BBC Apologizes for Accidentally Spoiling ‘Doctor Who' Finale in News Report
The BBC's apology for posting about that shocking Doctor Who finale reveal before the whole world got a chance to watch comes a little too late.
For many, the spoiler was prominently featured online as soon as Ncuti Gatwa took his bow and regenerated into the franchise's favorite companion, Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper. Was she some sort of Rose variant, the role she originated in the series, meant to wrap things up with the David Tennant 14th Doctor running around? We don't yet know. However, her appearance sent the internet buzzing as soon as the finale aired, including a spoiler-filled headline on the BBC itself, which read, 'Ncuti Gatwa regenerates into Billie Piper as he leaves Doctor Who.'
A few weeks after the Doctor Who finale, the BBC has addressed its fans who called out the company for the spoilery news story. In a statement the BBC shared, 'Some people contacted us to complain that the headline gave away the ending, spoiling this Doctor Who episode for them. Others requested that the BBC be more conscious of spoilers going forward, particularly in the use of headlines.'
The explanation continued, 'BBC journalists are of course entitled to use their judgment to decide which stories to cover and the manner in which they are reported. We also want our headlines to be as informative as possible. Although every story is different, we have discussed your concerns on this occasion with senior editors and we will be mindful of your views for future coverage.'
As an American viewer, I can attest that the finale didn't get uploaded onto Disney+ until later than it aired in the UK; that was no surprise since it often felt as if the show was almost hidden among Disney+'s offerings, with inconsistently timed uploads that missed UK scheduling.
I stayed up until midnight in my attempt to not get spoiled but eventually gave up waiting—and I was among the fans who encountered the spoiler through an official post before getting a chance to watch the finale. It was a deflating disappointment on brand with how the BBC and Disney's partnership went about handling its 15th Doctor, who deserved so much better.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
'We've openly chatted about it': Sophie Ellis-Bextor on how she spoke to her sons about Netflix's Adolescence
When Netflix's Adolescence arrived on our screens in March, it got the whole nation talking – and that includes singer and Kitchen Disco icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Starring on Good Housekeeping's August cover, she shared how it was useful to bring into discussion with her sons, as well as how important it is to talk about toxic masculinity. Sophie, who is mum to Sonny, 21, Kit, 16, Ray, 13, Jesse, nine, and Mickey, six, explained: 'Aspects of it were brilliant to bring into the discussion, but I've always had a lot of faith in my boys. We've openly chatted about toxic masculinity for a long time. 'My eldest is very articulate about these things, so none of it was new to my house. Sometimes people have an idea of what boys are like, as if they're a different species,' she added. As far as I'm concerned, I'm raising five people who happen to be boys. She also addressed the issue of mobile phones and screen time, explaining that, in her house, it's a conversation rather than a set of rules about what they can and can't do. 'I keep an eye on it, because that's parenting, but if you start demonising things, you shut down communication,' she says. 'Then you're like those parents in the 1950s who made kids burn their rock 'n' roll albums.' As for housework, she explained that the boys help out around the house and revealed that, with food being a big part of family life, they're quite handy in the kitchen. 'My intention is that they should all leave home being able to cook and dance,' she says. 'The key skills.' Fans may remember that Sophie's boys joined her on her Instagram Live Kitchen Discos during the Covid lockdowns, which became a real family affair. 'The Kitchen Discos were very relaxed for them," Sophie says. 'I'd say, 'Oh, we're doing another one on Friday if you fancy it?' "And some weeks they might say, 'I'm not doing it,' then, with five minutes to go, they'd come downstairs in a crazy outfit." Sometimes they were dressed as superheroes, sometimes as animals, sometimes they were outside on the trampoline, sometimes clinging to her leg. Music, she mused, is just part of life at home. 'We always have music on, and all the stuff was in our kitchen already: disco balls, sequin bunting, smoke machine, laser machine…' Something tells us life in the Ellis-Bextor-Jones family is rather fun. Read the full interview in Good Housekeeping UK's August issue, on sale now. Sophie's album, Perimenopop, is released on 12th September. Visit to win tickets to Sophie's album launch show at London KOKO on 8th September. You Might Also Like The anti-ageing wonder ingredient you're missing in your skincare routine 15 dresses perfect for a summer wedding 6 items our fashion team always take on a beach holiday
