - Episode 1: The Summons (Dalek Fan Series | Full Episode)
YouTube video by Dalek 63•88
www.youtube.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:16 AM
🚨 Episode 1 of Obsolete is live in 15 minutes! 🚨
I hope you enjoy it, and have a happy #DoctorWhoDay
Link below...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOSP...
I hope you enjoy it, and have a happy #DoctorWhoDay
Link below...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOSP...
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
Expect:
🚢 Missing ships!
😈 Sea creatures!
⚔️ The Master (safely locked up – or is he?)
🥪 Sandwiches!
💣 Landmines!!
⚡ Reversing the polarity…
🖋️ A brilliant Malcolm Hulke script
🎬 Gorgeous direction by Michael E Briant (who’s been very supportive ❤️)
🎵 And. That. Music!
🚢 Missing ships!
😈 Sea creatures!
⚔️ The Master (safely locked up – or is he?)
🥪 Sandwiches!
💣 Landmines!!
⚡ Reversing the polarity…
🖋️ A brilliant Malcolm Hulke script
🎬 Gorgeous direction by Michael E Briant (who’s been very supportive ❤️)
🎵 And. That. Music!
November 14, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Expect:
🚢 Missing ships!
😈 Sea creatures!
⚔️ The Master (safely locked up – or is he?)
🥪 Sandwiches!
💣 Landmines!!
⚡ Reversing the polarity…
🖋️ A brilliant Malcolm Hulke script
🎬 Gorgeous direction by Michael E Briant (who’s been very supportive ❤️)
🎵 And. That. Music!
🚢 Missing ships!
😈 Sea creatures!
⚔️ The Master (safely locked up – or is he?)
🥪 Sandwiches!
💣 Landmines!!
⚡ Reversing the polarity…
🖋️ A brilliant Malcolm Hulke script
🎬 Gorgeous direction by Michael E Briant (who’s been very supportive ❤️)
🎵 And. That. Music!
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
Starring Jon Pertwee & Katy Manning!
🎶 With NEW MUSIC by the legendary Lorne Balfe! 🙌 – woven together with Malcolm Clarke’s groundbreaking 1972 score – and updated sound design by the genius @markayresrws.bsky.social! 🔊
Graphic design by @georgieoboy.bsky.social!
And… action by HAVOC!! 💥
🎶 With NEW MUSIC by the legendary Lorne Balfe! 🙌 – woven together with Malcolm Clarke’s groundbreaking 1972 score – and updated sound design by the genius @markayresrws.bsky.social! 🔊
Graphic design by @georgieoboy.bsky.social!
And… action by HAVOC!! 💥
November 14, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Starring Jon Pertwee & Katy Manning!
🎶 With NEW MUSIC by the legendary Lorne Balfe! 🙌 – woven together with Malcolm Clarke’s groundbreaking 1972 score – and updated sound design by the genius @markayresrws.bsky.social! 🔊
Graphic design by @georgieoboy.bsky.social!
And… action by HAVOC!! 💥
🎶 With NEW MUSIC by the legendary Lorne Balfe! 🙌 – woven together with Malcolm Clarke’s groundbreaking 1972 score – and updated sound design by the genius @markayresrws.bsky.social! 🔊
Graphic design by @georgieoboy.bsky.social!
And… action by HAVOC!! 💥
Yesterday was the online review and final mix of our 2025 cut of “The Sea Devils”. 🌊 😈 Pictured ⬇️ at the mix with @markayresrws.bsky.social, Russell T Davies, and our brilliant post-production producer Ceres Doyle – and ⬇️ in the actual TARDIS (!!) with Mark and Mark’s son Sam.
November 22, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Yesterday was the online review and final mix of our 2025 cut of “The Sea Devils”. 🌊 😈 Pictured ⬇️ at the mix with @markayresrws.bsky.social, Russell T Davies, and our brilliant post-production producer Ceres Doyle – and ⬇️ in the actual TARDIS (!!) with Mark and Mark’s son Sam.
Accidentally walked into a cupboard. It’s bigger on the inside. WHERE ARE WE? Send help!
@markayresrws.bsky.social
@markayresrws.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Accidentally walked into a cupboard. It’s bigger on the inside. WHERE ARE WE? Send help!
@markayresrws.bsky.social
@markayresrws.bsky.social
If you care about where the BBC is headed, linear TV, ratings, casting, commissioning, competition from YouTube/TikTok, and how a huge hit like The Celebrity Traitors happens – and whether it can be guaranteed! – this ⬇️ is well worth 53 minutes of your time. 🔊
📣 BBC Content Chief Interview Out Now! 📣
💃 How Will They Find Next Strictly Hosts?
👀 What Prompted Alan Carr’s Traitors U-Turn?
📺 What Shows Has The BBC Turned Down?
Richard and Marina put your questions to Kate Phillips in the latest episode ⬇️
linktr.ee/therestisent...