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Denis Villeneuve to Direct Next James Bond Film for Amazon MGM
The next James Bond chapter has begun. Denis Villeneuve, the visionary behind 'Dune,' 'Blade Runner 2049,' and 'Arrival,' has been tapped to direct the next James Bond film for Amazon MGM Studios, the company announced on Wednesday. Villeneuve will also executive produce alongside Tanya Lapointe. Amy Pascal and David Heyman, as previously announced, are shepherding the franchise and producing for Amazon MGM after taking over from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. More from IndieWire Remembering the Late Joe Don Baker, Dead at 89, Arguably the First American Bond Villain Helen Mirren Has 'Never Liked' James Bond Due to Franchise's 'Profound Sexism' A new 007 still has not been selected. 'Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since 'Dr. No' with Sean Connery. I'm a die-hard Bond fan,' Villeneuve said in a statement. 'To me, he's sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.' Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, commented, 'We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond's next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself. From Blade Runner 2049 to Arrival to the Dune films, he has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and — most importantly — the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theaters. James Bond is in the hands of one of today's greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007's next adventure.' Pascal and Heyman said in a statement, 'Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy. It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it's ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.' The next big question for Villeneuve is when any new Bond film, which will be the 26th in the long-running spy franchise, would begin production and who will play 007. Villeneuve is expected to be working on a third 'Dune' film, with reports that it could begin shooting as early as this summer and could be aiming for a December 2026 release date, but nothing has been formally announced around the third film. THR however recently reported that Robert Pattinson was being eyed for a role in the film as its villain. Villeneuve is a four-time Oscar nominee (and IndieWire Honors recipient!) and with the two 'Dune' films has made a statement as one of the bigger directorial names at the box office in the biz. Last year's 'Dune: Part Two' was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture, and won two. Villeneuve is represented by CAA, Carlos Goodman, and ID. Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie Nicolas Winding Refn's Favorite Films: 37 Movies the Director Wants You to See
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Everyone Wants Their Own Jane Austen Adaptation, and They're Getting Them
It's the year 2025 and we are blessed with not one, and dare we say not even two, but three new Jane Austen adaptations. Ms. Austen herself turns 250 years old this year, and it's not a moment too soon to celebrate the life and works of the iconic author. Now, exactly two decades after Joe Wright's 'Pride & Prejudice' made cinematic history with the Darcy (Mathew Macfadyen) hand flex seen 'round the world, there are a number of modern adaptations in the works, not to mention other recent works inspired by her life and most beloved novels, from the film 'Jane Austen Wrecked My Life' to the series 'Miss Austen.' More from IndieWire 'Brokeback Mountain' Co-Writer Knew the Film Would Lose Best Picture After Learning Clint Eastwood Hadn't Seen the Movie 'The Social Network Part II' in the Works with Aaron Sorkin Writing and Directing And 'Pride & Prejudice' is hardly the only Austen book getting new life in two (!!) formats, as Austen seems to suddenly be everywhere, all over again. Ahead, we break down the upcoming adaptations, and provide some guidance on earlier entries you can enjoy right now. Format: Limited TV series Cast: Emma Corrin, Jack Lowden, and Olivia Colman Creator(s): Dolly Alderton writing, Euros Lyn directing 'Pride and Prejudice' (note: no ampersand) is in the works at Netflix as a limited series. 'The Crown' alum Emma Corrin returns to the streamer as an executive producer on the series; they will also star as lead Elizabeth Bennet. 'Slow Horses' actor (and Mr. Saoirse Ronan) Jack Lowden has been cast as Mr. Darcy. The iconic Olivia Colman, who also is already a Netflix staple with 'Heartstopper,' will be Mrs. Bennet. The six-part series is billed as a 'faithful, classic adaptation' of the novel, with author Dolly Alderton ('Everything I Know About Love') writing the script. 'Heartstopper' helmer Euros Lyn will direct. 'Pride and Prejudice' will be going into production in the UK in 2025. Previous versions to watch now: Joe Wright's 'Pride & Prejudice' (2005) is a must-see for any Austen-phile. The feature starred Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen in the lead roles, with Rosamund Pike, Judi Dench, Donald Sutherland, Brenda Blethyn, and Carey Mulligan (in her film debut) co-starring. And if you really want more 'P&P,' the Colin Firth-led 1995 BBC miniseries is worth all eight or so hours. Format: Audiobook Cast: Harris Dickinson, Marisa Abela, Bill Nighy, Jessie Buckley, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Glenn Close, Sophie Wilde, Will Poulter, and David Gyasi Creator(s): Lulu Raczka writing, Dionne Edwards directing And the buzzy 'Pride and Prejudice' adaptations aren't just limited to the screen: Audible is launching an audiobook retelling of the literary classic with a star-studded cast. 'Babygirl' star Harris Dickinson, who just made his directorial debut with Cannes stunner 'Urchin,' will play Mr. Darcy, with Marisa Abela as Elizabeth Bennet. Bill Nighy, Jessie Buckley, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Glenn Close, Sophie Wilde, Will Poulter, and David Gyasi also lend their voices to the project. 'Pride and Prejudice' was adapted from Austen's novel by Lulu Raczka ('Women,' 'Beware the Devil'), with Dionne Edwards ('Pretty Red Dress,' 'A Thousand Blows') directing. The audio drama 'Pride and Prejudice' will be released worldwide in English on September 9. Previous versions to watch now: While this is the first of its kind for the platform, we can recommend the UK-released Audible dramatized production the 'Northanger Abbey' which is narrated by Emma Thompson, who also happened to write and star in the beloved 1995 'Sense and Sensibility' film. Format: Film Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones (more to be announced soon) Creator(s): Georgia Oakley directing, Diane Reid writing Focus Features is getting back in the Austen game: The studio just re-released its 2005 'Pride & Prejudice' in theaters, and also greenlit a 'Sense and Sensibility' adaptation with Daisy Edgar-Jones in the lead as Elinor Dashwood, the eldest of three sisters. 'Blue Jean' director Georgia Oakley will helm the feature from a script by bestselling author Diana Reid. Focus and Working Title both collaborated on 'Pride & Prejudice' and Autumn de Wilde's 2020 version of 'Emma.' There is no word yet on when the film will start production, but the project was announced in June 2025. Previous versions to watch now: The 1995 Ang Lee version is required viewing. Emma Thompson won the Academy Award for the screenplay for the film, and also led the feature as Elinor Dashwood. The character is secretly in love with Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant), who is engaged to someone else. Plus, it's the 30th anniversary of this masterpiece. But don't worry, there is always more Austen. Recent years have seen iterations of 'Emma' and 'Persuasion,' among others. Check out which else to binge from our favorite 21st century Austen adaptations here. Format: Film Cast: Dakota Johnson, Cosmo Jarvis, Harry Golding, and Richard E. Grant Creator: Ron Bass and Alice Victoria Winslow writing, Carrie Cracknell directing Star Dakota Johnson made her period piece debut with the critically acclaimed adaptation of 'Persuasion,' which was theater director Carrie Cracknell's feature directorial debut. Johnson's Anne Elliot (Johnson) is famously a non-conforming woman with modern sensibilities. Yet all logic flees after Frederick Wentworth (Cosmo Jarvis) returns back into her life. 'Rain Man' Oscar winner Ron Bass co-wrote the 'Persuasion' script with Alice Victoria Winslow; 'Persuasion' was Austen's final completed novel before her 1817 death. Format: Film Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Josh O'Connor, Mia Goth, Callum Turner, and Bill Nighy Creator: Eleanor Catton writing, Autumn de Wilde directing Anya Taylor-Joy transformed into beloved matchmaker (or meddler, based on who you ask) Emma Woodhouse for Autumn de Wilde's directorial debut. The Focus Features release is a who's who of rising stars, including Josh O'Connor, Mia Goth, and Callum Turner. Austen staple Bill Nighy and Gemma Whelan co-star. Format: TV series Cast: Theo James, Rose Williams, Kris Marshall, Anne Reid Creator: Andrew Davies writing Austen's actual final novel was 'Sanditon,' which she only wrote 11 chapters of before her death. However, Andrew Davies who also wrote the BBC limited series version of 'Pride & Prejudice' in 1995 expanded upon Austen's last written words to make this 2020 show. Rose Williams stars as Charlotte Heywood, a heroine who dreams of living in the big city instead of her family country home. She is later invited to the seaside Sanditon to stay with the Parker family, led by patriarch Tom (Kris Marshall) and his brooding brother Sidney (Theo James). Of course, a love triangle ensues. Actor James also executive produced this iteration of the would-be novel. However, the series only lasted for one season. Best of IndieWire The Best Thrillers Streaming on Netflix in June, from 'Vertigo' and 'Rear Window' to 'Emily the Criminal' All 12 Wes Anderson Movies, Ranked, from 'Bottle Rocket' to 'The Phoenician Scheme' Nightmare Film Shoots: The 38 Most Grueling Films Ever Made, from 'Deliverance' to 'The Wages of Fear'