💃 How Will They Find Next Strictly Hosts?
👀 What Prompted Alan Carr’s Traitors U-Turn?
📺 What Shows Has The BBC Turned Down?
Richard and Marina put your questions to Kate Phillips in the latest episode ⬇️
linktr.ee/therestisent...
November 22, 2025 at 9:45 AM
If you care about where the BBC is headed, linear TV, ratings, casting, commissioning, competition from YouTube/TikTok, and how a huge hit like The Celebrity Traitors happens – and whether it can be guaranteed! – this ⬇️ is well worth 53 minutes of your time. 🔊
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
FUN FACT: This news makes The Sea Devils* officially the most oft-repeated Pertwee story on 'terrestrial' television, ahead of Spearhead From Space**, The Daemons*** and The Green Death**** (3 repeats each).
*1972, 1974, 1992, 2025
**1971, 1999, 2006
***1971, 1992, 2007
****1973, 1994, 2006
*1972, 1974, 1992, 2025
**1971, 1999, 2006
***1971, 1992, 2007
****1973, 1994, 2006
November 14, 2025 at 4:39 PM
FUN FACT: This news makes The Sea Devils* officially the most oft-repeated Pertwee story on 'terrestrial' television, ahead of Spearhead From Space**, The Daemons*** and The Green Death**** (3 repeats each).
*1972, 1974, 1992, 2025
**1971, 1999, 2006
***1971, 1992, 2007
****1973, 1994, 2006
*1972, 1974, 1992, 2025
**1971, 1999, 2006
***1971, 1992, 2007
****1973, 1994, 2006
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
Lorne Balfe is having such a great time. Missions Impossible, Wallace and Gromit and now the Sea Devils soundtrack. Blimey
#DoctorWho In An Exciting Adventure With The Sea Devils is getting a 'special re-edited' repeat on Sunday 7th December at 7pm on BBC Four.
The 90-minute 'blockbuster special' (we just called them omnibuses in my day) will feature new sound design by Mark Ayres and additional music by Lorne Balfe.
The 90-minute 'blockbuster special' (we just called them omnibuses in my day) will feature new sound design by Mark Ayres and additional music by Lorne Balfe.
November 14, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Lorne Balfe is having such a great time. Missions Impossible, Wallace and Gromit and now the Sea Devils soundtrack. Blimey
“I always find that violent exercise makes me hungry.” I’ve edited a thing. 7 DECEMBER! – 7PM – BBC FOUR (and iPlayer from 6AM, for early risers/sadists)…
THE SEA DEVILS. 🌊😈⚔️🥪🚤🔥👹 A brand-new 90-minute blockbuster edit of one of the maddest DOCTOR WHO stories EVER! www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-fea...
THE SEA DEVILS. 🌊😈⚔️🥪🚤🔥👹 A brand-new 90-minute blockbuster edit of one of the maddest DOCTOR WHO stories EVER! www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-fea...
November 14, 2025 at 5:54 PM
“I always find that violent exercise makes me hungry.” I’ve edited a thing. 7 DECEMBER! – 7PM – BBC FOUR (and iPlayer from 6AM, for early risers/sadists)…
THE SEA DEVILS. 🌊😈⚔️🥪🚤🔥👹 A brand-new 90-minute blockbuster edit of one of the maddest DOCTOR WHO stories EVER! www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-fea...
THE SEA DEVILS. 🌊😈⚔️🥪🚤🔥👹 A brand-new 90-minute blockbuster edit of one of the maddest DOCTOR WHO stories EVER! www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-fea...
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
Buy magazines.
Many editors and writers have brought their love for Star Wars to the pages of Star Wars Insider magazine in its various incarnations, and deserve much thanks for their amazing work – but, sadly, in this instance,…
https://downthetubes.net/star-wars-insider-comes-to-and-end-but-to-go-out-blazing/
https://downthetubes.net/star-wars-insider-comes-to-and-end-but-to-go-out-blazing/
November 11, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Buy magazines.
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
A look at why every Doctor Who companion is metaphorically Carole Ann Ford's granddaughter, Susan Foreman, and every Doctor is William Hartnell's grandfather, the First Doctor. / #DoctorWho
A look at why every Doctor Who companion is metaphorically Carole Ann Ford's granddaughter, Susan Foreman, and every Doctor is William Hartnell's grandfather, the First Doctor. / #DoctorWho
A look at why every Doctor Who companion is metaphorically Carole Ann Ford's granddaughter, Susan Foreman, and how that's impacted the show.
dlvr.it
November 8, 2025 at 1:39 PM
A look at why every Doctor Who companion is metaphorically Carole Ann Ford's granddaughter, Susan Foreman, and every Doctor is William Hartnell's grandfather, the First Doctor. / #DoctorWho
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
Today’s post 1/2
November 7, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Today’s post 1/2
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
Enjoying @benjamincook.bsky.social's detailed and footnoted interview with Carole Ann Ford in Doctor Who Magazine 623, now out; I'm very aware at the moment of how the loss of a generation means the loss of context which had been taken for granted and there is substantial memory-collecting here.
November 8, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Enjoying @benjamincook.bsky.social's detailed and footnoted interview with Carole Ann Ford in Doctor Who Magazine 623, now out; I'm very aware at the moment of how the loss of a generation means the loss of context which had been taken for granted and there is substantial memory-collecting here.
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
Not enough attention is being paid to the effective closure of the bulk of one of the 2 or 3 most important public archives for modern British history. A terrible own goal for the BBC as a public-service agency.
WAC wrong-headedness
(that's the BBC Written Archives Centre)
I've brought together the key links for the campaign against the changes which now make independent and exploratory research at WAC impossible - and why this matters.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/wac-wrong-he...
(that's the BBC Written Archives Centre)
I've brought together the key links for the campaign against the changes which now make independent and exploratory research at WAC impossible - and why this matters.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/wac-wrong-he...
WAC wrong-headedness - Illuminations
John Wyver writes: Some of you will know that I have been very involved over the past months with attempts to reverse the wrong-headed changes to access at the BBC Written Archives Centre (above, with...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Not enough attention is being paid to the effective closure of the bulk of one of the 2 or 3 most important public archives for modern British history. A terrible own goal for the BBC as a public-service agency.
Huge thanks to @paul-hayes.bsky.social, whose ridiculous good Pull to Open book was the most useful interview prep imaginable, and to @davidbrunt.bsky.social, whose Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years is an invaluable resource on this era. I recommend both very, very highly.
“Go back, Grandfather!” In the new Doctor Who Magazine, on sale TODAY, you can read my epic 27-page interview with CAROLE ANN FORD – now 85 and still defiantly, magnificently Susan! Also, I take a look at the near-Susans lost to the show’s turbulent pre-history.
🧵 Quotes to follow…
🧵 Quotes to follow…
November 6, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Huge thanks to @paul-hayes.bsky.social, whose ridiculous good Pull to Open book was the most useful interview prep imaginable, and to @davidbrunt.bsky.social, whose Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years is an invaluable resource on this era. I recommend both very, very highly.
“Go back, Grandfather!” In the new Doctor Who Magazine, on sale TODAY, you can read my epic 27-page interview with CAROLE ANN FORD – now 85 and still defiantly, magnificently Susan! Also, I take a look at the near-Susans lost to the show’s turbulent pre-history.
🧵 Quotes to follow…
🧵 Quotes to follow…
November 6, 2025 at 2:51 PM
“Go back, Grandfather!” In the new Doctor Who Magazine, on sale TODAY, you can read my epic 27-page interview with CAROLE ANN FORD – now 85 and still defiantly, magnificently Susan! Also, I take a look at the near-Susans lost to the show’s turbulent pre-history.
🧵 Quotes to follow…
🧵 Quotes to follow…
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
Ooh, another monster Ben Cook interview with a major Who figure. Hook it to my veins.
“I want to come back! I want to meet Daleks again – or be in a Christmas Special. All-singing, all-dancing.”
Hello. I’ve done a little 27,000-word thing for the new Doctor Who Magazine – on sale this Thurs! It’s CAROLE ANN FORD’s most in-depth, introspective interview ever!! Let’s go!!!
Hello. I’ve done a little 27,000-word thing for the new Doctor Who Magazine – on sale this Thurs! It’s CAROLE ANN FORD’s most in-depth, introspective interview ever!! Let’s go!!!
November 5, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Ooh, another monster Ben Cook interview with a major Who figure. Hook it to my veins.
Reposted by Benjamin Cook
“I want to come back! I want to meet Daleks again – or be in a Christmas Special. All-singing, all-dancing.”
Hello. I’ve done a little 27,000-word thing for the new Doctor Who Magazine – on sale this Thurs! It’s CAROLE ANN FORD’s most in-depth, introspective interview ever!! Let’s go!!!
Hello. I’ve done a little 27,000-word thing for the new Doctor Who Magazine – on sale this Thurs! It’s CAROLE ANN FORD’s most in-depth, introspective interview ever!! Let’s go!!!
November 4, 2025 at 5:41 PM
“I want to come back! I want to meet Daleks again – or be in a Christmas Special. All-singing, all-dancing.”
Hello. I’ve done a little 27,000-word thing for the new Doctor Who Magazine – on sale this Thurs! It’s CAROLE ANN FORD’s most in-depth, introspective interview ever!! Let’s go!!!
Hello. I’ve done a little 27,000-word thing for the new Doctor Who Magazine – on sale this Thurs! It’s CAROLE ANN FORD’s most in-depth, introspective interview ever!! Let’s go!!!